Acting |
Costume Design |
Dance |
Dramatic Production |
MMET Media |
MMET Popular Music |
Musical Theatre |
Orchestra |
Technical Theatre |
Both academically and artistically.
First expected to mainatain a 3.0 APA GPA.
Classes, rehearsals, productions, OH MY!
*Alternative Education Schools accepted by APA
Please Note: Intradistrict (in district) as well as interdistrict (out of district) transfers are possible as space permits. To attend APA, students must enroll in one of the comprehensive high schools in the Huntington Beach Union High School District, as per HBUHSD School Board policy.
Where do you belong? Take a good, long look at each of APA's nine disciplines. Once you decide, begin completing the APA application.
APA ApplicationIf current APA students would like to change their major or add a minor, they may submit the Current APA Student Application.
Current APA Student ApplicationMake sure your application is something you're proud of. Remember: all applications must be submitted to the APA office by January 31, 2025. Call 714-536-2514 #51454 with questions.
Our APA staff will relay your audition time with a parent or guardian. Expect a call!
Get ready to give your best performance or interview — now is your time to shine! Register for the 2024-2025 Audition Workshops!
Audition Results Updated 3.18.24
Audition ResultsInterim Special Programs Administrator
Andrea TaylorInterim Special Programs AdministratorA native of Huntington Beach, Andrea has returned to her community to share her knowledge and love of the arts with others. After leaving Orange County, Andrea entered the dance program at the California Institute for the Arts where she received her BFA in Dance Performance/Choreography. After completing her BFA, she was accepted into the MFA program at UCLA as a student, performer, and instructor. Following UCLA, Andrea taught at El Camino College, Long Beach City College, Chapman University, and Cypress College as well as local community institutions such as Golden West College, Fountain Valley High School, and the Southland Ballet Academy. In 2018, Andrea received her Administrative Credential in Education from CSULB, in 2019 she was awarded the “Outstanding Arts Achievement” Award in Education from the Allied Arts Board, and in 2020 was selected as the Huntington Beach Union High School District’s Teacher of the Year. |
Interim APA Artistic Director & Acting Director
Jenny McClintockInterim APA Artistic Director & Acting DirectorJenny McClintock has been singing, dancing, and acting since the age of three, with many of her early performances taking place in the HBUHSD Auditorium with the Southland Ballet Academy and Fountain Valley High School Choir. Ms. McClintock earned a BFA in Theater Performance from Chapman University, where she graduated with honors. Following graduation, she pursued an acting career in Hollywood with roles on General Hospital, Nickelodeon's Victorious, and a short film that won top honors at the LA Comedy Shorts festival. While in Los Angeles, Ms. McClintock trained with acclaimed master teacher Ivana Chubbuck. Using the Chubbuck Technique, she began teaching private acting lessons, which led to the formation of a children’s theater in South Orange County with friends. It was during the next eleven years that she honed her skills as a teacher and developed a passion for educational theater. Ms. McClintock returned to school to earn her teaching credential from California State University, Fullerton. She currently resides in Seal Beach with her family and is a mother of three. |
Supervisor, APA Council Advisor
Susan WestSupervisor, APA Council AdvisorSusan West excels in business but has also studied comedy/improv at UCLA and performed with OCC’s Original Broadway cast and an assortment of bands. Before coming to APA, Susan was the National Alternative Marketing Manager for Capitol Records. Susan was the HBUHSD 2011-2012 Classified Employee of the Year and was honored to be a part of the HBUHSD leadership program. Susan also serves as the staff adviser for the APA Student Council. |
Special Projects Technician
Christina BiardiSpecial Projects TechnicianChristina holds a BS in business from California State University of Long Beach with an international marketing emphasis. She has been part of the theatre world since her children began performing at a young age, both in the management sphere and backstage. Christina was also familiar with the education system as a records clerk for the Garden Grove school district on several elementary campuses. She volunteered for APA while her daughter attended and was then hired into the costume department. From there she gained her current position in the APA office. |
Student Files and Records
Brandy GrantStudent Files and RecordsBrandy has three degrees from California State University Long Beach including: Child Development and Family Studies, Consumer Affairs and Family Life Education. She started her APA journey as a student in the MMET Media program during its inaugural year and graduated from HBHS in 2012. She began working in the APA office in January 2013. Brandy enjoys being active with both APA and HBHS (and even FVHS) by working multiple sports events, dances, and testing throughout the year. You can even see her covering reception on occasion at HBHS' front desk! Her pride for APA and the Oilers runs strong and she is so honored to be a part of this community. |
Public Relations and Audience Building
April SharpPublic Relations and Audience BuildingPeople have often described April as a "constant creator" since the age of 2 when she first received instruction in drawing and painting from her mother, Ginny. Her favorite art forms are acrylic painting along with mixed-medium sculpture and she has a passion for scenic design. Graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from California Lutheran University, her academic focus encompassed History of Art and Fine Art. After working for years as a marketing-graphic designer in the real estate/restaurant sectors, April decided to also utilize her skills to help spread the word about APA's excellent opportunities. She enjoys assisting students in exploring and refining their artistic abilities to truly flourish as artists. Along with serving as the Public Relations and Audience Building representative in the APA Office, you will also find her in the MMET Building coordinating projects and film festivals alongside the MEDIA Students. April, accompanied by her husband Quinten, is a proud parent to two sons who are graduates of APA and actively engaged in the Film Industry. |
Jacob MenkeDramatic Production Artist TeacherJacob Menke is a director, playwright, and sound designer working throughout Southern California. He is a graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater Film and Television. Jacob has designed numerous stage productions, podcasts, and radio plays for a variety of companies and institutions throughout California. Over the years, he has directed several shows at APA, most recently the 2021 Dinner Theater Fundraiser, “Play On!” He has been the playwriting artist teacher in APA’s Dramatic Production department since 2020 and is a proud alumnus of APA’s Acting and Dramatic Production programs. |
Juliette LungerCostume Design DirectorJuliette is a southern California native who has lived in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Her career in the arts started with classical piano. After many years as a pianist, Juliette realized that she was much more interested in working behind the scenes. During college, she explored her new fascination for design in theatre. Juliette received her BA from California State University, Fullerton in Theater Technical Design and her MFA at University of California, Los Angeles in Costume Design. She has designed costumes, hair, and makeup for stage and screen since 2004. Juliette's love for art, travel, history, cultural anthropology, and craftsmanship drives her passion and development as an artist and teacher. |
Josh BehrensAuditorium DirectorJosh Behrens specializes in lighting design and audio engineering, and actively works in the entertainment industry throughout Southern California. Josh holds a CTE Credential in Arts, Media and Entertainment, and earned an Associates' Degree in Mathematics from Golden West College. Mr. Behrens is an HB APA alumnus who graduated from the Technical Theatre Department in 2016. He has worked as the APA Studio Theater Technical Director for over five years, and will now enter his first year as APA Auditorium Technician. Mr. Behrens is currently completing his Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Management from Arizona State University. He is thrilled to succeed Joe Batte as Auditorium Technician and is excited to continue educating APA’s Technical Theatre students. |
Chris HendersonAuditorium Director |
Brande DunnBallet Ensemble DirectorBrande attended UCLA where she earned a BA in French and dance, followed by an MA in education from UCI. She studied at Boston Ballet and Le Centre de Danse du Marais in Paris, France, and was a soloist for Festival Ballet Theatre. Brande is the director of APA’s Ballet Ensemble. |
Christy HernandezTap Ensemble DirectorChristy is a graduate of San Jose State University with a BA in creative arts and dance. Christy danced professionally with Rhapsody in Taps and Jazz Tap Ensemble MCOT series. She founded Sound Effects/Collision, APA’s Tap Ensemble and is the producer of Northern California Tap Workshop and the Rhythm on Tap Performance Series. |
Marie HoffmanCompany Ensemble DirectorMarie holds a BFA in dance from Radford University and an MFA in choreography and performance from University of North Carolina. Marie is an accomplished choreographer with national and international accolades, including the grand prize in the Palm Desert and New Prague dance festivals. She is founder of the Accidental Dance Company, the ENCORE Dance Company and APA’s Repertory Dance Ensemble. In 2013 she was named a Distinguished Educator in Dance by the Orange County Department of Education. |
Claire ZabanehJazz Ensemble DirectorClaire Zabaneh comes to APA after instructing dance at El Modena High School in Orange Unified School District. Claire has earned a bachelor’s degree from Chapman University, and holds a master’s degree and physical education credential from National University. Claire has additionally earned a certification in Career Technical Education through the Orange County Department of Education, where she taught dance, choreographed performances, and organized booster clubs. With an extensive background in ballet, Claire provides her students with a foundational dance education while utilizing a wide range of industry and teaching experience. As a company member of Akomi Dance, she has performed in numerous collectives, festivals, and invitationals throughout Southern California. She has also danced professionally with the Anaheim Ballet at LA Fashion Week, MUSEO, Downtown Disney, and the Grove. |
Tim NelsonMusical Theatre DirectorTim holds a BFA from the University of Colorado, Boulder and continued his graduate studies at Boston University for the Arts/Boston Conservatory and Cal State University Long Beach. Tim has directed, conducted, authored and performed in over 200 shows throughout the country and has played the oboe in several symphony orchestras. He was named Arts Schools Network Teacher of the Year in 2013 and a Distinguished Educator in Music by the Orange County Department of Education in 2014. |
Jennifer Simpson-MatthewsMusical Theatre Artist TeacherJennifer holds a BA from Dominguez Hills and an MA from Walden University. In addition to her assignment at APA, Jennifer is also a teacher in the ABC School District. A former child actress and Disney performer, Jennifer is an accomplished musical theatre choreographer with credits in New York and California. |
Mike SimmonsCo-Director MMET and APA CommunicationsMike holds a BA from Cal State University Fullerton in communications (radio/TV/film) and fine arts. He has extensive experience in music production and performance, graphic design, video and various types of media technology. Mike is an Apple Distinguished Educator and his department is a Golden Bell Award winner. If you have ever seen a poster, held a brochure or showbill, or watched multi-media produced by APA, chances are he designed it, enhanced it or led the team that made it. |
Nicole KubisCo-Director MMETSouthern California native Nicole Kubis has a rich history of singing with some of the best jazz musicians in the world. She has recorded on projects with Steve Allen, Jack Sheldon, and Alan and Marilyn Bergman. She can frequently be seen singing with her Andrews Sisters-inspired vocal trio, The Swing Kittens. The Swing Kittens have been featured artists with the Glenn Miller Orchestra ?for the past ten years, and have traveled with the band on six international tours. They also had the honor of performing for the Princess and King of Thailand, and most recently, movie legend Steven Spielberg. Nicole holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies from CSULB and a Master's in Education and teaching credential from National University. She is currently celebrating her thirteenth year as Vocal Director for the MMET department. |
Bishop RhoneMMET Media Artist TeacherScreenplay writer, animator, film and live event director, and the occasional on-screen talent, Bishop J. Rhone is an MMET Media Alumni turned faculty teacher. Bishop has worked for the OC Fair, Knott's Scary Farm, Beachlife Festival, and the Henson Company as a video supervisor and live switcher. After establishing a production company in 2023, he has produced seven short films, with writing credits on four, and directing credits on three. When not producing or directing, Bishop can be found writing screenplays, watching old cartoons on VHS, and dreaming up new ways to help students learn film production. He hopes to inspire the next generation of filmmakers to live by his mantra, "Always Be Creating." |
Peter BementOrchestra ConductorPeter Bement Orchestra Conductor Peter Bement serves as the Director of Orchestras at Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts. Mr. Bement recently graduated from California State University, Fullerton, earning a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting. Mr. Bement’s principal conducting mentors include Dustin Barr, Greggory Whitmore, and Kevin Mayse. Mr. Bement currently serves as the Interim Director of Bands and Orchestra at California State University, Los Angeles, where he also instructs students in conducting and teaching music theory coursework. Mr. Bement has also recently served as a guest graduate conductor with the instrumental ensembles at CSUF, where he worked with the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Winds, and Symphony Orchestra over the past two years. Additionally, he serves as the cover conductor for the Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble, working alongside Dr. Gregory Whitmore as a sectional and substitute conductor. His conducting expertise has led to significant recent recognition and accolades, such as the CSUF College of the Arts “Dream Big” Award. |