2021 Educator Award Descriptions & Biographies
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Hall of Fame
Established to honor those adults who have given 20 or more years of service by dedicating themselves to promoting Texas educational theatre. Administrator of the Year Texas Thespians present this award to outstanding school administrators who have demonstrated exemplary support for educational theatre. The Golden Apple Award Established to honor those adults who have 10 or more years of service by dedicating themselves to promoting Texas educational theatre. The Green Apple Award Texas Thespians present this award to a director with 1-5 years of teaching experience. This educator is loaded with passion and drive! TrailBlazer Award An innovator, a visionary for the organization. This educator is setting new ground and standards for educational theatre in one or more theatrical aspects. Thespis Award
This educator shares theatre knowledge with other Thespian directors and supports the Texas Thespian organization as a whole. |
HALL OF FAME ~ WALTER LANE
Greetings. One of the greatest feelings known to man is gratitude. I am extremely appreciative and grateful for this prestigious honor to be named among my peers.
I am Walter Lane, born November 28,1969 in Houston, Texas. I am a proud 1988 graduate of Douglas MacArthur Senior in Aldine ISD. In 1992, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts from Prairie View A&M University under the legendary professors C. Lee Turner and Dr Ted Shine.
I have been honored and privileged to serve as the Theater Director and Instructor for Aldine Senior High School since 1995. Some of our most notable performances have been A Woman Called Truth by Sandra Asher, Bury The Dead by Irwin Shaw, Martin Said So by Wanda Schell, To Be Young , Gifted and Black by Robert Nemiroff, and De Donde? by Mary Gallagher. During this time, I received several awards for Perfect Attendance. I was also extremely humbled and blessed to receive The Teacher of The Year Award for Aldine Senior High School in 2007. However, my greatest source of pride as a theater educator has come from the successes of my former students, such as Andra Fuller and Ifadansi Rashad, who have gone on to establish great careers as working actors, and Jabari Collins, who has become a sensational Theater Director in his own right.
I am still pleased to begin another school year as we still educate our students and overcome this pandemic. My motto is a sign in my classroom: NEVER GIVE IN ! NEVER GIVE UP !! GIVE IT YOUR ALL !!!
Greetings. One of the greatest feelings known to man is gratitude. I am extremely appreciative and grateful for this prestigious honor to be named among my peers.
I am Walter Lane, born November 28,1969 in Houston, Texas. I am a proud 1988 graduate of Douglas MacArthur Senior in Aldine ISD. In 1992, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts from Prairie View A&M University under the legendary professors C. Lee Turner and Dr Ted Shine.
I have been honored and privileged to serve as the Theater Director and Instructor for Aldine Senior High School since 1995. Some of our most notable performances have been A Woman Called Truth by Sandra Asher, Bury The Dead by Irwin Shaw, Martin Said So by Wanda Schell, To Be Young , Gifted and Black by Robert Nemiroff, and De Donde? by Mary Gallagher. During this time, I received several awards for Perfect Attendance. I was also extremely humbled and blessed to receive The Teacher of The Year Award for Aldine Senior High School in 2007. However, my greatest source of pride as a theater educator has come from the successes of my former students, such as Andra Fuller and Ifadansi Rashad, who have gone on to establish great careers as working actors, and Jabari Collins, who has become a sensational Theater Director in his own right.
I am still pleased to begin another school year as we still educate our students and overcome this pandemic. My motto is a sign in my classroom: NEVER GIVE IN ! NEVER GIVE UP !! GIVE IT YOUR ALL !!!
ADMINISTRATOR of the YEAR ~ RAM ESTRADA
Ram Estrada has served as the Director of Performing & Visual Arts for the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District since 2008. In this role, he provides support and leadership for 180 teachers in the art, music, dance, theatre, and journalism programs in this fast-growth school district. A native of Corpus Christi, Mr. Estrada began his college career at Del Mar College. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and his graduate degree from the University of Houston - Victoria.
Prior to becoming an administrator, Mr. Estrada served as a high school band director in the Houston, Alief, and Lamar Consolidated school districts. As a leader in Houston’s educational arts administration community, he has served as a conference co-chair for the 2017 Texas Art Educators Association State Conference, and as a co-chair for the 2020-2021 Houston Arts Partners Virtual Conferences.
Mr. Estrada is an active music clinician and UIL adjudicator throughout Texas. His professional affiliations include the Texas Theatre Administrators Conference, Texas Educational Theatre Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Music Administrators Conference, Texas Art Educators Association, and Houston Arts Partners.
Mr. Estrada and his wife Donna have three daughters and a son-in-law. The Estradas enjoy patronizing Houston’s many cultural arts amenities in their spare time.
Ram Estrada has served as the Director of Performing & Visual Arts for the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District since 2008. In this role, he provides support and leadership for 180 teachers in the art, music, dance, theatre, and journalism programs in this fast-growth school district. A native of Corpus Christi, Mr. Estrada began his college career at Del Mar College. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and his graduate degree from the University of Houston - Victoria.
Prior to becoming an administrator, Mr. Estrada served as a high school band director in the Houston, Alief, and Lamar Consolidated school districts. As a leader in Houston’s educational arts administration community, he has served as a conference co-chair for the 2017 Texas Art Educators Association State Conference, and as a co-chair for the 2020-2021 Houston Arts Partners Virtual Conferences.
Mr. Estrada is an active music clinician and UIL adjudicator throughout Texas. His professional affiliations include the Texas Theatre Administrators Conference, Texas Educational Theatre Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Music Administrators Conference, Texas Art Educators Association, and Houston Arts Partners.
Mr. Estrada and his wife Donna have three daughters and a son-in-law. The Estradas enjoy patronizing Houston’s many cultural arts amenities in their spare time.
GOLDEN APPLE AWARD ~ BOBBY RAMIREZ
Bobby Ramirez began his theatrical journey as a student at Ball High School in Galveston, TX. He credits his director, Scott Vernon, with helping him discover who he was as a person and who he could be. This was a driving force for Bobby to enter theatre education so he could help guide his own students in becoming the best possible versions of themselves. Bobby earned a B.S. in Radio/TV/Film from UT Austin, and later, completed UT Austin’s post-baccalaureate Theatre Studies program. He’d like to thank Anthony Indelicato for taking a chance on him as Kempner High School’s head director, even though he had not taught previously. Bobby tries to do the same for his students — giving them chances to build the confidence needed to succeed even in areas where they have little to no prior experience.
Next, Bobby went to work with Claudia McCotter at Lamar Consolidated High School where they ran the program as co-directors, splitting the duties 50/50. This arrangement worked so well for them professionally, Bobby and Claudia decided to marry last year. After Claudia left teaching, Bobby became the director at Lake Creek High School (Troupe 8681) in Montgomery ISD. The positive support he has received from the students, parents, and administrators is unlike anything he has experienced. He wants to thank his Principal, Phil Eaton, and his Associate Principal, Chris Stowe, for hiring him to build on the success of the Lake Creek theatre program and to help guide it in new directions.
Bobby enjoys all kinds of plays, musicals, movies, and music, and he loves creating in all of those art forms. He has still been able to use his love and knowledge of filmmaking in a number of ways such as helping run the Texas Thespians short film contest and teaching various film workshops. He could also talk for days about Star Wars, horror films, and heavy metal, and how those have changed his life.
Bobby would like to thank his wife, Claudia, and his 3 children, Alex, Sophia, and Eli. He
sincerely believes that their love and support are major contributing factors in any success or recognition he has had as a theatre educator over the past 10 years, including this honor.
Bobby Ramirez began his theatrical journey as a student at Ball High School in Galveston, TX. He credits his director, Scott Vernon, with helping him discover who he was as a person and who he could be. This was a driving force for Bobby to enter theatre education so he could help guide his own students in becoming the best possible versions of themselves. Bobby earned a B.S. in Radio/TV/Film from UT Austin, and later, completed UT Austin’s post-baccalaureate Theatre Studies program. He’d like to thank Anthony Indelicato for taking a chance on him as Kempner High School’s head director, even though he had not taught previously. Bobby tries to do the same for his students — giving them chances to build the confidence needed to succeed even in areas where they have little to no prior experience.
Next, Bobby went to work with Claudia McCotter at Lamar Consolidated High School where they ran the program as co-directors, splitting the duties 50/50. This arrangement worked so well for them professionally, Bobby and Claudia decided to marry last year. After Claudia left teaching, Bobby became the director at Lake Creek High School (Troupe 8681) in Montgomery ISD. The positive support he has received from the students, parents, and administrators is unlike anything he has experienced. He wants to thank his Principal, Phil Eaton, and his Associate Principal, Chris Stowe, for hiring him to build on the success of the Lake Creek theatre program and to help guide it in new directions.
Bobby enjoys all kinds of plays, musicals, movies, and music, and he loves creating in all of those art forms. He has still been able to use his love and knowledge of filmmaking in a number of ways such as helping run the Texas Thespians short film contest and teaching various film workshops. He could also talk for days about Star Wars, horror films, and heavy metal, and how those have changed his life.
Bobby would like to thank his wife, Claudia, and his 3 children, Alex, Sophia, and Eli. He
sincerely believes that their love and support are major contributing factors in any success or recognition he has had as a theatre educator over the past 10 years, including this honor.
GREEN APPLE AWARD ~ JOHN GRIMMETT
John Grimmett is the Head Theatre Director at Glenda Dawson High School in Pearland, Texas.
A graduate of the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston where he studied playwriting with Edward Albee, he completed graduate studies at the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at New York University. Since 2010, his work for opera and musical theatre has been performed internationally by the Washington National Opera, Fort Worth Opera, and Houston Grand Opera, amongst others.
Mr. Grimmett co-directs and designs all theatre productions with Mr. Cody Edgar and helped form the school’s first International Thespian Society Troupe (#8922) with over 45 charter members. Recent student achievements include six National Qualifying students in the category of solo musical performance and a State Semi-Finalist Improv Troupe at the 2019 Texas Thespians Festival, and eight National Qualifying students in the category of solo musical performance and monologue as well as a State Scholarship Recipient at the 2020 Texas Thespians Festival. In 2019-2020, he was named the Glenda Dawson High School Teacher of the Year and the Pearland ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year, advancing as one of five finalists for Region IV Teacher of the Year. In 2020-2021, he lead Ovation Theatre to its fourth state appearance at the UIL One Act Play 6A State Meet.
Mr. Grimmett lives with his husband, Edgar, who is a professional illustrator and graphic designer, and his dog, Pilsner. A member of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA), and the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA), Mr. Grimmett is an active advocate for arts educators and students in his community and state, serving as chair of the Pearland ISD Theatre Curriculum committee, the UIL District 23-6A OAP chair, and on the TxETA K-12 Committee and the Texas Thespians Advocacy Network.
John Grimmett is the Head Theatre Director at Glenda Dawson High School in Pearland, Texas.
A graduate of the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston where he studied playwriting with Edward Albee, he completed graduate studies at the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at New York University. Since 2010, his work for opera and musical theatre has been performed internationally by the Washington National Opera, Fort Worth Opera, and Houston Grand Opera, amongst others.
Mr. Grimmett co-directs and designs all theatre productions with Mr. Cody Edgar and helped form the school’s first International Thespian Society Troupe (#8922) with over 45 charter members. Recent student achievements include six National Qualifying students in the category of solo musical performance and a State Semi-Finalist Improv Troupe at the 2019 Texas Thespians Festival, and eight National Qualifying students in the category of solo musical performance and monologue as well as a State Scholarship Recipient at the 2020 Texas Thespians Festival. In 2019-2020, he was named the Glenda Dawson High School Teacher of the Year and the Pearland ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year, advancing as one of five finalists for Region IV Teacher of the Year. In 2020-2021, he lead Ovation Theatre to its fourth state appearance at the UIL One Act Play 6A State Meet.
Mr. Grimmett lives with his husband, Edgar, who is a professional illustrator and graphic designer, and his dog, Pilsner. A member of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA), and the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA), Mr. Grimmett is an active advocate for arts educators and students in his community and state, serving as chair of the Pearland ISD Theatre Curriculum committee, the UIL District 23-6A OAP chair, and on the TxETA K-12 Committee and the Texas Thespians Advocacy Network.
GREEN APPLE AWARD ~ MARK McMANUS
Mark McManus is beginning his eighth year teaching and directing high school theatre in Texas. Prior to becoming the Theatre Director at Tompkins High School (Troupe 7963) in Katy ISD, he spent his first four years teaching and directing theatre at Hastings High School (Troupe 1446) in Alief ISD. Mark was also an Instructor of Record at the University of Georgia for two years, teaching undergraduate theatre courses. Outside of teaching theatre, he is a performer, writer, director, and technician. Mark has worked on productions with the A.D. Players, the Orlando Fringe Festival, and Firecracker Productions. Mark earned a BA in Theatre and Political Science from Stephen F. Austin State University, an MFA in Acting from the University of Georgia, trained at The Second City - Chicago, and is an Equity Membership Candidate with AEA. He owes his pursuits in theatre to the International Thespian Society, the Texas Thespians, as well as all the wonderful and continually inspiring mentors he has had along the way!x
Mark McManus is beginning his eighth year teaching and directing high school theatre in Texas. Prior to becoming the Theatre Director at Tompkins High School (Troupe 7963) in Katy ISD, he spent his first four years teaching and directing theatre at Hastings High School (Troupe 1446) in Alief ISD. Mark was also an Instructor of Record at the University of Georgia for two years, teaching undergraduate theatre courses. Outside of teaching theatre, he is a performer, writer, director, and technician. Mark has worked on productions with the A.D. Players, the Orlando Fringe Festival, and Firecracker Productions. Mark earned a BA in Theatre and Political Science from Stephen F. Austin State University, an MFA in Acting from the University of Georgia, trained at The Second City - Chicago, and is an Equity Membership Candidate with AEA. He owes his pursuits in theatre to the International Thespian Society, the Texas Thespians, as well as all the wonderful and continually inspiring mentors he has had along the way!x
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AWARD ~ ABRAHAM RAMIREZ
Professionally, I have been in theatre education for nine years. I started this journey at La Vernia HS under the direction of Danny Friesenhahn. Next, I got to work with the illustrious Gloria McLukie at Corsicana HS. Once moving back to San Antonio, I spent an amazing time at East Central HS with Maggie Boos where we built a fantastic program! Afterwards, I went on to work at Northside ISD at Harlan HS under the leadership of Briane Green. Now I have been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity at Davenport High School to help build, nourish and support the young artists, as Head Director.
I have a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Acting with an emphasis in Directing from Southwestern University. As well as a Master’s of Art in Theatre from Texas A&M: Commerce. When the school year ends, I’ve also worked as a Teaching Artist and Technician with various theatre companies all over the state of Texas; such as Southwest ISD Fine Arts Summer Camp, Texas Art Program, Public Theatre of San Antonio’s Spring Break Public Prep, and my beloved Tal Lostracco Theatre Camp.
Furthermore, I am elated and honored to be receiving this award. I would like to thank my family, both related and unrelated, and my co-workers. A special thank you to all of my mentors, high school theatre, and dance teachers who shaped me to be the Theatre Educator I am today.
Professionally, I have been in theatre education for nine years. I started this journey at La Vernia HS under the direction of Danny Friesenhahn. Next, I got to work with the illustrious Gloria McLukie at Corsicana HS. Once moving back to San Antonio, I spent an amazing time at East Central HS with Maggie Boos where we built a fantastic program! Afterwards, I went on to work at Northside ISD at Harlan HS under the leadership of Briane Green. Now I have been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity at Davenport High School to help build, nourish and support the young artists, as Head Director.
I have a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Acting with an emphasis in Directing from Southwestern University. As well as a Master’s of Art in Theatre from Texas A&M: Commerce. When the school year ends, I’ve also worked as a Teaching Artist and Technician with various theatre companies all over the state of Texas; such as Southwest ISD Fine Arts Summer Camp, Texas Art Program, Public Theatre of San Antonio’s Spring Break Public Prep, and my beloved Tal Lostracco Theatre Camp.
Furthermore, I am elated and honored to be receiving this award. I would like to thank my family, both related and unrelated, and my co-workers. A special thank you to all of my mentors, high school theatre, and dance teachers who shaped me to be the Theatre Educator I am today.
TRAILBLAZER AWARD ~ BRYAN STANTON
Bryan Stanton is thrilled to be going into his fourth year as the Director of Theatre for Alamo Heights High School Troupe 8069. Bryan is currently in pursuit of his Master's in Theatre Education from University of Houston. Prior to teaching he spent the past 15 years working professionally as an actor, music director, director, and stage manager. In 2007, he began his teaching career as a private voice instructor in San Diego, Ca. Upon moving to San Antonio he obtained his Teaching Credential in Theater and Social Studies and has worked for Alamo Heights ISD since.
On campus Bryan serves on the Character Education Committee helping to produce the advisory program, Beyond the Bubble. He questions how we might incorporate the teaching of human interaction in our daily lessons as teachers. In his own classroom he focuses on teaching students to empathize with their characters thus learning empathy for others in the real world. In 2019, the AHHS Theatre program was recognized by Character.org for its contributions to the community through Philanthropic Theatre. In 2020, I was awarded Teacher of the Year for Alamo Heights High School and Alamo Heights Independent School District, and a Trinity University Excellence in Education Honoree.
Off campus and off stage Bryan presents workshops for Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA), Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) and American Alliance of Theatre Educators (AATE) on Creating Interactive Online Assignments with Google Suites, Empowering Actors with Disabilities, Managing Your First One Act Play, Using Google Suites to Manage Program/Team/Club Finances, and Philanthropic Theatre.
He is a certified Google Trainer and a member of the Advocacy Council for Texas Thespians and a proud member of Educational Theatre Association, Texas Educational Theatre Association, American Association of Theatre Educators, and National Education Association.
Bryan Stanton is thrilled to be going into his fourth year as the Director of Theatre for Alamo Heights High School Troupe 8069. Bryan is currently in pursuit of his Master's in Theatre Education from University of Houston. Prior to teaching he spent the past 15 years working professionally as an actor, music director, director, and stage manager. In 2007, he began his teaching career as a private voice instructor in San Diego, Ca. Upon moving to San Antonio he obtained his Teaching Credential in Theater and Social Studies and has worked for Alamo Heights ISD since.
On campus Bryan serves on the Character Education Committee helping to produce the advisory program, Beyond the Bubble. He questions how we might incorporate the teaching of human interaction in our daily lessons as teachers. In his own classroom he focuses on teaching students to empathize with their characters thus learning empathy for others in the real world. In 2019, the AHHS Theatre program was recognized by Character.org for its contributions to the community through Philanthropic Theatre. In 2020, I was awarded Teacher of the Year for Alamo Heights High School and Alamo Heights Independent School District, and a Trinity University Excellence in Education Honoree.
Off campus and off stage Bryan presents workshops for Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA), Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) and American Alliance of Theatre Educators (AATE) on Creating Interactive Online Assignments with Google Suites, Empowering Actors with Disabilities, Managing Your First One Act Play, Using Google Suites to Manage Program/Team/Club Finances, and Philanthropic Theatre.
He is a certified Google Trainer and a member of the Advocacy Council for Texas Thespians and a proud member of Educational Theatre Association, Texas Educational Theatre Association, American Association of Theatre Educators, and National Education Association.
THESPIS AWARD ~ DARLA JONES
Darla Jones serves Texas Thespians as the Educator Conference and Professional Development Director and Chapter Board Secretary. For the past 10 years, Darla has been a dedicated board member and has served as Webmaster, State Festival Guidebook Editor, Junior Festival Director, and more.
Darla was a co-creator & editor for Texas Thespians Recommendations for Reopening Schools During COVID-19, which was adopted by the Educational Theatre Association and the Texas Theatre Administrators Conference. She has served EDTA on the Membership, Education, and Technology committees, and was a 2021 EDTA Board Nominee. She has presented professional development for Texas Thespians, Texas Educational Theatre Association, Educational Theatre Assocation, Fort Worth ISD, Texas Non-Profit Theatres, and has taught theatre and film students at Tarrant County College.
Darla holds an M.A. in Theatre from the University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance. She has taught theater for 20 years at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and proudly sponsors FWAFA's Thespian Troupe 6391. In addition to Thespians, Darla is the Junior Class Prom Sponsor and a member of the Professional Development Learning Team, as well as a presenter for the FWAFA Leadership Academy.
Darla is married to John Jones and they have 2 grown children, Blake and Aubrey (who was a member of Troupe 6391!).
She is honored to be the recipient of the Thespis Award.
Darla Jones serves Texas Thespians as the Educator Conference and Professional Development Director and Chapter Board Secretary. For the past 10 years, Darla has been a dedicated board member and has served as Webmaster, State Festival Guidebook Editor, Junior Festival Director, and more.
Darla was a co-creator & editor for Texas Thespians Recommendations for Reopening Schools During COVID-19, which was adopted by the Educational Theatre Association and the Texas Theatre Administrators Conference. She has served EDTA on the Membership, Education, and Technology committees, and was a 2021 EDTA Board Nominee. She has presented professional development for Texas Thespians, Texas Educational Theatre Association, Educational Theatre Assocation, Fort Worth ISD, Texas Non-Profit Theatres, and has taught theatre and film students at Tarrant County College.
Darla holds an M.A. in Theatre from the University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance. She has taught theater for 20 years at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and proudly sponsors FWAFA's Thespian Troupe 6391. In addition to Thespians, Darla is the Junior Class Prom Sponsor and a member of the Professional Development Learning Team, as well as a presenter for the FWAFA Leadership Academy.
Darla is married to John Jones and they have 2 grown children, Blake and Aubrey (who was a member of Troupe 6391!).
She is honored to be the recipient of the Thespis Award.
