Gai Jones, Founder of CA Youth in Theatre, entered educational theatre by way of a small liberal arts college for women in Oklahoma which offered a specialized degree, BA in Speech and Drama, an equivalent of a BFA. While teaching eighth grade Speech/Drama in Fullerton, CA, she completed an MA in Theatre as the first woman to receive the degree at CA State University, Fullerton in 1968. For her thesis she performed a one- woman show based on the evolution from Elocution to modern Oral Interpretation of Literature. She taught Theatre at El Dorado High School, Placentia, CA, for thirty-four years. Upon retirement, the Black Box Theater was named The Gai Jones Theater. Served on SCETA board, CETA SO and CETA boards as member-at-large, then President; Regional Director of Educational Theatre Association; CA State Thespian Director. Named to Who’s Who in Secondary Education, Young Leaders of Education, Who’s Who in Women Educators; Inductee into the EdTA and CA Thespian Hall of Fames; Recipient of CETA Outstanding Educator; Founder of CA Youth in Theatre, EdTA Presidents Award, EdTA Governing Board Member, Vice President, President and now Past President.

She is included in THE WORLD’S WHO’S WHO OF WOMEN; SECONDARY EDUCATORS OF AMERICA; YOUNG EDUCATORS OF AMERICA; CAAE LEADERS IN THEATRE EDUCATION; STAGE DIRECTIONS, LEADERS IN AMERICA. She has been installed into the following Halls of Fame:  Outstanding Arts Educator for Orange County; CETA Outstanding Educator; CA State Thespians; EdTA Hall of Fame, CA; has been granted a Theatre In Our Schools Award with AATE; PTSA Service Award; she is a member of DAR, Zeta Phi Eta, AATE, EdTA.

Mrs. Jones lives with husband Dr. Wendell Jones in Ojai, CA and is supportive of daughters Marcie Jones, Director Aspire Public Schools LA and Alder GSE teacher residency; Director; Karyn Carney, educator; son-in-law Michael, retired Army Major, and grandson, Laith.