As a theatre professor in the LSC-North Harris Drama Department, John ‘Cash’ Carpenter can showcase his creativity through award-winning productions.
From an early age, Carpenter sought out opportunities to follow his creative instincts. Those instincts pay off today for the countless students he guides through the classroom and onto center stage.
Carpenter was born about 75 miles from Amarillo in the small town of McLean, TX. He was raised on a cattle ranch and did not immediately realize his future in the theatre arts.
However, his passions would arise at an early age.
During his childhood, Carpenter’s influence came from the TV specials he watched featuring magicians. It was a magic set from Fisher-Price that set the stage for his first performances. Only back then the performance was for an audience of one - his grandmother.
In the third grade, Carpenter was cast as the lead in his school’s Christmas play, sparking his interest in the creative arts.
“From there, I was hooked,” said Carpenter. “I got more involved in the only two choices I had at that time for creative expression: theatre and band.”
Over the years, he kept his creative side alive. While working on his master’s degree, Carpenter taught some courses in theatre and realized he enjoyed the feeling of passing on his knowledge to students.
After completing his studies at the University of New Orleans, Carpenter was excited to share what he had learned and began teaching at LSC-North Harris.
“I have been so lucky to have such wonderful and passionate students in my program,” said Carpenter. “The students show true dedication and passion for the theatre. I’m also fortunate to have strong support from the administration. They support the Drama Department and truly recognize the hard work that we put into our productions.”
The recognition comes from more than those on campus. Carpenter’s efforts have been recognized with countless awards, including, “Excellence in Directing and Production Design” from the American College Theatre Festival.
The productions Carpenter leads can be very challenging, often describing them as great adventures.
“Admittedly, they are great adventures that can come with extremely tough challenges, but I love a great challenge,” said Carpenter.
In the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it its own set of uncertainty and new challenges to overcome. The curtains closed on the department’s last production in February 2020.
Since then, Carpenter and his cast were able to do a virtual play of Sonnets for an Old Century. Now, the focus shifts to regrouping and continuing to push forward.
“The challenges that we have faced have been overwhelming, to say the least,” said Carpenter. “The actors, crew, and staff are all eager to get back to the stage and let the lights shine again. The energy that an audience brings to the theatre with live actors on stage is meant to be experienced in person. We hope that soon we can bring the magic back to the stage.”
For now, Carpenter is searching for ways to tackle this unforeseen great challenge. But he knows that it’s just a matter of time before his students step back into the spotlight in front of a sold-out Performing Arts Theatre.
John 'Cash' Carpenter, professor, Drama