By: Natalia Cruz

     Thunderous applause followed more than just the curtain call for Dr. Sanderson, a beloved Tempe Prep theater teacher and director. He has won the prestigious Arizoni Award for Best Director for his work on the farcical murder mystery Clue. The recognition marks a high point in a year full of both artistic triumph and personal challenge.

     When asked about his favorite part of directing Clue, Dr. Sanderson said, “Seeing it all come together… The set, lights, and costumes were pretty epic. It was a privilege to work under those circumstances.” Staged at a state university with a sizable budget, the production dazzled both visually and comedically.

     Winning the award came as a surprise. “I almost didn’t go to the ceremony because I didn’t think I would win,” he admitted. “I was shocked and happy to know I won.”

     The path to the director’s chair was not easy. Dr. Sanderson had to apply for the opportunity by submitting a proposal and resume, competing for a spot typically reserved for one graduate student each season. At the time, he was also balancing rehearsals with writing his PhD dissertation while managing childcare responsibilities in the evenings because his wife, a nurse, also worked nights. “It was hard to balance it with all the other aspects of life,” he shared.

     A major challenge was coaching actors to perform farce, a comedic style unfamiliar to many of them. “Some did more films than plays, and they are very different… it required some to do something they had never done before,” he explained.

     Dr. Sanderson attributes much of his directorial growth to observing others. “I’ve worked with lots of directors with lots of different styles, so I’ve learned what a good and bad director look like,” he said.

     His advice to aspiring theater students? “Treat everything as a learning experience… unless you have a legitimate reason for saying no, just say yes. Even if it’s a bad experience, you will learn a lot from it.”

     For Dr. Sanderson, directing Clue was not just about laughter and mystery, it was about growth, resilience, and a well-earned standing ovation.

     However, we should not forget that this award is not the only milestone this spring. Dr. Sanderson will receive his PhD diploma in Theater and Performance of the Americas on May 12th. Congratulations from us all at TPA!