Liberty High School Choir Department
Bud Stephen (1941-2019) was a man whose impact in Theatre and the Performing Arts was as bountiful as it was impressive. As a passionate educator, actor and director of high schools, colleges, and community theater for more than 30 years, he was loved by thousands of Las Vegas students and performers. During his career, Bud taught Theater classes at Las Vegas High School and was the director of countless musicals. He even added a theatrical flair to the Math and Physics classes that he taught. Bud was also a member of TASI, giving him the opportunity to be an actor and theater director at Reed Whipple. To keep busy during the summer months, Bud directed plays at Spring Mountain Ranch Super Summer Theater. In addition, he shared his craft by teaching Speech and Theater Arts at CCSN. While at Las Vegas High School, he was the Auditorium Manager, and was in charge of booking events such as tours and concerts coming to Las Vegas. After retiring, he was the Booking Manager for Southern Nevada Lamplight Carolers, a group in which his wife, Anne, sang. Among his degrees were a BA in Speech and Theatre Arts, a BA in Secondary Education / Math and Science, and an MA in Theatre.
In 1974, during rehearsals for Peter Pan at the Judy Bailey Theater, Bud’s interest was sparked by Anne, who was in the ensemble of the show. Bud and Anne had a long courtship and finally married in 1982.
Anne Stephen is currently a consultant for the CCSD Secondary Fine Arts Office and has been spreading her extensive knowledge of music to CCSD music teachers, students, and even her own family members. Her numerous accomplishments include her 25 years of teaching. She began the first 2 years of her teaching career at Mabel Hoggart, and then moved to Las Vegas High School where she taught Choir for the next 23 years. In addition, Anne taught Secondary Choral Methods at UNLV, sharing her passion for music with upcoming educators. For years, Anne has been adjudicating CCSD choir festivals and the annual Honor Choir. Additionally, she has been Guest Conductor for Honor Choir three times and was the Chair/Co-Chair for CCSD Honor Choir and Nevada Allstate choir. She has been the President of the Nevada Music Education Association and Treasurer for the Nevada Chapter of the American Choir Directors Association (NACDA). In her spare time, she sang with the Southern Nevada Lamplight Carolers, managed by her husband, Bud. Her passion for music and teaching has earned her widespread praise and admiration by her students who affectionately still refer to her as “Miss Anne”. Her music career has taken her to new heights, and she plans to continue her mentoring and involvement with CCSD Honor Choir and Festival.