Sitting in an audience chair at the Moorpark High School's Performing Arts building, Steve Robertson patiently watches his students as they read through their scripts on stage.

In a couple of weeks, the students will have perfected their lines and performance for the coming school production, "Who Killed Elvis," which will begin at the end of November.

After 41 years of teaching drama, directing a performance may appear routine for Robertson. But, he said, each class brings new experiences and challenges.

"It doesn't get old, and it's always changing," said Robertson. "If I didn't really like what I was doing here, I wouldn't have been here this long."

Robertson's enthusiasm for teaching at the school and his commitment to youth and the performing arts in the community will be celebrated Nov. 18 at Café Firenze in Moorpark. Robertson will receive the Champion of the Arts award from the High Street Theater Foundation, a nonprofit group founded to provide support for the performing and visual arts in Moorpark.

The foundation is also honoring Robertson by naming its youth workshop the "Steve Robertson Youth Theater Workshop."

"He has just given so much of his time in support of the youth of this community. We thought it was long overdue to honor him," said Ralph Mauriello, secretary of the foundation.

Robertson began his teaching career in 1966 at Moorpark High School, then known as Moorpark Memorial Union High School, after getting a degree in theater with a minor in English from San Fernando Valley State College, now CSU Northridge. He got his master's degree in theater from UC Santa Barbara.

He is divorced and the father of two daughters.

"I was only hired at the high school for a year because the previous teacher was on leave and supposed to be back. I liked it so much and I was fortunate to have stayed on well beyond what was originally planned," Robertson said.

He taught at Moorpark for five years before moving to the city, where he has been a resident for 36 years.

He's voice of games, news

Robertson has many accomplishments in addition to teaching. He has served as the football announcer at the school for 40 years and has emceed the school's graduation. He also announces the news bulletin each day to the students over the school intercom.

His news bulletins are something the students look forward to each day, said Moorpark High School Principal Kirk Miyashiro.

"Each morning our students are greeted with gooooooood morning, Moorpark High' and sent to class with open eyes, open your ears, open those textbooks, and let's start learning,' said Miyashiro.

"If there is one faculty member that has given his life and soul to the school and students, it would be Mr. Robertson. It has been a privilege working with such a committed educator."

Outside school, Robertson was the director of the Moorpark Melodrama for 11 years, where he worked on more than 24 productions.

He has served as master of ceremonies for the Miss Moorpark Pageant since 1967, and the Miss Ventura County Pageant since 1997.

Until this year, he also served as the parade announcer and the main stage entertainment coordinator for Moorpark Country Days.

Robertson said his main passion lies with teaching drama at the school, where he has overseen countless productions over the years. And he has no plans of retiring anytime soon.

Students have done well

"It's great to see the students come in as freshmen and be able to learn and achieve so much by the time they are seniors," he said.

Some of his former students have performed at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and in theater performances in Las Vegas, as well as on television.

Megan Rayzor, a Moorpark High School senior who has taken classes with Robertson beginning as a freshman, said she appreciates Robertson for all his work.

"He's a great teacher and has taught us a lot," she said. "He makes everyone feel comfortable on stage with performing. He's really approachable and nice to be around," said Rayzor, who is appearing in the lead role of Sandy in "Grease" at the Camarillo Community Theater.

Robertson said he appreciates being recognized for his work over the years by having the youth workshop dedicated in his honor.

"Young people need a positive direction and a goal to work instead of just hanging out. Any way we can encourage our youth to stay active and productive is worth it," Robertson said.

"While being recognized is always great, the best part of my job is when you get to the end of the show and see the kids congratulate each other. Seeing the pleasure they get from being on stage and a job well done. That's the real award for me."