AVPA Alumni Spotlight
Graduation year: 2008
AVPA School: Dance (Music, Theatre performance)
Quote: “AVPA was the place where I truly found myself as a performing artist. I found my strengths and I also found my tribe! It was a safe place for me and gave me an outlet to express my creativity, grow my craft and get to know myself, which can be very difficult at that age. It was the first time that I really felt a sense of belonging in school. People saw the good in me and they loved me for who I was (and I was a really silly and out there kiddo). That was the biggest thing for me because without that I wouldn’t be able to allow myself to be vulnerable in my craft as an artist. The professional rigor that AVPA offered challenged me to push my limits and nurtured the strength that I had in me to be the best that I could be, and I’m forever grateful!”
“AVPA taught me about the camaraderie of the performing arts community and how to find that for myself in college where I knew no one. It helped me know what to look for. AVPA also gave me the college level experience through the classes that were offered through SMC, the high production quality, and the standard at which my performance as a student was held, so that it wasn’t a shock when I was immersed in my college classes. I also highly observed my instructors… Cari-Ann Henderson, Lisa Michel, Tony Spano, Julie Carson, Darryl Hovis, Joseph Horn, Farhang Pernoon… and more!! I didn’t realize it at the time, but once I started directing, choreographing and teaching, I pulled so much from what I had observed as a student. I was a sponge, and having such incredibly dedicated and creative teachers who truly CARED for their students and the art they created together was inspirational and left a huge impact on my life as an artist and a teacher. I have so much gratitude for these people and what they instilled in me… and I know I wasn’t the easiest kid to teach!!!”
Update: Right after AVPA, I went on to get my degree in Musical Theatre. For the next 15 years I’d been co-running our family theatre program, dee-Lightful Productions, where I was directing/choreographing 4 musicals per year with kiddos here in Culver. Then went on to substitute teach and eventually landed my career in teaching full time as the theatre arts educator at Culver City Middle School, where I get to grow the program and collab with AVPA, a full circle and very rewarding experience. I’m finishing up my 3rd year and I couldn’t be happier! Throughout it all, I got married to my college sweetheart, and get to hit the road from time to time touring with him and his band around the world. We’re now settled in our first home as homebuyers here in LA with our 3 kitties and are going strong!
Allegra Williams-Stirrat
Haanzs Solognier
Graduation year: 2015
AVPA School: Music
Quote: “AVPA gave me role models and allowed me to become a role model for others. I learned about creative and emotional maturity, empathy, and what it means to collaborate.”
“AVPA was the perfect environment for my curiosity in audio engineering and music production. No technical or creative questions were off limits, and there was an audience for everybody's ideas.”
Update: Began work as a freelance audio engineer and music producer after five years at Westlake Recording Studios.
Patrick Gardner
Graduation year: 2005
AVPA School: Music / Theatre Performance
Quote: “AVPA allowed me to broaden my musical talents and put them to good use at an early age. It definitely helped shape my future. I wish that this sort of program was available in more schools throughout the country, if not worldwide.”
“I honestly wouldn't have been been able to land such an amazing opportunity as I did, as it helped me strengthen my talent through years of hard work and dedication within AVPA.”
Update: After graduating CCHS and AVPA I enrolled at Cal State LA and then got an audition with Disney as a voice actor, which was only possible due to my previous vocal training I received with AVPA. I was able to do this for 16 years and I'm truly grateful. I've since opened 2 businesses, one of which I still have a contract with Disney, just on a different capacity.
Graduation year: 2018
AVPA School: Technical Theatre (Live Events)
Quote: “AVPA gave me the tools and experience to understand that there is a career trajectory for people that are into art and design, such as myself.”
“AVPA gave me amazing learning experiences for the technical design craft for prodcution and collaboration with others. ”
Update: I am still active in the Culver City community and biking around. I serve as Vice Chair for Culver City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which I first joined in 2017 when I was a student at Culver City High School.
From 2021 to 2025, I designed and installed the window displays and seasonal store decor at the Village Well Bookstore.
As of 2025, I serve as the Head of Technical Production & Event Design for Culver City PRIDE FESTIVAL. It's a rewarding experience and the AVPA theatre department gave me the skills and experience to execute a large scale event, such as Culver City PRIDE.
Jack Galanty
Graduation year: 2018
AVPA School: Film
Quote: “AVPA opened my eyes to how much I love cinematography and movies. It sparked my curiosity, gave me an excellent education in film production, and gave me the opportunity to be hands-on with equipment and on set at a young age. The experience was invaluable and shaped me into who I am today.”
“Going into Film school in college, I had a major leg up compared to most of my peers. I was able to show seniors a cinematography reel that I completed in high school and get chosen as the DP for many senior thesis films throughout college. Additionally, trying different roles on set in AVPA Allowed me to already have an understanding of what role I want to focus on in college and for a career. It also allowed a space to make mistakes, take risks, and become more confident as a person.”
Update: I’m a cinematographer and camera operator. I mostly work on YouTube videos for channels like MrBeast and BuzzFeed. I have had the honor to travel around the world for my cam op work with MrBeast. I have goals of DP’ing commercials, music videos, and feature films.
Ginger Port
