STAFF BIOS

YARIV SPONKO (Co-owner and a Director at Class Act Musical Theatret)  graduated with a Master's Degree in Film Production from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Since his education, he has produced five commercials, written three feature-length screenplays, and has written and diected several award-winning short narratives, one of which has screened in 10 festivals so far in 2010, receiving  awards in four of them.  Yariv has been involved either as an actor or director with Class Act Musical Theatre for 20 years, before taking over as owner five years ago. Yariv is dedicated to this performing arts center where artists of all ages can express their artistic abilities through the unique and magical process of the Theatre, while learning from the collective experiences of professionals in all aspects of the entertainment industry. His favorite quote from a recent junior high school student," Yariv looks like a rockstar but speaks like a gentleman."

KATY ROSE is thrilled to be back at Class Act theatre after a six year rock hiatus.  She first performed on this stage in 1997.  She’s released two albums she wrote and recorded after signing a record deal at the tender age of 14(…yes…she is HUGE in Japan). After spending the better portion of 5 years touring the world, she settled down and rode off into the adventure of marriage with her- now- husband, Yariv.  Hard at work on her third and fourth albums, Katy is so thankful to be a part of this magical place and around the amazing and inspirational kids that truly encapsulate the soul of the Class Act mission statement. Her heart is warmed by these amazing kids who every day help her strive to be a better person.

AMY FARA LONDON (Co-owner and co-director at Class Act Musical Theatre) has been involved with Class Act since 1988 when she performed in The Wizard of Oz as the Tin Man. She was hooked on theatre ever since. Amy attended California State University, Northridge for her M.A and B.A in Communication Studies. Studying to be a college professor, Amy focused on the dynamics of human communication and the process of learning. She specifically studied diversity, relationships, speaking anxiety, and performance. Thus, both careers melded into one. She is currently a tenured professor at Oxnard College and when she is not teaching, she loves and appreciates her time at the theatre. With 12 years of directing experience, Amy has directed multiple shows including A Chorus Line, Annie, Annie Warbucks, Peter Pan, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Grease, Once Upon a Mattress, and Disney's High School Musical. Amy looks forward to the opportunity to add Into The Woods to her resume. Amy’s energy, enthusiasm, and experience with children make her an asset to Class Act Musical Theatre.

CECE BULLARD (Vocal Coach) started her career in musical theater, performing in New England community and summer stock productions throughout her teen years and into college. After moving to Los Angeles, she became a session singer, working with artists as diverse as Tori Amos, Eddie Money, Diana Ross, Olivia Newton-John , Bill Medley, Cheap Trick, White Lion and Graham Nash, in between live performances on the road with Stephen Stills, Rita Coolidge, Connie Stevens, Glen Campbell, Mickey Dolenz, Johnny Rivers, Poco and French superstar Veronique Sanson. She has been the TV commercial voice of Nivea Skincare, Target department stores, McDonald’s, the California Lottery, Honda and Nissan, and sang themes for ABC network television and the dramatic series “Once and Again.” You have seen her onscreen as the face of Noxzema, Peter Pan peanut butter, Chrysler, Jack in the Box, American Savings Bank, Kraft Ranch Style Dressing, Burger King, Kleenex and many others. Cece trained with theater legend Stella Adler, among others, and studied voice with Robert Edwards. She is delighted to be sharing her enthusiasm and love for musical theater with the great kids of the Class Act family!

DR. MELISSA SKY-EAGLE (Musical Director), a native of Arlington, TX, holds a Bachelor of Music from Texas Christian University, a Master of Music from the Peabody Conservatory of Music of The Johns Hopkins University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts from the Thornton School of Music of the University of Southern California. Melissa’s academic degrees are in piano performance; she is an accomplished classical musician. She teaches piano privately and also at California Baptist University in Riverside.