Catherine Luster
Dallas,USA
Summary
Dynamic Theatre Arts Program Director with a proven track record at Sunset High School and in the Dallas Theatre community, adept in production management and fostering community partnerships. Spearheaded innovative curricula, enhancing student engagement by 30%. Skilled in budget management and exceptional communication, I excel in transforming creative visions into reality.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Theatre Arts Program Director
Sunset High School
Dallas
08.2023 - Current
- Sunset High School Theatre Company Director.
- Inspire creativity and foster skills in students through the dramatic arts. I teach acting, directing, stagecraft, and playwriting, while also organizing and directing productions, and balancing my yearly budget.
- Maintain community relationships that benefit both my students and the Sunset Performing Arts Department.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive theater arts curriculum for students in grades 9-12.
- Teach students theater terminology and performance skills.
- Provide opportunities for each student to reach their fullest potential through artistic, creative expression.
- Supervise the backstage crew during performances, including lighting technicians, sound engineers, and costume designers.
- Manage multiple short-term and long-term projects to increase student and parental involvement in the performing arts.
Board Member
Rover DramaWerks
Plano, TX
09.2021 - Current
- I participate in crucial organizational decisions, engage in the governance process, contribute to fundraising and policy-making, oversee finances, hire and fire key staff, and advocate for Rover's artistic mission.
Founder and Artistic Director
Shades of Brown Theatre
Dallas, TX
11.2018 - Current
- As the founder of Shades of Brown Theatre, I make all the major creative and personnel decisions, and diligently pursue the mission of my theatre company, which is to promote and uplift women writers of color, in order to provide the opportunities to workshop and produce their work.
- Maintain community relationships that benefit both my artist and my patrons.
- Conducted comprehensive market research to identify unmet needs and opportunities for new business ventures.
- Hired, trained, and mentored staff members to maximize productivity.
- Managed company finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to stakeholders.
- Evaluated new technologies for potential application in the organization's processes.
Theatre Arts Teacher
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
Dallas, TX
08.2020 - 07.2023
- Harry Stone Montessori Academy (PK-8)
- My primary job as a theatre teacher is to inspire creativity and foster skills in students through the dramatic arts. I teach acting, directing, stagecraft, and playwriting, while also organizing and directing productions, and balancing my yearly budget.
- Taught students theater terminology and performance skills.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies based on individual student needs in both an PK-5 Montessori and a 6-8 International Baccalaureate learning environment.
Theatre Arts Program Director
DeSoto Independent School District
DeSoto, TX
07.2016 - 11.2018
- McCowan Middle School Fine Arts Magnet.
- Inspire creativity and foster skills in students through the dramatic arts. I teach acting, directing, stagecraft, and playwriting, while also organizing and directing productions, and balancing my yearly budget.
- Designed engaging and innovative theater curricula focused on grades 6-8.
- Teach students theater terminology and performance skills.
- Provide opportunities for each student to reach their fullest potential through artistic, creative expression.
- Supervise the backstage crew during performances, including lighting technicians, sound engineers, and costume designers.
Theatre Arts Director
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
Dallas, TX
01.2012 - 07.2016
- South Oak Cliff High School and Roosevelt High School.
- My primary job as a theatre teacher is to inspire creativity and foster skills in students through the dramatic arts. I teach acting, directing, stagecraft, and playwriting, while also organizing and directing productions, and balancing my yearly budget.
- Taught students theater terminology and performance skills.
- Supervised backstage crew during performances including lighting technicians, sound engineers and costume designers.
Education
MA - English & Creative Writing
Southern New Hampshire University
07.2017
BA - Theater Arts
UT Arlington
12.2011
AS - Show Production & Touring
Full Sail University
12.2002
BA - Music/Media
UT Arlington
08.2001
Skills
- Performing Arts Education
- Course Content Development
- Theatrical Direction
- Production Management
- Venue Management
- Collaboration With Community Partners
- Casting
- Budget management
- Exceptional written and verbal communication
- Digital design for advertising and marketing purposes
References
- Fernando Rocha, Director - Sunset Dance Company, ferrocha369@gmail.com
- Ples Montgomery, IV, Executive Director - Oak Cliff Veggie Project, plesmm4@gmail.com
- Vickie Washington, Producer/Director/Theatre Educator, vickiewashington48@gmail.com
Timeline
Theatre Arts Program Director
Sunset High School
08.2023 - Current
Board Member
Rover DramaWerks
09.2021 - Current
Theatre Arts Teacher
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
08.2020 - 07.2023
Founder and Artistic Director
Shades of Brown Theatre
11.2018 - Current
Theatre Arts Program Director
DeSoto Independent School District
07.2016 - 11.2018
Theatre Arts Director
Dallas Independent School District, DISD
01.2012 - 07.2016
MA - English & Creative Writing
Southern New Hampshire University
BA - Theater Arts
UT Arlington
AS - Show Production & Touring
Full Sail University
BA - Music/Media
UT Arlington
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