When Howard Cassidy started teaching drama at CQU (then Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education), Australia had just qualified for its first World Cup Soccer finals.

Over the next 32 years, there has been a dearth of soccer finals, but thousands of student actors have produced hundreds of productions.

And over the past 18 of those years, thousands of junior primary school children have enjoyed Storybook Theatre shows presented by Howard and the CQU Theatre-in-Education Company.

It is fitting, then, that Howard's final curtain with CQU should involve a Storybook Theatre season, with a show this week inspired by quality children's books, including 'Miss Lily's Fabulous Pink Feather Boa'.

Storybook Theatre productions are always booked out and always popular as they bring books to life and include thought-provoking themes.

Audience members also get to meet the actors in costume at the end of the shows.

"We aim to educate through theatre and about theatre," said Howard.

The drama lecturer will also have fond memories of many western tours with Theatre-in-Education companies, thanks to a 26-year partnership with the Priority Country Area Program.

These tours have often included tiny schools in the remote parts of central and western Queensland.

Howard remembers that one group of remote students was so keen that they greeted the visiting actors from the roof of the school - in costume and waving madly.

Howard is moving to Brisbane where he will continue to work in the university system with Griffith and QUT.

Photos: Howard's end ... a colourful way to bow out for the drama veteran.