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Musical Theatre Works:
27 Years of Broadway Magic
Offering professional Broadway experiences for young actors in San Francisco. Students from kindergarten to 9th grade come to MTW to sing, dance, and act on stage under the guidance of professional theatre artists.
Our Legacy of Excellence

1

1997: The Curtain Rises
MTW opens its doors, bringing Broadway-quality theater to San Francisco's youth under the leadership of founder Carolyn Miller.

2

2001: MTW Team Expands
Christina Lazo joins the team as choreographer for "Grease" and continues to teach and support the company to this day as Executive Artist Director.

3

2007: Home at the Randall
With the production "Aida," MTW finds its current theatrical home performing at the Randall Museum Auditorium.

4

2022: Silver Anniversary
Celebrating 25 years of transforming young lives through the magic of musical theater.
Year-Round Opportunities
After-school Classes
Weekly sessions to hone performance skills and prepare for in-class showings for grades K-5.
Summer Programs
Intensive programs diving into the creative process, culminating in performances during summer break.
Main Stage Production
Actors in grades 5-9 produce two full-length Broadway musicals per year, once in the fall semester, and one in the spring.
The MTW Experience
Ensemble Mindset
Students learn to collaborate and support each other in creating and performing
Skill Development
Comprehensive training in singing, dancing, and acting techniques.
Confidence Building
Students gain self-assurance through public performances and collaborative work.
Lifelong Friendships
Young actors forge lasting bonds with peers who share their passion.
"I love that everyone is so friendly and nice, so you can always make a friend.” 
— Libby, Age 12
Theatre for Every Stage of Growth
K-2nd Grade
Gotta Sing Gotta Dance!
Introductory programs focus on fun, confidence-building, and basic theater skills.
3rd-5th Grade
Broadway Bound
Expanded roles and more complex productions, nurturing growing talents.
5th-9th Grade
Main Stage Performance
Advanced techniques and challenging roles in a fully staged Broadway musical.
5th-9th Grade
Musical Theatre Voice Instruction
Group voice class, structured in a Master-class format. Building vocal techniques, confidence.
5th-9th Grade
Private Voice Lessons
Private individual voice lessons with an emphasis on musical theatre styles, vocal technique, and audition prep.
K-9th Grade
Summer Programs
Unique summer immersion programs where students experience all aspects of Musical Theatre production and performance.
Academy Classes
After-School Programs
Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance
(Grades K-2)
The Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance classes offer our youngest students an introduction to all that Theatre performance has to offer. Instruction includes Theatre Games, Improv as well as Song and Dance excerpts from a Broadway musical. The class will culminate in an end-of-the-season open class showing.
The Spring '25 Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance show selections are from Alice in Wonderland
Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance 1: (Grades K-1)
Tuesdays 4:00-5:00PM
February 4 to April 29, 2025
Randall Museum
Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance 2: (Grades 1-2)
Tuesdays 5:00-6:00PM
February 4 to April 29, 2025
Randall Museum
Please note that performances will take place on the last or 2nd to last class.
Cost:  $540
Scholarships are available - please inquire
Musical Theatre Voice Instruction
(Grades 5-9)
Voice Training for Musical Theatre is a Group Master Class which focuses on proper breathing, voice placement, projection, diction, intonation, and preparation for auditions. The students also choose their own Broadway Musical songs, which they use for learning vocal techniques. The class culminates with a final Open-Rehearsal Performance.
Thursdays 4:30-6:00 PM
February 6 - May 8, 2025
Randall Museum
*includes week off for Spring Break
Final Performance: May 8, 2025
Cost: $560
Broadway Bound
(Grades 3-5)
The Broadway Bound class offers continued instructions in Voice, Acting and Dance for students in 3rd through 5th grades. The class includes Improv Techniques, as well as Song and Dance material from a popular Broadway show. This class is perfect for the student who is ready to proceed from Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance, or for those with similar introductory training
Spring '25 Broadway Bound show selections are from The Addams Family Musical
Broadway Bound 1 - Randall: (Grade 3-4)
Mondays 4:00-5:30PM
February 3 to May 5, 2025
Randall Museum
Broadway Bound 2 - Randall: (Grades 4-5)
Mondays 4:00-5:30PM
February 3 to May 5, 2025
Randall Museum
Broadway Bound 1 - Harvey Milk: (Grades 3-4)
Mondays 4:00-5:30PM
February 10 to May 12, 2025
Harvey Milk Center
Broadway Bound 2 - Harvey Milk: (Grades 4-5)
Mondays 4:00-5:30PM
February 10 to May 12, 2025
Harvey Milk Center
Please note that performances will take place on the last or 2nd to last class.
Cost:  $560
Scholarships are available - please inquire
Private Voice Lessons
(Grades 5-9)
Private voice lessons are a wonderful opportunity for one-on-one coaching aimed at strengthening vocal technique, building confidence in solo singing, and preparing for upcoming auditions and performances. Instruction includes warm-ups, song selection to push and develop your singing abilities, and positive feedback and coaching to smooth out those difficult passages. It’s a very positive and safe space to explore all the sounds your voice is capable of making! 
Please contact info@musicaltheatreworks.org to schedule a lesson.
Weekly 30 min Lesson - Scheduled individually
February 3 - April 27, 2025
Randall Museum
Cost: Varies - $45 per lesson
Main Stage Program
The Main Stage program is an after-school program for actors in grades 5-9.

1

Preparation
The Directors and students spend the first three weeks learning about the musical, its characters and music to prepare for auditions.

2

Auditions
Students have the opportunity to review the script and decide what roles they wish to pursue.
Auditions and callbacks are held after 2-3 weeks of rehearsals, and everyone is cast in a role.

3

Rehearsals
Rehearsals include instruction and coaching in Singing, Acting and Dance in preparation for performance.

4

Performance
The 2024 Fall Show is Seussical. Performances will be held January 16-19, 2025 at the Randall Museum.
Weekly Wednesday 4-5:30 PM rehearsals, as well as Sunday rehearsals required. Some roles may also rehearse on Tuesday or Thursday. Additional rehearsals will be held in performance month.
This program relies heavily on the help and support of parent volunteers! Volunteers are needed to assist during tech rehearsals and performances with costumes, hair and makeup, ushering, concessions, and other needs as they arise. We are grateful for the amazing team of parents and the community we've cultivated.
The Full Company meets Wednesdays and most Sundays. Additional rehearsal on Tuesdays and Thursday will be required in January, for technical and dress rehearsals.
Starting date: September 11, 2024
Pricing:
Standard Rate: $1380
Volunteer Rate: $1130
Scholarships are available - please inquire
Summer Programs
Unleash your child's creativity and passion for the performing arts with our immersive summer theatre camps. From musical theatre to improv, our expert instructors guide young performers through a transformative journey of self-discovery and skill development.
See more Summer Program details below!
Join us this summer!

2025 Summer Program Dates & Tuition

June 9-20 (*No camp on 6/19) Summer 1A – Introduction to Theatre (K-2) : $990 Summer 1B – Theatre Immersion Level 1 (3-5) : $1035 June 23-27 Summer 2A – Theatre Immersion Level 1 (3-5) : $625 Summer 2B – Theatre Immersion Level 2 (6-9) : $625 July 7-18 Summer 3A – Introduction to Theatre (K-2) : $1100 Summer 3B – Theatre Immersion Level 1 (3-5) : $1150 July 21-Aug 1 Summer 4A – Theatre Immersion Level 1 (3-5) : $1150 Summer 4B – Theatre Immersion Level 2 (6-9) : $1150 Aug 4-8 Summer 5A — Master Class – Grades 5-9 : $625 Most programs run Mon-Fri, 9:00AM-5:00PM and will be held at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1187 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94109. *K-2 programs end at 3:00, with optional child care until 5:00 for additional cost. All deposits are non-refundable but any additional tuition is refundable up until May 1st, 2025. If a program is already full, be sure to join the Waitlist! Looking forward to having you join us! Register for Summer Programs HERE Questions? Contact Us

K-2nd Grade
Introduction to Theatre
Come join us for our two week introductory program for kids who love to perform!
  • Create characters and stories based on imagination
  • Have fun with creative theatre craft activities
  • Learn songs and dances from Broadway Musicals
3-5th Grade
Theatre Immersion
Come join us for our two week program experiencing the joys of acting, singing, dance and more.
  • Learn behind the scenes techniques for stage, makeup, costume and set design
  • Make friends playing Theatre games and Improv
  • Rehearse and perform songs, scenes, and dances from Broadway Musicals
6-9th Grade
Theatre Exploration
Come join us for our two week program experiencing the joys of acting, singing, dance and more.
  • Develop behind the scenes techniques for stage, makeup, costume and set design
  • Expand your imagination with Theatre games and Improv
  • Attend workshops with theatre professionals who will share their experience and knowledge
  • Rehearse and perform songs, scenes, and dances from Broadway Musicals
5-9th Grade
Master Class
A more intensive workshop for students with previous experience. The Master Class allows students to work with theatre professionals in classes such as Acting, Voice, Dance and more:
  • Learn Audition techniques and experience mock auditions with feedback
  • Work on Monologues with Individual coaching
  • Select audition songs and cuts that are perfect for your voice
Note: prior theatre experience is required for this session
Get to know the actors of MTW's 2024 Summer Program
"I learned how to sing and dance. I felt good." — Eden, age 6
MTW Staff
Christina Lazo
Executive & Artistic Director
Christina Lazo has been involved in performing arts education for over 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Marymount Manhattan College, New York. She has performed, choreographed and directed for local, regional, and touring companies across the country.
As a teacher, Christina has worked with students from pre-school through professional level and enjoys helping each student reach their full potential. Happily, she has been part of the wonderful staff at MTW for over ten years. She is grateful to be able to share her passion for theatre with others, and is excited to bring a real theatre experience to young performers at MTW.
McKay Elwood
Associate Director
McKay Elwood moved to the Bay last year from Salt Lake City, UT, where he earned his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Brigham Young University with a minor in Contemporary Dance. He taught acting, improv, musical theatre, and dance classes with Utah Children’s Theatre and a private elementary school.
Originally from Minnesota, McKay has performed professionally for several years in various musical theatre and dance productions. He teaches voice lessons in Berkeley, and online, specializing in musical theatre, classical, pop, and contemporary vocal styles. McKay has performed with SF Playhouse, 42nd Street Moon, Landmark Musical Theatre, NCTC, and Berkeley Playhouse. He is thrilled to be able to share and collaborate with the actors at MTW!
Carolyn Miller
Founding Executive Director
With 35 years experience teaching Music History, Theatre and Choir in San Francisco schools, and a dream of starting a musical theatre company for young people, Carolyn Miller created MTW in 1997. MTW has fulfilled Carolyn’s vision of a challenging and exciting musical theatre company for young people in San Francisco.
Through MTW, Carolyn, who is also a published composer and credentialed Music teacher with degrees in Vocal Music and Music Education, has been able to help Bay Area students experience full-scale, professional-level Musical Theatre. Carolyn continues to help guide MTW towards the future by serving on its Board of Directors, reaching out to new MTW families, and being involved in all major events and performances.
Meghan Crosby-Jolliffe 
Main Stage Vocal and Music Director
Meghan Crosby-Jolliffe (they/them) is a Mezzo-Soprano and educator who is passionate about creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for the next generation of performing artists. They graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with a M.M. in vocal performance and they hold a B.M. in voice from the New England Conservatory.
While living in the Boston area they worked with multiple musical theater troupes as a vocal director, stage director, and producer, including The Lilac Players on which they continue to serve as a board member. Meghan has loved musical theater since their own experiences in children’s theater and they are thrilled to be a part of the team at Musical Theatre Works.

Meet more the Team

Magdalena (Maggie) Shumanova Administrative Assistant Originally from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Maggie started her piano studies at the age of four. She attended Secondary Music School “Dobrin Petkov” from 1st – 12th grade. After graduating with honors, she continued her studies at Florida State University, pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance. Magi graduated with her Masters of Music in Collaborative Piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2012. Maggie has accompanied world-renowned musicians at the Summer Brass Institute for four years, and at the International Euphonium Institute for twelve years, including international brass soloists and brass members from the San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet Orchestras, as well as the Chicago Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra. Joe Ayers Instructor Joe is an actor, director, choreographer and teaching artist currently based in San Francisco. As an actor, he was most recently seen onstage in Marin Theatre's acclaimed production of Torch Song. Recent favorite credits include The Legend of Georgia McBride at Center REP and Significant Other at Los Altos Stage Company. Other regional credits include Asolo Rep, American Stage, Cal Shakes, Berkeley Playhouse, CCMT, and New Canon Theatre Company. As an instructor, he has taught at ACT, YMTC, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and many other wonderful companies. He is currently on faculty in the Theatre Arts Department at Chabot College. Joe holds three BA degrees from UC Berkeley in Theater and Performance Studies, Dance and Performance Studies, and English as well as his MFA in Acting from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory in Sarasota, Florida. This fall, you can catch him onstage in The Play that Goes Wrong at San Francisco Playhouse! Sam Rich Instructor/Music Director Samantha Rich is a singer, actor, and proud MTW alumn! She’s been a teaching artist since 2021 and has taught/music-directed summer and school year programs. She recently graduated from Hofstra University in New York and received her B.F.A in Acting and minored in musical theatre. While at Hofstra she received the Ruth Liebson scholarship for her commitment and dedication to theatre. She has performed at several theaters throughout the Bay Area, including American Conservatory Theater, Woodminster Summer Musicals, and Hillbarn Theatre. Favorite past credits include Mary Robert understudy (Sister Act), Mary Bennet (Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley), and Maria understudy (The Sound of Music). She teaches private piano and voice lessons at Inspire Music. She would not be the performer she is today without MTW and is so grateful to come back and share her love of musical theatre with her students! Chanel Tilghman Instructor Chanel has been a Lead Teaching Artist for Broadway Bound, and has also taught Summer programs and Gotta Sing Gotta Dance classes. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a BA in Communication and minors in Theatre and Music Industry. Passionate about Arts Education, Chanel has worked with students all over the Bay Area at companies such as Bay Area Children’s Theatre and Berkeley Playhouse. Chanel originated the role of Kitty Bennet in the world premiere production of Paul Gordon’s Pride & Prejudice: A New Musical at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, now streaming on Amazon and StreamingMusicals.com. She performed as Dorothy with A.C.T.'s Wizard of Oz, as well as Traci Colon Summer Instructor Traci has been teaching dance and performing arts in the Bay Area for over twenty years. She loves to see the joy movement brings into the lives of her students. Traci is currently an award-winning Choreographer and Dance Instructor with the City of Newark’s Betty Gentry Dance Program, in the East Bay. During the academic school year, Traci is the Librarian and 3rd Grade Instructional Assistant at Our Lady of Guadalupe School, in Fremont. She also choreographs the spring musical and founded and directs dancersDivine, a dance and movement ministry group at the school. Marianna Elise Ferris Vocal Coach/Voice Class Instructor Marianna has been performing for over 24 years, studying singing for 18, and teaching full time for six. She loves music of all kinds and has sung and coached in such disparate styles as Musical Theatre, Opera, Rock, Jazz, Cabaret and Folk Rock. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts with honors from Carnegie Mellon University, and believes that a solid singing technique should be easy and comfortable for any singer. Nylarose Moore Instructor Nylarose (she/her) is a proud MTW alumna. She recently graduated from the University of the Arts with a BFA in Acting. Nylarose has appeared in shows such as Everybody, Pippin, Julius Caesar, and Cinderella. When Nylarose isn’t performing, she enjoys cooking, knitting, and crafts, so you may see her around camp with a project in her hands. Nylarose is super excited to work with everyone and share her passion for musical theatre! Kevin Hammond Summer Instructor Kevin has been on the staff of MTW for eighteen years, as a summer instructor and choreographer! He holds a BA in Film and Drama from San Jose State University, and a Teaching degree from The University of San Francisco. Kevin has performed in, choreographed or directed many, many musical theatre productions in the South and East Bay Areas. He has taught at the Conservatory of Vocal and Instrumental Arts in Oakland, and currently teaches for The Fremont Unified School District.

“I learned a lot of acting skills, and a lot of songs, but most importantly, I learned to be more confident in myself.”
— Maura, Age 11
Frequent Questions
Who can participate?
MTW welcomes students from kindergarten through 9th grade. We offer different programs for different age groups:
  • Kindergarten-2nd grade — ‘Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance’ program and the summer ‘Introduction to Musical Theatre’ session
  • 3rd-5th grade — the ‘Broadway Bound’ program and the summer ‘Theatre Immersion’ session
  • 4th-9th grade — the ‘Main Stage’ program, Voice Class (vocal technique for Musical Theatre) and the summer ‘Theatre Immersion’
  • 5th-9th grade — the summer ‘Master Class’
Where are the programs held?
During the school year, the after-school rehearsals and classes are held at the Randall Museum unless noted.
Why should my student participate in one of these programs?
Your student will have the opportunity to:
  • Meet students from other schools.
  • Develop an appreciation and understanding of all aspects of musical theatre.
  • Expand his/her self-confidence to perform in front of an audience.
  • Have fun!!
What Broadway musicals has MTW performed recently?
  • Seussical – Current Production
  • Footloose – Spring 2024
  • Legally Blonde – Fall 2023
  • Beauty and the Beast – Spring 2023
  • Something Rotten – Fall 2022
  • Cinderella – Fall 2020
  • Legally Blonde – Spring 2020
  • Newsies – Fall 2019
  • Matilda The Musical – Spring 2019
  • The Little Mermaid – Fall 2018
  • High School Musical – Spring 2018
  • Annie – Fall 2017
  • Bye Bye Birdie – Spring 2017
  • Mary Poppins – Fall 2016
  • Wizard of Oz – Spring 2016
  • West Side Story – Fall 2015
  • Guys and Dolls – Spring 2015
  • Thoroughly Modern Millie – Fall 2014
  • Legally Blonde – Spring 2014
  • Seussical – Fall 2013
  • Anything Goes – Spring 2013
  • Grease – Fall 2012
How do you select actors for the various roles in the Main Stage productions?
The Directors and students spend the first three weeks of rehearsals learning about the musical, its characters and music while learning to prepare for auditions. Students have the opportunity to review the script and decide what role(s) they wish to pursue. Auditions and callbacks are held after the first three weeks of rehearsals, and everyone is cast in a role.
Do students need to audition before enrolling?
Students do not need to audition before enrolling, but acceptance into the Main Stage Performance Company (Grades 5th through 9th) requires that Student Information Form along with the Registration Form. MTW’s general director will review the submitted form and determine if the student is ready for the Main Stage program or if another program would be more appropriate.
Is Financial Assistance available?
Yes, MTW is committed to providing Financial Assistance and grants it on the basis of need. A Financial Assistance application may be requested by contacting MTW at info@musicaltheatreworks.org or click this link to download the form below.
My child is in the Main Stage program. Why are there two different tuition amounts?
MTW relies both on our paid professional staff – directors, costumers, lighting designers, set designers, musicians and more – as well as on additional volunteers to stage our productions. You can choose to volunteer some time or else pay slightly more in tuition. While we understand that your schedules are often very busy, we rely heavily on parent volunteers willing to assist during tech rehearsals and show week. If you are able to volunteer, we strongly encourage joining in the backstage process. There are opportunities for helping with hair and makeup, costumes, ushering, concessions, and more. Seeing all the magic behind the scenes adds to the excitement of our program and helps foster the community that we cherish!
How can I get involved?
We welcome and encourage parent participation during the season, volunteering time during productions and for special events. In addition, we welcome your tax-deductible donations. Click here to donate or click here to contact MTW about other ways to participate.
Contact Information
Email
info@musicaltheatreworks.org
Phone: 415-689-4413
Mailing Address
58 West Portal Ave. #115, San Francisco, CA 94127