Educator loves working with students

Steve Robertson has been teaching drama in the Moorpark Unified School District for 42 years. He enjoys working with students because "there's always something new to do," he said.

He grew up in the San Fernando Valley and in the 1950s voiced a young character on the radio show "Space Patrol."

During his youth Robertson enjoyed writing plays for his marionettes and was involved in theater at Birmingham High School.

He earned his teaching credentials from Valley State College, now Cal State Northridge, and then began working in Moorpark Unified School District, where he taught English and drama for many years. He currently teaches drama, stage technology and keyboarding at Moorpark High School.

And before vocal and music show production teacher Ray Hebel came to MHS, Robertson was activities director and chorus teacher.

"I've seen tremendous changes in school, and students have evolved," said Robertson. When Moorpark High was a small school, a few students had the opportunity to be involved in everything, but as schools grow, students have to make choices as to what they want to be involved in, he said.

Robertson is currently working with 32 students on the next school play, "Who Killed Elvis?" The show will be performed at the high school's Performing Arts Center on Thurs., Nov. 29; Fri., Nov. 30; and Sat., Dec. 1.

Robertson, Hebel and Bob Hackett, director of bands at MHS, work together on several projects throughout the year as they all play a part in the Moorpark High School musical theater program.