Elizabeth Ann “Miz Liz” Gaidry

Grande Dame of El Paso Theater | Teacher | Director | Costumer | Visionary

Background

Elizabeth Ann Gaidry, known to generations of El Pasoans simply as “Miz Liz,” was the revered Grande Dame of El Paso theater—an institution whose influence spanned decades. The El Paso Times fittingly described her as “a legend.” Her work touched nearly every aspect of the performing arts. She performed, taught, choreographed, directed, and costumed countless productions while mentoring generations of artists and students.

Liz was instrumental in the education of many students at EPHS. Her last act was developing, producing and directing the Legacy Series for the EPHS Centennial Celebration. She planned, produced and directed the Series which included 100 Years of Excellence of History, Architecture and Trost; 100 Years of Excellence in Sports; 100 Years of Excellence in Military; 100 Years of Excellence in the Arts; 100 Years of Excellence in Academics and Leadership.

Theater & Teaching Career

-In the 1960s, she starred in the historic Turn of the Century Melodramas with Howell Eurich and Pappy Clark.

- Helped found the Festival Theater on Montana Street (today the El Paso Playhouse).

- Choreographed the UTEP Golddiggers dance team.

- Taught theater and dance at Jefferson High School, UTEP, and NMSU, concluding her career at El Paso High School.

- For 22 years, she directed and inspired thousands of young people through the El Paso Independent School District’s Summer Musical Program.

Entrepreneurial & Creative Contributions

- Proprietor of Miz Liz Costumes, which became a cornerstone of her theatrical work.

- Directed The Passion Play for eight years, bringing it to venues ranging from La Tuna Federal Prison to the bullring in Juárez.

- Collaborated with Mayor Don Henderson to create a historical drama of El Paso and oversaw the development of the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater, future home of Viva El Paso! (Bicentennial, 1976).

- Designed costumes for the UTEP Dinner Theatre, NMSU Theatre Department, and the El Paso Opera. - Directed the Junior League Follies.

Preservation & Legacy Projects

- In 1975, she directed and costumed a production on Sarah Bernhardt at the Plaza Theatre, helping to raise awareness for its preservation.

- Later, she produced and directed the first play at the Philanthropy Theatre as part of the El Paso Community Foundation’s multi-million-dollar restoration of the Plaza.

- In 2016, at the age of 80, she researched, wrote, interviewed alumni, coordinated, and directed the majestic El Paso High School Centennial Celebration—a yearlong event celebrating the school’s 100 years.

Legacy

 Elizabeth Ann “Miz Liz” Gaidry’s life was devoted to teaching, motherhood, and the arts. Her passion, creativity, and vision enriched the cultural life of El Paso for more than half a century.