Cheles Rhynes left Southwestern University with aspirations of a performing career in the theatre. What he has found since then, however, is that his artistic impact on a production can be as great--or even greater--on the other side of the spotlight.

Four years after co-founding Mason/Rhynes Productions, his company has emerged as one of the few prolific, African American arts organizations in the Washington, D.C. area. "What I enjoy most is seeing a good show pulled off," he says. "It's not so much about the accolades for me anymore. If the audience enjoys it, I know I had a part in that."

He and partner Gesel Mason have produced more than 11 original evening-length productions and events, including the Metro D.C. Dance Awards. The unique awards show is a gala event that Rhynes founded in 2001 to "showcase and recognize the diversity of D.C.'s finest in dance."

Rhynes still considers theatre his first love and credits his high school teacher in Pleasant Grove, Texas, for developing his appreciation for the art. That teacher took him to an open audition in Dallas where he was offered a theatre scholarship on the spot by the late Southwestern professor Richard "Doc" Hossalla.

He ultimately chose Southwestern over The University of Texas because of the size and opportunity to perform early on. He says his first show, House of Blue Leaves, was among his most memorable as a student for two reasons. "First, we had David L. Lander--better known as 'Squiggy' from 'Laverne and Shirley'--come in to co-star, and then I had only two lines, but they got the biggest laughs, so some of the more experienced actors were a little upset."

While he was a student, Rhynes drove down to Austin every Wednesday night to deejay for 88.9 KAZI from midnight to 5 a.m. Known as "DJ Chee Luv,"--a nickname that has stuck since--he regularly brought in suitemates and friends from SU to help with public service announcements and ads.

Shortly after graduation, he moved back to the Dallas area, hired an agent and worked a series of odd jobs to stay afloat while he pursued his acting dream. "All I got was a couple of appearances as background characters on 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' a guest shot on a now-canceled series--I've forgotten the name of it even--a couple of photo shoots and some commercials for Exxon, Southwest Airlines, NBC and one of those cheesy lawyers ads where you have to snap the check."

After one failed audition with the Pocket Sandwich Theatre, Rhynes asked if they needed any help on the show's crew. He was hired as a stage manager and decided from that moment on, he wouldn't work outside the arts again.

In the following years, he worked as a crew leader, backstage manager and truck driver for the touring production of the Flying Karamozov Brothers, a technical director and sound technician for the Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, a production manager and company manager for Liz Lerman Dance Exchange in Washington, D.C., and countless other backstage productions.

The current mission of Mason/Rhynes Productions is to "provide quality performing arts workshops, residencies, projects and performances designed to challenge, enlighten and entertain diverse audiences." They assist independent artists and emerging performing arts groups through "administrative, artistic and technical theatre support, allowing the artist to focus on and fulfill their vision."

Mason/Rhynes also designs programs for schools and community organizations, often employing the art-making process to explore relevant issues to the participants. One example is Reality Check, which involves local teens and examines the struggle against discrimination and segregation practices during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.

Last spring, Rhynes returned to Southwestern to perform for and speak with students about his residency program. As a result, senior Yesenia Garcia spent her summer interning at the company's Takoma Park, Md., office. "It's nice to help someone from my school who's interested in the business," he says. "My visit back to campus inspired a conversation between my company and Dr. Juhl about bringing my company to Southwestern for a full production in the near future. I think that would be a lot of fun."

Recently, Rhynes signed a yearlong contract to be the touring production stage manager for Ailey II, the second company for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Foundation based in New York. He will split his time between the Big Apple and D.C.

As for his other future plans, he likes the idea of franchising out his dance awards to other large metropolitan areas. He also hopes to keep two or three shows touring at all times, work regularly with selected artists, purchase his own building in the D.C. area for home shows and, if possible, "take a vacation every once in a while."