STERLING BLACKWELL

Education

MFA, Theatre — University of Idaho (2011)
BS, University Studies (Dance Minor) — BYU–Idaho (2006)
AS, General Science — BYU–Idaho (2004)

Teaching Experience

Treasure Valley Community College (2018–Present)
Teaching Faculty – Intro to Theatre, Theatre Performance; developed online curriculum.

Fruitland School District (2016–Present)
Federal Programs Director, Mentor Teacher & Instructional Coach; formerly taught English, Drama, Video Tech, Speech (dual credit), Yearbook, Musical Theatre.

Centennial High School (2009–2016)
Department Head & Theatre Faculty; directed musicals, managed PAC operations, taught Stagecraft, Acting, Musical Theatre.

Idaho Arts Charter School (2012–2013)
Acting, Stagecraft, English 9, Creative Writing; introduced Alexander Technique, Rasaboxes, Meisner.

Selected Theatre Direction & Design

Founder/Director – Re.Theater
MARY POPPINS JR, SEUSSICAL JR, WIZARD OF OZ, NEWSIES, MOANA JR, BRIGHT STAR, ALL SHOOK UP, LITTLE MERMAID, FROZEN JR, INTO THE WOODS JR, THE LIGHTNING THIEF, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, FOOTLOOSE, ELF JR

Founder/Director – Meridian CUE
JOSEPH…, SHREK JR, LITTLE MERMAID JR, CINDERELLA, PETER PAN JR

Director/TD – Weiser Little Theater & Four Rivers Community Theater
SPITFIRE GRILL, SILENT SKY, FOOTLOOSE, ELF JR

Lighting & Scenic Design
Music Theatre of Idaho, Knock ’Em Dead Dinner Theatre, Centennial High School, Starlight Mountain Theatre, Frutland High School, Idaho Arts Charter

Awards & Honors

• 2023 Mentor Teacher of the Year – Fruitland SD

• 2023 Best Coffee House (The Metropole Café) – Argus Observer

• 2021 & 2019 Educator of the Year – Fruitland High School

• BroadwayWorld Boise Awards: Best Direction, Best Lighting Design, Best Scenic Design

• ISATA Theatre Arts Teacher of the Year

Professional Highlights

• City Councilman, Weiser, ID (2022–2026)

• Founder of two youth theatre organizations

• Instructor for workshops in puppetry, directing, engagement strategies, and technical theatre

• Technical Director for 200+ productions at Nampa Civic Center

• Owner/operator of Sterling Shaved Ice and The Metropole Café

Areas of Expertise

Directing • Technical Direction • Stage Lighting • Scenic Design • Acting • Musical Theatre
Instructional Coaching • Curriculum Development • Video Production • Yearbook Design