ITA of San Clemente
Institute of Theatre Arts (ITA), 1120 Calle Cordillera, San Clemente, CA 92673
About
ITA of San Clemente offers acting programs for kids that include advanced theatre training in acting and musical theatre, full productions, and camps. Students participate in specific shows such as Alice in Wonderland JR. and Frozen the Broadway Musical, with auditions held for Peter Pan Jr. and Hadestown, as well as an Annie production for Minis, Elementary, and Middle School and an Into the Woods production for High School. The program uses small cast sizes and acting classes in an environment described as both nurturing and professional.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
ITA of San Clemente opened its doors in 2018. The leadership team includes passionate founders Nate and Crystal Pothier; founding member Emily Patterson, who is also a theatre educator at Vista del Mar Middle School; as well as Karen Barrus and Mandy Kuhn. The program’s mission states that students learn from experienced professionals who are passionate about education and mentorship and that the philosophy emphasizes progress over perfection, encouraging students to take creative risks and grow with confidence. Unique features include that all students get lead roles, with each participant performing in a lead role within one cast and as an ensemble member in another, and small cast sizes so every student receives individual attention and meaningful stage time.
Nate holds a music degree from BYU, is certified through New York Vocal Coaching, and has over 25 years of vocal coaching experience and expertise in theatrical sound. Crystal studied theatre at UVU and is a professional seamstress. Emily Patterson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Directing from Indiana University and is an award-winning playwright. Karen has appeared in over 30 commercials and infomercials on local and national TV and has dedicated over 25 years to teaching music and theatre to children. Mandy has a world title in ballroom dance and has won awards for her contemporary choreography for Youth America Ballet. Emily Patterson is also described as a respected leader in San Clemente’s performing arts community.
Parent testimonials describe ITA of San Clemente as a place where children experience excitement and joy in rehearsals, grow in confidence and self-esteem, and find a sense of community and friendship. Families report that their children have gained skills such as public speaking, teamwork, improvisation, and supporting others, and that productions are described as incredible. Multiple parents note long-term involvement with the program since 2018 and refer to ITA as a second home where their children’s unique gifts and talents are seen.
Last updated June 23, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
ITA of San Clemente opened its doors in 2018. The leadership team includes passionate founders Nate and Crystal Pothier; founding member Emily Patterson, who is also a theatre educator at Vista del Mar Middle School; as well as Karen Barrus and Mandy Kuhn. The program’s mission states that students learn from experienced professionals who are passionate about education and mentorship and that the philosophy emphasizes progress over perfection, encouraging students to take creative risks and grow with confidence. Unique features include that all students get lead roles, with each participant performing in a lead role within one cast and as an ensemble member in another, and small cast sizes so every student receives individual attention and meaningful stage time.
Nate holds a music degree from BYU, is certified through New York Vocal Coaching, and has over 25 years of vocal coaching experience and expertise in theatrical sound. Crystal studied theatre at UVU and is a professional seamstress. Emily Patterson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Directing from Indiana University and is an award-winning playwright. Karen has appeared in over 30 commercials and infomercials on local and national TV and has dedicated over 25 years to teaching music and theatre to children. Mandy has a world title in ballroom dance and has won awards for her contemporary choreography for Youth America Ballet. Emily Patterson is also described as a respected leader in San Clemente’s performing arts community.
Parent testimonials describe ITA of San Clemente as a place where children experience excitement and joy in rehearsals, grow in confidence and self-esteem, and find a sense of community and friendship. Families report that their children have gained skills such as public speaking, teamwork, improvisation, and supporting others, and that productions are described as incredible. Multiple parents note long-term involvement with the program since 2018 and refer to ITA as a second home where their children’s unique gifts and talents are seen.
Last updated June 23, 2026.
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