Every semester we select a talented student from each Actor Training Program class and feature them on our website. If you're a potential Conservatory Student or just curious to hear what ATP is like, we encourage you to check out our list of talented students!
Singing, dancing and acting have been my passions basically from birth. According to my family, I was trying to sing before I could talk and I learned that I could shake my hips shortly after learning to walk. Unfortunately, because of location and timing, I never could thoroughly indulge my theatre itch until I joined ATP. I’d heard about ATP from a co-worker, and after doing a bit of research I knew that ATP was the place for me. It was in the program that I learned stage combat, voice technique and had my first singing and dance lessons. Within the program I have gained skills not only useful to the stage, but for life. The thing I love the most about ATP is the wonderful support group of classmates and teachers. You feel free to “dare to be a dork” and know that your imagination makes the impossible, possible. Kirsten Myers Class of 2010SCT: Bye Bye Birdie - Kim MacAfee; The Producers - Ensemble; Much Ado About Nothing - Hero; How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - Ensemble
Winter’s Theatre Co: Twelfth Night - Feste; Bus Stop - Cherie; The Sound of Music - Liesl
Woodland Opera House: Seussical - Citizen of Nool; Honk Jr. - Grace/ Goose Squad
I got pulled into the theatre department at Fairfield High School toward the end of my freshmen year and from then on I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in acting. My first year at Solano Community College I decided to audition for “The Talented Mr. Ripley” on a whim, and I was very surprised I got in. The following fall semester I auditioned and was accepted in the Actor Training Program. I love the instructors and the variety of classes that are being offered to us such as Voice, Dance, Singing, Scene Study and many more. I never really considered myself to be a dancer but found Ballet, Jazz and Tap to be some of my favorite classes. In this program I am obtaining valuable information from experienced professionals that will help me enter and succeed in the world of acting. – Zachary Scovel class of 2011SCT:Much Ado About Nothing, The Talented Mr. Ripley
The Way Off Broadway Theatre: You Can't Take It With You, Once Upon A Mattress, George Washington Slept Here, Peter Pan, Arsenic And Old Lace, The Man of La Mancha, Harvey
Theatre has always been something I’ve loved and appreciated. After high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I decided to give the Actor Training Program at Solano a try. I’m so glad that I took that step because ATP has helped me grow, not just as a performer, but as a person. My classmates have become some of my very best friends and my teachers are knowledgeable and talented. This program has given me the strength to pursue theatre as a career. The great thing about ATP is that people from all walks of life can come here and leave a more confident person no matter what their plans are for after graduation. I plan on going onto a UC school to get a degree in Communications and later going to get my MFA in Theatre. Theatre is what I love and ATP gave me the courage to know that my dream can be a reality. - Bianca Doria `09SCT: The Talented Mr. Ripley; Sac City College: Snow White, A British Panto; Sac Shakespeare Festival: Twelfth Night; Solano Repertory: A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Buckingham Theatre: Exit the Body; Lackland Community Theatre: Annie; Stacey Theatre: Medea, The Importance of Being Ernest.
Film: Vacaville Public Access Channel: The Green Room; CSU Sacramento student film: The Things She Said.
About ten years ago, I was taken to see SCT's production of Little Shop of Horrors at the Harbor Theater, in downtown Suisun. This was the first show I had ever seen, and since then the desire to perform has never left me. After high school, I made the decision to further my professional education by enrolling in the Actors Training Program. Theater is a competitive industry, and this program is an ideal place to learn about the skills needed in order to further a career in theater; acting, singing, dancing, tech. I greatly cherish the teaching, and respect given to me by all of my experienced teachers. And in my few months in the program I feel my understanding of the craft has grown exceptionally. And to top it all off, it is unbelievably fun. I just can’t wait to get back to class. ATP ROCKS! - Michael Doppe, Class of ‘10 SCT: How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Noises Off, The Center Stage: Don Quixote, The Hitchhiker, MASH, Get Smart, Comedia Delight
My love for theater was born from an early age by an amazing production of Phantom of the Opera in San Francisco. I had been in Youth Theater and high school productions since, or performed whenever given the chance. After spending the majority of my high school years in the theater I decided to come to the ATP program. This program is extraordinary. It truly lays the ground work for getting into the business no matter which path you may take. I have felt my passions and talent grow everyday of class. This program, as with all things truly worth doing, isn’t easy. But the teachers are very experienced and help to guide you through your two years. They give you the power and education to make theater into a career. Anyone with a drive towards theater or performance will find great training with this program. I know I will be leaving this program with exponentially more than I went in with. Once I have graduated I plan to go on to get a Bachelors in Theater with a directing emphasis at either UC Santa Barbara or a private theater conservatory. Once the degree has been achieved I hope to direct both film and theater, teach, and act. –David Ewing, Class of ‘09 SCT: Assasins, Noises Off, This is a Chair; Napa Valley College: Loves Labors Lost; Alterena Playhouse: Into The Woods; Dreamweavers Theatre: Weekend Comedy, Biloxi Blues; Napa Little Theater: The Importance of Being Earnest, The Odd Couple, The Outsiders, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Crucible, Noises Off, Twelfth Night.
I started dancing ballet at the age of four at Solano Civic Ballet and participated in The Nutcracker every year. At an early age, I knew that performing was what I wanted to do. I expanded my knowledge by taking jazz and tap at Dance Direction as well as taking theatre classes in middle school and high school and becoming involved in musicals. I have always enjoyed coming to see productions at Solano College throughout my life and knew that it was a very good program. I have already grown so much as a performer in the short time that I have been in the program. I value the expertise that each teacher has to offer because they are working professionals and know what is best for us. I am excited to see what the coming months will bring. - Carmen Hanson Class of `10Magic Circle Theatre: Ragtime; Vanden High School: Once Upon a Mattress, Schoolhouse Rock Live!; Davis Musical Theatre: Annie
I started my career on the stage with dance when I was five years old. I have always had a passion for performing, and have been enamored with acting. In high school I took my first theatre class and fell in love with it. I knew I wanted to further my training for the theatre in college, and discovered the Actor Training Program. The training I have received through ATP is really indescribable. Not only has it taught me the essentials of becoming a great actor, but I learned a great deal about myself. I am so fortunate to have worked with professional, accomplished teachers who have given me invaluable advice and guidance. One of my favorite parts of the program was learning stage combat. It was so much fun it was hard to believe I was at “school.” The program has inspired me to further my theater training, and I hope to earn my B.A. as well as M.F.A. in theatre someday. -- Morgan Frazer Class of ‘08SCT: Intimate Apparel, The Shadow Box, Dead Man Walking
During my senior year of high school I took my first theatre class, which led to my first musical, The Music Man. It dawned on me that acting made me genuinely happy because of the work I put into it as well how the audience is affected. Having heard about ATP from a cast member, I auditioned and my life has taken a 360 since then. The best part of the program is that every teacher is a working professional, so they are living proof of their word. Being a conservatory-based program, ATP makes it easy to approach faculty for help with anything and everything. This program has helped me grow tremendously as an actor, singer, dancer, and as a person and has made me realize that learning never stops. – Anthony Williams Class of '09
Solano Repetory Theatre: A Midsummer Night's Dream; Will C. Wood HS: The Music Man
I knew I wanted to act as soon I realized that I liked to entertain. I had my first chance on stage in the play "America" in the third grade. I loved the singing, costumes, and the nervous excitement I felt before the performance. After that experience I was officially "bitten" by the acting bug. I continued my pursuit of acting in school and church plays always hungering for more. It wasn't until I graduated from high school and started going to Solano that I heard about ATP. I found out that it was a multi-faceted program that explored the major sides of acting. My favorite moments of ATP has been learning to dance: jazz, ballet, and eventually tap. The greatest thing is the moral support and encouragement that I have received from my classmates and teachers. ATP has given me the confidence and tools I need to succeed in all aspects of entertainment.
SCT: Asst. Director for The Shadow Box and Intimate Apparel. Outside: The Christmas Gift, The Music Machine, Jesus Is My Friend (Fairfield-Suisun Christian Center)
Acting is something that I've wanted to do since I was young and now I'm getting to take the first steps towards making it a reality. I was first told of the ATP by my brother who was looking in to it a few years ago. In my "Acting on Camera" class, my teacher George Maguire mentioned he was part of the ATP. I asked him about it and if there was a way to audition. He told me to show up at the Harbor Theater that afternoon and he would see what we could work out. I showed up and the instructors graciously let me audition for them that afternoon. I felt so blessed that they accepted me. I love the whole program and there isn't really one part that I can pick out above the rest. It is all helping me perfect my craft, this program and everyone in it are a blessing to be around, to know, and to learn from.
SCT: The Shadow Box [Mark] Outside: Halal Ballet Company ( The Nutcracker [Nararator]) Media Theater Philadelphia Pa. (Camelot [Arthur] Directed by Jesse Cline, Romeo & Juliet [Mercutio] Directed by Tim Haney, A Mid Summer's Nights Dream [Puck] Directed by Tim Haney Additional Training: Media Theater's Professional Actors Training in Philadelphia Pa.
For more information contact Carla Spindt, ATP Conservatory Director at carla.spindt@solano.edu or at 707-864-7000 x4697