Meet and Greet members of the stage performers of Gala 2024: Hollywood Nights!
Vanessa Edwards is a senior in the Popular Music Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
The heart and soul all the performers are putting into this show!
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
Being a senior, I am accustomed to demanding rehearsal schedules, and I trust the process.
Why do you think Gala is important?
I know Gala is important to encourage people to donate to our school, as our performance shows them why art education is important.
What is your Hollywood dream?
I hope to return to Los Angeles after college and perform at places like the Hollywood Bowl.
Araceli Gastelum is a senior in the Commercial Dance Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
I am super excited for the guests to see the collaboration between the students in the different conservatories. They get to see the end product that each student has worked tirelessly on but one of the greatest aspects of the show has to be the live music. We often have individual and occasionally collaborative shows, but having some of the conservatories including Instrumental Music, Dance, and Theater perform alongside each other makes it even more of a memorable moment for the guest.
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
This time of the year is undoubtedly the most stressful period for many students and working on this production has been a journey, to say the least. The series of shows I have participated in at this school have had a huge impact on my ability to perform in productions such as this one. My experience has not only prepared me to perform under a great deal of stress and schoolwork but also to present myself as a role model for younger students who aspire to pursue a path in the arts. This school has taught me to listen and take care of myself as well as manage my time wisely in order to perform to the best of my ability no matter the circumstance. 
Why do you think Gala is important?
Gala is the event of the year where students, in all conservatories, get to represent the school and demonstrate why it must live on for many years to come. This event is where the guests get to see how great the students at this school truly are and feel a strong desire to support and grant future students the same opportunities and education in the arts that we were given.
What is your favorite part of Hollywood?
There are numerous opportunities available in Hollywood for people who are interested in the arts. These opportunities enable individuals to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles that may come their way. Hollywood is not for the faint-hearted, as it can be challenging, but it does offer endless possibilities for anyone seeking a career or looking to achieve their future goals.
Grace Dominguez is a junior in the Musical Theatre Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
I am most excited for the guests to see “Another Day of Sun”! I absolutely love the movie La La Land so performing this dance is such a blast! Everyone is on stage together just having an amazing time. This is such a lively number right at the beginning of the show, and I feel like it really sets the tone for the rest of the evening. 
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
I feel that because we're treated like professionals, we are able to rise up to the challenge of putting on this grand show and perform at that professional level. Our directors are very clear about their expectations for us, and in turn we get to exercise our organization, time management, and communication skills. Overall, CSArts has taught me how to work hard not only for myself, but for my castmates.
Why do you think Gala is important?
Gala is extremely important because it gives students a chance to perform at a very high caliber and allows students from all across campus to connect over our love for the school. It's a truly unique experience! Because we're still a growing community, the legacy that we leave behind as some of the first gala performers is so important because we get to be the beginning of what will one day be a huge event to raise enormous amounts of money. I hope that people will see our dedication and love for this school and donate generously to keep it going!
What is your favorite part of Los Angeles?
My favorite part about Los Angeles is that there are so many things to do like trying new foods, taking dance classes, going to my friends' houses, and going to see shows at the Pantages! It's such a blessing to be able to live so close to one of the greatest cities in the world!
Chantel Garcia is a junior in the Musical Theatre Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
I am most excited for them to see multiple conservatories come together and perform as one.
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
All my conservatory classes have prepared me for a show like this.
Why do you think Gala is important?
Gala is an event to showcase all that CSArts does for its students and shows how much all the time, money, and effort put into it is worth it.
What is your Hollywood dream?
My main dream is to make & studio produce my own music and perform it for others.
Millie Yocum Surfas is a junior in the Musical Theatre Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
Gala is an amazing way that our school is able to come together and create something that represents much more than ourselves. I'm so excited for the audience to see the passion and hard work that we all put into not only this show, but everything we do here. This is my second Gala and I won't lie it's definitely always a challenge but a good one! 
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
One thing I've been taught and reminded of, is how to put others first. How to put your soul into something while still keeping yourself happy and healthy. Beyond teaching us amazing performance skills and strategies, we are taught so much about life and valuing every moment here.
Why do you think Gala is important?
Gala is so important because it gives us this chance to meet the people who are backing our amazing programs here. We are able to show them how much we love the arts, and how it fuels us as beings. Growing up near Hollywood, I think it is easy for us to take it all for granted, but I think our school is an amazing example of the insane opportunities that being here gives us. I mean being at a school where I'm surrounded by people who love art just as much as I do and are both challenging and supporting me always, it's surreal. We are not just doing this for ourselves and our community, but for generations to come who I hope will be able to have these amazing experiences I get to have now because of the people before me. Being able to come together as a community and work hard to create a show that embodies us so well, is truly an amazing experience and I just hope that that love and passion is able to make its way to all the hearts in the audience!
Marley Lemaire is a sophomore in the Musical Theatre Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
I'm excited for guests to see our closing number, “Hooray for Hollywood”. Everyone is on stage and we're all singing and dancing together. The energy is really great and I'm excited to see this.
Why do you think Gala is important?
Gala is important because it shows people what we're capable of. It's an incredible view of all the talent you can find here at CSArts. These types of performances are how we keep the school running.
What is your favorite part of Hollywood?
My favorite part of LA is the beaches. The beautiful beaches and ocean are what make Los Angeles and California so special.
Jade Chustz is a sophomore in the Commercial Dance Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
I am most excited for the audience to see how the singers and dancers are incorporated together and how the dancers can also help highlight the singers. Us dancers can also help move the story forward throughout the show with our movement, not always having to use words to get the message across.
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
Performing at CSArts-SGV the past three years has prepared me for this because it has helped me to get more comfortable and confident while dancing onstage and also has helped me get into a better mindset during show weeks. It has also helped me to work with others better under stressful situations and has helped us work more as a team and more efficiently.
Why do you think Gala is important?
I think Gala is important because it helps get you prepared for professional jobs that may come up in the future after high school. For Gala, we only have one month to practice and perfect things, and then we perform, and then it's done. This shows people how to have time management, and being responsible for yourself and making sure you remember your choreo so you don't hold yourself or others back. You have to set time to practice either by yourself or with your other performers to make sure that when you do it as one big group that you and others look good!
What is your Hollywood dream?
One of my biggest Hollywood dreams is to be a backup dancer for an artist that I am really fond of, like Sza or Dua Lipa, or be able to go on tour as an ensemble with one of my favorite musicals like Mean Girls or Mamma Mia!! I would love to keep dancing after high school and keep the glamor of Hollywood alive!!
Delaney Polito is a sophomore in the Musical Theatre Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
I’m excited for the guests to see “Another Day of Sun” and all the hard work we’ve put into it.
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
CSArts-SGV has prepared me to perform at this level because in our conservatory classes, we are always learning something new at a fast pace which has allowed me to learn the Gala material quickly.
Why do you think Gala is important?
I think Gala is important because it provides the community an opportunity to support the arts and allow our school to grow and expand our arts programs and facilities.
What is your favorite part of Los Angeles?
My favorite part of Los Angeles is that when I go there, I get to hang out with my older sister that lives there and go on adventures with her.
Devin Riskin is a sophomore in the Musical Theatre Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
I am so excited for the guests to see the numbers, not only because of how amazing they are, but also because of the collaboration and excitement that went into each and every number. 
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
The amount of support and dedication the conservatory teachers put in to help us grow is the reason I am at the level to perform at a big event like this. I wouldn’t be able to do it if it wasn’t for them, especially Ms. McNally, who puts this whole thing together.
What is your Hollywood dream?
My Hollywood dream is to be a star in a big production, whether it be film or theater. I would love to work alongside experienced performers so I can learn and grow from working with them!
Keira Rode is a sophomore in the Musical Theatre Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
I am so excited for guests to see all of the time and effort we put into all of our pieces. Everyone has worked so hard for this show and I can’t wait for everyone to see that!
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
CSArts has helped me be able to perform at this level because the teachers here have been so incredibly helpful to teach me new skills to make my performances so much more authentic.
Why do you think Gala is important?
I think Gala is important because it helps to showcase what CSArts is really about to a larger audience. Gala helps show people outside of our CSArts community that our school is so special and that we have amazing talented students who attend this school.
What is your favorite part of Los Angeles?
My favorite thing about Los Angeles is just the vibe. Los Angeles is just such a fun and lively place to be around.
Meet and Greet members of Gala 2024: Hollywood Nights' orchestra!
Jose Segnini is a junior in the Instrumental Music Conservatory.
What has Gala meant to you?
Gala is one of the most important shows for the school, if not the most important. It's about being able to play with friends and people that are performing at higher levels, which is great as we go through hard stuff and sometimes struggle, but yet enjoy the time there.
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
We perform at CSArts often, and even though we're in high school, the professionalism between the people in the ensembles is there. The push that our directors give us by choosing moderated-high difficulty pieces for these kinds of events, and also the encouragement to sight read, have been very helpful.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
“Dream On”, it's really fun to play and a well known piece. There are also a couple of La La Land pieces that are really good. Outside of the music, probably the VIsual Arts student’s art gallery because I have a couple of friends in it.
What is your Hollywood dream?
My Hollywood dream is to pursue architecture at University of California, Berkeley and link with the UC Berkeley Symphonic Orchestra. Another dream I have is to play for the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Julia Chiang is a senior in the Instrumental Music Conservatory.
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
I started at CSArts in the Creative Writing Conservatory as an eighth grader in 2019. I transferred to the Instrumental Music Conservatory's Piano Program three years later in 2022. Since then, I've gotten involved in a lot of musical theatre productions as a pit musician and musical director (and written four of my own). It really feels like everything had to happen exactly as it did for me to get here. Knowing intuitively how music supports storytelling makes me a better writer, and understanding what music means to me through writing makes me a better musician. I feel so grateful for the mentorship, community, and friendship I've found at CSArts.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
The blend between different conservatories' art forms. Singers performing with dancers and musicians. Even within Instrumental Music, pianists very rarely play with other instrumentalists, but now in rehearsals I'm hearing jazz and string musicians use terminology I've never heard. I've heard from some of my Creative Writing friends that a scene they're writing leads directly into a song the orchestra is playing. Cross-conservatory collaboration is so thrilling and so important, and big schoolwide productions like Gala exemplify it.
What has Gala meant to you?
This is my first time in Gala, but definitely not my first time staying at school for so long it feels like I live there. It's hard to think about the fact that this is one of my last. I'm most looking forward to the moment during every show where I realize I'm not an anxious, metronomic beat-counting machine, but I'm breathing music into existence with the people around me. It happens at a different time and stage of every production, but it's one of the best feelings as a musician.
Why do you think Gala is important?
There aren't many opportunities for us to put on a show on such an ambitious scale as Gala, and we get to support our conservatory programs while doing it!
What is your Hollywood dream?
I'd say my dreams would be to play in a film recording, perform in a concert hall, or conduct a musical in a big theatre like the Pantages.
Sarah Ramirez is a senior in the Instrumental Music Conservatory.
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
CSArts has prepared me to play at high levels through multiple different teachers' providing encouragement and feedback. I’m always asking questions regarding how I can play a piece better or what I have to listen for in the music.
What has Gala meant to you?
Gala was an event I have wanted to be in since sophomore year, so getting the opportunity to be a part of it in my final year has been so exciting and fun. I not only get to hang out with my friends, but I also get to learn more about being a violinist in a “showbiz” setting. Things are very fast paced and, though it can be a challenge to keep up, everyone there is rooting for you.

Why do you think Gala is important?
Gala assists in the funding of the school, but also assists in showcasing the talent of the students we have. Many students are a part of the production, and donors are able to contribute to what may speak to them that night.
What is your favorite part of Los Angeles?
I love the Griffith Park Observatory, hands down my favorite place in Los Angeles. It's an amazing place to visit and honestly having panoramic views of a sprawling city below while being reminded there is a place where you can dream of touching stars is an incredible experience.
Ronnie Geraci is a senior in the Instrumental Music Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
I am incredibly excited to showcase the amazing talents across multiple conservatories at CSArts. Each person has put in countless hours of training and rehearsals to finally have the opportunity to demonstrate the collaborative technical performance seen tonight. We are all incredibly proud to be a part of our respective conservatories, and CSArts as a whole.
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
Throughout my CSArts experience in the Wind and Jazz conservatory, I have consistently experienced incredible opportunities and instruction. Mr McGeough goes above and beyond to bring every student the highest level of education possible. In the past, we have participated in events such as scheduled master classes, with people such as Gustavo Dudamel, Ron Stout, Rob Simonsen, and countless others. Every day we rehearse in upper-level orchestras and bands, with performances and events that introduce us to the world of professional musicianship. It is solely due to the experiences I have had throughout my involvement in the CSArts Instrumental Music program that I am able to play at my current level. I am eternally grateful for every day I spent with my peers and teachers in the Wind and Jazz conservatory.

What has Gala meant to you?
Gala was an event I have wanted to be in since sophomore year, so getting the opportunity to be a part of it in my final year has been so exciting and fun. I not only get to hang out with my friends, but I also get to learn more about being a violinist in a “showbiz” setting. Things are very fast paced and, though it can be a challenge to keep up, everyone there is rooting for you.
Why do you think Gala is important?
The CSArts Gala is an incredible experience for us all. Not only does it facilitate cross-conservatory cooperation and professional production, it also gives everyone a chance to perform the artforms that they work so hard to refine throughout the years. By sharing this production with the public in a professional setting, everyone is able to gain a sense of fulfillment and valuable experiences.
Drew Kim is a senior in the Instrumental Music Conservatory.
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
Music education here at CSArts is truly unmatched; I'm constantly introduced to new musical styles and ways of playing my instrument. With orchestra, methods, chamber music, and music career courses, my conservatory education and world-class instructors have prepared me to perform and thrive at a professional caliber like Gala.
What has Gala meant to you?
Gala is such a large-scale infusion of theater, orchestra, and creative art. It’s amazing to see the diverse arts programs here at CSArts joining talents for a collaborative show to support our school. I’m most looking forward to the reactions from the audience when they find out what we have in store for them!
What is your favorite part of Los Angeles?
There is a place for everyone in Los Angeles. Performers, scientists, entrepreneurs — LA has and celebrates all. As the birthplace of creative visionaries and pioneers, the city's diverse scope of achievement and inspiration brings together a community driven by boundless opportunity. The one of a kind charm that LA offers draws in talent and artistry from the far reaches of the world, and it’s that same charm that furthers my passion for music and the arts.
Olivia Hirsch is a senior in the Instrumental Music Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
I’m excited for guests to hear the variety of music, from pop classics to rock.
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
My experience at CSArts-SGV has helped me to develop my skills in music and has allowed me to branch out into different genres like classical, jazz, and theatre music, which has helped me to prepare for the Gala.
What has Gala meant to you?
To me, the Gala means having a good time while doing what I love, which is playing music and making memories. I look forward to seeing all of our hard work come together and to put on a great show that is sure to bring joy to everyone. 
Why do you think Gala is important?
I think the Gala is important because it gives us students the opportunity to show others what we do best, and to gain support to help continue our journeys.
What is your favorite part of Hollywood?
My favorite part of Hollywood is the Hollywood Bowl because it's such a wonderful place to see and listen to musicians perform in a wide variety of concerts.
Caylee Rubio is a sophomore in the Instrumental Music Conservatory.
What about this production are you excited for guests to see?
I am so excited for guests to see the songs we are playing at the Gala!
How has your experience at CSArts-SGV prepared you to perform at this level?
The performance experiences I have received through CSArts has allowed me to be prepared for this big of an experience.
What has Gala meant to you?
To me, the Gala means having a good time while doing what I love, which is playing music and making memories. I look forward to seeing all of our hard work come together and to put on a great show that is sure to bring joy to everyone. 
Why do you think Gala is important?
I think the gala is important because it helps to fund our arts programs and school, and brings people closer!
What is your favorite part of Hollywood?
My favorite part of Hollywood is the Hollywood Bowl because it's such a wonderful place to see and listen to musicians perform in a wide variety of concerts.
Meet and Greet the Greeters of Gala 2024: Hollywood Nights!
Abbey Miller is a senior in the Vocal Arts Conservatory.
What has this production meant to you?
For me, this production is so special because it truly is all the conservatories coming together to put on a spectacular show. Everyone in the show—cast, crew, and the production team—really put their hearts and souls into every part of it. The energy at Gala is simply electric, and it's so fulfilling to be on stage with my friends, letting loose and executing the music and choreography exactly how it was dreamed up. Gala has also allowed me to take on many roles within the production process, from being on stage, to behind the scenes, and now face-to-face with guests, an opportunity I might not have had otherwise. Gala has expanded my horizons as to what my place can be within the entertainment industry and has taught me what I am really capable of!

Why do you think Gala is important?
Gala is so important because it gives the students the experience of working on a show that is as close as possible to what it would be like in a professional industry setting. It pushes students to dig deep into their passions and pour their hearts out on stage, elevating them to become next-level performers. Gala is also so important because it gives others a glimpse into the student's lives, so hopefully they get a better chance to understand our aspirations, life goals, and why our arts education is so meaningful.
What is your Hollywood dream?
My Hollywood dream is to manage up-and-coming talent and to help other artists reach their full potential. Celebrities are such an integral part of our society, and I want to break into the industry to create uplifting and authentic artists for others to look up to and be inspired by.
Sophia Thompson is a senior in the Vocal Arts Conservatory.
What has this production meant to you?
I participated in Gala for the first time during my sophomore year with the Vocal Arts Ensemble and last year had the opportunity to help backstage as an honorary costume crew member! Each year, it has been such a privilege to contribute to a production bigger than myself and my conservatory and be able to collaborate with peers and faculty from across the whole school community.

Why do you think Gala is important?
Gala is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and showcase all of the amazing people and accomplishments of CSArts-SGV. Everyone works so hard to put on this production and it is what allows our school to continue to thrive, giving students the opportunity to do what they love.
What is your Hollywood dream?
One day I dream to be a choral conductor for ensembles as prestigious as the Los Angeles Master Chorale. As a conductor, I hope to use my platform to make classical music a more inclusive and accessible space for connection.