James Gallo, Director, earned his MFA in Theater from UCLA after finishing his service in the US Army. He has worked professionally with Theaters across the country including: The Geffen Playhouse, Los Angeles Theater Center, Connecticut Repertory Theater, and The Hartford Stage. He is very excited and grateful to be joining the Saint Monica’s family. James is a passionate teacher, actor and director who feels most at home on his feet in motion. He would like to thank the students for all their hard work and commitment.
Kristen Kelley '06, Costume Designer, worked on many productions as a student at SMCHS, both as a perfromer and costumer. She was also a member of Rainbow Riders. Kristen's enjoyable past roles include Doowop in Little Shop of Horrors and Doris in Bye Bye Birdie. This is Kristen's 26th show as a member of the production staff. She would like to thank the costume crew and the technical staff for all their hard work and dedication. Kristen sends a special thank you to Jane Lanzner for all her help and expertise!
Rocco Ambrosio, Editor, an LA based director with roots in Theatre. As a filmmaker he has his hands on many phases of the process and was happy to lend his editing hat to St. Monica High School. He believes in the hard work that makes projects happen, supporting fellow creatives and the growth that comes with problem solving. Those pillars apply to his collaboration with the theatre students on their new approach to performance that blurs the lines between film and theatre as they continue to tell stories in the face of social distancing and distance learning. He applauds the performances, the dedication and Mr. Gallo's direction. Enjoy!
Jessica D. Clark, Producer and Department Director, is excited to produce her 1st virtual production as Director of the Performing Arts Department and her 6th show at SMCHS. Before working throughout LAUSD and in the Archdioceses of Los Angeles for ten years, Jessica held positions both on stage and behind the scenes. Her latest credits are dancer on stage for Tale of Two Sisters: Honoring Phylisha Rashad and Debbie Allen. She also choreographed for Lionsgate movie The Honor List. She has directed and choreographed several musicals and her favorite acting credits are musicals Brother of the Knight, Pearl and Dreams. She trained at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and was chosen for the first Tour Ensemble. She has also trained with Alvin Ailey Dance Company in New York City. She has performed at the NAACP Image Awards, Laker games, Battle of the Bands and has done background dancing for Chris Brown and Stevie Wonder tributes. Jessica completed a master's degree at Loyola Marymount University. She is an advocate for keeping perfroming arts alive in schools and lives by the philosophy to educate, inspire and enlighten youth through the arts. Jessica wants to thank the artistic staff and her family for all the support!
