MavTheatre Welcomes New Head of Technical Theatre and Associate Director

Aariz Anas, Cooper Seaver, Karl Reddick, Nikolas Russell, and Joey Shanks • August 29, 2024

MavTheatre has recently announced the selection of Joel Taylor as the new Head of Technical Theatre and Associate Director. Taylor has nearly 40 IMDB credits in acting, producing, writing and directing – some of which include award-winning short films. He brings a Master’s in Educational Administration and more than 30 years of teaching expertise.

Senior Forest Trammell, who has been working closely with Taylor as stage manager on MavTheatre’s upcoming production, expressed enthusiasm for the direction of the program.

“He brings a fresh face to sell,” Trammell said. “He’s got new ideas, new ways of doing things, so I can’t wait to see how he implements [his creative approach].”

Taylor’s extensive theater background allows him to effectively meet the needs of his students and bring a different perspective which could be valuable.

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“With Mr. Taylor, he’s giving me the ability to just go and do things which I haven’t had before. So that’s kind of enjoyable,” senior Andrew Moran said. “And I get to lead my own team, do my own thing, while still within the standard class.”

While many students have maintained a smooth transition, adjusting to a new teacher after multiple years can be a struggle for some. However, Taylor’s years of teaching in the classroom give him an understanding of his students and what they need to be successful.

“[A struggle has been] adapting to his style, because I’ve worked with the same guy for three years until now,” Moran said. “I think it’s probably really simple. It’s probably gonna [be getting used] to his style, and once we do that, we can just get up and go.”

MavTheatre looks forward to the new perspectives Taylor will bring to the program, fostering a culture that empowers students to take control of their learning.

“We’ve reorganized a lot, we’ve gotten rid of a lot of things we didn’t need,” Trammell said. “So I think hopefully we’re gonna be a little more structured and [know] when and where we need things [better].”

Taylor has new ways of structuring the classroom, but students are open to it.

“It’s been a very professional, very good working relationship between the two of us,” Trammell said. “We both help each other out.”

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About the Contributors

Aariz Anas, Reporter

Hi I’m Aariz. This is my second year as a member of the Trailblazer staff. I'm on staff for the 24-25 school year. I enjoy talking to friends, playing, and listening to music outside of school. I’m a part of DECA and the Austin Youth Council. Outside of school, you can find me at my house spending time with friends and family.

Cooper Seaver, Design Editor

Hi, my name is Cooper and this is my second year as design editor on the Trailblazer staff. I like participating in MavTheatre and helping out with productions when I can. Outside of school, I’m usually watching movies, reading comic books or writing about either of those things.

Karl Reddick, Reporter

Hi, my name is Karl and I’m a junior. This is my first year on staff for the Trailblazer. In my free time I enjoy listening to music and reading.

Nikolas Russell, Editor-in-Chief

I am Nikolas Russell and this is my third year on the Trailblazer staff. I work as a reporter and Editor-In-Chief for the 2024-2025 school year. I have attended UIL for feature writing twice and made regional once. When I'm outside of school, I am either working my job at Whataburger or working out at the YMCA. I'm looking forward to a new and improved Trailblazer this year!

Joey Shanks, Reporter

Hello my name is Joey this is my second year on the Mcneil Trailblazer. I box outside of school and like to play games and read.