Director’s Page 2008-09

Christopher Williamson

Christopher Williamson, Director of BHS Theatre.        email 

2008-2009 -Welcome back to BHS. I hope you had a relaxing summer and are ready for a fun and productive year.

While many of us were relaxing, four of our  tech department standouts: Cassie Parsons, Megan Shugart, Sam Spofford and  Michael Valoon interned at our acclaimed local regional theatre Casa Manana. The staff at Casa have offerred the highest praise for the work ethic, intelligence and discipline of these students. Thanks Cassie, Megan, Sam and Michael for making BHS Theatre look really good in the eyes of the professional theatre community. 

Several of our students also participated in a two week camp where they and students from Haltom and Richland collaborated on the creation of a show for BISD convocation. It was amazing to watch them take creative and leadership roles. Thanks to AK, Brie, Emily,  Erin, Juan, Kayla and  Tyler B for an outstanding effort during convocation. Please come and see the convocation show at BHS on Saturday, September 6th at 7:30.

Many of our students performed in local theatre productions this summer. Ryan Ivy was in Footloose at Casa and Bethany Narvaez performed in 4 different shows for Oh Look this summer.  If I left any of our other performers out, let me know. Way to go Bethany and Ryan.   

Special thanks also to the officers for all of the planning and cleaning that they have done this summer and for a wonderful back to school party. Thanks Kayla, AK, Brie, Bethany, Emily. Erin, Tyler B, Tyler W, Michael Valoon, Danielle Ellis and Billie Stewart for your hard work.

We are off to an exciting start.   As of the first day of school, we have 173 students. That is an increase from last year’s very large numbers.  Theatre 1 has 70 students. Theatre 2 has 28 students. Studio has 30 students. The tech classes have almost 50 students. We would not have such great numbers if it were not for the great leadership of those who are returning this year.   

As we begin this year, I want us to build on the legacy of last years seniors and strive for even greater creativity, focus and excellence. Our schedule is looking very busy already so I want to challenge all of us to remember that one of the goals our amazing officers have set for us this year is maximum fun and creativity with minimal stress. Let’s let go of the  small stuff, embrace the moment and enjoy one another. I cannot wait to see the amazing things that we will accomplish together this year.    

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Chris Williamson began teaching at BHS in August 2007 and his students performed three major productions-  ”Metamorphoses”, “Seussical: The Musical” - and “Flowers for Algernon” the UIL One-Act-Play entry.  

BHS’s January 2008 performance of “Seussical: The Musical” was nominated for several Betty Buckley Awards, including Best Musical.    BHS Nominations

BHS’s 2008 OAP advanced to district and won many awards along the way, including zone advancing play, alternate to district, best actor at zone and district (Garrett Sullivan), best actress at zone (Brie Kelly),  and other acting and tech award won by  Chloe Day, Jordan Carpenter, Bethany Narvaez, Jessica Taylor, Stevie Carpenter and Cassie Parsons.

Mr. Williamson is an experienced actor/singer/dancer/director.  As a professional actor he has performed in a variety of venues including Casa Manana and Dallas Summer Musicals.  He has performed professionally in such roles as “Tulsa” in Gypsy, “Jesus” in Godspell, and “Japeth” in Two by Two.  he spent over two years as “Jinx” in Casa Manana’s Forever Plaid.  He is an award winning choreographer for college, show choir, and professional theatre.  His theatre students have been nomitated for more than 30 Betty Buckley Awards and won several.  His UIL student productions have advanced to Area and State levels and students have received many acting awards.