Ted White, a beloved Seton-LaSalle High School English teacher and drama director who raised the level of high school theater productions to new heights, died Tuesday of congestive heart failure. He was 71.

Mr. White was more than an instructor, said fellow Seton-LaSalle English teacher Jon Manear. He was a passionate mentor who pushed his students to succeed. In the classroom, Mr. White enlivened his studies with dramatics, making his courses some of the most popular at Seton-LaSalle, formerly known as South Hills Catholic.

"He was a very enthusiastic, generous, dedicated and professional teacher," said Mr. Manear. "Students wanted to take his classes."

In the auditorium and on the stage, Mr. White had a profound influence on the students he directed, several of whom have gone on to national careers in television, theater and music.

"He was incredibly inspirational to me. He made us all believe in our own potential," said Stephen Flaherty, a former student who became a Tony Award-winning Broadway composer. "Without his encouragement, I wouldn't have pursued a career in theater as a composer."

Mary Robb Jackson, who participated in Mr. White's South Catholic production of "The King and I" more than 40 years ago, is currently an anchor on KDKA-TV.

"He expected great things from you and you rose to the occasion," she said. "If someone expects you to be the absolute best, that carries on for the rest of your life."

Maria Alsatti, another former student who has gone on to star in opera productions throughout the United States and Europe, agrees.

"He inspired me because of his love of what he did," she said. "He pulled the very best out of everyone he worked with."

Mr. White was born in Pittsburgh and lived in Brookline for most of his life. He graduated from LaSalle University in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and theology. In 1962, he earned a bachelor's degree in education from Duquesne University.

Mr. White began teaching in 1961 and remained at Seton-LaSalle for 40 years. But teacher was not his only role. He was also a well-known local actor with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera from the late 1960s to the early '70s, appearing in numerous productions, including "Kismet" and "Gypsy."

In the 1970s, Mr. White participated in several locally based musical revues along with Bob McCully and Joe Negri, better known as Handyman Negri on "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood."

"I remember Ted for his musicality and for his performing ability and he was just a delight to work with," said Mr. Negri. "He was a phenomenal talent."

In the same decade, Mr. White became a regular on an evening magazine program on KDKA-TV, discussing food and area restaurants.

During his time at Seton-LaSalle, Mr. White brought high school theater to new prominence, attracting large audiences with each performance.

"He produced some pretty outstanding productions," said Mr. Manear. "So much so that we had full houses for two weekends."

Such success came at no small price.

"He was very demanding," said Mr. Manear. But demands often went hand-in-hand with encouragement.

"He said, 'Know your lines.' And if you missed them, he charged you a quarter and bought you flowers on opening night," said Ms. Jackson.

Ms. Alsatti remembers Mr. White's unique methods of direction fondly.

"As most directors, he knew what he wanted. But what was good about Ted was that ... he wanted to see what you could do with it," she said. "It wasn't his way or no way. He wanted you to create."

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Monday at 7 p.m. in St. Pius X Church, Brookline. There will be no public visitation. An additional memorial Mass will be celebrated June 3 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Seton-LaSalle High School.