About

For the past 30 years, Bruce has been involved in all aspects of theatre. He has worked with performers of all ages, as an actor, musician, director, designer, and producer. He has made his mark in theaters varying from local high schools and colleges to community theaters and professional venues. It is his vision to help create a high quality theatrical experience for both artists and audience members. Bruce sets high standards for himself and others in a cooperative learning environment. He currently works as the Operations Manager for a local industrial theater and special events company.

Amy has been creating, performing, and teaching music and theatre for over 20 years.  After graduating magna cum laude from USC with degrees in theatre and music , Amy began a professional singing career that took her across the globe.  Amy has performed onstage from New York, to Los Angeles, to Tokyo, and on the high seas with Holland America and Disney.  Now a mother of three, Amy conducts three childrens’ choirs in North County San Diego and teaches private voice.  Amy is thrilled to be part of the Luminary Arts team and have the opportunity to introduce collaborative music and arts education in local schools.

Patrick has directed, acted and taught for over 25 years. He is a Teaching Artist with Young Audiences of San Diego, Playwrights Project, and CoTA. He has a B.F.A in Directing from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He’s played roles as diverse as Laurence in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Bullshot in Bullshot Crummond, Fagin in Oliver, Benidick in Much Ado About Nothing, Billy in Anything Goes, and James Joyce in Travesties. Numerous professional credits at The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, PCPA Theaterfest, Cygnet, Intrepid, and North Coast Rep. Other regional and local credits include Assistant Director on Broadway for The School for Scandal (with Tony Randall,) The Shakespeare Theatre in DC, Great Lakes Theatre Festival in Cleveland, San Diego Jr. Theatre, Moonlight, Diversionary, as well as Shakespeare Festivals in Lake Tahoe, San Luis Obispo and Atlanta.

Spencer would like to live in a world filled with innovative theaters and free pizza.  A California native, Spencer graduated from Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts and studied Sanford Misener’s technique in New York City under William Esper.  With more than 20 years of experience in acting writing and directing, he’s developed a unique style of teaching. He has taught and directed in Europe, the former Soviet Union and most recently here in So. California.  His current adventure includes teaching 9th – 12th grade theatre at Classical Academy High School.  When he is not teaching you can find him in his garage workshop creating theatrical effects props and special effect creatures and make-up.

Candace began her dance training at the age of four in Yuma,  Arizona, dancing many soloist roles as a company member with Ballet Yuma, under the direction of Jon Cristofori and Kathleen Sinclair-Cristofori. During that time, she was also a ballet and tap instructor for the Yuma Ballet Academy, the official school of Ballet Yuma. Ms. Carbajal earned her B.S. In Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University -Yuma and taught both 4th and 6th grade before relocating to California. After moving to Redlands, CA, she became a ballet and tap instructor for the School of International Ballet, where she developed and implemented the school’s tap curriculum. In addition, she was a company member and rehearsal assistant for the Redlands Festival Ballet Company, under the direction of Cecilia Hering. Candace currently instructs ballet, tap, theatrical and lyrical jazz, as well as Pilates and Extension Methods around San Diego. An accomplished performer, teacher, and choreographer, Candace has worked with several theatre companies throughout Southern California and Arizona. Select choreography credits include: “Sheila” (Grand Facade Theatre Prod.), “Willy Wonka” (Pickwick Players, Aubrey “Best Ensemble”), “Secret Garden” (PaccoArts), and “1940′s Radio Hour” (Patio Playhouse.) In addition to her continuing love of performing, recently playing such roles as Anita in “West Side Story” (ITL Award Nominee), Rosie in “Bye Bye Birdie,” and Featured Dance Ensemble in Coronado Playhouse’s ” Chicago,” Candace is working toward completion of her BASI Pilates certification as well as additional Extension Method certificates. She is extremely excited to bring her many years of experience and love of dance to the students in the VAPA program.

After graduating from UCSD with her degree in music literature, Lisa Laughbaum created her own preschool music program, The Children’s Music Workshop. She has been teaching this outstanding music curriculum at preschools and daycares in North San Diego County for over twenty years. Her corresponding CD collection (now available on iTunes) has made her a popular local icon, and she currently enjoys performing for children all over Southern California. In addition, Lisa teaches piano in the afternoon. She has developed a semi-private instructional program that combines a formal piano lesson, with computer music games, and practice time. She caters to over 40 students a week with patience and caring, loving every minute of it!

Jill holds a multiple subject credential from California State University San Marcos and is GATE certified. She has been a classroom teacher in San Marcos for over 20 years. Jill was a member of the San Marcos Unified School District’s VAPA committee. Throughout her life, she has studied many aspects of both visual and performing arts. Mrs. Blackwell has a passion for helping children reach their full potential and believes that the Arts provides a place for all children to feel challenged and accepted.