About Ms. Bower!

Hello All! My name is Briana Bower and I am a theatre educator and teaching artist. I'm originally from Wayne, Pennsylvania, and I received a BA in Theatre with a focus in Theatre Education from Northwestern University. Before moving to Austin to complete my MFA in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities, I worked with students of all ages in Chicago at Light Opera Works, Haven Middle School, Dream Big, Chicago Children's Theatre, and Child’s Play Touring Theatre. 

At UT, I taught courses in Acting and Arts Integration, and I worked with the professional development organization Drama for Schools to help teachers integrate drama strategies into their curriculum. As a researcher, I explored how object/arts-based performance projects impact youth identity formation and perception, and exploring the creation of site specific performative installations that invite audience participation and interaction. As an educator, I seek to create theatre curriculum that engages students in performances and projects that respond directly to their lived experiences and communities.

If you would like to learn more about me and my previous work, feel free to visit my website at: 

http://brianaraebower.wixsite.com/brianaraebower

In my free time I love reading, cooking, going to shows around Austin, and spending time with my friends and family! 

Contact Information: 

Email - briana.bower@leanderisd.org

Phone - (512) 570-5326 ex. 43160

About Mrs. Garcia!

Hey y'all! My name is Katie Garcia, and I am the other half of the directing team here at CPMS! I grew up in Georgetown, Texas and received my BFA in Theatre with an Emphasis in Acting and Directing and a Minor in Technical Theatre from Sam Houston State University. 

At Sam Houston, I performed in several productions, including A Doctor in Spite of Himself, All in the Timing, Cry It Out, Sonnets for an Old Century, and several student directed productions. I was also one of the head lighting design assistants, and designed for multiple productions on campus. 

After graduating from Sam Houston State University, I began working for ZACH Theatre's North Campus. While there, I was the director of the Acting Conservatory and Acting Coach for the Musical Theatre Company. I was also the Head Theatre Director for Audie Murphy Middle School in Killeen, TX for the 24-25 and 25-26 School Years!

As an educator, I strive to create a safe environment where students feel free to explore and try new things. I believe in treating students as "young professionals" and pushing them to take ownership of their learning. I want my students to apply what they learn in theatre to both the stage and their lives! I feel very honored to be a part of the CPMS team!

During my down time, I love to read, bake, crochet, and spend time with my dog and husband!

Contact Information

Email - katie.garcia@leanderisd.org

Phone - (512) 570-5326 ex. 13144