When MiraCosta College Theatre students stepped into the spotlight at the American College Theatre Festival Region 8 conference in Glendale, they were not just representing a program. They were representing what is possible at a community college.

By the end of the week, they had advanced to the highest levels of competition across acting, musical theatre, stage management, and dramaturgy. They stood alongside students from four-year universities and graduate programs across California, Hawaii, Arizona, and Utah. They did not simply participate. They competed. And they excelled.

In the Irene Ryan Acting Competition, four MiraCosta students advanced to the semi-finals out of more than 250 participants. Annabelle Ouellet, partnered with Michael Montano, and Wyatt Van Hazel, partnered with Nathanael Anderson, placed among the top 62 in the region.

Two students, Olivia Montgomery, partnered with Lorelei Krone, and Alessandra Callejas, partnered with Joseph Armenta, advanced all the way to the finals, placing in the top 16 in one of the most competitive collegiate acting arenas in the region.

For Montgomery, the moment was both surreal and grounding.

“It was a huge honor to even participate in this competition, and I didn’t expect to move past the semi-finals, let alone the finals,” she shared. “It is such an amazing opportunity to explore workshops and all aspects of theatre.”

Her preparation began long before the festival. She selected a monologue that resonated deeply and worked closely with her scene partner, receiving direct coaching from Theatre Faculty Eric Bishop. Bishop credits that intentional preparation and high standard of training as central to the program’s success.

“The success our students experienced demonstrates that our community college theatre program is fulfilling its mission and often excelling at preparing students for success in craft, technique, and vocation,” Bishop noted. Students competed across institutional levels and proved they belonged on the same stage.

Montgomery emphasized the value of choosing work that feels authentic.

“I believe picking material that gives oneself joy is very important,” she explained. “All of the faculty members were very accommodating and helpful.”

Performing in front of seasoned judges might intimidate some. For Montgomery, the greater weight came from those who knew her best.

“What was scary to me was performing in front of my peers and teachers,” she reflected. “I hold all of them in high regard.”

Callejas, coached by Theatre Faculty Tracy Williams, distinguished herself across multiple arenas. In addition to advancing to the Irene Ryan Finals, she was named a finalist in the Musical Theatre Initiative Dance Competition, earning a coveted place in the MTI Cabaret. Excelling across disciplines at this level speaks to both versatility and discipline.

Van Hazel also rose through the ranks of the Musical Theatre Initiative Singing Competition, advancing from an initial pool of approximately 145 students to the final 12. Performing in the MTI Cabaret placed him among the region's top vocalists.

The excellence extended beyond performance. With design and technology faculty member Sean Fanning leading a strong contingent of designers and stage managers to the festival, MiraCosta’s technical theatre students continued their momentum. Cadence Rarick advanced as a finalist in Stage Management, supported by associate faculty member Ashley Kidwell’s mentorship, while Cindy McClure earned the Region 8 Innovations in Dramaturgy Award, adding to her previous regional win and national recognition at the Kennedy Center.

Region 8 is widely regarded as one of the strongest ACTF regions in the nation. When a community college program places multiple students on main stages and in prime-time showcases, it shifts perception. Some attendees even assumed MiraCosta was a private four-year institution.

Instead, it is a public community college setting a standard.

Beyond the awards, faculty highlighted the professionalism, discipline, and integrity students demonstrated throughout the festival. They represented MiraCosta College with confidence and distinction among institutions across the region.

That momentum now carries into the department’s upcoming productions, Cinderella (March 5–15) and The Book Club Play (April 23–May 3). For current students, alumni, and future Spartans, the message is clear. Excellence in theatre training is happening here, and MiraCosta students are ready to take the stage anywhere.