Dan Garza Inspires Future Theater Stars at Holmes High School

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Theater students engaged in a puppetry workshop

News Summary

Dan Garza, a former student of Holmes High School in San Antonio, returned to inspire theater students with his journey as a puppeteer and voice actor. His visit included a captivating performance that engaged over 30 students, sharing life lessons and encouraging them to pursue their dreams in the arts. Garza’s unique experiences, from his humble beginnings to success in the entertainment industry, left a lasting impression on the next generation of performers.

San Antonio’s Dan Garza Returns to Inspire Theater Students at His Alma Mater

If you’re a theater enthusiast in San Antonio, you probably know the name Dan Garza. Recently, this homegrown talent made waves back at Holmes High School, where he once walked the halls as a student himself. On Valentine’s Day, he shared his journey as a puppeteer and voice actor, inspiring the next generation of performers who dream of making their mark in the arts.

An Enchanting Presentation

The presentation took place shortly after the “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE” show at the Tobin Center. Dan thrilled students in the school’s Black Box Theater by performing a scene alongside student Alex Herrera, bringing the popular character Junior Gorg to life, a role Garza holds in the beloved show “Fraggle Rock.”

From Humble Beginnings

Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence

Onlookers might not have noticed, but Garza’s right hand was underdeveloped at birth. This detail wasn’t acknowledged by his teacher or classmates, yet it only fueled his determination to break stereotypes and follow his dreams. Through theater, he found not just a creative outlet but a support system that lifted him up, and he expressed gratitude for these formative experiences that shaped him.

A Journey Across Borders

After completing high school, Garza had a brief stint in Monterrey, Mexico, where he worked with his father, a recording engineer. He even dabbled in Lucha Libre wrestling! But it wasn’t long before he returned to his real passion—acting. He took on various jobs, from working in a dental lab to financial services at USAA, all while casting his net in the arts.

Pathway to Success

Dan’s curious nature led him to study animation at the Art Institute of Phoenix before making his way to Burbank, California. This was where he finally stepped into the wide world of puppetry and voice acting, contributing to major studios like Disney and Nickelodeon. His participation in a Henson diversity workshop propelled him into further opportunities, eventually landing a job on “Splash and Bubbles.”

Teaching Life Lessons

During his heartwarming session at Holmes High, Garza engaged over 30 students, sharing invaluable life lessons that extend beyond acting. One memorable exercise involved cans of vegetables, serving as a metaphor for personal values and self-worth. He encouraged students to embrace their uniqueness and live authentically, reassuring them that their choices in life matter significantly.

Positive Impact on Students

The theater arts teachers at Holmes High expressed their heartfelt appreciation for Garza’s visit, noting how inspiring it was for the students. Sophomore Gael Bocanegra, among other students, felt invigorated and motivated to chase his own dreams after witnessing Garza’s successful path. It seems clear that Dan Garza not only entertained during his return visit but left behind a lasting impression that will resonate for years to come.