Riley
Shawn Riley
Director of Theatre
Instructor of 10th Honors English, 12th IB English, Theatre Arts A & B, IB Theatre Arts, & Theatre Production
Thespian Troupe 4058 Sponsor and Drama Club Advisor
Mr. Riley is a graduate of Minot State University (BSE: major: Communication Arts and English, minor: Humanities) in Minot, North Dakota and of The University of Portland (MFA in Acting and Directing), in Portland, Oregon. Upon coming to Capital in 1997 he has been an active member in the English and Arts Departments, as well as serving as the Activities Director for 5 years and a member of several committees in the school.
Outside his work in the building, Mr. Riley has performed both at Harlequin Productions and at Capital Playhouse as an actor and director both in the SEASON IN A BOX and KIDS AT PLAY programs. He believes strongly in the philosophy that he show his students that he "DOES what he TEACHES." Most recently he has been seen playing along side his fellow OSD colleagues with in the school district musicals, Pirates of Penzance and Beauty and the Beast. Other community work includes his work with UCAN (United Communities AIDS Network) and their fundraiser BABES WITH BIG HAIR, and owning and operating his own live stage, GARAGE THEATRE with his wife, Carissa, an OHS teacher.
His work with CHS Theatre has brought statewide recognition as the department has received over 30 nominations over the past 5 years in various categories for their participation in the 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Awards. Among these nominations have been Best Musical and Direction nods for their productions of GREASE, AIDA, and LITTLE WOMEN. Wins include Best Lighting Design for AIDA, and Best Supporting Actor and Actress for Eddie Carroll and Gabriella Guilfoil for their work in LITTLE WOMEN.
In August of 2007 the CHS Theatre Department traveled to THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL in Edinburgh, Scotland to represent the state of Washington as one of 40 American high schools to showcase their work. The oldest and most prestigious arts festival in the world, 20 CHS students performed THE LOVE OF THE NIGHTINGALE to rave reviews after having spent time in London, Edinburgh, and outlying areas for two weeks.