When people think of musical theatre, they often picture the spotlight. But some of the most important stories begin just outside of it. At Cabrillo Stage, students not only gain hands-on experience, mentorship and confidence that shape the next generation of arts leaders but are also ushered into an ever-evolving, tight-knit community of theater professionals. For the past 45 years, this community has kept folks coming back season after season.
Sofia Rosas, who plays Sister Mary Roberts, laughs with director Rebecca Haley Clark at the orientation potluck. • Photo Credits: Rocio Salvatierra
The Sister Act team kicked off the summer with their season tradition: an orientation potluck where newcomers and those returning for another season could meet. At the start of the orientation, Artistic Director Andrea L. Hart had participants stay standing as she counted up the number of years people had been involved with Cabrillo Stage.
By the end, long-time designer, charge artist and professor Skip Epperson and percussionist Laura McShane were still standing — each of them with more than 30 Cabrillo Stage shows under their belt.
These seasoned professionals become mentors to a new generation of first-timers. An excited buzz filled the room as icebreakers and delicious food were served to unite this rich community.
Natalie Silva is back for her 10th season as props master with Cabrillo Stage. Reflecting on her previous summers here, she states, “We are so lucky to have so many incredible people! It’s honestly one of the main reasons I always look forward to and feel honored to come back.” Natalie also eagerly shared one of her favorite Cabrillo Stage traditions — a weekly barbecue potluck for everyone in the community, organized by Technical Director Marcel Tijoe. These check-ins are a reminder that even when going gets tough, the Cabrillo Stage community is always there to hold you up.
Another familiar face, Angela Lopes, returns as the production stage manager. Lopes first joined in 2018 as a member of the stage crew for The Producers. She has continued to return and work her way up the chain to the role of production stage manager. Despite living in New York City and working Off-Broadway, she is grateful for the opportunity to return for her seventh summer. When asked why she chooses to return to Cabrillo Stage, she excitedly says, “It feels like coming home. My love for theater grew in this place, and I owe a lot of that to the people who mentored me at Cabrillo College and Cabrillo Stage.”
Working alongside Angela Lopes is Sara Iris Brown, assistant stage manager. Brown remembers her first summer with Cabrillo during the pandemic in 2021, when they hosted several outdoor musical revues and concerts. She has returned for multiple summers as an assistant stage manager.
In each of these productions, Brown reminisces on the sense of community fostered among the team, stating that, “before the first and last show, the whole cast and crew get into a big circle and give shoutouts or things we are grateful for. It always warms my heart to be a part of it and reminds me what theatre is all about.”
These professionals graciously welcome new faces, including Ricardo Vega-Cruz, who joins the run crew this summer. After working on several shows with the college, Ricardo is excited to make the jump to the summer season. When asked about the most exciting part so far, he said, “I›m having a lot of fun getting to know people. Getting to work with them, and other such lovely people, is going to be hectic but awesome.”
Each of these young artists thanks Cabrillo Stage for its focus on education and exemplary community building. Ricardo credits this strong community for aiding his career development: “It feels kind of unreal that over a year ago I had no interest in the performing arts as a career path, but thanks to Cabrillo Stage and Cabrillo College›s Theatre Arts program and all the people involved by extension, I›ve really begun to develop a belonging in the performing arts.”
Angela, Sara, Ricardo and Natalie are just a few of the many stories you’ll find over at Cabrillo Stage. In these moments of uncertainty, theater reminds us of the transformative power of human connection and healing. Life for young people, recent grads and artists is uncertain enough, and Cabrillo Stage offers a bridge. A place to land. A home. Behind the scenes, they model the magic made onstage. Whenever these students leave home, they know they are always welcome back. For many, Cabrillo Stage will remain one of their homes for years to come.
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Tickets range from $25 to $65. $20 student rush tickets available 15 minutes before any evening performance with valid student ID. $45 preview performance discount on July 9 for all general and premier seating. Cabrillo Stage performs at the Crocker Theatre on the Cabrillo College campus (6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA). Tickets are available online at cabrillostage.com.
The box office is open for phone and walk-up sales from June 18, Thursday through Saturday, noon-6 p.m., and one hour before each performance. Performances are July 9-Aug. 2, 2026, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. No performance on Thursday, July 16. A post-show discussion and Q&A with the creative team follows the July 12 Sunday matinee.
TOP PHOTO: Members of the cast react to design presentations during the “Sister Act” orientation. • Photo Credits: Rocio Salvatierra