Act One Theater Arts provides a safe, fun, and encouraging learning environment staffed by professionally trained teachers. Students will explore all elements of theater and become the best performer they can possibly be. Through our classes, showcases, and musical productions, students will gain knowledge and experience, develop confidence, and build lasting friendships.
~ Act One Staff ~
SHARON DUCHI (Owner, Director, Musical Director, Producer) received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and fifth year Middle School Endorsement from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She has been a certified teacher in the states of California and Virginia since 1992, and has written, directed, and musically directed numerous school-wide shows both large and small. Sharon has been involved in various aspects of singing, acting, and musical theater since grade school, and has enjoyed performing in many theater venues and vocal groups in Michigan, Virginia, and Southern California. Sharon has Directed, Musically Directed, and Produced numerous award-winning productions, including RENT-School Edition, Little Women The Musical, Footloose, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Aida, Oklahoma, Godspell, Into The Woods, Seussical The Musical, High School Musical, Jungle Book, Cinderella, Annie, Mulan, and Grease.
GEORGE C. ORTIZ, JR. (Choreography, Jazz Instructor) began his official dance and performing arts training as a company member with the 24/7 Dance Company on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. He received a scholarship to The Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, CA at the age of 17, and was signed with Dorothy Day Otis (an agent representing him for Dance, Commercial and Theatrical). He quickly began to work with L.A.’s top choreographers, directors and actors. George has worked on many films and has traveled the world on tours with many different artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Shayanne. He can also be seen dancing and acting on numerous television shows. George has danced in and choreographed multiple music videos, and he has danced for Michael Jackson, Offspring, Smashmouth, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin. George now commits his gifts and talents to teaching.
NICOLE THOMAS (Instructor: Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz) received her formal ballet training from Balanchine Ballerina Linda Yorth. She has studied ballet for 20 years, and has extensive training and professional experience in modern, jazz, and musical theater. Nicole first danced professionally at the age of 16, with leading roles in ballets and musicals such as Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, and Project Roller Dance. Nicole has sent many students into professional careers, and has taught master classes in Italy at Scuola di Danza Surya.
BREANA FRANGIPANI (Choreography) attends Palomar College with a major in Dance. She trained at Temecula Dance Company for five years (including four years on the competitive dance team), and at the California Institute for the Arts. Breana has trained in Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Modern dance. She has been involved in many local productions, including Thoroughly Modern Millie, Pippin, Scrooge, Kiss Me Kate, A Chorus Line, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie, Mulan, Footloose, and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.