Frenship is happy to name Amy Fryar as Frenship High School’s lead Theatre Director. Fryar brings a lifelong passion for theatre and a strong foundation in education to her new role. Born in Lubbock and raised in the Fort Worth area, Fryar says her journey to this dream job hasn’t been linear, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.
“I am so excited about the upcoming year and this new role!” said Fryar. “Theater has been a part of my life since I was a kid, and I knew in high school that I wanted to be a theatre director one day... Life happens, and nothing is ever simple, so it's been a journey that has led me here, and I still can't quite believe where I've ended up.”
Fryar began her teaching career in Arlington in 2007. After spending a few years at home with her children, she returned to the classroom, starting in core subject areas before gravitating toward reading and writing instruction. When her own kids got older, she made the transition to teaching theatre, a move she had always planned.
“Frenship was the only place I wanted to work,” said Fryar. “I taught 4th grade at Bennett Elementary for a year, then moved to teach RLA at Terra Vista Middle School. The theatre position at TVMS opened in 2020, and I started the 2020 school year teaching a classroom full of students how to project on stage in a mask!”
After four years of building the theatre program at TVMS, Fryar moved to Frenship High School last year, where she is continuing her mission to create a safe space for students to express themselves on stage.
“That goal hasn’t really changed since moving to FHS last year,” she said. “It was a huge change to go from middle school to high school, but how amazing is it that I was able to direct the same students that I previously had as 4th graders at Bennett and from Terra Vista!? It was the best kind of reunion!”
As she looks ahead to the upcoming school year, Fryar is energized by the opportunity to work with her students and collaborate with Frenship’s fine arts team to stage this fall’s musical production.
“It's the kids that I get to work with every day that I am looking forward to the most,” said Fryar. “They are the lifeblood of the program... I’m also excited to work closely with the rest of the fine arts department to stage Oliver! The Musical this fall. I am in awe of my co-workers every day.”
Fryar says one of the most meaningful parts of working at Frenship is the support and encouragement she receives from every corner of the district.
“My favorite part of being in the Frenship family is how supportive and open the entire community has been,” said Fryar. “The theater boosters kept my head above water last year, and seeing so many Frenship teachers, administrators, school board members, and central office staff in the audience...was so uplifting because this is a community that supports its students.”
As she reflects on her journey and looks to the future, Fryar says she is grateful to be right where she is.
“FHS is where my heart is, and I am so grateful for this opportunity I have been given, and the trust that admin has placed in me to lead this department and take care of our students. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else,” said Fryar.
Frenship ISD is proud to welcome Amy Fryar to her new role and looks forward to the impact she will continue to make on students through theatre education at Frenship High School.