Zac Curtis began acting in high school and instantly found a home within a community of like-minded individuals who allowed him to be himself. He says acting has given him freedom to work toward his best self.
For the past five years, Curtis has taught theatre at Salt Lake Community College full time, which only hints at how much devotion, time and passion he puts into the job before, during and after work. For his efforts, the Utah Theatre Association is honoring him, not only for his work in theatre in Utah but also for his service to the Association.
“He’s an amazing individual and such a great teacher,” says Association President Adam Wilkins. “He’s a great resource for high school teachers. He does incredible outreach for program after program throughout the state. He’s an advocate and ally for his program and for theatre in general.” Curtis, who was nominated by peers, will be presented the Outstanding Contribution to Collegiate Education award in Utah at the Theatre Association’s 2020 conference on Jan. 18.
“As a teacher, I have taken on the mission of giving the experiences I’ve had to my students,” Curtis says. “The stories we tell on stage – the beautiful and the ugly – can affect and change us just as it affects and changes the audience. Whether it makes people laugh, cry or scream, I love theatre’s ability to move people. Theatre education has given me a wonderful career full of creating theatre and moving people, and it makes me love coming to work every day.”
Curtis earned his undergraduate degree at Colorado State University, then continued to earn master’s degrees in theatre production and directing at Central Washington University and University of Idaho. He has taught theatre in Idaho, Washington, Wisconsin and, more recently, SLCC. As associate professor and theatre program director at the College’s South City Campus, he leads productions for the Black Box Theatre and the Grand Theatre’s Grand Youth Theatre program. Curtis is also a certified instructor of stage combat through Dueling Arts International and choreographs fights for schools and organizations around the Salt Lake Valley.
Zac Curtis and a student demonstrate stage combat skills.
“Utah has an incredible arts scene, and it owes its success to the theatre education around the state,” Curtis says. “We have incredible theatre educators helping our students become their best selves. It has been my honor to work with these students and help them make their transition into college and the professional world.”
Curtis’ wife Mindy is an adjunct professor of theatre for SLCC and works for Granite School District. They have two children and live in Taylorsville.
Zac Curtis (far right) after a Grand Youth Theatre production.
Cast and crew, along with Zac Curtis (center-left), of the Black Box Theatre's Fortinbras production.