Meet The Maker
My name is Mel Edwards and I am a Technical Director in the Lone Star State. That's right, Texas.
I am a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance – Scenic Technology. During my time at UT I worked in the scene shop, prop shop and the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Drama Loan Library.
After college, I took on a position at The Studio Theatre in Washington, DC where I served as one of three scenic carpenters. The Studio Theatre has a 9 show season and manages 4 theatre spaces along with its Actor's Conservatory. After some time, I returned to Texas to be closer to family and I continued my woodworking skills building custom cabinets and furniture with an Austin company named The WIM Group.
My involvement outside of teaching includes serving as Technical Director to Tal Lostracco's Summer Theatre Camp. Tal's is a two week intensive theatre camp for high school students. Each year the camp accepts about 70+ studenst and produces 4-5 shows in less than two weeks. I also serve as UIL Staff for the State One Act Play Meet as the 4a-6a Scho-Show supervisor.
I also love designing sets for The Georgetown Palace and Zach Theatre's North Conservatory Campus. Taking an idea from page to stage is the best kind of magic any theatre nerd can ask for.
I enjoy teaching students and educators that everything is within reach and their artistic opinions matter. Students in my classroom were exposed to scenic painting, wig making, set building and costume construction, to name a few subjects. I am always looking for new ways and new techniques to teach tech and show everyone that they should all strive to be life long learners.
Theatre has allowed me to utilize all my skills and even learn new ones. I am proud to be part of an industry where sawdust in your pockets is an everyday thing. It’s not worth doing unless you get paint, dirt or splinters under your fingernails.
View my portfolio at www.melmakesstuff.net
