Theatre and Film Central Campus
The San Jacinto College theatre and film program is dynamic and extensive. With at least five productions each season, students have a wealth of opportunities to perfect their craft. They can perform, direct, design, and write. Learn more about our shows and buy tickets today!
Make Your Debut
Become a Theatre Major
Earn your Associate of Arts in Theatre and Film at San Jac and learn from professionals
in the industry. Whether you’re on stage or behind the scenes, get experience that
makes you a sought-after star by universities. Apply now!
San jac presents
Be inspired and entertained by one of our performances at the Powell Arena Theatre.
All upcoming performances will be listed below.
Box Office
General admission for plays: $10
General admission for musicals: $15
We accept cash or checks. Sorry, no credit/debit cards.
Box office hours: 1:30 - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (during show weeks)
Reservations: 281-476-1828
Be Our Guest
Want more theatre? Here’s a look at other groups on campus and in the community.
San Jac South Campus
Come see what our South Campus Theatre has to offer!
Art Park Players
Located in Deer Park, the Art Park Players is always looking for cast, crew, and audience members.
Pasadena Little Theatre
For more than 60 seasons the Pasadena Little Theatre has entertained the community. Audition for a show or buy tickets online.
UIL One Act Play Competition
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) One-Act Play contest is a single-day, public event. Texas schools are judged on a short production with
hopes to move on to the state level competition.
Behind the Scenes
The theatre and film program would be nothing without its faculty and staff. Meet
the people who make the magic happen.
Dr. Jerry R Ivins
Artistic Director
Contact:
Jerry.Ivins@sjcd.edu
281-542-2039
Credentials:
Ph.D. Texas Tech University
B.A., M.A. University of Houston
A.A. Paris Junior College
Dr. Jerry Ivins has been with San Jac for nearly 30 years. In his career, he has directed and/or cast more than 500 films, commercials, and plays. He has served on many arts and theatre committees including the Texas Chair of the Kennedy Centre American College Theatre Festival. He is one of our many respected faculty members and was awarded Distinguished Faculty in 2014.
Jerry.Ivins@sjcd.edu
281-542-2039
Credentials:
Ph.D. Texas Tech University
B.A., M.A. University of Houston
A.A. Paris Junior College
Dr. Jerry Ivins has been with San Jac for nearly 30 years. In his career, he has directed and/or cast more than 500 films, commercials, and plays. He has served on many arts and theatre committees including the Texas Chair of the Kennedy Centre American College Theatre Festival. He is one of our many respected faculty members and was awarded Distinguished Faculty in 2014.
Jessica McCarroll
Senior Administrative Assistant
Contact:
Jessica.McCarroll@sjcd.edu
713-754-8412
Dean of Liberal Arts Suite Room C3.265
Credentials:
B.S. Oklahoma City University
M.Ed. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Jessica McCarrol is also the program’s dance choreographer and the Camp Director of KidSpot: Summer Musical Theatre Camp for Youth. She has been a vital member of the San Jac faculty since 2007 and was awarded as a 2022-2023 Excellence Award recipient. Throughout her career she strives to find ways to make theatre and dance accessible to all who have a desire to participate.
Jessica.McCarroll@sjcd.edu
713-754-8412
Dean of Liberal Arts Suite Room C3.265
Credentials:
B.S. Oklahoma City University
M.Ed. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Jessica McCarrol is also the program’s dance choreographer and the Camp Director of KidSpot: Summer Musical Theatre Camp for Youth. She has been a vital member of the San Jac faculty since 2007 and was awarded as a 2022-2023 Excellence Award recipient. Throughout her career she strives to find ways to make theatre and dance accessible to all who have a desire to participate.
Richard Turner
Acting Professor, Costumer
Contact:
Richard.Turner@sjcd.edu
281-478-3646
Fine Arts Building Room C13.108
Credentials:
M.F.A. University of Houston
B.F.A. Sam Houston State University
A.A.S, A.A. San Jacinto College
Richard Turner is a San Jac alum! In his career he has been able to work with recognized names in the industry, including Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Eward Albee and Tony winner Stewart Ostrow. He has performed professionally in Cape Cod, Mass., at the W.H.A.T. Theatre and his most recent films are “This is America” and “Walking Distance.”
Richard.Turner@sjcd.edu
281-478-3646
Fine Arts Building Room C13.108
Credentials:
M.F.A. University of Houston
B.F.A. Sam Houston State University
A.A.S, A.A. San Jacinto College
Richard Turner is a San Jac alum! In his career he has been able to work with recognized names in the industry, including Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Eward Albee and Tony winner Stewart Ostrow. He has performed professionally in Cape Cod, Mass., at the W.H.A.T. Theatre and his most recent films are “This is America” and “Walking Distance.”
Liz Feese
Professor, Technical Director
Contact:
Liz.Freese@sjcd.edu
281-998-6150
Fine Arts Building Room C13.118
Credentials:
M.F.A. University of Missouri Kansas City
B.S. Butler University
Shakespeare and Modern British Drama, Oxford University
A professional set and costume designer, Liz Freese has designed for more than 120 Houston theatre and opera productions. These include companies such as Houston Grand Opera, Stages Repertory Theatre, Main Street Theater, and more. Her work has been produced internationally in London and Ukraine. It has also been featured in publications including the New York Times, Opera America, and Houston PBS. She was awarded best scenic design by the Houston Press in 2018.
Liz.Freese@sjcd.edu
281-998-6150
Fine Arts Building Room C13.118
Credentials:
M.F.A. University of Missouri Kansas City
B.S. Butler University
Shakespeare and Modern British Drama, Oxford University
A professional set and costume designer, Liz Freese has designed for more than 120 Houston theatre and opera productions. These include companies such as Houston Grand Opera, Stages Repertory Theatre, Main Street Theater, and more. Her work has been produced internationally in London and Ukraine. It has also been featured in publications including the New York Times, Opera America, and Houston PBS. She was awarded best scenic design by the Houston Press in 2018.
Jordan West
Facility Coordinator
Contact:
Jordan.West@sjcd.edu
281-479-1829
Fine Arts Building Room C113.117
Credentials:
B.A. West Texas A&M
Jordan West is the Events and Facility Coordinator for the theatre and film department. His past work includes Augusta & Noble, Chicago, Jane Eyre, The Fantasticks, and Young Frankenstein. He has also had working contracts for Celebrity Cruises. When not working, he can be found playing golf, at CrossFit, or with his dog. West would like to dedicate this season to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Jordan.West@sjcd.edu
281-479-1829
Fine Arts Building Room C113.117
Credentials:
B.A. West Texas A&M
Jordan West is the Events and Facility Coordinator for the theatre and film department. His past work includes Augusta & Noble, Chicago, Jane Eyre, The Fantasticks, and Young Frankenstein. He has also had working contracts for Celebrity Cruises. When not working, he can be found playing golf, at CrossFit, or with his dog. West would like to dedicate this season to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Donna Taylor
Professor, Part Time Faculty
Contact:
Donna.Taylor@sjcd.edu
Credentials:
M.A. Lamar University
Bachelor’s Degree - University of Houston
As a retired theatre teacher of 36 years, Donna Taylor is thrilled to have the opportunity to teach part-time at San Jac. After retirement in 2015, she began adjudicating UIL OAP contests as a member of the TTAO. As a current member of the TxETA organization, she works to promote theatre through workshops and professional development. In all of her work, Taylor strives to encourage an understanding of and a support for the Arts.
Donna.Taylor@sjcd.edu
Credentials:
M.A. Lamar University
Bachelor’s Degree - University of Houston
As a retired theatre teacher of 36 years, Donna Taylor is thrilled to have the opportunity to teach part-time at San Jac. After retirement in 2015, she began adjudicating UIL OAP contests as a member of the TTAO. As a current member of the TxETA organization, she works to promote theatre through workshops and professional development. In all of her work, Taylor strives to encourage an understanding of and a support for the Arts.
Renee van Nifterik
Professor, Part TIme Faculty
Contact:
Renee.vanNifterik@sjcd.edu
Credentials:
M.F.A Theatre Central Washington University
M.S. Library Science University of North Texas
B.A. English Western Michigan University
Renee van Nifterik is an actress, director, and artist. With her husband, she started the Pearl Theatre more than six years ago, which has grown tremendously. Since she began teaching, she has been honored to be the first theatre teacher for many elementary-school-aged students. She takes this responsibility seriously, as she strives to make the arts come alive; something she continues to do at San Jac. Van Nifterik is a National Michael Chekhov Certified Teacher Candidate, and she has studied the technique for several years. She says that style of training resonates absolutely with her.
Renee.vanNifterik@sjcd.edu
Credentials:
M.F.A Theatre Central Washington University
M.S. Library Science University of North Texas
B.A. English Western Michigan University
Renee van Nifterik is an actress, director, and artist. With her husband, she started the Pearl Theatre more than six years ago, which has grown tremendously. Since she began teaching, she has been honored to be the first theatre teacher for many elementary-school-aged students. She takes this responsibility seriously, as she strives to make the arts come alive; something she continues to do at San Jac. Van Nifterik is a National Michael Chekhov Certified Teacher Candidate, and she has studied the technique for several years. She says that style of training resonates absolutely with her.
Luis Munoz
Professor, Part Time Faculty
Contact:
Luis.Munoz@sjcd.edu
Credentials:
M.A. Southwest Texas State
B.A. Texas A&I University in Kingsville
Luis Munoz has been involved in Texas educational theatre for more than 25 years. He currently serves as the State Theatre Director and Director of the Focus Young Filmmakers Festival for the UIL. During his career he has taught at multiple schools, including Southwest Texas State University, the University of Texas-Pan American, and Douglas MacArthur High School. Among other accomplishments, he is a recipient of the TETA Founders Award and was named to the Texas Thespians Hall of Fame.
Luis.Munoz@sjcd.edu
Credentials:
M.A. Southwest Texas State
B.A. Texas A&I University in Kingsville
Luis Munoz has been involved in Texas educational theatre for more than 25 years. He currently serves as the State Theatre Director and Director of the Focus Young Filmmakers Festival for the UIL. During his career he has taught at multiple schools, including Southwest Texas State University, the University of Texas-Pan American, and Douglas MacArthur High School. Among other accomplishments, he is a recipient of the TETA Founders Award and was named to the Texas Thespians Hall of Fame.
Elisa Diehl
Music Director, Guest Artist
Contact:
Elisa.Diehl@sjcd.edu
Credentials:
M.F.A. University of Hawaii at Manoa
B.A. University of Tulsa
Certificate in International Studies - University of Tulsa
Elisa Diehl is a working freelance actor in the Houston metropolitan area. An accomplished actor, she has traveled, studied, and worked overseas. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tulsa, where she also studied abroad twice. Once at Kanda University in Japan, and once at Goldsmiths University of London. Her thesis at the University of Hawaii studied Noh, Jingju (Beijing Opera), and Kabuki performance. Among many great achievements, she created, produced, and artistically directed the Black Box Black Blocks Theatre and Dance Festival of New Works.
Elisa.Diehl@sjcd.edu
Credentials:
M.F.A. University of Hawaii at Manoa
B.A. University of Tulsa
Certificate in International Studies - University of Tulsa
Elisa Diehl is a working freelance actor in the Houston metropolitan area. An accomplished actor, she has traveled, studied, and worked overseas. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tulsa, where she also studied abroad twice. Once at Kanda University in Japan, and once at Goldsmiths University of London. Her thesis at the University of Hawaii studied Noh, Jingju (Beijing Opera), and Kabuki performance. Among many great achievements, she created, produced, and artistically directed the Black Box Black Blocks Theatre and Dance Festival of New Works.
Jamie Almeida
Professor, Part Time Faculty
Contact:
Jamie.Almeida@sjcd.edu
Credentials:
M.A. The City College of New York
B.A. Marymount Manhattan College
Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jamie Almeida moved to New York City after high school. She lived there for 12 years, during which she earned two degrees and worked as an actor in plays and film. Almeida has six years of experience working as a drama teacher within the NYC Public School System. She has produced student productions as well as helped students to write and produce their own work. Almeida is more than thrilled to join the San Jac Department of Theatre and Film!
Jamie.Almeida@sjcd.edu
Credentials:
M.A. The City College of New York
B.A. Marymount Manhattan College
Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jamie Almeida moved to New York City after high school. She lived there for 12 years, during which she earned two degrees and worked as an actor in plays and film. Almeida has six years of experience working as a drama teacher within the NYC Public School System. She has produced student productions as well as helped students to write and produce their own work. Almeida is more than thrilled to join the San Jac Department of Theatre and Film!
Visit Us
Richard S. Slocomb Fine Arts Building
Slocomb Auditorium
With a capacity of 900 people, The Slocomb Auditorium is the main attraction with a full backstage and room for large sets. Contact 281-476-1829 to rent out the auditorium for your event.
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