Greetings Mavs and families! My name is Mr. Stepan and I am Murphy Middle School's theatre and speech teacher. I have been with MMS since 2022 and teach courses including Theatre 1, Theatre 2 Technical Theatre, Theatre 3 Advanced, Speech 1 Intro to Public Speaking, Speech 2 Intro to Debate, and Speech 3 Advanced Debate. I also serve as the director of MMS's fall show and One Act Play Competition production, and coach our speech/debate team. 

I am a graduate of Sam Houston State University (BFA Theatre) and Cal State LA (MFA Television, Film and Theatre/Acting Option), and am certified to teach Theatre EC-12 and Speech 7-12. I have performed, directed, and worked front-of-house with a number of local theatre companies. Prior to joining the faculty of Murphy Middle School I taught introductory acting at Cal State LA while completing my degree. 

When I'm not directing theatre or coaching speech/debate on campus, I enjoy spending time with my family, acting and directing outside of school, exploring state and national parks, and reading.