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Tress Kurzym |
Tress Kurzym is the founder and teaching artist for StagePlay Learning. A “transplant” to Edwardsville, Kurzym has over 15 years of theatre education experience.
A graduate from Stephen F. Austin State University, Kurzym received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Directing. As a directing student, Kurzym was chosen to study abroad in London, England where she assisted directors on London’s famed West End and studied a variety of theatrical techniques. After earning her degree, she was selected to work as an Assistant Director at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre and at First Stage Theatre Academy in Milwaukee, WI. Kurzym was then hired as a Development Associate for Houston’s Alley Theatre and worked with the Education and Community Outreach program for the Tony award winning theatre.
As a Teaching Artist for several regional theatres, Kurzym realized that she wanted to teach theatre in the classroom. Under her direction at Austin High School, the department had 3 State Qualifying plays, 8 District championships, over 20 Tommy Tune Award Nominations; including two wins, and over 50 students that qualified for the national Thespian competition. Many of her students were fortunate enough to win scholarships to the top drama schools in the country (and abroad).
As a community member, Kurzym has served on several theatres board of directors and advisory boards. She is a certified University Interscholastic League Critic Judge and the recipient of Texas Thespians Eric Bailey Award for Outstanding Director for the state of Texas.
