Founding Directors

Meet the Founding Directors

Michael and Lisa Hill met in an elementary school musical presentation of The Pied Piper. The couple has performed together in productions such as Fiddler on the Roof and Oklahoma! They have directed numerous school and summer camp productions, as well as a puppet and performing arts ministry team that traveled around the state of Texas, to Washington, DC, and to schools in Guatemala. One of their favorite school collaborations was a middle school production of Shrek, Jr.

Michael has taught dance, music and choir in Irving schools and served on the Irving ISD School Board while leading youth and music ministry at a local church. Michael recently retired from serving as the K-5 Music Specialist at Uplift North Hills Preparatory School.

Lisa has been a classroom teacher, instructional leader, and campus principal for several districts in the North Texas area. She served as Head of School for the North Texas Performing Arts Academy in Plano, and as Director of Human Resources in Irving ISD. She recently retired from serving as the Assistant Principal at Pierce Early Childhood School.

Michael and Lisa are proponents of arts education to reach the whole student and develop strengths and talents in each child. They are delighted to establish the Irving Youth Theatre to provide opportunities for youth with a passion for the performing arts, with the first production of Aladdin, Jr, followed by Finding Nemo, Jr, Moana, Jr, Beauty and The Beast, Jr, Little Mermaid, Jr, Lion King, Jr, and their first full-length musical, Into the Woods. The 25-26 Season of Shows continues with The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – The Musical, followed by a world-premiere NEW musical based on Kevin Henkes’ book Chrysanthemum, Shrek, The Musical and two summer camp productions of Frozen, Kids and Frozen Jr and Madagascar, Jr.

Mr. & Dr. Hill are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment where students thrive and optimal creative learning occurs. They are very excited about the possibilities for the Irving Youth Theatre!