MTAOC is a magical place. I literally found my voice, made lifelong friends, and discovered exactly what I was meant to do. The skills I acquired in my 8 years at Musical Theater Academy Orange County have proven to be invaluable in my pursuit of a career in the performing arts. The comprehensive training not only enhanced my technical proficiency but also cultivated a deep appreciation for collaboration, discipline, and the importance of storytelling through the medium of musical theater – all values instilled by the one and only Jimmy Hippenstiel. In fact, the way he runs shows is the standard by which I judge all others. None come close. These skills have not only shaped me as a performer but also equipped me with a versatile toolkit that extends beyond the stage. Jimmy’s expert coaching helped me to win numerous vocal competitions, notably The Music Center Spotlight (Classical Voice) and NATS National High School Musical Theater. I was also recognized as a Young Arts winner in 2021. I recently completed my Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at Vanderbilt University and am planning to pursue my Masters degree in voice/opera in Europe. – Ava Rae Kuntz, MTAOC Alumni 2021

I started at MTA when I was 11 years old in their 2004 production of Anything Goes. And, even though I had already fallen in love with theatre and performing, I was beyond nervous to join this new group. Thankfully, my nerves were quickly dashed as I was warmly welcomed by a team of incredible directors and kind students. In almost an instant, I knew that I had found my home. In the years following I was mentored by some of the most kind-hearted, talented, and hard-working teachers I have ever known, I was given incredible opportunities to perform some of the most fun music and choreography I’ve ever encountered, and I gained so many skills that I carry through with me in my life to this day. I went on to earn my BFA in Musical Theatre Performance, perform professionally, and teach private voice lessons and direct at my own children’s theatre group where I hope to pass down the passion and joy I gained at MTAOC. Throughout the years, I have had countless teachers and coaches in musical theatre, all unique and wonderful in their own ways. But the things I learned at MTAOC from Jimmy, Deb, Bugsy, and so many more are still, decades later, the skills I turn to first when I teach and perform. MTAOC will always be a home to me. I will always hold it in the highest regard for the passion, joy, and love I found there. I could not recommend this place more. It is a place to learn, to grow, to support, to be encouraged, to shine, to laugh, to cry (in a good way, I promise!), to find passion, joy, and love. Love for the art, for others, and for yourself. – Alexandra Rae Kalaher, MTAOC Alumni

MTAOC holds the most magical place in my heart and was an absolutely integral part of my childhood and young adulthood. I didn’t fit in anywhere growing up and once I found MTAOC, I finally felt safe and at home. I learned to be comfortable in my own skin and that I was allowed to take up space, try, fail, try again, and flourish. It was the launching pad where I was able to start chasing my dreams. I was the first one to arrive, the last one to leave, and wanted to participate in every opportunity. Not only did I find a group of best friends and learn everything there is to know about theatre, but most importantly, I learned skills that shaped me into the person I am today. These are skills and attributes that go far beyond theatre. They are morals, values, traits, and abilities that I apply in every facet of my life. I give MTAOC a huge amount of credit to my successes today. It’s a fun, nurturing, challenging, inclusive, exciting environment with unmatched training. I’m eternally grateful to have grown up within the walls of MTAOC and can only hope that generations of kids continue to have that same safe space to grow and play. – Amy Trgovac, MTAOC Alumni

My time at MTAOC during my elementary and high school years was a huge highlight of my childhood. As a shy child struggling to find their friend group, I began to blossom after my first Summer on Broadway with MTAOC – Song of America in 2004. I found my people, my safe space, and my passion. Even though I don’t do theater for a career now, the skills I learned at MTAOC go beyond the career of choice. Confidence, ability to speak in front of a crowd, and empathy are all instilled in me thanks to the wonderful MTAOC staff. – Elizabeth Torres-Lam, MTAOC Alumni

MTAOC didn’t just teach me theatre – it gave me a foundation for life. From the moment I joined at age 7, it became a place where I found confidence, community, and a sense of purpose that shaped everything I’ve done since. As a super shy, quiet kid, I never imagined I’d find my voice or the confidence to step into numerous leading lady roles, but MTAOC made that happen.

Jimmy, Deb, and the whole incredible staff poured so much care, passion, and attention into every single student. The level of dedication I experienced there is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, even compared to professional theatre. MTA gave me more than artistic skills; they gave me courage, resilience, and a sense of family. Without their support and guidance, I never would’ve taken the leap to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre and then move to NYC afterwards to chase this dream professionally.

The friendships I made at MTAOC are lifelong, and even years after graduating, I still feel held up by my mentors and that community. MTAOC changed my life in ways I’m still discovering every day, and I will be forever grateful to them for helping me become who I am. It’s truly a special place that transforms kids into confident artists and people. – Anysa Wilson, MTAOC Alumni

All of my favorite theatre memories happened on stage at MTA. Dancing and singing in a professional setting with top notch choreography, music, costumes, sets and tech. It felt like stepping onto a Broadway stage. Jimmy Hippenstiel brought out the best in each of us and made sure we all had a moment to shine. I would not be where I am today if it were not for the encouragement of Jimmy and the rest of the creative team at MTA. I am forever grateful for the memories, lessons, and friendships that I was gifted from this magical program.. – Allison Lobel, MTAOC Alumni is a working writer and actress living in Los Angeles. She starred in Shame of Thrones the off-Broadway musical at the Jerry Orbach Theatre in NYC. She also wrote and starred in the horror comedy Easter Bloody Easter now streaming on Apple Tv and Amazon Prime. 

MTA is so much more than just a theater; it’s a true academy that nurtures growth, confidence, and creativity. I had the incredible privilege of being a part of MTA for over five years, and it was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. During my time at MTA, not only was I given the opportunity to perform live in front of a live audience, but I was also given the chance to grow, to learn, and to truly shine.

MTA gave me a safe space to be myself and explore my passion for the performing arts. It helped me build lifelong friendships, and more importantly, it gave me the tools and confidence to pursue a career in this industry. The training I received went far beyond singing, dancing, and acting—it taught me discipline, teamwork, resilience, and how to step outside my comfort zone.

Thanks to MTA, I not only became a better performer but also a stronger, more self-assured person. It shaped who I am today, and I will always be grateful for the memories, the mentors, and the magic that MTA brought into my life. – Aaron Griffin, MTAOC Alumni

MTAOC was the single best part of my childhood and what I looked forward to every Thursday and Saturday for 10 years. I developed confidence on and off stage, was provided an opportunity to grow artistically and personally, and created friendships that will last a lifetime. Even though I am not pursuing musical theatre as an adult, MTAOC is the major reason I am confident in my career in a people-facing role at Google. If you are looking for a place to invest in your child’s future, look no further than MTAOC! I have a lifetime of gratitude for an organization that shaped me into who I am today. – Taylor Webb, MTAOC Alumni

I owe much of my life and all of my career to MTAOC. I received top-notch training in all necessary disciplines, and the professionalism in which rehearsals are held prepared me well for the industry. Above all, I made lifelong friends and connections that I carry with me every day both in my professional and personal life. – Evan Troutt, Performing Arts instructor at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Teaching Artist at the Laguna Playhouse

I had the privilege of being a part of MTAOC for several years throughout middle school and high school. At the age of 10 I discovered my love for theater. I was a part of a couple of different local theater programs growing up, however MTAOC truly stood out amongst the rest for its high caliber. Jimmy, Sharon, and Deb challenged me to new heights as a performer. When I first joined MTAOC, I was most intimidated by the dancing as I had little background/experience.  After just 2 years in the program, Jimmy helped improve my skills so much that I was able to land the role of Nanette in No No Nanette, leading major tap numbers front and center while simultaneously singing. I remember taking so much pride in this accomplishment and to this day I still take tap classes for fun! In addition to the performing, MTAOC gave me a community that I was proud to be a part of. In retrospect I am forever grateful to have had MTAOC, a place where I could be 100% authentically myself in such crucial developmental years. It truly felt like my home away from home and several of the friends I made at MTAOC are still in my life to this day. It’s programs like MTAOC and people like Jimmy, Sharon, and Deb that are the reason I am still in the arts today as a songwriter. Their encouragement changed the trajectory of my life by giving me the courage to pursue music and for that I am eternally grateful. – Linsey Urrea, MTAOC Alumni, Songwriter