Studio VII

Full Bio

Emily Rickford (formally Hernandez) grew up in Katy, Texas and attended Katy ISD schools since elementary school. Throughout junior high and high school, her love for theatre grew as she participated in theatre classes and productions. Ms. Rickford discovered her passion for teaching though an inclusion based theatre class as a Junior in high school at Cinco Ranch High School, where she worked one on one with students with special needs in a theatre class setting. 

After graduating from Cinco Ranch HS, she attended Stephen F. Austin State University with the goal to become a theatre teacher. She graduated college in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education. Ms. Rickford is professionally certified in Theatre and Speech and began teaching theatre at Beckendorff Junior High (BDJH) in 2010 as an assistant theatre director. In 2018, Ms. Rickford was promoted to head theatre director, which is when her and Mr. Oliver started working together. She has directed or assisted with approximately thirty plays or musicals during her career at Beckendorff Junior High. She was nominated as First Year Teacher of the Year for BDJH in 2011 and was awarded Teacher of the Year for BDJH for the 21-22 school year.

In May of 2023, Ms. Rickford received notification that the feeder high school of BDJH, Seven Lakes, had openings for both their theatre director positions. Knowing that this was a dream job scenario, Ms. Rickford applied hoping for the best. A week later she got the call that she had gotten the position alongside Mr. Oliver, who would be the Tech Director.

Ms. Rickford believes that theatre is a place for students of all backgrounds and cultures. She reinforces the idea that all students are accepted in theatre, regardless of their cognitive or physical abilities or whether they are shy or outgoing. Her main goal is to create a safe environment for students that are hard workers and passionate about their craft. She believes teachers must embrace the individuality of each student while fostering a creative space that inspires students to use their skills in and outside of the theatre classroom. 

Ms. Rickford enjoys spending time outdoors (preferably in the mountains or by a lake) eating cookies, and spending time with her rambunctious dog, named Baker. She is excited to be able to continue the legacy of Studio VII Theatre Co. and is excited for what new adventures this year will bring!