About Us

My name is Mel Edwards and I am the Technical Director at Rouse HS. Prior to Rouse I was the technical director at Belton HS for 6 years and built its technical theatre program.  I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance – Scenic Technology.  After college, I took on a position at The Studio Theatre in Washington, DC where I served as one of three scenic carpenters building a 9-10 show season.  When I returned to Texas I continued my woodworking skills building cabinets and furniture with an Austin company named The WIM Group and eventually received my alternative certification to teach technical theatre. 

My involvement outside of the classroom includes working as teacher honor crew every year at the UIL State One Act Play Meet and serving as Technical Director for Tal's Summer Theatre Camp at Baylor University.

“Technical 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 my pockets is an everyday thing.”

Links: www.melmakesstuff.net

Rouse Tech Instagram: @rousetech

Online Shop: Mighty With All Trades  

My name is Abe Ramirez. I am the Theatre Director at Davenport High School in San Antonio, TX. I have been a Theatrical Educator for nine years now. I have worked as a Theater Director for La Vernia ISD, Corsicana ISD and East Central ISD and have taught all components of Theatre; Production(Varsity/JV) 1-4, Musical Theatre 1-4, Technical Theatre 1-4 and Theatre Arts 1-4. 

I graduated from Southwestern University with a BFA in Theatre with an Emphasis in Directing & Acting. I also have my Master's in Theatre from Texas A&M: Commerce. I have been a part of Texas UIL Theatre for my entire school career and enjoy seeing it develop and evolve. 

I have experience both on and off the stage. I have worked as an Actor, Technical Director, Electrician, Production Stage Manager, Choreographer and Director for various venues around the state of Texas. I believe that the Fine Arts are the key to unlocking creativty and ingenuity for the betterment of society, which is why I am fully dedicated to Educational Theatre.

Website: abebramirez.wixsite.com/abebenramirez

My name is Brandon Marks. In 2021, I was the Theatre Director (previous Technical Director) and Performing Arts Center Manager at Pflugerville High School. Prior to this position, I was the Head Theatre Director at Cedar Creek High School in Bastrop. I started my career at Summit Christian Academy as the Head Director. This will be my seventh year teaching and my third year at PHS. I have a Bachelor’s degree in History and Communication from Concordia University Texas, and a Master of Arts degree in Theatre from Regent University. Collectively, I have been a part of 25 plays as either an actor, director, or tech director. 

I strongly believe in learning through doing. The nature of theatre is to create, and that is why my goal as an educator was to give every opportunity possible to my students to create.