Van (they/he) is a performer, musician, and educator native to Southern California. Van is also a recent graduate of SDSU with their MFA in Musical Theatre. However, the only thing that matters is if Van’s nieces think they’re cool. Some cool things Van has done is perform with theaters like San Diego Musical Theatre, Moonlight Stage Productions, Performance Riverside, Candlelight Pavilion, and Desert Rose Playhouse. It was also kind of cool to perform with orchestras like the NY Philharmonic, and be featured on the recording of MASS with conductor Yannick-Nezet-Seguin and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Van is a big fan of Power Rangers, bowling, video games, anime, and Lego (so much so that they sing at Legoland). Their favorite day of the week is Saturday, they’re a Virgo (just like Beyonce), and their favorite color is green. For more information, please write their mother. 

Erika Appel is thrilled to be sharing the joy of improv with new friends! She currently works at Legoland as a Stage Manager (where she has performed in a variety of other roles as well), but never misses an opportunity to jump into shows when she can! She might not be great at writing bios but she promises she’s fun! 

Cecilia (she/her) has been seen working on and off the stage. Select credits include: Vanity Fair (ASM, SRT), Clyde’s (ASM, Moxie Theatre), 42nd Street (Spot Op, Moonlight), Saturday Night Fever (Deck Crew, Moonlight), Anything Goes (A2, SDMT), and Xanadu (ASM, SDMT). Additionally, she was the Assistant Choreographer for Moonlight Youth Theatre’s production of Seussical last fall. Cecilia has most recently been working as an after-school theatre teacher with MYT with different grades and experience levels. She’s so excited to spread the joy of musical theatre!

Abbi is thrilled to be teaching at the new Moonlight Studios! She is currently studying musical theatre at MiraCosta College. Abbi has been a vocal coach for three years. Memorable Music Directing credits: The Wizard of Oz, Best of Broadway (Classical Academy Middle School), Princess Whatshername (Patio Playhouse). Some of her favorite roles: Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (MiraCosta Theater), Natalie/Ed in All Shook Up, Ellie Blake in Freaky Friday (Ritz Theater Company), Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls (Classical Academy), Finch, Katherine Plumber u/s in Newsies, CCAE Rising Stars, 2023 Broadway San Diego Awards finalist.

Born in San Diego, Austyn has been a professional performer since he joined the National Tour of Les Misérables at nine years old. Acting credits include: Broadway; Les Misérables. T.V./Film; Meet Dave, Team Spitz, Moon Rocks and Lighter Fluid. Regional: Kingdom City (La Jolla Playhouse); October Sky, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Lost in Yonkers, The First Wives Club (The Old Globe); Newsies (Moonlight Amphitheatre); Secret Garden (Lambs Players); Spring Awakening, Peter and the Starcatcher, Secret Garden (Barnstage Theatre). Directing Credits: Seussical (Moonlight Youth Theatre); Jesus Christ Superstar (UCSD); Hunchback of Notre Dame (Living Light Theatre); West Side Story (Temecula Valley Players); Peter and the Starcatcher (Trinity Theatre).

Natalie is BEYOND EXCITED to teach classes at Moonlight Studios. You may have last seen her as Sheila in Moonlight’s gorgeous production of A Chorus Line. Following  a career in Broadway tours, regional  theatre, and some film and television work (including 4 years on Nickelodeon’s Roundhouse), Natalie settled in San Diego, raising her family and growing roots teaching for various studios. Besides teaching musical theatre, jazz, ballet, beginning tap, and Pilates and Yoga-based stretch and strength classes, Natalie is an award-winning choreographer for show choir competitions. Natalie is also certified in Vinyasa Yoga and loves working with adults. She’s been fortunate enough to have danced across her different stages of life and has no plan to stop and if she can be of help, neither will you: aches and pains are part of the process, but we have to keep moving to keep the space we have in our joints and there’s no better way than to joyfully dance! Come have some fun dancing with Natalie and build your strength and your skills in Jazz and Tap! 

Libby Patterson is a dedicated and passionate dancer who has trained at Mojalet Dance Collective and is currently pursuing her dance studies at Palomar College. With a strong background in choreography, she brings her creative vision to Mission Hills High School's Danz D'Arts and Palomar College dance productions. Libby's love for teaching shines through in her commitment to helping dancers grow both technically and artistically. She believes in nurturing each dancer's unique potential and fostering a supportive and inspiring environment. Through her teaching, Libby aims to instill confidence and a deep appreciation for the art of dance in all her students.

Lizzy is a professional dancer, singer, and actress from Los Angeles, now residing in San Diego! Lizzy started training in LA when she was 8 years old, which molded her to become a versatile dancer who is very experienced in contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, hip-hop, and jazz/funk. She was a competitive dancer throughout her younger years, acquiring many awards and scholarships along the way (from Hollywood Vibe, Velocity, WCE, etc). She served as a captain on her high school dance team which won national championships at WCE and USA dance competitions. Lizzy started choreographing for shows and teaching when she was 14 years old and was then introduced to musical theatre at 18—where she fell in love! She decided to pursue theatre and dance as a career and started working professionally right out of high school, where she then got signed to Go 2 Talent Agency. Lizzy has now worked in the industry for many years, being in several regional theater productions across CA. She has also danced on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and at the recent Wicked movie premiere in LA. Lizzy loves sharing her passion for the arts and for dance, and she strives to create an encouraging environment where she can make a positive impact on young dancers' lives. 

E.Y. Washington received their B.A. in Theater Performance from San Diego State University. Since graduating, they have performed for Moonlight Stage Productions, Cygnet Theatre, San Diego Musical Theatre, Candlelight Pavilion, the Welk Resort, North Coast Rep, and the Disneyland Resort. E.Y.‘s boisterous laugh can be found onstage and off. Follow the sound and you'll find yourself in an imaginative and joyful classroom. E.Y.’s approach to theatrical pedagogy is uncanny. It empowers students to be fearless by engaging with their craft compassionately and critically. See you in class!