ROCKWALL-HEATH HIGHSCHOOL THEATER COMPANY
Our Story
Every great theatre program is built on the generations of students, educators, families, and community members who have poured their time, talent, and heart into telling meaningful stories. Heath Hawk Theatre stands proudly on that foundation, honoring the traditions that have shaped the program while embracing an exciting future of creativity, collaboration, and artistic excellence.
Today, Heath Hawk Theatre is more than a stage, it is a community. It is a place where students discover confidence, develop empathy, build lifelong friendships, and learn that every role matters. Whether performing under the spotlight, designing scenery, calling cues from the booth, or creating costumes backstage, every student contributes to something greater than themselves.
As the program continues to grow, we remain committed to providing exceptional theatrical experiences that challenge students artistically, encourage innovation, and inspire audiences throughout Rockwall ISD and beyond.
Built to Create. Create to Perform. Perform to Inspire.
Our Mission
Our mission is to cultivate artists, leaders, and compassionate human beings by providing a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment where every student is encouraged to take creative risks, discover their voice, and pursue excellence. Through performance, technical theatre, leadership, and service, students learn skills that extend far beyond the stage- communication, resilience, empathy, problem-solving, and the confidence to lead with integrity.
We are committed to producing meaningful, high-quality theatre while fostering a culture where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired. Together, we celebrate the creative process, honor the stories we tell, and strive to make a lasting impact on our school and community.
Built to Create. Create to Perform. Perform to Inspire.
Looking Ahead
As Heath Hawk Theatre enters its next chapter, our focus is on building a program where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. We are committed to expanding opportunities for every student, strengthening our connection with the community, and creating productions that entertain, challenge, and inspire.
We believe the stage is more than a place to perform—it is a place to discover who you are, to serve something larger than yourself, and to create memories that last a lifetime.
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The production team
Mrs. Marshall proudly serves as the Theatre Director at Rockwall-Heath Ninth Grade Center and will be transitioning to the main campus as Head Director of the Heath Hawk Theatre program. With over 22 years of experience in arts education, she brings a deep passion for theatre, leadership, and student development to her work. She previously served as the Artistic and Activities Director at Palm Beach Central High School in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she led dynamic programming and large-scale productions.
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Mrs. Marshall holds a degree in Speech & Theatre Education, with minors in Musical Theatre and Communications, as well as a Master’s in Educational Leadership. She is currently pursuing her Texas principal certification, further strengthening her commitment to thoughtful, student-centered leadership. She is a dedicated educator who believes in developing the whole student through the transformative power of the performing arts—creating spaces where students feel seen, challenged, and inspired to grow both on and off the stage. Grounded in a collaborative, servant leadership philosophy, she values shared decision-making and the power of building strong, supportive communities.
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Over the past year in Rockwall, Mrs. Marshall has had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional community of students, theatre professionals, and supportive administrators. She is deeply grateful for the collaboration, trust, and shared commitment to excellence that defines the Heath Hawk Theatre program, and she is proud to call Rockwall her home.
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A lifelong theatre artist, Mrs. Marshall not only builds programs, but lives the work she teaches. As a proud mother of three college students—each raised under the glow of stage lights, surrounded by rehearsals, show tunes, and storytelling—she understands firsthand the lasting impact of theatre on young people. This personal and professional perspective fuels her commitment to creating meaningful, high-quality theatrical experiences for every student.
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Guided by the words of Sanford Meisner, “Acting is the ability to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances,” Mrs. Marshall strives to instill authenticity, discipline, and creativity in all her students. As she steps into this next chapter, she looks forward to empowering students and leading the program with purpose, connection, and care.
Gail K. Marshall
Head Direcror
Lillian Dotson
Assistant Direcror
Mrs. Dotson is thrilled to join the Heath Hawk Theatre Company as the Head Director for the 9th Grade Campus and Assistant High School Director. Entering her sixth year as a theatre educator, and her fifth year in Rockwall ISD, Mrs. Dotson brings a dynamic blend of pedagogical excellence, technical precision, and creative innovation to the program.
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A proud graduate of East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University–Commerce), Mrs. Dotson holds a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education and History. This dual background drives her deep appreciation for dramaturgy, storytelling, and textual analysis. Grounded in classical Stanislavski acting methodologies, Mrs. Dotson specializes in cultivating authentic character work, critical thinking, and student-led ensemble dynamics.
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Known across the district for building a culture of artistic excellence, enthusiasm, and community engagement, Mrs. Dotson previously spent four years growing the Theatre Department at Cain Middle School where she spearheaded acclaimed, vibrant musical productions—including Into the Woods Jr., Matilda Jr., The SpongeBob Musical YPE, and The Wizard of Oz YPE—consistently setting high benchmarks for student performance, creativity, and technical polish on the Southside.
Ethyn Gutierrez