Brian Ketcham graduated from The University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He has taught in Keller ISD for 18 years, including theatre for the past eight. 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. He anxiously awaits the Texas Rangers finding that final strike one day.

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.

Tre John graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in Acting; he earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Tarleton University. Coach John has worked in education for 23 years in many roles–an athletics coach, a middle school and high school principal, and a middle school and high school theatre director. He has also been involved in several local theatre productions as an actor, director, and playwright. 

Emily Coleman is a native Texan born and raised in the suburbs of Houston. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts and Vocal Performance from Savannah College of Art and Design and a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts Acting Pedagogy from California State University, Long Beach.

Ms. Coleman is a certified teacher of Knight-Thompson Speechwork specializing in speech and accent training. She recently taught in higher education at Millikin University. She has also worked professionally as a performer and coach in New York City and Los Angeles. She has a passion for singing, performing in accents, creating solo work, and devising theatre. When not doing all things theatre, Ms. Coleman loves to hike with her fur baby, Milo! 

Zachary Steele holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Tarleton State University and a Master of Music Education from Texas Tech University. He is in his eighth year as a music educator and his sixth at Keller High School, having directed the music for its productions of Urinetown, All Shook Up, Legally Blonde, and Shrek.

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!