Brian Ketcham graduated from The University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He has taught in Keller ISD since 2005 and theatre specifically since 2015. He also holds the 2018-19 Teacher of the Year Award for Keller High School, Keller ISD, and Region 11.

Coach Ketcham resides in Fort Worth with his wife Trista and son Ben. In addition to theatre, his passions include nachos, baseball, and everything Fort Worth. He also enjoys making neapolitan pizza, riding bikes, and dining at Joe T. Garcia’s.

Mandi Tapia Pace graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts. She received a Master of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Directing from Texas State University. In 2018, she joined the board of Texas Thespians where she is proud to lead as the Professional Development Chair, working hand in hand with educators around Texas and beyond.

Mrs. Tapia joined Keller ISD and Keller High School in 2019 and is passionate about working with the theatre program on many new endeavors. She has three children, Ella, Crosby, and Quentin–all of whom have been a part of her theatre camps and productions.

Chantz Cochran joined Keller ISD in 2023 and Keller High School in 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre with an emphasis on Performance from Lubbock Christian University and a specialty in stage makeup. He has also been involved in multiple productions for various community theatres, taking on the roles of actor, technician, stage manager, and assistant technical director.

Shelby Pool graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and an All-Level Education Certification. With a lifelong passion for theatre, she has actively played the role of director, actor, stage manager, and technician since early childhood and is eager to share both her talent and lessons with students on the Keller Theatre stage–all while continuing to grow and develop further as an educator and director.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Pool enjoys watching horror movies, attending concerts, baking, and hanging out with friends and her three cats: Phantom, Finn, and Jarvis.

Zachary Steele holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Tarleton State University and a Master of Music Education from Texas Tech University. He has worked in music education since 2015 and at Keller High School specifically since 2017. Within the theatre department, he has directed the music for numerous productions, including Legally Blonde, Shrek, The and The Addams Family.

Additionally, choir ensembles under his direction have earned consistent sweepstakes ratings at UIL Concert/Sight Reading, and the Keller show choirs have earned honors and awards at various competitions. Currently, Mr. Steele serves as the TMEA Region 30 Vocal Division Chair as well as the High School Choir Area Lead for Keller ISD. Mr. Steele is also an active performer, clinician, and composer.

Mr. Steele resides in Fort Worth with his wife, Macie (a fellow music educator), and his two daughters, Millie and Ella. He is passionate about mentoring students, teaching choral music, and living life to its fullest! 

Samantha Howard is a Dallas-based choreographer and dance instructor who is credited with choreographing more than 15 middle school, high school, and community theatre productions, including Keller High School’s production of Shrek. Beginning her teaching journey in 2016, she uses her dance experience of more than 20 years to inspire the next and current generations of performers.

When she’s not working, Ms. Howard can be found hanging out with her friends, loving on her cat, Felix, or continuing her dance knowledge by taking classes! She is so grateful to the KHS theatre program for the opportunities she has been given and can’t wait to continue being a part of this wonderful community!