ABOUT US | Blackhawk Theatre Co

PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

As a department, our philosophy is simple - give each and every student the opportunity to grow personally and collectively through the performing arts. We believe in empowering students to make the most of their high school years, therefore we go out of our way to ensure students CAN participate in all four A's - Arts, Academics, Athletics and Activities. We maintain high standards of excellence for ourselves and our students while promoting integrity and grace in their interactions with each other and the student body at large.

"Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possible can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.”

- Kurt Vonnegut, author of Slaughter House Five

Theatre - Elena Villa

Elena Villa began her teaching career in 2001 and joined the CV staff in 2010. She has a BA in English from Mount St. Mary’s Univ., a MA in Curriculum & Instruction from Chapman Univ., and a MA in Directing from Roosevelt Univ. The best part about teaching at Citrus is the mutual respect all the Performing Arts students show for each other. Fostering the creation of art is the most rewarding thing about teaching. When not at school, she enjoys trying new foods, cooking and going on adventures with her husband and son.

Band - Austin Meiners

Mr. Meiners has taught the bands and orchestras at Citrus Valley since 2016. He loves conducting the pit orchestras and collaborating with all performing art students. He is an avid soccer fan and will often get up to watch his Tottenham Hotspurs across the pond at 4am. A graduate of Long Beach State (B.M Instrumental Music ‘12), Mr. Meiners is finishing his Masters of Arts in Music and Music Education at Teachers College, Columbia University (‘22).

Choir - Kimberly Anaya

Kimberly Anaya has been teaching at Citrus Valley for 10 years and teaching music in some capacity for 22 years. She moved from a small mountain town to attend the U of R for her Bachelors in Vocal Performance. Continuing her education at the U of R, she earned her Masters in Vocal Performance. When her dreams to become an opera singer became harder by the week, she decided to get her teaching credential and find a high school gig. She feels fortunate to have a home at CV and support from her husband, 2 kids and amazing colleagues.

Piano - Sophia Ohanian

Sophia Ohanian began teaching at Citrus Valley in 2019. She teaches piano classes ranging from beginning to advanced as well as accompanying for the choirs and musicals. Originally from Los Angeles, Ms. Ohanian attended the University of Redlands where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance (2015) and a Master of Arts degree in Education (2019). She has taught private piano lessons for over 10 years and is associate music director at Redlands United Church of Christ. When not working, Ms. Ohanian is an avid NBA follower. Go Lakers!ned.

Sceneshop Supervisor - Ashton Bolanos

Ashton Bolanos graduated from CV and the BTC in 2014. He enlisted in the Marines and was active for 4 years. Upon returning to Redlands, Ashton became involved with the Redlands Theatre Festival as a technician. He joined the BTC as Master Carpenter in 2019. His crew says, “When we work with Ashton, it doesn’t feel like work - but still everything we do has purpose and meaning.. He is incredibly patient with everyone, especially newcomers. He brings a sense of care and family to our crew. “

Guest Director - Raphael Berglas

CV Alumnus Raphael Berglas joined us as a guest director for the Spring Honor Play Production, Oh, Bologna. Raphael received his BFA in Acting from the SUNY Purchase Acting Training program in upstate New York. He also studied as a gap year student at Interlochen Arts Academy under one of the world’s only Commedia Masters, Gulshirin Dubash. He is currently cast as Oberon & Julius Caesar in New Jersey Shakespeare Live's upcoming Spring season. Raphael also draws, writes, codes video games, goes for long walks on the beach and is a loving cat dad on the side. He currently has 4 kittens that he is looking to find forever homes for! If you're interested, shoot an email over to: raphberglas@gmail.com

Zach Simons - Theatre Manager/Tech Director

Zach Simons joined the CVPA in 2022 as the Theater Operations Manager, and is so glad that he did! An entertainment professional with over 15 years of experience, including 16 Seasons as Lighting Director at the Redlands Bowl, he has worked with groups ranging from The Pacific Symphony to P.O.D. He holds a BA in Performance and Directing from Vanguard University, and can be found elsewhere directing and fight coordinating. A lifelong nerd, he loves all things creative, filling his head with useless facts, Disney Parks, vintage design and his 3 cats.

Guest Director - Adam Brodner

Adam Brodner is beyond humbled to be a part of the Citrus Valley Performing Arts family! Originally from Texas, Adam has had the privilege to travel the world performing, designing, directing, and creating. He specializes in facilitating empowering performance experiences and eco-friendly design practices. Theatre has saved Adam's life on more than one occasion and is honored to create art with such an amazing community. "Thank you to my incredibly patient family for your support. Break a Leg, Trap Family. I am blown away by your hard work and so grateful for your kindness."

Choreographer - Lieren King

Lieren King has been working with CV for many years as a show choir and musical theater choreographer. Since 2020, Lieren King has been the proud owner of The Looking Glass Studio of Performing Arts in Redlands. She has taught dance at a performing art school in Rancho, danced professionally in 42nd St and Singing in the Rain, served as Dance Captain for both shows and choreographed for Singin’ in the Rain for the Redlands Bowl. She is excited to continue the partnership with CV.

Choreographer - Brian Curl

Brian Curl is a professional teaching artist, actor, choreographer, director, and producer. Since 2008, Brian has been traveling the world teaching at conferences, high schools, and universities. As an actor, he has performed in 49 of the 50 states as well as off-broadway, off-off-broadway, regional theaters, summer stock theaters, and Walt Disney World.

In late 2019, Brian founded daily8count.com, an online choreography education tool for the classroom...check it out! Brian is also a proud founding member of the Teaching Artist Alliance.

A big kid at heart, Brian enjoys working with the future of the theatre industry! Insta: @briancurl81 & @daily8count.