Crafton Hills College Alumni and Students Shine in the Performing Arts

Publish Date: March 29, 2025

From acting to technical work, lighting to stagecraft, Crafton Hills College students and alumni continue to illuminate the theater world—proving that the lessons learned in our classrooms and on our stages are the foundation for a profession in the arts.

At Revolution Stage Company in Palm Springs, three current students took center stage in Spring Awakening: The Musical. Meagan Lawson, Arthur Buenaventura, and Lailani Baldwin captivated audiences, bringing to life the powerful and emotional story that has resonated with theatergoers for years.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes at the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center, three former students have found a home in technical theater. Sophie Ball, Andromeda Dunlop, and Jacob Brantmeyer are now employed in various technical roles, proving that the magic of theater isn't just in the spotlight—it’s also in the hands of those who bring productions to life from offstage.

Beyond Yucaipa, at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Sebastian Hernandez continues to grow in his career as a technician, showcasing the diverse opportunities available to those passionate about working in tech support for the performing arts.

The grandeur of the California Theatre of the Performing Arts has also been a stage for Crafton Hills College talent. In Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Elijah Lozano stepped into the iconic role of Ron Weasley, while Olivia Jacques took on the brilliant and courageous Hermione Granger-Weasley, thrilling audiences with their performances. Both actors also dazzled in Matilda, taking on multiple ensemble roles, with Olivia additionally portraying the Acrobat.

Currently, at the California Theatre, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe features three Crafton students bringing C.S. Lewis' beloved tale to life. Elijah Lozano portrays the noble Peter, Sidney Pulido plays the formidable White Witch, and Alyssa Lindemann enchants as a mystical Creature of Light.

At the nation’s oldest continuously operated community theatre, Riverside Community Players, Crafton is strongly represented in their upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Tristan Clift, a current student, will be playing Demetrius and graduates Kobe Darby (Lysander) and Bella Spelman (Faerie) will join him.

And, at the recent Wolverine Con at Crafton’s sister campus, Roe McCarty, student director of Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood, had his short film, Pit screened. The film starred current Crafton students Jonathan Gill and Ismael Sanchez.

Beyond performing, Crafton Hills College alumni are leaving their mark behind the scenes. Graduate Diedra Cohen is now an assistant lighting designer, ensuring that every production shines as brightly as the talent on stage. Additionally, Alex Skousen recently secured a position with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) union chapter, stepping into a professional career in stage production.

These current CHC students and alumni demonstrate the sound preparation Crafton Hills College’s theatre arts program provides for those looking towards a career in this area. 

To learn more about Theatre Arts at CHC visit, craftonhills.edu/theatrearts