From our news partners at The Seattle Times: Ruben Van Kempen has been at the helm of Roosevelt High's drama program for 30 years, sent plenty of young actors into the world and garnered many awards. He'll get yet another honor as he is inducted into the Educational Theatre Association's Hall of Fame. By Misha Berson.
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Mike Siegel via The Seattle Times Roosevelt High School theater director Ruben Van Kempen has won many awards for his achievements at the Seattle school. This week he'll get another one when he goes to California to be inducted into the Educational Theatre Association's Hall of Fame. |
A rumor arose recently that, after some 30 years at the helm of Roosevelt High School's drama program, revered teacher Ruben Van Kempen was retiring.
Not so, says Van Kempen, who still has zest for his job — and is receiving national recognition for his dedication to a generation of Seattle drama students.
On Thursday, Van Kempen will be among five teachers inducted into the Educational Theatre Association's Hall of Fame, at the organization's conference in San Diego.
Even if he was surprised by the honor, few in local theater circles were. An accomplished stage director as well as an innovative teacher, Van Kempen has trained and inspired dozens of theater professionals, working from here to Broadway.
