William L. Walker

Theatre Director | Playwright | Educator
Paris, Texas · ✉️ Wm.montgomerie71@hotmail.com

Artist Statement

A dedicated theatre professional with over two decades of experience directing, teaching, and nurturing emerging talent, William L. Walker brings a bold, collaborative spirit to the stage. From Shakespeare to musical theatre to devised digital works, his directing blends classical understanding with contemporary innovation. As a playwright, educator, and advocate for arts access in rural communities, he continues to champion inclusive storytelling and educational opportunity.

Education

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Leadership - ABD
Grand Canyon University
2013-Present
Master of Arts in Theatre Management & Directing
Texas Woman's University
2006-2009
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre (Directing/Acting)
Sam Houston State University
1993-1997
Associate of Arts in Drama
Blinn College
1990-1993

Playwriting

William L. Walker is an emerging playwright whose works blend wit, heart, and an unabashed love of theatrical tradition. His plays often reimagine classics, play with genre, and explore the boundaries of stage and story.

Published & Produced Works

Hamlet: A Horatio Story
Published reinterpretation of Shakespeare's Hamlet told through the eyes of Horatio, exploring themes of grief, loyalty, and legacy.
2025
The Squatch of Avon
A conspiracy comedy of Squatchy proportions, fully produced at the Pyro PlayFest New Works Festival.
🏆 Audience Choice Award Winner
2025
Much Ado About Nothingness
A funny and cerebral chance meeting between William Shakespeare and Samuel Beckett, produced at the Pyro PlayFest New Works Festival.
🏆 Audience Choice Award Winner
2025
Heroes in the Pages
A heartfelt journey through the books and stories that shape us, brought to life at the Pyro PlayFest New Works Festival.
2025
Exit, Pursued by a Bear
A chaotic comedic commentary on the weight of a single stage direction, fully staged at the Pyro PlayFest New Works Festival.
🏆 Audience Choice Award Winner
2025

Directing Portfolio

William Walker's directing work spans classical theatre, contemporary comedies, musicals, devised pieces, and virtual productions. His style is rooted in ensemble collaboration and a focus on actor-driven storytelling. At Paris Junior College, he directs two productions each year, while also creating opportunities for digital performance and community engagement.

Shakespeare & Classics

The Tempest
Paris Junior College
2020
Macbeth
Paris Junior College
2014
The Taming of the Shrew
Paris Junior College
2013
The Crucible
Paris Junior College
2012

Musicals & Large-Scale Productions

Spamalot!
Paris Junior College
2020
Les Misérables
Paris Junior College
2013
Children of Eden
Paris Community Theatre
2016
Avenue Q
Paris Community Theatre
2012
9 to 5: The Musical
Paris Junior College
2015
Scrooge: The Musical
Paris Junior College
2016
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Paris Junior College
2011
The All Night Strut
Paris Junior College
2014

Comedies & Contemporary Works

Almost, Maine
Paris Community Theatre
2025
Noises Off!
Paris Junior College
2018
Peter and the Starcatcher
Paris Junior College
2018
Black Comedy
Paris Community Theatre
2014
Private Lives
Paris Junior College
2009
Tom, Dick & Harry
Paris Junior College
2012

Original & Devised Work

The Squatch of Avon
Paris Junior College
2025
Heroes in the Pages
Paris Junior College
2025
Much Ado About Nothingness
Paris Junior College
2025
Exit, Pursued by a Bear
Paris Junior College
2025
Hamlet: A Horatio Story
Paris Junior College
2025
Star Wars of the Roses
Paris Junior College
2016

Academic & Professional Experience

Director of Drama & Musical Theatre
Paris Junior College - Paris, TX
- Oversees all aspects of the Drama Department, including budgeting, curriculum design, and production seasons
- Leads student recruitment and advises drama majors
- Directs two major theatrical productions annually
- Coordinator of the PJC New Works Festival
- Faculty sponsor of Delta Psi Omega, national theatre honor society
- Manages external collaborations and community theatre outreach
- Coordinates auditions and transfer guidance for students pursuing professional and academic theatre opportunities
2009-Present

Voice Work

Borrowed Lives Podcast
Voice actor contributing to narrative podcast storytelling, blending performance technique with character-driven audio production.