Staff
Executive/Administrative Staff
JEAN ISAAC
Executive Director
Jean has been working with kids and theater for nearly 25 years. After growing up in a youth theater that was a major part of her extra curricular activities, Jean felt the need to get her own children involved in theater. What started as a desire to present a school play through the PTA at her kids’ elementary school soon evolved into a regular program offering after school drama classes. Shortly thereafter, Tour Groups were formed, productions were presented, and YOUNG ACTORS’ THEATRE was born. As the students that she worked with grew up, Jean soon found that there was a need for a theater company in the community where the students could continue to participate in productions. Subsequently, a board of directors was formed and a non-profit organization was founded.
Over the years, YOUNG ACTORS’ THEATRE has produced over 50 productions, and has seen hundreds of students train with us. Our philosophy at YOUNG ACTORS’ THEATRE is that every student deserves a chance to be on stage. Many of our students have gone on to pursue college degrees in theatre, and some are even working professionally! ”It is a constant source of pride when students come home from college, and tell me how much of a different Young Actors’ Theatre has made in their life.”
MELISSA HURST
Vice President of Operations/Treasurer
Micki Hurst was born in Michigan but raised in various places around the United States including Mississippi, Florida, Maryland, and Hawaii. But she has called San Diego home for approximately 30 years as this is where she has attended school, married and raised her two sons. It is because of her two sons that she was first introduced to Young Actors theatre nine years ago. As a person that was involved in theatre as a teenager and young adult she was immediately charmed by the quality of the productions and the dedication of the volunteers. She has been passionately involved on several levels ever since. In 2010 she brought her 20 year background as an accountant to YAT full time and accepted the role as Vice President of Operations/Treasurer. “It inspires me to see a child that is awkward and shy find their stride. They take pride in themselves and find a peer group. It is truly the “magic” of the theatre that guides them. If my skills can help to foster that, then this is truly my calling.”
MISHON WALLACE
Administrative Support
Mishon Wallace is a native Californian, growing up in Pasadena and the Monterey Bay area. Her husband’s career as a US Navy officer brought her to San Diego, where she and her family have lived since 1996. In 2007, while registering her younger daughter for a class, she learned that Young Actors’ Theatre was in need of a receptionist. Since then, she has found fulfillment using her office skills to support YAT’s great work with young people. In addition, her two daughters have found participating in YAT productions to be very rewarding. Working in the front office as well as being a parent, she is in a unique position to appreciate the various aspects of what makes the program function so successfully. “YAT offers students an opportunity to participate in theatre they would not otherwise have. Each cast becomes a family and the members create bonds with each other that can be lasting. This program is truly a blessing to our community.”
Artistic Staff
JEAN ISAAC
Director
Born and raised in San Diego, Jean has been involved in musical theater since she was 12. After attending college locally, she got married and began raising a family. As her children grew, she began searching for a youth theater that would closely resemble the experiences of her own youth. During this time, Jean directed several plays through the school PTA, and began teaching after-school drama programs at local elementary schools. After several years, she founded Young Actors’ Theatre. Directing credits include: Oliver, Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, Li’l Abner, Beauty & the Beast, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Music Man, Once Upon a Mattress, Les Miserables, High School Musical I and II, Seussical, Hairspray, Ragtime and many others, including numerous tour groups since 2001.
JOHN NETTLES
Music Director/Director
John Nettles has been working professionally in San Diego for over 20 years. He developed and directed the award-winning show choir program at Vista High School from ’97-’04. Mr. Nettles has music directed for Moonlight Amphitheatre, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, and Encore Youth Theatre. He is currently the resident Music Director for City Ballet of San Diego and teaching artist for the education/outreach program. He owns and operates A Class Act Productions, which provides entertainment for events of all sizes and produces a regular concert series.
JOEL GOSSETT
Director
Joel Gossett is a veteran actor of the theater, having performed in over 25 productions in the past 12 years. Most recently he performed the role of Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof at Lyric Opera, and the role of Jacob in the Pickwick Players production of Joseph and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat. Joel has also performed with Christian Community Theater, Temecula Valley Players and Poway Performing Arts Company. Joel brings years of in teaching youth theater with CYT and YAT.
PERRY LEE
Director/Choreographer
Perry studied at the American Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles for musical theater. While in L.A. he studied with Jonathan Ingstrom choreographer for a National Tour of 42nd Street. Since then he has choreographed shows all around San Diego. Some of his credits include Valhalla High School’s “Pirates of Penance”, Show Choir at Hillsdale Middle School, and various shows with the Kroc Kids at the Joan and Ray Kroc center in La Mesa. At YAT, he has choreographed Hairspray, Ragtime and Footloose and he has directed Footloose. Perry would like to thank Tina his dance mentor for starting him in dance. And also Thank you to his mother who never stopped believing in him.
MARCOS MELERO
Music Director
Marcos is a music education major at San Diego State University. He has appeared in many shows at Young Actors’ Theatre throughout the years, and performed in the theatre program at Valhalla High School as well. Favorite roles include Horton (Seussical The Musical), Cat in the Hat (Seussical), Bishop (Les Miserables), Skip Snip (Little Shop of Horrors), and many more. Marcos’ wonderful demeanor and his love of music makes him a perfect addition to the staff of Young Actors’ Theatre.
IAN LEWIS
Music Director
Ian has been involved in theater since he was a freshman in high school and is now a senior at SDSU studying Music Education. He has been in numerous productions with YAT and and has musically directed three shows with YAT. Ian does not perform musical theater anymore but he has ventured into the world of opera with his classical training at SDSU. He will be appearing in the SDSU opera’s production of “The Magic Flute” by Mozart in the spring 2012. He is very happy to be working with such a friendly and hardworking production team. “Thanks for supporting the arts and local theaters.”
MARISA MUSGROVE
Director/Choreographer
Marisa Musgrove began performing in musical theater at five years old. When not on stage she is directing, choreographing, and teaching for a number of San Diego-based studios and theaters. Marisa has worked for CCT/CYT, Spotlight Dance Studio, and Theater Kids Workshop as a director and choreographer. Currently Marisa is directing in the after school drama program at Fuerte Elementary School, and teaching drama and dance for the College For Kids program, as well as private lessons in dance. Her newest venture is performing with “An Enchanted Affair,” a company specializing in quality childrens princess theme parties. Marisa is attending San Diego Christian College where she will be entering the Teacher Credential Program. She is so proud to be part of such a wonderful artistic team and hopes to pass on an infectious love of theater, music and dance.
ANDRIA ELAM
Choreographer
Performing since she was four, Andria Elam is an accomplished dancer and vocalist. She has performed in 11 countries, including in the Sydney Opera House and Yokohama Stadium. Other career highlights have included performing at Disneyland as part of their Character Department, competing as a professional Ballroom Dancer, and dancing on stilts as a “living vine.” She was also MISS CALIFORNIA Galaxy 2006. In addition to her many credits as a singer and dancer, Miss Elam is an experienced musical theatre actress. Notable roles have included Charity in “Sweet Charity,” Sarah in “7 Brides for 7 Brothers” and Ziegfeld Girl in “The Will Rogers Follies.” Andria currently works as a Ballroom Dance Instructor, and also owns a local Princess Party company called An Enchanted Affair. For more info, please visit www.AndriaElam.com.