Welcome to State of the Art, where we celebrate all of the phenomenal accomplishments of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Congratulations to all, and don't forget to submit your accomplishments!

To submit a success story to be featured in State of the Art, please fill out the accomplishment submission form here.

To view additional accomplishments by conservatory, please visit this page.

  • OCSA alumni perform in Disney’s ¡Viva Navidad! at Disney California Adventure Park
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    OCSA alumni perform in Disney’s ¡Viva Navidad! at Disney California Adventure Park
    The following alumni were selected to perform in the return of Disney’s ¡Viva Navidad! at Disney California Adventure Park. This heartfelt street party celebrates both Mexican and Brazilian cultures through the characters of the famed movie "The Three Caballeros."

    Jackie Alvarez (IM, ‘18)
    Vivian Alvarez (BF, ‘19)
    Dominique Breckenridge (BF, ‘16)
    Iris Distancia (BF, ‘16)
    Matthew De Leon (BF, ‘17)
    Alyssa Gomez (BF, ‘17)
    Michael Gomez (BF, ‘14)
    Melina Marin (MT, ‘18)
    Adrian Martinez (BF, ‘20)
    Brianna Marquez BF, ‘18)
    Madeline Peña (BF, ‘14)
    Jose Rea (BF, ‘18)
    Rodrigo Rea (BF, ‘21)
    Jose Rivera (BF, ‘18)
  • Maya Bleszinski music directed and Kyle Stafford staged and directed "Ghost Quartet"
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    Maya Bleszinski music directed and Kyle Stafford staged and directed "Ghost Quartet"
    Maya Bleszinski (MT, ‘23) music directed and Kyle Stafford (ACT, ‘23) staged and directed Act One Project’s production of "Ghost Quartet." Act One Project is a student-run theatre company founded by Kyle.
  • Adrienne Amanda Morrow was cast in "A Christmas Story: The Musical"
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    Adrienne Amanda Morrow was cast in "A Christmas Story: The Musical"
    Adrienne Amanda Morrow (MT, ‘25) was cast in "A Christmas Story: The Musical" at Tuacahn Center for the Arts in St. George, Utah.
  • Kelsey Bray was cast in South Coast Repertory’s "A Christmas Carol"
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    Kelsey Bray was cast in South Coast Repertory’s "A Christmas Carol"
    Kelsey Bray (MT, ‘17) was cast in South Coast Repertory’s annual production of "A Christmas Carol."
  • Ceci Balagot was cast as Frankie Stein in the upcoming Nickelodeon live-action musical movie "Monster High"
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    Ceci Balagot was cast as Frankie Stein in the upcoming Nickelodeon live-action musical movie "Monster High"
    Ceci Balagot (MT, ‘19) was cast as Frankie Stein in the upcoming live-action musical movie "Monster High" which will air on Nickelodeon in 2022.
  • Nina Herzog was selected to star in "My (Unauthorized) Hallmark Movie Musical"
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    Nina Herzog was selected to star in "My (Unauthorized) Hallmark Movie Musical"
    Nina Herzog (MT, ‘09) was selected to star in "My (Unauthorized) Hallmark Movie Musical" at the Broadwater Theater in Los Angeles.
  • OCSA students were recognized as 2022 YoungArts Winners by the National YoungArts Foundation
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    OCSA students were recognized as 2022 YoungArts Winners by the National YoungArts Foundation
    The following students were recognized as 2022 YoungArts Winners by the National YoungArts Foundation for their artistic achievements. All YoungArts award winners at all levels receive cash prizes between $100 and $10,000. All YoungArts Finalists were also invited to participate in National YoungArts Week+, which features virtual classes and performances, workshops, mentorship opportunities, and an exhibition for the public.

    Finalists:
    Emmy Cheung (CMD, ‘22) – Dance (Modern/Contemporary)
    Ethan Chu (FTV, ‘21) – Film
    Youning Jiang (FTV, ‘22) – Film
    Chaewon Kim (CW, ‘23) – Design Arts
    Lauren Mei (ACT, ‘23) – Theater
    Kailyn Yi (CMD, ‘22) – Dance (Modern/Contemporary)

    Honorable Mentions:
    Andy Choi (CW, ‘22) – Writing (Play or Script)
    Johann Ren Collantes (FTV, ‘21) – Film
    Amy Jong (IM, ‘24) – Classical Music (Violoncello)
    Wyatt Layton (CW, ‘23) – Writing (Creative Nonfiction)

    Merit:
    Heather Kim (IM, ‘24) – Classical Music (Flute)
    Ava Kuntz (CV, ‘21) – Voice (Classical)
    Mia Lopez (BF, ‘23) – Dance (World Dance Forms: Mexican Folkloric)
    London San Luis (DM, ‘23) – Visual Arts
    Caitlyn Mason (CW, ‘23) – Writing (Creative Nonfiction)
    Aidan Meixner (MT, ‘22) – Voice (Singer-Songwriter)
    Ava Ulloa (PM, ‘22) – Voice (Popular: Pop)
    Jocelyn Wang (PM, ‘23) – Voice (Singer-Songwriter)
    Sein Yun (IM, ‘22) – Classical Music (Violin)
    Helaine Zhao (IM, ‘24) – Classical Music (Piano)

    In addition, Emmy Cheung (CMD, ‘22) and Youning Jiang (FTV, ‘22) attended National YoungArts Week+ as 2022 YoungArts Winners and were nominated to be named 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts in Dance (Modern/Contemporary) and Film respectively. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars will ultimately choose 20 of the 60 nominees to be recognized for their academic and artistic accomplishments, leadership, community outreach, and overall creativity.
  • Lana Sawalha, an OCSA History Teacher, was offered the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Fellowship
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    Lana Sawalha, an OCSA History Teacher, was offered the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Fellowship
    Lana Sawalha, an OCSA history teacher, was offered the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Fellowship in Scott, KS. The fellowship is awarded annually to educators who have distinguished themselves in teaching understanding and respect through project-based learning.
  • Sophia Vernon was cast in "Teens on Tour: The Center of the Universe"
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    Sophia Vernon was cast in "Teens on Tour: The Center of the Universe"
    Sophia Vernon (MT, ‘26) was cast in Phantom Projects Theatre Group's production of "Teens on Tour: The Center of the Universe" at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
  • Matthew Garbacz’s band, The Kings of Queen Tribute, booked a tour
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    Matthew Garbacz’s band, The Kings of Queen Tribute, booked a tour
    Matthew Garbacz’s (MT, ‘23) band, The Kings of Queen Tribute, booked a week-long tour in Nashville.
  • OSCA's FTV alumni received awards at this year’s All American High School Film Festival
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    OSCA's FTV alumni received awards at this year’s All American High School Film Festival
    The following FTV alumni received awards at this year’s All American High School Film Festival in New York City in October:

    WINNERS
    Best Drama:
    Ethan Chu (FTV, ‘21) - "Pho"

    Best Cinematography:
    Antone Axten (MT, ‘21) - "Pho"

    Female Rising Star Award:
    Allee Stone (FTV, ‘20)

    Best Music Video:
    Noah Frech (FTV, ‘21) - "Run Away"

    NOMINEES
    Best Overall:
    Ethan Chu (FTV, ‘21) - "Pho"
    Allee Stone (FTV, ‘20) - "Tess & Dodi"
    Nolan Trifunovic (FTV, ‘21) - "The Other"

    Best Directing:
    Ethan Chu (FTV, ‘21) - "Pho"
    Allee Stone (FTV, ‘20) - "Tess & Dodi"
    Ellie Weber (FTV, ‘21) - "The Omega"

    Best Drama:
    Ren Collantes (FTV, ‘21) - "Dreams of Ambivalence"
    Ellie Weber (FTV, ‘21) - "The Omega"

    Best Cinematography:
    Antone Axten (FTV, ‘21) - "By Your Side"
    Nolan Trifunovic (FTV, ‘21) - "The Other"

    Best Screenplay:
    Allee Stone (FTV, ‘20) - "Tess & Dodi"
    Ellie Weber (FTV, ‘21) - "The Omega"

    Female Rising Star Award:
    Ellie Weber (FTV, ‘21)

    Best Score:
    Ren Collantes (FTV, ‘21) - "Dreams of Ambivalence"
    Ellie Weber (FTV, ‘21) - "The Omega"

    Best Comedy:
    Allee Stone (FTV, ‘20) - "Tess & Dodi"

    Best Music Video:
    Nolan Trifunovic (FTV, ‘21) - "Know Better"
  • Orange County School of the Arts was featured in a KTLA article about recent Niche ranking
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    Orange County School of the Arts was featured in a KTLA article about recent Niche ranking
    Orange County School of the Arts was featured in an article by KTLA about our recent Niche ranking as the #1 Best Charter High School in California for the third year in a row, as well as the #6 Best Charter High School in America for 2022. To read the full article, please visit: https://bit.ly/3Iy3N1k
  • Dylan Panetta and Ava Grace Recana performed the main roles of Miss Honey and Matilda in "Matilda the Musical"
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    Dylan Panetta and Ava Grace Recana performed the main roles of Miss Honey and Matilda in "Matilda the Musical"
    Dylan Panetta (IA, ‘25) and Ava Grace Recana (MT, ‘26) were cast in and performed the main roles of Miss Honey and Matilda respectively in Arts & Learning Conservatory’s production of "Matilda the Musical."
  • Roman Xavier Elson was featured in a YouTube video by entrepreneur and filmmaker Dhar Mann
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    Roman Xavier Elson was featured in a YouTube video by entrepreneur and filmmaker Dhar Mann
    Roman Xavier Elson (MT, ‘26) was featured in a YouTube video by entrepreneur and filmmaker Dhar Mann, entitled "Big Brother Hates His Little Bro."
  • Elective and Conservatory Instructor Cameron Shim received his Level 1 Teaching Certification
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    Elective and Conservatory Instructor Cameron Shim received his Level 1 Teaching Certification
    Elective and Conservatory Instructor Cameron Shim received his Level 1 Teaching Certification for Aerial Silks from Aerial Physique.
  • OCSA students were recognized as semifinalists in The Music Center's 33rd Annual Spotlight Program
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    OCSA students were recognized as semifinalists in The Music Center's 33rd Annual Spotlight Program
    The following students were recognized as semifinalists in The Music Center’s 33rd Annual Spotlight Program. Spotlight is a nationally acclaimed arts training and scholarship program for teens that awards more than $100,000 in cash scholarships annually. Semifinalists have the opportunity to attend a special master class in their discipline with highly regarded artists who share their expertise on performance technique, training, and professional life. Each semifinalist will virtually audition once more, and the top two finalist performers in each category will be selected for a total of 14 Grand Prize Finalists.

    Classical Semifinalists:
    Leo Sui (IM, ‘23)

    Jazz Semifinalists:
    Max Gilbert (IM, ‘22)
    Nathan Tatsuta (IM, ‘24)

    Acting Semifinalists:
    Grace Wilcox (ACT, ‘22)
    Kaya Sparnicht (ACT, '25)
    Landon Wouters (MT, ‘22)
    Tessa Espinola (ACT, ‘25)
  • Erin Tardibuono was selected by producer Bruce Kimmel to sing in the 117th Kritzerland Cabaret Show
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    Erin Tardibuono was selected by producer Bruce Kimmel to sing in the 117th Kritzerland Cabaret Show
    Erin Tardibuono (MT, ‘25) was selected by producer Bruce Kimmel to sing "How Lovely to be a Woman / One Boy" and "Ship in a Bottle" in the 117th Kritzerland Cabaret Show at Feinstein's at Vitello's in Studio City.
  • Jordan Cruz was cast as one of the elves in a production of "Elf the Musical"
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    Jordan Cruz was cast as one of the elves in a production of "Elf the Musical"
    Jordan Cruz (MT, ‘21) was cast as one of the elves in a production of "Elf the Musical" with the equity theater Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • Sarah Anderson, Zach Hoffman, and Lauren Williams were cast and performed in "Les Miserables" with Braver Players Musical Theater Foundation
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    Sarah Anderson, Zach Hoffman, and Lauren Williams were cast and performed in "Les Miserables" with Braver Players Musical Theater Foundation
    Sarah Anderson (MT, ‘22), Zach Hoffman (ACT, ‘22), and Lauren Williams (ACT, ‘22) were cast and performed in "Les Miserables" with Braver Players Musical Theater Foundation as Cosette, Jean Valjean, and Fantine respectively.
  • OCSA’s Mock Trial Team advances to the Orange County finals for the first time and receives second place
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    OCSA’s Mock Trial Team advances to the Orange County finals for the first time and receives second place
    Congratulations to OCSA’s Mock Trial Team, faculty advisor Whitney Coates, and volunteer coaches Justice Halim Dhanidina, Melissa Brandman, J.D, and Ethan Feng, J.D. for advancing to the Orange County finals for the first time and receiving second place after competing against rigorous competition. OCSA’s Gold team advanced to the top eight for only the second time in the program’s history. The following students competed as members of the team.

    Sophia Abiera (ACT, ‘24)
    Sruthi Alle (CV, ‘22)
    Zabethah Bagnol (PD, ‘24)
    Charlotte Brandman (MT, ‘23)
    Sarah Demeter (CW, ‘25)
    Sammy Dorfman (IA, ‘24)
    V Garcia (ACT, ‘25)
    Mona George (CV, ‘25)
    Ethan Gray (ACT, ‘22)
    Kennedy Harrison (PD, ‘25)
    Sasha Herthel (ACT, ‘23)
    Joshua Hizon (MT, ‘23)
    Ashley Hodge (IA, ‘23)
    Toby Izenberg (CW, ‘23)
    Milo Karnes (IA, ‘24)
    Claire Karr (VA, ‘23)
    Emma Kay (ACT, ‘23)
    Annabelle Kim (CW, ‘23)
    Ariana Kim (IM, ‘25)
    Caitlin Kim (ACT, ‘25)
    Emily Kim (CW, ‘24)
    Fanny Kim (IA, ‘24)
    Isabella Kim (ACT, ‘25)
    Haley Kleinman (IA, ‘24)
    Elaine Lim (FTV, ‘25)
    Diego Linn (BR, ‘25)
    Samantha Liu (IM, ‘23)
    Regan Mading (IA, ‘23)
    Katia Miyamoto (CW, ‘24)
    Lucy Moriyama (ACT, ‘23)
    Daisy Noh (IA, ‘22)
    Kendall Phanco (VA, ‘23)
    Colin Root (ACT, ‘22)
    Ashima Sharma (CW, ‘25)
    Cat Silva-Oliveira (IA, ‘24)
    Ciara Tadeo (IA, ‘25)
    Josie Wang (PM, ‘23)
    Sophia Wilhelm (VA, ‘23)
    Lacole Yang (CW, ‘24)
  • Rick Messina was nominated for an Artios Award for his work on the film "The Tender Bar."
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    Rick Messina was nominated for an Artios Award for his work on the film "The Tender Bar."
    Rick Messina (MT, ‘95) was nominated for an Artios Award for his work on the film "The Tender Bar."
  • The OCSA Robotics Team qualified for the 2022 Southern California VRC High School State Championship
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    The OCSA Robotics Team qualified for the 2022 Southern California VRC High School State Championship
    The OCSA Robotics Team qualified for the 2022 Southern California VRC High School State Championship held at Damien High School, where they will compete for a chance to go to the 2022 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas.
  • Dante Basco and his family were featured in the Los Angeles Times for his recent directorial debut on his film "The Fabulous Filipino Brothers"
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    Dante Basco and his family were featured in the Los Angeles Times for his recent directorial debut on his film "The Fabulous Filipino Brothers"
    Dante Basco (MT, ‘93) and his family were featured in a Los Angeles Times front-page story about his recent directorial debut on his film "The Fabulous Filipino Brothers." For more info, please visit: https://lat.ms/3Kqv46y
  • The Orange County Register announced the nominees for the 9th Annual Artist of the Year Awards, including OCSA students from multiple conservatories
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    The Orange County Register announced the nominees for the 9th Annual Artist of the Year Awards, including OCSA students from multiple conservatories
    The Orange County Register announced the nominees for the 9th Annual Artist of the Year Awards. This program highlights talented students across the county for their accomplishments in the arts. Each of these students has proven their abilities in their areas of expertise.

    Film and Animation:

    Animation and Visual Effects
    Romeo Martin (DM, ‘22)

    Cinematography
    Justin Shin (FTV, ‘22)

    Directing and Editing
    Maggie Ding (FTV, ‘22)
    Youning Jiang (FTV, ‘22)
    Anirudh Vadhri Kota (FTV, ‘22)
    Alexis Ai Macdonald (FTV, ‘22)
    Nona Nishigawara (FTV, ‘22)
    Michael McDonald (IA, ‘22)

    Handcrafted Visual Arts:

    Hand Drawing and Painting
    Grace Jo (VA, ‘22)
    Alison Amber Lee (VA, ‘23)
    London San Luis (DM, ‘23)
    Xiaowei (Sophia) Wang (VA, ‘22)

    Mixed Media
    Joyce Yuruo Hong (VA, ‘22)
    Hannah Kang (VA, ‘22)

    Instrumental Music:

    Piano and Strings
    Xingyao Li (IM, ‘22)
    Sarah Parigela (IM, ‘23)
    Sein Yun (IM, ‘22)
    Hannah Zhao (IM, ‘22)
  • The Orange County Register announced the nominees for the 9th Annual Artist of the Year Awards, including OCSA students from multiple conservatories
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    The Orange County Register announced the nominees for the 9th Annual Artist of the Year Awards, including OCSA students from multiple conservatories
    The Orange County Register announced the nominees for the 9th Annual Artist of the Year Awards. This program highlights talented students across the county for their accomplishments in the arts. Each of these students has proven their abilities in their areas of expertise.

    Theater:

    Acting
    Scott Becker (ACT, ‘22)
    Carlos Jimenez (ACT, ‘22)
    Sophia Madrigal (ACT, ‘22)
    Lauren Mei (ACT, ‘23)

    Musical Theater Performance
    Kenneth Takeshita (MT, ‘22)
    Brooklyn Vizcarra (MT, ‘22)

    Vocal Music:

    Classical Voice
    Mia Paris Baron (CV, ‘23)
    Alexander Jeon (CV, ‘23)
    Evan Richards (CV, ‘22)

    Commercial Voice
    Ava Ulloa (PM, ‘22)
  • Hannah Solow made her debut as Gertie Cummings in the national tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “OKLAHOMA!”
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    Hannah Solow made her debut as Gertie Cummings in the national tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “OKLAHOMA!”
    Hannah Solow (MT, ‘08) made her debut as Gertie Cummings in the national tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “OKLAHOMA!” To read more about her journey to the national tour stage, please visit: https://bit.ly/3NBZ4Pp
  • Camryn Mi-Young Kim was cast as one of the whistleblowers, Erika Cheung, in the Hulu original series, “The Dropout”
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    Camryn Mi-Young Kim was cast as one of the whistleblowers, Erika Cheung, in the Hulu original series, “The Dropout”
    Camryn Mi-Young Kim (MT, ‘17) was cast as one of the whistleblowers, Erika Cheung, in the Hulu original series, “The Dropout,” which also features Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes.
  • Reese Hewitt and Allie Patow were cast and performed in the musical “Fun Home” at the Chance Theater
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    Reese Hewitt and Allie Patow were cast and performed in the musical “Fun Home” at the Chance Theater
    Reese Hewitt (MT, ‘25) and Allie Patow (MT, ‘26) were cast and performed in the musical “Fun Home” at the Chance Theater, which was nominated for multiple 2021 Orange County Theatre Guild Awards, including Outstanding Production of a Musical. To read more about the other awards for which they were nominated, please visit: https://bit.ly/3IYkkLw
  • OCSA students were cast in “Clue! The Murder Mystery Dinner Experience"
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    OCSA students were cast in “Clue! The Murder Mystery Dinner Experience"
    The following students were cast in “Clue! The Murder Mystery Dinner Experience.” This production, based on the movie and board game, sold out within 72 hours of ticket announcement.

    Mia Baron (CV, ‘23) as Mrs. Peacock
    Katie Cruz (MT, ‘23) as Mrs. White
    Ashlye Gambill (MT, ‘23) as Ms. Scarlett
    Caleb Malis (IA, ‘23) as Mr. Green
    Nathen McLaurin (MT, ‘23) as Professor Plum
    Luke Witting (IA, ‘23) as Colonel Mustard
  • The OC Register announced the Artist of the Year Winners for the 8th Annual Artist of the Year Awards
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    The OC Register announced the Artist of the Year Winners for the 8th Annual Artist of the Year Awards
    The Orange County Register announced the winners, finalists, and semifinalists for the 8th Annual Artist of the Year Awards, and OCSA had five winners out of seven arts categories this year! The Artist of the Year program honors talented students across the county for their accomplishments in the arts.

    Artist of the Year Winners:
    Joyce Yuruo Hong (VA, ‘22) - Handcrafted Visual Arts
    Youning Jiang (FTV, ‘22) - Film and Animation
    Lauren Mei (ACT, ‘23) - Acting
    Danielle Silver (CMD, ‘22) - Dance
    Landon Wouters (MT, ‘22) - Vocal Music
  • The OC Register announced the finalists and semifinalists for the 8th Annual Artist of the Year Awards
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    The OC Register announced the finalists and semifinalists for the 8th Annual Artist of the Year Awards
    The Orange County Register announced the winners, finalists, and semifinalists for the 8th Annual Artist of the Year Awards, and OCSA had five winners out of seven arts categories this year! The Artist of the Year program honors talented students across the county for their accomplishments in the arts.

    Finalists:
    Computer-Assisted Visual Arts:
    Computer Drawing and Painting
    Juliana Jarvis (DM, ‘22)

    Handcrafted Visual Arts:
    Hand Drawing and Painting
    Grace Jo (VA, ‘22)

    Mixed Media
    Hannah Kang (VA, ‘22)

    Dance:
    World/Cultural Dance
    Mia Amaris Lopez (BF, ‘23)

    Theater:
    Acting
    Sophia Madrigal (ACT, ‘22)

    Musical Theater Performance
    Brooklyn Vizcarra (MT, ‘22)

    Vocal Music:
    Classical Voice
    Evan Richards (CV, ‘22)

    Semifinalists:
    Computer-Assisted Visual Arts:

    Computer Drawing and Painting
    Elise Maniquis-Dormitorio (DM, ‘22)
    Hannah Miller (DM, ‘22)

    Graphic Design and Digital Illustration
    Josh Nguyen (FTV, ‘22)

    Photography (Film and Digital)
    Soren Almeida (FTV, ‘22)
  • Joanne Javien, Ella Mardirossian, and OCSA Musical Theatre Instructor Gina Velez, participated in a production of “The Sound of Music”
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    Joanne Javien, Ella Mardirossian, and OCSA Musical Theatre Instructor Gina Velez, participated in a production of “The Sound of Music”
    Joanne Javien (MT, ‘99), Ella Mardirossian (MT, ‘23), and OCSA Musical Theatre Instructor Gina Velez, participated in a production of “The Sound of Music” at La Mirada Theater of the Performing Arts.
  • OCSA students participated in the California State Thespian Festival and received awards
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    OCSA students participated in the California State Thespian Festival and received awards
    The following students participated in the California State Thespian Festival and received the following awards:

    Gai Jones Senior Honor Thespian Scholarship:
    Ethan Gray (ACT, ‘22)

    Thespy Award Winners:

    Solo Musical
    First place: Brooklyn Vizcarra (MT, ‘22)

    Duet Musical
    First place: Meghan Barton (MT, ‘23) and Ella Gibson (PM, ‘23)

    Solo Monologue
    Second place: Kaya Sparnicht (ACT, ‘25)

    Top Scoring (Thespy Superior):

    Solo Musical
    Meghan Barton (MT, ‘23)
    Samantha Divis (MT, ‘25)
    Mia Geise (MT, ‘24)
    Ella Gibson (PM, ‘23)
    Daniel Grossgold (IA, ‘24)
    Chloe Ness (MT, ‘24)
    Erin Tardibuono (MT, ‘25)
    Brooklyn Vizcarra (MT, ‘24)
    Landon Wouters (MT, ‘22)

    Duet Musical
    Meghan Barton (MT, ‘23)
    Ella Gibson (PM, ‘23)
    Brooklyn Vizcarra (MT, ‘24)
    Landon Wouters (MT, ‘22)

    Solo Monologue
    Isabella Lloyd (IA, ‘25)
    Kaya Sparnicht (ACT, ‘25)
  • Alyssa Kim was cast in one of the lead roles of the short film “To The Lights” directed by Emily Kim
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    Alyssa Kim was cast in one of the lead roles of the short film “To The Lights” directed by Emily Kim
    Alyssa Kim (MT, ‘26) was cast in one of the lead roles of the short film “To The Lights” directed by Emily Kim.
  • OCSA students created a film, titled "Pho," which was shown at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival
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    OCSA students created a film, titled "Pho," which was shown at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival
    The following students were involved in the creation of an original film, titled "Pho," which was shown at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival in France.

    Ethan Chu (FTV, ‘21) – Writer/Director/Editor
    Aaron Orullian, Director of Film & Television – Executive Producer
    Antone Axten (MT) – Cinematographer/Colorist
    Darren Camaya (FTV, ‘21) – Production Assistant
    Ella Beatriz Catacutan (CMD, ‘21) – Extras
    Ren Collantes (FTV, ‘21) – Gaffer/Sound Mixer
    David Du (FTV, ‘21) – Production Assistant
    Ava Encinas (FTV, ‘21) – Producer
    Noah Frech (FTV, ‘21) – Still Photographer
    Cooper Hardwick (FTV, ‘21) – Still Photographer
    Lilah Horton (CMD, ‘21) – Extras
    Paris Phillips (FTV, ‘21) – Makeup Artist
  • Ashli St. Armant produced her debut theatrical production, titled “NORTH”
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    Ashli St. Armant produced her debut theatrical production, titled “NORTH”
    Ashli St. Armant (MT, ‘03) produced her debut theatrical production, titled “NORTH.”
  • OCSA students, as a part of Empowering Arts (eA), a nonprofit founded by Hannah Cho, were awarded the President's Volunteer Service Gold Award
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    OCSA students, as a part of Empowering Arts (eA), a nonprofit founded by Hannah Cho, were awarded the President's Volunteer Service Gold Award
    The following OCSA students, as a part of Empowering Arts (eA), a nonprofit founded by Hannah Cho (IM ‘25), were awarded the President's Volunteer Service Gold Award. The students were recognized for their musical concerts at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and the Blind Children’s Learning Center.

    Dylan Chia (IM, ‘26)
    Brent Cho (ACT, ‘27)
    Hannah Cho (IM, ‘25)
    Isabella Cho (ACT, ‘27)
    Sumin Cho (IM, ‘25)
    Emma Chuang (VA, ‘25)
    Mia Geise (MT, ‘24)
    Andrew Fung (IM, ‘24)
    Arim (Ariana) Kim (IM, ‘25)
    Jennifer Kim (VA, ‘25)
    Calene Lee (CW, ‘25)
    Sunny Lee (IM, ‘24)
    Danny O'Grady (IM, ‘24)
    Jae Eun (April) Park (IM, ‘25)
    Emy Pardo (MT, ‘24)
    Lucy Woo (IM, ‘25)
    River Zylstra (ACT, ‘27)
  • Paige Oden, Director of the Visual Arts Conservatory, has been selected to receive the 2022 Arts Schools Network (ASN) Teacher of the Year Award and Dante Basco (MT, ‘93) received the 2022 ASN Outstanding Arts School Alumni Achievement Award
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    Paige Oden, Director of the Visual Arts Conservatory, has been selected to receive the 2022 Arts Schools Network (ASN) Teacher of the Year Award and Dante Basco (MT, ‘93) received the 2022 ASN Outstanding Arts School Alumni Achievement Award
    Paige Oden, Director of the Visual Arts Conservatory, has been selected to receive the 2022 Arts Schools Network (ASN) Teacher of the Year Award. Additionally, Dante Basco (MT, ‘93) received the 2022 ASN Outstanding Arts School Alumni Achievement Award, which honors an individual whose commitment to excellence is demonstrated through outstanding accomplishments in the areas of citizenship, arts, and academics.
  • Jonah Clem received a Red Ribbon at the OC Fair for his digital art submission in the Fine Arts Competition
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    Jonah Clem received a Red Ribbon at the OC Fair for his digital art submission in the Fine Arts Competition
    Jonah Clem (MT, ‘26) received a Red Ribbon at the Orange County Fair for his digital art submission in the Fine Arts Competition.
  • Eli Raskin was selected to be a Sundance 2022 Producing Fellow and was featured in an article by The Wrap
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    Eli Raskin was selected to be a Sundance 2022 Producing Fellow and was featured in an article by The Wrap
    Eli Raskin (MT, ‘12) was selected to be a Sundance 2022 Producing Fellow. Eli was also featured in an article by The Wrap about the artists selected for the Sundance Producing Lab and Summit. To read the full article, please visit: https://bit.ly/3Vt5rbk
  • Jared Machado  was cast as the lead role of Johnny in “American Idiot” at the Chance Theater and was featured in an article in the OC Register
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    Jared Machado was cast as the lead role of Johnny in “American Idiot” at the Chance Theater and was featured in an article in the OC Register
    Jared Machado (MT, ‘17) was cast as the lead role of Johnny in “American Idiot” at the Chance Theater and was also featured in an article in the Orange County Register. To read the article, please visit: https://bit.ly/3UrjVqT
  • Erin Tardibuono and Nava Tate were cast and performed as the Coroner of Munchkin City and the Mayor of Munchkin City respectively in a production of “The Wizard of Oz”
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    Erin Tardibuono and Nava Tate were cast and performed as the Coroner of Munchkin City and the Mayor of Munchkin City respectively in a production of “The Wizard of Oz”
    Erin Tardibuono (MT, ‘25) and Nava Tate (MT, ‘27) were cast and performed as the Coroner of Munchkin City and the Mayor of Munchkin City respectively in a production of “The Wizard of Oz,” presented by the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts, in cooperation with Lythgoe Family Productions.
  • OCSA students and alumni received Musical Theatre West Footlighters Scholarships for 2022
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    OCSA students and alumni received Musical Theatre West Footlighters Scholarships for 2022
    The following students and alumni received Musical Theatre West Footlighters Scholarships for 2022. To read more about this scholarship, please visit: https://bit.ly/3VtBesI

    Naomi Groleau (MT, ‘22)
    Haven Hanson (PD, ‘23)
    Jordan Spena (MT, ‘22)
    Landon Wouters (MT, ‘22)
  • Isabella Betancourt performed the lead role of Princess Fiona in the McCoy Rigby Arts production of “Shrek The Musical”
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    Isabella Betancourt performed the lead role of Princess Fiona in the McCoy Rigby Arts production of “Shrek The Musical”
    Isabella Betancourt (MT, ‘25) performed the lead role of Princess Fiona in the McCoy Rigby Arts production of “Shrek The Musical” in Yorba Linda.
  • OCSA students received the National Recognition Program Award from two of the four College Board recognition programs that award academic honors to underrepresented students
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    OCSA students received the National Recognition Program Award from two of the four College Board recognition programs that award academic honors to underrepresented students
    The following students received the National Recognition Program Award from two of the four College Board recognition programs that award academic honors to underrepresented students.This award recognizes their academic achievements and outstanding performances on the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and/or AP Exams.

    National African American Recognition Award
    Kayalani Degrave (MT, ‘23)
    Ayanna Dowell (CMD, ‘23)
    Aurelia Philmore (BD, ‘24)

    National Hispanic Recognition Award
    Sabrina Aguilar (DM, ‘23)
    Maya Bleszinski (MT, ‘23)
    Analise Delp (CW, ‘24)
    Maya Ferchaw (ACT, ‘24)
    Abril Garcia (CW, ‘23)
    Mia Guillen (IA, ‘23)
    David Llenderrozos (CW, ‘23)
    Alexa Nunez Magana (MT, ‘23)
    Ava Tello (ACT, ‘24)
    Arianna Torres (CW, ‘23)
    Candace Ramirez (VA, ‘23)
    Sophia Ruiz (MT, ‘23)
  • Julian Gwin  was cast in the role of Charlie Winslow in an upcoming production of “Holiday Inn” at Vanguard University
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    Julian Gwin was cast in the role of Charlie Winslow in an upcoming production of “Holiday Inn” at Vanguard University
    Julian Gwin (MT, ‘27) was cast in the role of Charlie Winslow in an upcoming production of “Holiday Inn” at Vanguard University.
  • Sophia Ruiz was featured on the front cover of “Parenting OC” for her upcoming performance in the Discovery Cube’s STEAM-themed musical, “Winter Lights: A Journey Home”
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    Sophia Ruiz was featured on the front cover of “Parenting OC” for her upcoming performance in the Discovery Cube’s STEAM-themed musical, “Winter Lights: A Journey Home”
    Sophia Ruiz (MT, ‘23) was featured on the front cover of “Parenting OC” for her upcoming performance in the Discovery Cube’s STEAM-themed musical, “Winter Lights: A Journey Home.”
  • Erin Tardibuono played the young Mary Todd in the new Broadway-bound musical, “The Lincolns of Springfield,” directed by Tony Award winner Corey Brunish
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    Erin Tardibuono played the young Mary Todd in the new Broadway-bound musical, “The Lincolns of Springfield,” directed by Tony Award winner Corey Brunish
    Erin Tardibuono (MT, ‘25) played the young Mary Todd in the new Broadway-bound musical, “The Lincolns of Springfield,” directed by Tony Award-winner Corey Brunish, which premiered at the Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara this past October.
  • Brody Yun was cast in the role of Nico in the hit series “Cocomelon” on Netflix and YouTube
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    Brody Yun was cast in the role of Nico in the hit series “Cocomelon” on Netflix and YouTube
    Broderick (Brody) Yun (MT, ‘28) was cast in the role of Nico in the hit series “Cocomelon” on Netflix and YouTube.
  • The Orange County Register announced the semifinalists for the 10th Annual Artist of the Year Awards
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    The Orange County Register announced the semifinalists for the 10th Annual Artist of the Year Awards
    The Orange County Register announced the winners, finalists, semifinalists, and nominees for the 10th Annual Artist of the Year Awards. OCSA had two winners out of seven arts categories this year, as well as many finalists, semifinalists, and nominees! The Artist of the Year program honors talented students across the county for their accomplishments in the arts.

    Semifinalists:

    Dance

    Commercial Dance
    Michelle Cheng (CMD, ‘23)
    Jonah Smith (CMD, ‘23)

    Concert Dance
    Courtney Chiu (BCD, ‘23)

    Hip-Hop
    Faith Aguilar (CMD, ‘23)
    Edward Chen (IA, ‘24)

    World/Cultural Dance
    Mia Amaris Lopez (BF, ‘23)


    Film and Television

    Cinematography
    Zen Sing Thai (FTV, ‘23)

    Film Directing
    Jordan Held (FTV, ‘23)

    Promo/Commercial Making
    Evan Padilla (FTV, ‘23)


    Fine Arts

    Drawing
    Chelsea Lee (VA, ‘24)

    Mixed Media
    Alison Amber Lee (VA, ‘23)

    Painting
    London San Luis (DM, ‘23)
    Cheungwan (Amy) Wang (VA, ‘23)
    Melody Wu (VA, ‘24)


    Instrumental Music

    Jazz
    Nathan Tatsuta (IM, ‘24) - Piano

    Piano
    Lucie Kim (IM, ‘24) - Piano

    Winds and Percussion
    Heather Kim (IM, ‘24) - Flute
    Damian Paul (IM, ‘24) - Percussion


    Media Arts

    Digital Illustration
    Ava Diaz (DM, ‘24)
    Fatima Mai (VA, ‘24)

    Game Art
    Ethan Situ Leung (DM, ‘23)
    Vicky H. Nguyen (DM, ‘23)

    Motion Graphics and Animation
    David Du (FTV, ‘24)


    Theater

    Acting
    Ava DeVoe (ACT, ‘24)
    Elora Sparnicht (CW, ‘23)

    Vocal Music

    Classical Voice
    Mia Baron (CV, ‘23)
    Lilliana Mindel (CV, ‘24)
    Viveka Saravanan (CV, ‘23)

    Cultural and Commercial Voice
    Ella Gibson (PM, ‘23)

    Musical Theater Voice
    Sophia Ruiz (MT, ‘23)
  • The Orange County Register announced the nominees for the 10th Annual Artist of the Year Awards
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    The Orange County Register announced the nominees for the 10th Annual Artist of the Year Awards
    The Orange County Register announced the winners, finalists, semifinalists, and nominees for the 10th Annual Artist of the Year Awards. OCSA had two winners out of seven arts categories this year, as well as many finalists, semifinalists, and nominees! The Artist of the Year program honors talented students across the county for their accomplishments in the arts.

    Nominees:

    Dance

    Commercial Dance
    Michelle Cheng (CMD, ‘23)
    Jonah Smith (CMD, ‘23)

    Concert Dance
    Courtney Chiu (BCD, ‘23)
    Aarilyn Lee (CMD, ‘23)
    Daniella Morales (BCD, ‘24)
    Alisa Nguyen (BCD, ‘23)

    Hip-Hop
    Faith Aguilar (CMD, ‘23)
    Edward Chen (IA, ‘24)

    World/Cultural Dance
    Saira Galilea Arias (BF, ‘23)
    Hannah Ayala (BR, ‘23)
    Jude Caguioa Camaya (BR, ‘23)
    Constantin Chekardzhikov (BR, ‘23)
    Mia Amaris Lopez (BF, ‘23)
    Aurelia Philmore (BR, ‘24)


    Film and Television

    Cinematography
    Owen Thomas Blum (FTV, ‘23)
    Zen Sing Thai (FTV, ‘23)

    Film Directing
    Dominic Gonzalez (FTV, ‘23)
    Jordan Held (FTV, ‘23)

    Promo/Commercial Making
    Evan Padilla (FTV, ‘23)


    Fine Arts

    Drawing
    Nina Alvarez (VA, ‘23)
    Chelsea Lee (VA, ‘24)
    Chili Sloop (VA, ‘24)

    Mixed Media
    Chloe Kim (VA, ‘23)
    Alison Amber Lee (VA, ‘23)

    Painting
    Luke Furca (VA, ‘24)
    London San Luis (DM, ‘23)
    Cheungwan (Amy) Wang (VA, ‘23)
    Melody Wu (VA, ‘24)


    Instrumental Music

    Jazz
    Megan Etzel (IM, ‘23) - Piano
    Trent Horio (IM, ‘23) - Tenor saxophone
    Nathan Tatsuta (IM, ‘24) - Piano

    Piano
    Emilia Djordjevic (IM, ‘23) - Piano
    Lucie Kim (IM, ‘24) - Piano

    Winds and Percussion
    Heather Kim (IM, ‘24) - Flute
    Aidan Luu (IM, ‘23) - Alto Saxophone
    Daniel Park O’Grady (IM, ‘24) - Clarinet
    Damian Paul (IM, ‘24) - Percussion
    Leo Sui (IM, ‘23) - Trombone

    World/Cultural and Commercial Music
    Savannah Tweedt (PM, ‘24) - Drum Set and Percussion


    Media Arts

    Digital Illustration
    Ava Diaz (DM, ‘24)
    Cindy (Tenna) Kuang (VA, ‘24)
    Fatima Mai (VA, ‘24)
    Olivia Sarno (DM, ‘23)
    Mingxuan Wang (VA, ‘23)

    Game Art
    Rachel Kondo (DM, ‘24)
    Ethan Situ Leung (DM, ‘23)
    Vicky H. Nguyen (DM, ‘23)

    Motion Graphics and Animation
    David Du (FTV, ‘24)

    Photography
    Candace Ramirez (VA, ‘23)


    Theater

    Acting
    Ava DeVoe (ACT, ‘24)
    Elora Sparnicht (CW, ‘23)
    Ethan Swartz (ACT, ‘23)

    Musical Theater Performance
    Alexa Núñez Magaña (MT, ‘23)
    Sophie Russ (MT, ‘24)


    Vocal Music

    Classical Voice
    Mia Baron (CV, ‘23)
    Grace Huynh (CV, ‘23)
    Lilliana Mindel (CV, ‘24)
    Sebastian Nunez (CV, ‘24)
    Viveka Saravanan (CV, ‘23)

    Cultural and Commercial Voice
    Ella Gibson (PM, ‘23)

    Musical Theater Voice
    Chloe Deutschman (MT, ‘24)
    Clare Adelaide Murphy (IA, ‘23)
    Sophia Ruiz (MT, ‘23)
  • OCSA’s Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed at the Orange County Regional Tournament and earned an overall third place
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    OCSA’s Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed at the Orange County Regional Tournament and earned an overall third place
    The following students of OCSA’s Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed against 20 other middle school teams at the Orange County Regional Tournament and earned an overall third place as a team. Twenty students placed in the top six and received medals for their categories. The team also advanced to the state championships and placed third overall, with students medaling in the top six of 17 categories.

    Sailee Charlu (VA, ‘27)
    Lila Olson (IA, ‘26)
    Juneau Foxlin (IMS, ‘26)
    Iva (Jiaying) Liu (CV, ‘27)
    Samantha Wu (MT, ‘27)
    Jeremy Lee (IM, ‘28)
    Armaan Diwan (IM, ‘27)
    Skyler Tran (IMP, ‘28)
    Sterling Tran (IMP, ‘27)
    Jackson Tran (IA, ‘27)
    Lauren Young (PD, ‘26)
    Henry Courtney (CV, ‘26)
    Olivia Song (CV, ‘28)
    Seojin Park (IMP, ‘28)
    Sophie Paulsen (MT, ‘27)
  • Congratulations to OCSA’s Mock Trial Team for advancing to state finals and receiving fourth place in California after competing against rigorous competition
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    Congratulations to OCSA’s Mock Trial Team for advancing to state finals and receiving fourth place in California after competing against rigorous competition
    Congratulations to OCSA’s Mock Trial Team, faculty advisor Whitney Coates, assistant coach Courtney Harper, and attorney coaches Justice Halim Dhanidina, Melissa Brandman, J.D, and Ethan Feng, J.D. for advancing to state finals and receiving fourth place in California after competing against rigorous competition. In addition to this group effort, Sabrina Aguilar (DM, ‘23) received first place in the state for “Courtroom Art” and Emy Pardo (MT, ‘24) also received “Outstanding Cleo Shafer” for her excellent portrayal of that witness. Leadership Teacher and Mock Trial Advisor Whitney Coates was named Teacher Coach of the Year for OC Mock Trial.
  • Sofya Levitsky-Weitz received a Writer’s Guild Award for Best Comedy series for her work on “The Bear”
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    Sofya Levitsky-Weitz received a Writer’s Guild Award for Best Comedy series for her work on “The Bear”
    Sofya Levitsky-Weitz (MT, ‘08) received a Writer’s Guild Award for Best Comedy series for her work on “The Bear”, which is now streaming on Hulu.
  • Bobby Amamizu and RJ Higton were cast and performed in an episode of television series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
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    Bobby Amamizu and RJ Higton were cast and performed in an episode of television series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
    Bobby Amamizu (CMD, ‘06) and RJ Higton (MT, ‘18) were cast and performed in an episode of television series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” on Amazon Prime.
  • OCSA students performed in McCoy/Rigby Entertainment's Production of "The King and I," at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
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    OCSA students performed in McCoy/Rigby Entertainment's Production of "The King and I," at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
    Isabella Abiera (ACT, ‘28), Johnisa Almariya Breault (MT, ‘18), Arielle Dettmer (CMD, ‘20), and Adrienne Amanda Morrow (MT, ‘25) performed in McCoy/Rigby Entertainment's Production of "The King and I," at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
  • Pedro Pascal was featured in the May 2023 issue of “Vanity Fair”
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    Pedro Pascal was featured in the May 2023 issue of “Vanity Fair”
    Pedro Pascal (MT, ‘93) was featured in the May 2023 issue of “Vanity Fair.”
  • Stephanie J. Block will be performing in the Broadway @ The Wallis concert series with Seth Rudetsky
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    Stephanie J. Block will be performing in the Broadway @ The Wallis concert series with Seth Rudetsky
    Stephanie J. Block (MT, ‘90) will be performing in the Broadway @ The Wallis concert series with Seth Rudetsky that will be held in October 2023 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts.
  • Dylin Rodrigo made his Broadway debut as Young Simba in “Disney's The Lion King”
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    Dylin Rodrigo made his Broadway debut as Young Simba in “Disney's The Lion King”
    Dylin Rodrigo (MT, ‘28) made his Broadway debut as Young Simba in “Disney's The Lion King.” The iconic show is celebrating its 25th year on Broadway.
  • Ava Villacorta performed as part of the children’s chorus in a run of Puccini’s “Tosca” with the LA Opera in the winter of 2022
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    Ava Villacorta performed as part of the children’s chorus in a run of Puccini’s “Tosca” with the LA Opera in the winter of 2022
    Ava Villacorta (MT, ‘27) performed as part of the children’s chorus in a run of Puccini’s “Tosca” with the LA Opera in the winter of 2022.