VISUAL & MEDIA ARTS The SDSCPA Visual & Media Arts Department blends traditional skills with innovative techniques, inspiring creativity, risk-taking, and problem-solving. Students master foundations, develop unique voices, and prepare for higher education and artistic careers while igniting a lifelong passion for art. LEARN MORE What sets SDSCPA apart from the rest? EXPLORE AND DEVELOP IN BOTH FINE AND DIGITAL ARTS Build distinctive portfolios through a foundation in drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, illustration, graphic design, film, photography, art history, and 3D ceramics. FACULTY Fine Arts Educator Seana Choi High-energy with experience instructing kindergarten through graduate-level students. Special ability to capture and retain students’ attention with enthusiasm. Particularly well-versed in adapting curriculum to fit diverse requirements and student populations by customizing lesson plans to match group and individual needs. Mail Media Arts Educator Theo Davies Theo Davies was born, raised and educated in England and relocated to San Diego in 2009, where he now lives with his wife and two sons. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, Film and Drama from the University of Reading in the UK, and a Diploma from the New York Film Academy in London. Theo is a screenwriter, director, producer and Professor of Cinema. Theo was Head of Film Production at Platt College, San Diego between August 2018 and June 2023, when it closed its doors after 43 years. At Platt, Theo taught screenwriting, film production, advanced film production and the film portfolio class. Theo has 23 years’ experience working in the film industry in both London and Los Angeles, working on multiple studio features and dramas for the BBC, ITV and the History Channel. In the last 10 years, Theo has been hired to write 5 feature film scripts and one TV Pilot. Two have been optioned and two are about to go the American Film Market in November. The fifth is 'Wish Man', a biographical drama about the man who created the Make-A-Wish foundation. 'Wish Man' was released theatrically in 15 states in June 2019 and was picked up by Netflix in December 2019, where it streamed for 18 months. It's still streaming on Amazon, Peacock, Apple and a dozen other platforms. It was also sold to 15 territories worldwide. On three occasions to date, Theo has been invited to be a Guest Speaker at UCSD for the American Business students, where he lectures on the subject of ‘Business in Film – Financing, Budgeting and Distribution’. He was also selected as an industry mentor for the Big Apple Film Festival (BAFF), where he has mentored hundreds of aspiring screenwriters on the subject of ‘Selling or Optioning Your First Screenplay’. Theo is also the Founder of the Southern California Screenplay Competition, which is now one of the top online screenplay competitions in the world. Theo has been Head of Cinematic Arts at the San Diego School of Creative & Performing Arts since January 2024. Mail Fine Arts Educator Daniel Gonzalez-Zarzuela Daniel received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute and his Dual Language Teaching Credential from San Diego State University. Daniel is a trained and seasoned art teacher who has worked with students of all ages and skill levels. Daniel is specialized in printmaking and painting but has experience teaching painting, drawing, and graphic arts. Daniel is an experienced printmaker and painter. He has honed his craft in various print shops and binderies. He has been producing and showing his work between San Diego, San Francisco and Scotland. Daniel's interests include creating and collaborating with fellow artists. Daniel plans to bring to the SDSCPA his dedication to arts education and his love of creating. He will also bring a unique bicultural perspective to teaching and the classroom. Mail Fine Arts Educator Terisa James Terisa James is a passionate and enthusiastic art educator with a deep commitment to fostering creativity and lifelong learning. She holds a B.A. in Visual and Performing Arts with an emphasis on Arts and Technology from California State University San Marcos. She also earned a credential in Art and a M.A. Ed. with an emphasis on Educational Technology. Shortly after graduation, Terisa’s professional journey began as a graphic designer, where she learned to navigate creative work flow, design as industry and the business of art. After several years as a graphic designer, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish art businesses, including custom ceramic tile design, hand-tooled and painted leather accessories, and vintage and up-cycled fashion boutiques. Before transitioning to teaching, Terisa devoted years to arts enrichment education and community volunteer work, teaching drawing, painting, crafts, and ceramics. These experiences deepened her commitment to guiding students in exploring their creative potential, finding innovative solutions, and embracing the arts as a vital part of lifelong learning. Terisa is dedicated to championing the arts, inspiring the next generation of artists to reach their highest creative potential, and finding joy and meaning in the artistic process. Mail Visual & Media Arts Educator Don Masse Don Masse is an artist and educator that has been based in San Diego since 2001. At SDSCPA, Don teachers Mulitmedia Design to students 6-8 and Foundations of Visual Art and Design to 9th graders. Don earned his BFA in Studio Art from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, PA and his MFA in Studio Art from LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After moving to San Diego, he earned his teaching credential from SDSU and recently earned a CCTE credential in Arts, Media, and Entertainment. Don works in a variety of materials and approaches as a professional artist- charcoal drawing, digital illustration, large scale public chalk drawings, and public artworks on walls of buildings around San Diego. This range of work and approach is something that he emphasizes to students as they grow as creatives- that they should be flexible and capable of approaching projects in a variety of ways in order to meet the needs of a wide scope of possible clients. Don has a passion for public artwork because he believes that art experiences should be open to all and not only restricted to the walls inside museums and galleries. In line with this, he has collaborated with numerous muralists in San Diego to bring their work on to the campuses of San Diego Unified Schools. He has also developed and coordinated learning opportunities for school communities on mural making to enhance their campuses and to bring their communities together. Don is also committed to continually growing as an artist and educator. He attends and presents at art education conferences locally, regionally, and nationally. He has served as the keynote speaker and guest artist at teacher conferences in Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Wisconsin, and Tennessee. He regularly presents for the Art of Education University on a variety of art education topics as well. He always leaves these experiences with new ideas that enhance and improve his ever evolving approaches to teaching. Don aims to provide a rigorous, welcoming learning environment for students in his courses. He incorporates the work of a diverse range of contemporary creatives in his curriculum because he wants all students to feel seen and loved in his curriculum. He also does this because he believes it is important for students to see how current creatives are applying concepts being learned in class to current professional situations, so students better understand the relevance of their course material. Don regularly seeks out exhibit opportunities beyond school spaces, in physical spaces and in publications, for students as he believes these experiences in the real world lift our students up in meaningful, lasting ways. Mail Visual & Media Arts Educator Nicholas Patton Nicholas Patton is a San Diego-based artist, graphic designer, illustrator and teacher working with students in grades 8-12 at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. Nicholas has developed a passion for printmaking, digital media and traditional fine arts through professional endeavors. With a Bachelor’s of Arts in Art Studio and a Teaching Credential from Humboldt State University, he earned a CCTE Credential in Arts, Media and Entertainment. A focus of Nicholas’s work has been introducing students to the vast array of college and career opportunities available to them in the arts through bringing professionals and their experience into the classroom. He has partnered and collaborated with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Mingei Museum, AIGA and San Diego Repertory Theatre while planning on-campus portfolio review opportunities for students with schools such as Art Center, LCAD, CalArts, RISD, MICA, SFAI, Parsons, Cooper Union and many more. He participated in the first CCTE educator’s instruction of NuVu Studio design curriculum to summer school students from across the district, in addition to hosting his own animation, visual effects and motion graphics summer intensive. Nicholas is actively building upon that curriculum and will soon begin offering new opportunities for 3D animation, VFX and game design to SDSCPA students. Mail Media Arts Educator Lori Sokolowski Lori Sokolowski is an innovative educator and creator who believes in the power of artistic expression to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. With a BFA in Photography, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and an Advanced Certificate in Instructional Design, she brings both artistic expertise and instructional knowledge to her work. Her teaching philosophy centers on student choice, intention, and process, while incorporating Universal Design for Learning to ensure accessibility, equity, and relevance for all learners. Before joining SDSCPA, Lori developed media arts integration across the San Diego Unified School District, taught high school photography in San Marcos, and worked in museum education at the Museum of Photographic Arts. She is passionate about integrating the arts and technology to prepare students with the skills and literacies of today and the future. Mail Visual & Media Arts Educator Aaron Kurt Catacutan Aaron Kurt is a proud alum of the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and currently serves as one of the school's Visual Arts instructors. Following graduation from SDSCPA, Aaron earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from California State University, Fullerton with a focused emphasis on digital narrative illustration and concept art. With a strong foundation in both fine arts and digital media, Aaron has built a robust career in the creative industry. Aaron has gained substantial experience as a professional artist through a range of freelance, contract, and in-house positions with independent and AA game development studios. His professional work remains ongoing, allowing him to bring current, real-world insight into the classroom. He later earned two teaching credentials: a Career Technical Education (CTE) credential in Arts, Media, and Entertainment, and a Single Subject Credential in Visual Art from San Diego State University. Passionate about preparing students for creative careers, Aaron is committed to equipping the next generation of artists with the technical and conceptual skills needed to thrive in today's highly competitive and ever evolving creative economy. As an SDSCPA graduate, he brings a deep understanding of the school's unique culture and student perspective making his teaching authentic and purpose driven. Mail Visual & Media Arts Educator Julia Reyes Julia Reyes is excited to join SDSCPA as the new 6th and 7th grade Visual Art teacher. Originally from Mexico City, she moved to the United States at the age of 14. Her passion for teaching began during her high school years, inspired by the positive impact of her own educators and her commitment to helping students learn and thrive—regardless of background. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Arts and Sciences, along with a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Art, from San Diego State University. Julia works with a wide range of art materials and mediums and is dedicated to continually growing both as an artist and as an educator. In her classroom, she creates a positive, inclusive, and creative environment where all students are encouraged to express themselves. By incorporating diverse art forms, crafts, and cultural perspectives, Julia helps students explore and discover their creative voices. Her goal is to guide and support each student on their artistic journey and to help them grow not only as artists, but also as confident, thoughtful individuals. Mail Visual & Media Arts Educator Sara Morrison Sara Morrison is a passionate STEAM educator dedicated to fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in young learners. A native of San Diego, she brings a deep commitment to her local community and a belief in the transformative power of education grounded in compassion, innovation, and real-world relevance. Over the course of her teaching career, Sara has developed and implemented project-based learning experiences that integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics — creating a dynamic learning environment where students engage hands-on, collaborate, and apply knowledge to meaningful challenges. Believing that every child has unique strengths and potential, Sara emphasizes inclusive teaching practices that honor diverse backgrounds and learning styles. Her classrooms are designed to be safe, supportive spaces where students feel empowered to take risks, ask questions, and grow both academically and personally. Beyond curriculum and standards, Sara strives to instill in her students a sense of responsibility, creativity, and lifelong learning. By weaving compassion-centered pedagogy with rigorous STEAM instruction, she inspires the next generation of thinkers, makers, and community leaders. Whether designing a robotics challenge, leading a collaborative art-science project, or mentoring a student through a complex design task, Sara is dedicated to shaping a learning experience that’s as engaging as it is empowering — rooted in community, purpose, and limitless possibility. Mail

THEATRE The SDSCPA Theatre Department views theatre as society’s heartbeat—vibrant and transformative. Students gain passion, craft, and discipline through immersive training, developing communication and problem-solving skills that prepare them for success in theatre, college, and diverse careers. LEARN MORE What sets SDSCPA apart from the rest? ACHIEVE RECOGNITION AND AWARDS Student achievements include Best Production and Best Musical at the Broadway San Diego Awards; participants in the Jimmy Awards in NYC, CETA festival award winner FACULTY Department Co-Chair/Musical Theatre Educator Roxane Carrasco Roxane has been a working professional artist (Actress, Singer, Dancer, Director, Choreographer) for over 40 years and a teaching artist (Acting, Voice, Dance, Musical Theatre, Directing, Audition Coach) for 31 years. Favorite credits as a performer include BROADWAY: Chicago (Velma, Mama Morton) INTERNATIONAL TOURS: Chicago (Velma, Dance Capt), West Side Story (Anita), A Chorus Line (Cassie, Morales) BROADWAY WORKSHOPS: Like Water for Chocolate (Gertrudis), The Poet Matador (Alma) REGIONAL THEATRE: Bad Hombres- Good Wives, Manifest Destinitis, In the Heights, Real Women Have Curves, The Women at the San Diego REP; Dames at Sea(Mona), Fox on the Fairway (Muriel), Moonlight Over Buffalo (Ethel), at North Coast Rep; El Henry (Chiqui), The Who’s Tommy (original cast), Figaro Gets a Divorce (original cast) at the La Jolla Playhouse. Favorite Film and TV credits include - Law and Order SVU, As the World Turns (recurring role), The Lady and the Tiger (Co Director, Choreographer in Shanghai, China), Dozens of music videos for Canum Productions as Director and/or Choreographer. Favorite credits as a Teaching Artist include Broadway Classroom, NYU, SDSU, University of the Arts (Philadelphia), ASU as well as guest lecturing at UCSD, the August Everding Akademie (Munich, Germany) and various institutions across the U.S. and Europe. Roxane has done workshops all around the word that specialize in all things A Chorus Line, Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, How to Audition for Musical Theatre, How to learn Choreography Quickly, and How to Teach Musical Theatre for High Schoolers. Roxane has a B.A. in Theatre from UCSD and an M.F.A. in Musical theatre from San Diego State University. Roxane is the proud mother of Lucas and the proud chair of the Theatre Department at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA) specializing in Musical Theatre. Mail Department Co-Chair/Acting Educator Colette Hopper Colette is an accomplished actor and vocalist in the San Diego community performing at Starlight Bowl and as a guest soloist at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. Her achievements embrace cabaret performance, musical theatre, voice-over acting, voice coaching, improv, church soloist, arts educator, and theatrical producing and directing. Colette is currently doing her own one-woman cabaret events each year and is a church soloist. Colette earned her Bachelor’s Degree in performing arts at SDSU and her Master’s Degree in Education from National University. Mail Acting Educator Jason Maddy Jason has a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting. He has worked at Theatres and Shakespeare Festivals across the country for over twenty-five years and is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association (Union for Professional Actors and Stage Managers). With over ten years of classroom experience and 20+ years of teaching experience, Jason crafted a pre-conservatory scope and sequence tha makes University and Conservatory concepts and curriculum comprehensible and applicable for a young artist in development. As a lifelong learner in all aspects, he hopes to foster that same curiosity, passion, and drive for every student at SDSCPA. Mail Musical Theatre Educator Rayme Sciaroni Rayme, the Vocal Performance and a Musical Theatre teacher at SCPA. Having lived in NYC for close to 2 decades, he coached singers preparing for Broadway auditions as well as workshopped several musical adventures of his own. Moving to San Diego he continued coaching professional and budding professional performers in the area as well as showcasing his original song writing in a plethora of Cabaret shows throughout San Diego, Los Angeles and New York. He is an award winning director/musical director/choreographer from a long list of musicals throughout San Diego in youth theatre productions, community theatres and professional events. Since being a part of SCPA he has proudly musical directed “A Chorus Line” and has taken on the two hats of directing/musical directing “Legally Blonde”, “Billy Elliot” and “Addams Family” in the Florence Johnson Grand Theatre. His passion for writing songs doesn’t stop there. His first published book was a co-creation of craft making entitled, “Designing with the Divas”. (Bluegrass Publishing) On his own, he wrote his first novel, “Dinner for God” (Publishing Unleashed) that garnered 5 awards in the independent book writing genre. He is currently working on a sequel to this book entitled, “Dessert for God”. Other works he is currently working on are two children’s stories and taking another children’s story by a known author and turning it into a stage musical. Mail Musical Theatre Dance Educator Michelle Camaya Dance has been a fundamental part of Michelle’s life for over 40 years. Technically, academically, professionally and competitively she has studied in ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, musical theater, Latin and standard ballroom, Polynesian, and Philippine folk dance. 30+ years have been dedicated as a student, teacher, company dancer, former board member and Vice-President of the non-profit organization, Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts and Education Center, which celebrates their 50 year anniversary in 2024. She is a founding member (dancer and musician) of the Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble, which focuses on traditional music and dance from the Southern Philippines. Michelle continues to develop her knowledge of folk arts and culture through field research, dialoguing with colleagues, collaborating with kindred folk dance companies and participation in workshops with master artists and educators. Michelle has had the privilege to share the rich cultural diversity of the Philippine islands with the students at UCSD. She believes that cultural arts is a living and breathing art form and directly corresponds to positive community enhancement. Michelle is well-rounded as a dancer, choreographer, director, hot pilates and yoga instructor. She graduated from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and went on to receive her BA in Dance from UC Irvine. While at UC Irvine, she was a member of the late Donald McKayle’s student dance company, Etude Ensemble and hip hop crew Kaba Modern. Being a member of Actor’s Equity Association (AEA) for 26 years, a highlight of her performing arts career has been performing in The Lion King musical over 2,500+ times on Broadway, with the 1st and 2nd National tours & Las Vegas production. Other select professional credits include: Fame (1st National tour), Swing (Broadway National Tour & Japan), Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away (BNT & Japan), Evita (SD Rep), Sinatra, Dance With Me (Las Vegas); movies: Enchanted and Memoirs of a Geisha. She was also a dance finalist on Bravo TV's Step It Up & Dance. Mail

DANCE SDSCPA Dance fosters an inclusive and supportive environment for top-tier dance training. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes classical ballet and modern dance, while offering all students, regardless of level, the chance to train and perform with industry professionals, nurturing both their artistry and technical excellence. LEARN MORE What sets SDSCPA apart from the rest? ALL STUDENTS ARE WELCOMED Be welcomed into into a program that lifts students from all backgrounds to successfully complete a dance capstone and be college and conservatory ready regardless of former dance training. FACULTY Department Chair Annette Barcelona Annette Barcelona is the Dance Department Chair at SDSCPA. She earned an MFA degree from The Florida State University's School of Dance where she received the 2015-2016 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award. She received her BFA in Dance Education from Brenau University, in Gainesville, GA, where she was awarded the Carol Smiarowski Memorial Dance Scholarship recognizing both artistic and academic excellence. While at Brenau, she completed her Teaching Licensure in Dance Education K-12 and holds a California Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Physical Education/Dance. She holds a California College Career & Technical Credential (CCTE) in Arts, Media and Entertainment and Fashion & Interior Design. Annette is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 7 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is a Certified Balanced Body University Pilates Instructor and Progressing Ballet Technique Instructor. Originally from Michigan, Annette received early ballet training from Therese Bullard (Royal Winnipeg Ballet) at The Bullard School of Ballet and later with Carol Radovic (Vaganova Academy) at CAS Ballet Theatre. She has trained in various ballet styles including, Royal Academy of Dance, Vaganova, Cecchetti and Balanchine (Suzanne Farrell). Barcelona attended numerous intensive programs including The Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Vail, The Kirov Academy of Ballet, and The Eglevsky Ballet. She was also accepted into The Boston Ballet School's year round program. Annette's performing career began at a young age touring with The Kalamazoo Ballet Company. She attended and performed as a company member for multiple Regional Dance America Festivals where she earned a full scholarship to the Craft of Choreography Conference at The University of Iowa. She has danced professionally as a principal dancer with Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre and The Gainesville Ballet Company performing leading roles in numerous full-length ballets including The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and A Midsummer Nights Dream. She has been priviledged to perform works by George Balanchine, Marius Patipa, Anna Sokolow, Marina Leonova, August Tye, Luba Gulyaeva, Anjali Austin (Dance Theatre of Harlem), Anthony Morgan (Martha Graham Company), and Rick McCullough (Nederlands Dance Theatre.) Annette travels nationally for master classes and choreographic commissions for ballet studios, regional companies, universities, and schools. She was a finalist award recipient at The 2018 McCallum Theatre Choreography Festival. Her choreography has been presented at The Regional Dance America Pacific Festival, American College Dance Association Conference, The Regional High School Dance Festival and The Arts School Network Conference. She has choreographed numerous shorter works in addition to two full-length ballet productions, Cinderella and Snow White. Her recent choreography has been performed by Ballet Yuma, North Coast Ballet California, The Tallahassee Ballet, Company Etudes Youth Ballet, The Gainesville Ballet Company, Brenau University, Florida State University and dancers from The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. Mail Dance Educator Annie Boyer Annie Boyer graduated cum laude from The Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Dance in 2001. She earned her Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Physical Education from National University in 2019, and holds a California College Career & Technical Credential (CCTE) in Arts, Media and Entertainment. Annie is also an ABT® Certified Teacher, having successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Growing up in Maryland, Annie was awarded early-release from high school to attend a pre-professional ballet program. She supplemented her training with workshops and summer intensives with Houston Ballet, BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio, and Suzanne Farrell at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. After graduating high school, she attended the summer intensive at the internationally acclaimed school at Jacob’s Pillow in the Berkshires, and it was then that she first fell in love with modern dance. At The Boston Conservatory, Annie continued her training in both ballet and modern, studying the techniques of Martha Graham, José Limón, and Paul Taylor. She also trained each summer during college with choreographer Seán Curran, formerly of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company. After college, Annie spent seven years as a company member with Seán Curran Company, performing in New York City and touring throughout the United States. Additionally, she performed with The Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Opera. Annie then moved across the country and joined Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theater. She performed with the company from 2007 to 2018, and worked with renowned choreographers such as Monica Bill-Barnes, Gabe Masson, Greg Sample, and Gina Bolles Sorenson and Kyle Sorenson of somebodies dance theater. Throughout Annie’s professional performing career she taught dance to university students around the country, most notably at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, as well as other professional dancers. While living in New York, she taught dance to children, preschoolers and elementary age dancers in private dance studios. Later on, living in San Diego, she and her wife co-founded and directed DANCE FIERCE, an after school program for middle and high school students, in affiliation with San Diego Dance Theater (SDDT) from 2010 to 2013. Lastly, Annie has also been teaching dance as a Guest Artist for over a decade at schools all over San Diego, including Canyon Crest Academy in Carmel Valley, Coronado High School and Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA), and others, and she conducted her student teaching at Creative Performing Media Arts Middle School (CPMA). Mail Dance Educator Jessica Curiel Jessica Curiel is a dancer, choreographer, and faculty member at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. She began her dance training at O’Farrell SCPA at age 10 and followed SDSCPA to the Dusk Drive campus in its inaugural year. She continued her dance education in college, graduating with university and department honors from the University of California, San Diego with a double major in Dance and Ethnic Studies. Her collegiate awards include the Stuart Award for choreography and the Leandra Smith Award for excellence as a dancer, dance educator, and choreographer. Ms. Curiel graduated Magna Cum Laude from National University with a teaching credential and Master’s of Education in Cross Cultural Curriculum. Ms. Curiel’s dance training includes a year of independent study at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater School (Graham and Horton modern dance techniques, ballet, yoga, Pilates, and jazz dance), over 25 years of study with Jean Isaacs (Graham/Limon based technique), Teacher Training Intensives at the Martha Graham School in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2023, and the Teacher Training Intensive in 2022 with the José Limón Foundation. Ms. Curiel’s performing career includes performing works on the professional stage by Monica Bill Barnes & Company, Jean Isaacs, Lavina Rich, and others. In addition, Ms. Curiel has appeared in several dance festivals such as Trolley Dances, Live Arts Fest, and Art Power’s WOW (WithOut Walls) Festival. Ms. Curiel's choreographic work has appeared on the SDSCPA stage and the stages of many schools in San Diego County, at the Young Choreographer’s Contest and Prize, and at Liberty Station’s First Friday Artwalk. For her efforts in bridging SDSCPA with the professional dance community, Ms. Curiel was awarded the Visual and Performing Arts Spotlight Award for Community Engagement in 2018. She has, also, earned two Visual and Performing Arts Foundation Enhancement Grants in 2019 and 2021, which were used to fund guest artist experiences for SDSCPA dance majors. Ms. Curiel has been influential in developing a dance education curriculum that provides SDSCPA Dance Majors with conservatory training, performance opportunities, and professional skills that support success in the students’ postsecondary experiences and dance careers. Ms. Curiel is enthusiastic about continuing to refine the SDSCPA Dance Program’s curriculum, producing the extra curricular performance season, and, of course, working with the amazing SDSCPA Dance Majors! When Ms. Curiel is not dancing or teaching, she enjoys traveling, hiking, going to the beach, laughing with friends and family, and practicing yoga. Mail

AUDITIONS At the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA), every student joins our arts community through audition and choice—because we believe passion and commitment to the arts are at the heart of learning. Our auditions are the first step in a journey of growth, designed to discover each student’s potential and passion for the arts in a pre-conservatory program where the arts are as vital as academics. In this way, auditions set the tone for the dedication, creativity, and professionalism students will carry throughout their artistic journey. IN-PERSON AUDITIONS In-person auditions during the fall invite middle school students to explore their passion for the arts in a collaborative, workshop-style setting where curiosity and enthusiasm shine for our 6th-8th arts program. High school students present portfolios or performances that demonstrate their growing professionalism and artistic focus for our 9th-12th pre-conservatory program. ONLINE AUDITIONS Online auditions are accepted year-round for students ready to share their creative voice from anywhere. START YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY All prospective families must complete a San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) School Choice Application . Families from outside SDUSD will also need to provide Interdistrict Attendance Permit documentation—details are shared during the audition process—before a student can be formally accepted and enrolled. Admission to the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA) begins with an audition. Explore our audition requirements and take the first step in your artistic journey. AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

BELL SCHEDULE TRANSPORTATION ACADEMIC RESOURCES STUDENT ACTIVITIES CORE ACADEMY SITE CALENDAR CLASS OF 2026 Calendar CALENDAR BELL SCHEDULE A/B Day Early Release/ PD Early Releases Dates - No Late Bus Service TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULE DOWNLOAD CORE ACADEMY Use this space to tell users more about yourself or to describe what Students can recover full-day absences by attending Core Academy, a free Saturday program offering academic support and enrichment. Each session makes up one missed day. Sign up through the main office or counseling center, arrive on time, bring schoolwork, and stay for the full session to earn credit. business does. Click to edit the text. SIGN UP STUDENT ACTIVITIES SDSCPA offers a variety of student activities during lunch and after school, including clubs, tutoring, and staff-supported programs in the Creative Genius Lab. Activities List ACADEMIC RESOURCES Below are helpful online resources for parents and students to support learning, communication, and school success. POWERSCHOOL Stay connected with real-time access to grades, attendance, schedules, and assignments. The portal helps parents and students track progress and communicate with teachers easily. CLEVER Clever is your one-stop hub for all your learning apps and resources. Just log in once to access everything you need for class—assignments, tools, and more—all in one place! CANVAS Canvas is your online classroom. Log in to view assignments, submit work, check grades, join discussions, and message your teachers—all in one place. Stay organized and on track with everything you need for school! CLASS OF 2026 WEBSITE

BELL SCHEDULE TRANSPORTATION ACADEMIC RESOURCES STUDENT ACTIVITIES CORE ACADEMY SITE CALENDAR CLASS OF 2026 Calendar CALENDAR BELL SCHEDULE A/B Day Early Release/ PD Early Releases Dates - No Late Bus Service TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULE DOWNLOAD CORE ACADEMY Use this space to tell users more about yourself or to describe what Students can recover full-day absences by attending Core Academy, a free Saturday program offering academic support and enrichment. Each session makes up one missed day. Sign up through the main office or counseling center, arrive on time, bring schoolwork, and stay for the full session to earn credit. business does. Click to edit the text. SIGN UP STUDENT ACTIVITIES SDSCPA offers a variety of student activities during lunch and after school, including clubs, tutoring, and staff-supported programs in the Creative Genius Lab. Activities List ACADEMIC RESOURCES Below are helpful online resources for parents and students to support learning, communication, and school success. POWERSCHOOL Stay connected with real-time access to grades, attendance, schedules, and assignments. The portal helps parents and students track progress and communicate with teachers easily. CLEVER Clever is your one-stop hub for all your learning apps and resources. Just log in once to access everything you need for class—assignments, tools, and more—all in one place! CANVAS Canvas is your online classroom. Log in to view assignments, submit work, check grades, join discussions, and message your teachers—all in one place. Stay organized and on track with everything you need for school! CLASS OF 2026 WEBSITE

OUR SEASON Welcome to our vibrant season of theatre, dance, and creative art! Get ready to be mesmerized by the creativity and talent of our students as they bring stories to life through captivating performances, expressive movements, dynamic writing, and stunning visual art. Join us in celebrating the power of the arts to inspire, provoke thought, and ignite imagination. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the scene, we promise an unforgettable journey through the magic of theatre, the beauty of dance, and the depth of artistic expression. Welcome to a season filled with creativity, passion, and endless possibilities! BUY TICKETS ONLINE THE WIZ A TRIBUTE TO PEGGY LEE NEXT LEVEL: HS DANCE CONCERT THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL CIRCUS OF DREAMS ELEVATE: MS DANCE CONCERT 12 ANGRY JURORS HAIRSPRAY

WORLD LANGUAGE Our mission is to foster language proficiency by engaging students in regular, meaningful practice that promotes both written and oral communication in the target language. We are committed to supporting each student's growth through clear expectations, self-assessment, and collaborative review, ensuring high standards in both participation and academic performance. By working closely with counseling staff, we aim to place students in courses that best support their language development, equipping them for success in their language-learning journey. FACULTY Annie Burnham World Language Educator Mail Violetta Perez-Smith World Language Educator Mail Maria Ramos World Language Educator Mail

STUDENT SERVICES At SDSCPA, we are dedicated to nurturing the whole child, recognizing that every student has unique and diverse needs that support their well-being and success. MENTAL HEALTH HEALTH OFFICE FOOD & NUTRITION COUNSELING COUNSELING At SDSCPA, we guide students and families through academic planning, college and career preparation, and social-emotional support. Our goal is to help every student stay on track and access the resources they need for success. COUNSELING MENTAL HEALTH The mental health and well-being of our students is a top priority at SDSCPA. If you or someone you know needs support, please explore the district and community mental health resources available below. SERVICES SDSCPA's FOOD & NUTRITION SDUSD students have access to a free, healthy breakfast and lunch each school day. It’s all part of the statewide Universal Meals Program. Menus are designed to support student wellness and meet USDA nutrition standards. MENU SDSCPA's HEALTH SERVICES Our Health Office is here to care for your child during the school day, whether they need first aid, help with medications, or health screenings. We also work with families to connect them to district and community health resources for additional support when needed. MENU

AUDITIONS At the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA), every student joins our arts community through audition and choice—because we believe passion and commitment to the arts are at the heart of learning. Our auditions are the first step in a journey of growth, designed to discover each student’s potential and passion for the arts in a pre-conservatory program where the arts are as vital as academics. In this way, auditions set the tone for the dedication, creativity, and professionalism students will carry throughout their artistic journey. IN-PERSON AUDITIONS In-person auditions during the fall invite middle school students to explore their passion for the arts in a collaborative, workshop-style setting where curiosity and enthusiasm shine for our 6th-8th arts program. High school students present portfolios or performances that demonstrate their growing professionalism and artistic focus for our 9th-12th pre-conservatory program. ONLINE AUDITIONS Online auditions are accepted year-round for students ready to share their creative voice from anywhere. START YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY All prospective families must complete a San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) School Choice Application . Families from outside SDUSD will also need to provide Interdistrict Attendance Permit documentation—details are shared during the audition process—before a student can be formally accepted and enrolled. Admission to the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA) begins with an audition. Explore our audition requirements and take the first step in your artistic journey. AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

40% OF THE SCHOOL DAY IN ARTS CLASSROOMS 7 YEARS OF PROGRESSIVE ARTS TRAINING 15O PERFORMANCE & EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES 25 GUEST ARTISTS AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS HOSTED ANNUALLY RIGOROUS, PRE-PROFESSIONAL ARTS INSTRUCTION At SDSCPA, we believe learning through the arts transforms lives. Students spend 40% of their day in rigorous, pre-professional arts instruction led by award-winning educators and industry professionals. With programs in music, dance, theatre, design and production, creative writing, and visual media arts, our evolving curriculum fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while building pathways to higher education and careers in the arts. AUTHENTIC SPACES We are proud to offer dedicated, authentic spaces for artistic creation, from professional theaters and film studios to visual arts galleries and dance studios. These environments reflect the standards of professional artistic practice and inspire students to meet high expectations with discipline and passion. STUDIO HABITS OF MIND Guiding our work is the nationally recognized framework of the Studio Habits of Mind, which cultivates the habits that artists—and innovators—need to thrive. Students learn to develop craft, engage and persist, envision possibilities, express meaning, observe deeply, reflect thoughtfully, stretch and explore, and understand art worlds. These habits are not just artistic tools; they are life skills that foster curiosity, voice, and agency. ACCREDITING COMMISSION FOR COMMUNITY AND PRE-COLLEGIATE ART SCHOOLS (ACCPAS) As we continue to grow and strengthen our arts programs, we are actively pursuing accreditation through the Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS). This process affirms our commitment to artistic excellence and ensures that our school meets the highest national standards in arts education.

STUDENTS EARN AN AVERAGE OF 17 UNITS OF COLLEGE CREDIT 32 WEIGHTED COURSES ARE OFFERED 100% GRADUATION RATE $14.4 MILLION OF SCHOLARSHIP MONEY EARNED LAST YEAR THE ART OF THINKING CRITICALLY At SDSCPA, we take pride in developing sophisticated, literate, and critical thinkers ready to engage in the global economy. Our rigorous academic program challenges students to think deeply, communicate clearly, and apply intellectual curiosity across all disciplines. Rooted in a culture that values both scholarship and creativity, our students graduate prepared to innovate, lead, and make meaningful contributions to the world. ACADEMICALLY RIGOROUS AND ARTS INTEGRATED CURRICULUM We offer students a wide range of opportunities to expand their academic horizons. Through our partnership with San Diego City College, students can enroll in dual-credit courses that fulfill both UC/CSU admission and high school graduation requirements—over 90% of SDSCPA students complete at least one college course. Our curriculum also includes Honors and Advanced Placement options in the arts, English, mathematics, science, and history/social science, as well as innovative UC Curriculum Integration (UCCI) courses that combine academic rigor with creative, arts-based learning. HONORED FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA) holds the highest level of accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)—a comprehensive review process that affirms our commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and student achievement. WASC accreditation ensures that our academic programs meet the highest standards of quality and continuous improvement recognized across California and the nation. SDSCPA is also recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s “Best High Schools,” an honor that highlights schools demonstrating exceptional academic performance, college readiness, and equitable access to opportunity. These distinctions reflect SDSCPA’s dedication to preparing students for success in both higher education and the creative industries. STUDIO HABITS OF MIND At the heart of our work is the Studio Habits of Mind framework, which cultivates students’ ability to develop craft, persist, envision, express, observe, reflect, and explore. These habits build the intellectual discipline of a scholar. Students learn to question deeply, think critically, and translate ideas into action through curiosity and reflection. By engaging in these habits, they strengthen analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication—skills essential to all academic and creative pursuits.