STATE OF THE ART

Alan Kim (ACT, ‘30) was shortlisted for the John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize Competition. The John Locke Essay Prize Competition, one of the most prestigious international essay competitions in the world, received over 63,000 entries this year from over 190 countries. Being shortlisted is a distinction earned by 18% of the applicants.

Amari McCoy (ACT, ‘30) was cast as the lead voice of Stella Sneedly in “Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches” on Netflix. Amari will also play the lead role of A.J. in the 2026 Disney Jr. animated series “Hey A.J.!”

Brent Cho (ACT, ‘27), Arabella Kim (BCD, ‘27), and Yesoul Kim (BCD, ‘28) founded Heartbeat of Korea in 2025, a traditional Korean performance club dedicated to teaching Korean dance and music, showcasing traditional clothing, and volunteering at events to share the beauty of Korean heritage with the community. Under the guidance of El-Erian Family Acting Conservatory Instructor Jay Wallace, Arabella, Brent, and Yesoul received a $1,500 scholarship from the Korean Education Center in Los Angeles, under the Ministry of Education of Korea, to purchase clothing, traditional Korean fans and drums, and craft materials.

Brianna Klein (ACT, ‘27) made the National Team for Aesthetic Group Gymnastics in her age division. The National Team in Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG) selects athletes to represent the country in international competitions like the World Championships and World Cups.

ChloeLux Phan (ACT, ‘26) booked her first commercial voiceover project through her representation under CESD Talent Agency. The commercial will be broadcast nationwide.

Gordon Rocks (ACT, ‘28) attended the California Premiere Special Screening of the feature film “Griffin in Summer" in August 2025 at Lumiere Cinema at the Music Hall in Beverly Hills alongside the other lead and supporting actors, Everett Blunck, Melanie Lynskey, Kathryn Newton, and Johanna Colón.

Isabella Sun (ACT, ‘30) was a first-prize winner in the 2025 International Music Competition “Paris” Grand Prize Virtuoso. Isabella was selected to perform at the Studio of the Opera Bastille in Paris in December.

Jovie Leigh Ugerio (ACT, ‘27) starred in the short film, “The Stand,” directed by Oanh-Nhi Nguyen. Jovie also attended the world premiere of the short film at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025. “The Stand” follows a determined immigrant girl who must work with her pesky kid brother in order for them both to survive. When her mother is forced to leave their family’s bustling food stand, the young girl must earn enough money to give their mom a rare night off to attend her choir concert.

Levi Sternshein (ACT, ‘24) booked a role in the movie “Mistletoe & Magic,” which began shooting in December 2025. Levi also shot a national El Pollo Loco commercial in the same month.

Nathan Rhee (ACT, ‘31) played Charles (Green Cast) and Otho (Purple Cast) in Broadway Arts Studio’s production of “Beetlejuice Jr.” Nathan performed at the Lakeforest Performing Arts Center alongside his cast members in October 2025.

Amelie Zazik (IA, ‘31) and Max Zazik (ACT, ‘29) performed the lead roles in the short film “Awake,” which was named an official selection of the 2025 Brooklyn Sci-Fi Film Festival.