For 16 years, our JStage program has introduced young people to the wonders of the performing arts. With top-notch productions, JStage ignites and fosters artistic expression and talent in our kids.

Despite pandemic lockdowns and obtrusive safety protocols, they say, “the show must go on!” JStage has continued to be a safe haven and a place for kids to look forward to.

We asked Nicole Rosenson, Cultural Arts Assistant Director, to share why JStage continues to be so popular here at the J. “According to research out of the International Child Art Foundation, a child who is exposed to the arts acquires a special ability to think creatively, be original, discover, innovate, and create intellectual property.” Furthermore, Nicole suggested that JStage’s years of success directly related to the sense of “family” amongst the participants and their families and the panache of the directors.

Below Nicole introduces and interview Carina Morales, JStage’s resident director and magician of all things theatrical.

Carina graduated Cum Laude from our neighbor, UCI, with a B.A. in Drama and Honors in Musical Theatre. She is a seasoned and enthusiastic youth director, with more than a decade of experience teaching drama and vocal lessons. 

NR: Carina, thank you for joining us. Please tell about your first theater experience?

CM: My mom was a pianist, and I grew up singing with her. My very first theatre experience was a solo performance of "Part Of Your World" in my preschool winter concert, when I was three years old.

NR: How did you get into acting?

I've always loved musicals, but my first formal experience with acting was in my Freshman year of high school, in drama class. We were assigned to work on monologues, which I had never done before. I chose a monologue from Easter by August Strindberg. After the first time I presented it to the class, my drama teacher told me that she wanted me to perform it at the statewide Lenea Festival, as the only Freshman among the students who were chosen to represent our school. That teacher's belief in my potential as an actress was contagious, and I haven't stopped acting since.

NR: What is your favorite musical?

CM: (big breath) That is an extremely difficult question. I can narrow it down to two. West Side Story and Sunday In The Park With George.

NR: What inspires you to teach?

CM: One of my favorite quotes is “Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” I feel incredibly lucky to know exactly what makes me come alive. It is so gratifying to be able to pass the joy of theatre on to the next generation, and watch them come alive, too.

NR: What is one of your favorite performance memories?

CM: In 2015, I originated the leading role of "Claire" in the world premiere workshop run of Natural Life by Eduardo Ivan Lopez at T.Schreiber Studio & Theatre in NYC, directed by acclaimed director Jake Turner, and co-starring Emmy winning actress Anna Holbrook. This beautiful piece was based on an incredible, courageous woman, and we were able to tell a deeply important story.

NR: What acting advice did you receive that resonates today?

CM: Just tell the truth. It's as simple as that.

NR: What is your favorite part of directing for JStage?

CM: The kids. We have an exceptionally enthusiastic, eager to learn, kind, and supportive group of kids. They make JStage not just a youth theatre program, but a family. I am so lucky to get to do what I love with people who love it as much as I do.

NR: Is your husband an artist? How did you meet?

CM: My husband is an extremely talented (if I do say so myself!) professional musician. We met while performing in theatrical shows during a Holland America world cruise; I was a production singer, and he was the saxophonist in our show band. Our first date was in Papeete, Tahiti!

NR: Which 3 words would those closest to you use to describe you?

CM: Assertive. Honest. Impassioned.

NR: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

CM: I am very lucky, because throughout my career as a performer, I have traveled to more than 80 different countries! However, although I've been all over France, I've never been to Paris. I'd love to go someday.

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