Drama

List of 4 members.

• 

  John Athas 

  Theatre Instructor

  (214) 324-3607 x4283

  Bio

  John Athas has been teaching at Bishop Lynch since 1994, directing over 40 plays plus several student-written and performed films. He holds a B.F.A. in Theatre from Southern Methodist University and a M.A. in Humanities from The University of Dallas. He is Credentialed in teaching Theatre and English from California State University, Northridge. John has been teaching and directing for over 35 years. 

   

  Before coming to Bishop Lynch, he taught five years in Los Angeles School District and three years at Santa Monica Catholic High School in Santa Monica, California where he was Drama Director and Senior Teacher of World Literature. John has been acting for even more years than he has been teaching with a recurring role in the television series Dallas, several regional and national commercials, industrials, and roles in plays at such theaters as The Dallas Theater Center, Undermain Theater and Theater Three. He has two critical essays published by The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture: The Trickster Figure in Comedy: Christy Mahon: Emerging Poneros, and The Son Figure in Tragedy: The Bridegroom in Lorca’s Blood Wedding.  

   

  He counts among his accomplishments many BL Blackfriars graduates who are currently studying theater and film, and many others who are teaching and working professionally on stages, sound stages and studios in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles and New York.  John and his wife Rosemarie have eight children, ranging in age from 27 to 10 years old. John enjoys nature and the outdoors when not working in the Black Box, and his activities include hunting, fishing, trap shooting, and spending as much time as possible with his family. Carmel-by-the-Sea and Port Bolivar are favorite family vacation destinations.
• 

  Robert Clark 

  Technical Theatre Director

  (214) 324-3607 x4182

  Bio

  Robert Clark joined Bishop Lynch in 2017 as BL’s first full-time Technical Theatre Director. Before coming to BL, Robert worked in Dallas doing freelance carpentry, tech theatre and design for local companies and schools. 

   

  Robert earned his B.A. in Theatre Design and Technology and minor in Spanish from the University of North Texas. While at UNT, Robert was a part of several organizations including: The Denton Wesley Foundation, Denton Kiwanis Club and Habitat for Humanity.

   

  In his spare time, Robert enjoys reading, painting, two-stepping, cooking, DIY projects and hanging out with his two dogs. 
• 

  Terry May-Hajdar 

  Theater Manager

  (214) 324-3607 x4131

  Bio

  Terry May has been a member of the Bishop Lynch Community for the majority of her life, having graduated from BL in 1974. She attended Stephen F. Austin State University, majoring in theater and music. In 1984 she was asked to take over the production of REFLECTIONS, the alumni newsletter, which she produced for the next 25 years. In 1990 she began working as stage manager for the Blackfriars Guild and was hired as Assistant Development Director four years later. Since coming on staff, Terry has also served as Alumni Director, Public Relations Director, Student Activities Director, and Webmaster. 

   

  Now in her 23rd year at BL, she is the Theater Manager and Blackfriars Producer. Terry and her husband Sandor have a combined six children and 13 grandchildren. In her spare time (which is not often!) she enjoys sewing, traveling, and spending time with family.
• 

  Kit Sawyer 

  Musical Director

  (214) 324-3607 x4157

  Bio

  Proud of her Friar roots, Kit Sawyer is in her 38th year of teaching at Bishop Lynch. She graduated from Bishop Lynch in 1977 and received her undergraduate degree in Theatre and Speech Education from North Texas State University. She began her career at Lynch as the Speech and Drama instructor where she directed several student productions and Assistant Directed the Blackfriars Musicals. After a brief stint of teaching in East Texas, she came back to BL and in 1991 she took over the Musicals as Director. She has joyously watched many former students perform and create professionally in theatre and film and firmly believes the idea of “once a Blackfriar always a Blackfriar.” This universally held thought has led to Ms. Sawyer having the pleasure of directing several former students in 3 Alumni Revues produced in celebration of Lynch’s 40th, 50th and 55th anniversary years. With casts that ranged in age from 18 to the late 60’s, The Alumni Revues illustrate not only the affection and love that Friars have for their experiences on the BL stage, but also their devotion to the Blackfriars program. Of all the Blackfriars she loves, her two favorite are her daughters Lindsay, ’09 and Merrill,’11. Currently teaching Speech, Film and Freshman Seminar, Ms. Sawyer is also the proud Dean of Ricci House.