Name:
Eric A. Vera
Year Graduated:
2008
Degree:
B.F.A. in Theatre Studies
Favorite Memory of T&D:
I think one of my fondest memories was working with Linda Hartzell from the Seattle Children's Theatre as they work–shopped their new musical The Bremen Town Musicians. As a part of this musical, I was fortunate enough to be cast in the role of Donny the Donkey in their stage reading. Being part of a musical from the beginning, learning the lines, “getting the cuts”, singing the songs, “getting the cuts”, and working along side such a wonderful group of professionals was a thrilling experience for me. I cherish it.
Oh, and I am not going to lie, I also loved being able to go in the fountain during one of the New Works Festivals. Seeing the entire department in the fountain is the best mental picture I have to date!
Influential Professors or Classes:
Joan Lazarus's Design for Curriculum class really helped me to develop a lot of the curriculum I use today. Joan was able to help me bring out the best of who I am as an actor, director, and teaching–artist and blend it with her visions of what makes good creative drama and theatre education.
I also learned so much about directing from Stephen Gerald. Stephen has the perfect mind–set when it comes to teaching his B.F.A. students. He always remembered to teach the major directing concepts while bringing attention to the fact that the teacher might be directing in a cafeatorium, having an actor who is 16 play a 60 year old, and, of course, the thing that makes or breaks a Texas theatre teacher…UIL! He allowed me to direct a scene from Gypsy that really confirmed my decision that I was on the right path to what I wanted for my future.
Lastly, I was fortunate enough to stage manage the production Aisle 7 under the supervision of Denise Martel. Denise taught me the ropes of stage management and I use those tools to this day any time I am in a production as a stage manager, director, and actor. I am a better teacher because of the experiences I had while learning side by side with Denise. As a result, my technical program is thriving because of it.
Current Hometown:
Garland, Texas
Current Profession:
Head Theatre Arts Teacher at West Mesquite High School.
Biography (or what you've done since graduating from UT):
The summer after graduation, I was fortunate to star in Zach Scott's production of Seussical as Horton, the Elephant under the direction of UT's very own amazing Wendy Bable and Lyn Koenning (Vocal Direction). In the fall, I began my first year of teaching at West Mesquite High School. My students quickly started work on Larry Shue's The Nerd, and attempted their first big musical in years, Little Shop of Horrors. The musical made quite an impression on the students, school, and community, having one of the biggest turnouts in the school's history. I also reignited the Destination Imagination team here at West. The team placed 5th in their regional tournament and also won the Spirit of DI award for exceptional spirit, teamwork, volunteerism and sportsmanship. Immediately afterwards the students set to work on this year's UIL One–Act Play, The Diary of Anne Frank. Actresses playing Anne Frank and Mrs. Van Dann brought home All–Star and Honorable Mention All–Star Cast Awards, and our stage manager was honored with an Outstanding Technician award at the district level of competition. To finish out my first year I was honored by receiving a First Class Teacher Award. This award is given to first year teachers in the Mesquite Independent School District who have experienced outstanding achievement as a first year teacher.
