About Us
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Brad Distelhorst-Director david.distelhorst@austinisd.org
Mr. Distelhorst has a BFA in Theatre Performance from Baylor University. After graduating he spent 3 years working for WaterTower Theatre in Addison, Tx., as a Master Carpenter/House Manager/Staff member. Then he spent more than seven years as the Technical Production Coordinator at the Round Rock ISD Performing Arts Center before getting his certification to become a theatre teacher. This is his second year as a director with the Akins Journey Theatre program. |
Erica A. Vallejo-Director erica.vallejo@austinisd.org
Ms. Vallejo is in her 5th year here at Akins High School. She graduated from Texas State University with her Bachelors of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Theater Education. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, she has acted and directed in shows for the past 17 years. Some of her most memorable shows that she has directed here at Akins include Cinderella Waltz, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, High School Musical, Moon Over Buffalo, Distracted, Thinner Than Water, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Booby Trap.
Ms. Vallejo is in her 5th year here at Akins High School. She graduated from Texas State University with her Bachelors of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Theater Education. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, she has acted and directed in shows for the past 17 years. Some of her most memorable shows that she has directed here at Akins include Cinderella Waltz, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, High School Musical, Moon Over Buffalo, Distracted, Thinner Than Water, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Booby Trap.
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Tara Gillespie-Vocal Coach tara.elise.w@gmail.com
Tara Gillespie graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA! She received a BFA in Musical Theatre. What a change to go from Texas to Philly. She auditioned for many different schools, and knows what it takes to get there. She then moved to New York City 2 days after graduation, on her 22nd birthday. She spent 13 wonderful years and also challenging years in NYC. She went through lots and lots of auditions of every kind. Broadway, Off-Broadway, TV, Soaps, Film, Commercials, Concerts, Readings, Showcases, etc. She has sung for ABBA (Mama Mia), Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), Hal Prince (Gypsy). She was also up for leads in Mama Mia, Wicked, Rend and Hairspray. She definitely has a lot of versatility and knowledge of what they are looking for. She did Eugene O’Neills Play “Ah Wilderness,” at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, Mn. She opened there and toured it all over the Midwest for 6 months. She did appear on NBC’s Law & Order as a featured role with the late Jerry Orbach. She has lots fo experience, knowledge and she is excited to be working with Akins Journey Theatre. |
Performing in one of the most beautiful theatre facilities in Austin ISD, the Akins Journey Theatre is proud to have produced over 60 shows since the school opened in the fall of 2000. Under the direction of Brad Distelhorst and Erica Vallejo, AJT continues to offer students varied opportunities to participate in activities onstage, backstage and in the community. Course offerings include Theatre Arts I-IV, Technical Theatre I-IV, Theatre Production I-IV, and Musical Theatre I-IV. Students may work in 2-5 shows per season, including senior directed and touring shows as well as senior internships. AJT students provide performances for local elementary schools, engage in community service projects, and compete yearly in the University Interscholastic League One-Act Play Competition. Eligible students may join the Akins Chapter of the International Thespian Society, an honor society promoting excellence in theatre. All theatre students are encouraged to have private lessons. Parents are essential to the success of our students and are invited to become active members in our Drama Boosters Club.
2017-2018 Season
2016-2017 Season
