OUR AMAZING STAFF
Alyza Thornson – Junior Stage Director, Little Stars Instructor
Alyza has been involved with Starbound since she was 6 years old and is thrilled to be apart of the staff! She currently attends Solano Community College and is pursuing Early Childhood Education.
Angela Blancovargas – Dance Instructor, Choreographer
Angela was born and raised in Southern California. In July 2022, Angela and her husband, Ramon, moved from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to Vacaville. Angela has her Master's in Education from Ball State University. Angela works at Child Start, INC., where she is a comprehensive services coach. Angela has taught hip-hop, tap, jazz, and Zumba for over 15 years. Angela has performed at professional basketball game half-time shows, took part in touring ensembles, participated in a handful of dance workshops and theatre performances, and danced for Disneyland in their Christmas Fantasy Parade. Angela has choreographed and taught for various dance studios, public schools, colleges, and local theatre groups, choreographing for musicals such as Beauty and the Beast, Bye Bye Birdie, and Crazy for You.
Audrey Ella Garland – Media & Content Manager
Audrey Ella (she/her) is a passionate dancer, actress, singer, digital creative, and teaching artist. She first got involved with Starbound Theatre when she worked as a support staff member for their 3-week summer camp production of THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. in 2022, and she fell in love with the people and the company culture!
She has been immersed in the performing arts world since 2013. Throughout middle school and high school, she trained in Horizon Charter School's theatre program, Western Sierra Collegiate Academy's theatre, show choir, and dance team programs, and at Stand Out Talent. Between 2018-2019, she took multiple theatre classes at Sierra College and performed in several shows with Royal Stage Performing & Visual Arts. From 2020-2023, she trained at Jessup Theatre, the theatre program of William Jessup University, and with KD Studios.
She graduated with her B.A. in Theatre Arts with a Musical Theatre concentration in April 2023, and has gone on to perform professionally across the U.S.! So far, her adventures have taken her to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Florida, Maryland, and Arkansas. Several of her favorite professional credits include Judy Haynes (WHITE CHRISTMAS), Violet/Viola understudy/Dance Captain (THE SPEAKEASY: AGE OF SCOFFLAWS), Martha Cratchit/Ensemble (A CHRISTMAS CAROL), and Babs/Honey, Bubbles/Sunny (CAPONE'S DINNER SHOW). She currently trains at Studio 65 Dance Company and at The Beat Berkeley Performing Arts. In addition, she has worked as a teaching artist with Berkeley Playhouse, Sacramento Theatre Company, and Royal Stage and as a digital creative for multiple clients and companies, including Tamraloo Studios and Boxcar Theatre.
Whether she's performing onstage or working on social media and website content offstage, Audrey lights up whenever she gets to be a part of telling immersive, exciting, impactful, and artistic stories with delightful people who are unashamedly themselves.
Blaze Davis – Media and Film Instructor
As a seasoned creative producer with a profound passion for storytelling, Blaze Davis has dedicated over 12 years to the art of video production and social media marketing. His journey in this dynamic field led him to YouTube, where he has been serving as a live streaming consultant for the past seven years. Simultaneously, he's been at the helm of Just B Media, a company he founded and has been nurturing for the past 12 years.
Originally from the Vacaville and currently residing in Sacramento, CA, Blaze's life is enriched by his wonderful family. Sharing adventures with his wife of 12 years and navigating the joys of raising six vibrant kids keeps life sweet and full.
At the core of Blaze's philosophy is a belief that everyone has a story worth sharing. His role, as he sees it, is to bring these stories to life, particularly in the digital world where narratives can flourish and reach vast audiences. His experience at YouTube has endowed him with unique insights into the power of live streaming, and through Just B Media, he's been able to leverage this knowledge to help clients, brands, and creators craft and share their stories in the most impactful way.
Brittany Watson – Associate Artistic Director
Brittany Watson started doing theater when she was 12 years old and by the age of 15, she was choreographing her first show and directing in a young directors program at 16. After high school she pursued theater and dance at Diablo Valley College, during this time she also was in an apprenticeship program with Bay Area Children’s Theater and worked with a few local children’s theater companies and high schools in the Concord/ Martinez Area. In the fall of 2016, she participated in a study abroad program in London, England where she studied art, traveled, joined a ballroom dance team, and saw as many shows as possible. After coming home, she went back to teaching, choreographing, and directing. In the summers of 2017 and 2019 she was given the opportunity to go to New York and do two teaching intensives with ITheatrics. In 2020, Brittany took a break from theater; got married to her best friend and finish cosmetology school and after a two-years, she joined the Starbound Team in 2022 working with them in their after-school programs, teaching dance in the Starbound Academy and choreographing shows. She is so grateful to have found such a wonderful group of people and looks forward to working with them in the future.
Cody Craven – Teaching Artist
Cody (he/him) is thrilled to be returning to his old stomping grounds as a member of Starbound’s instructing faculty! After graduating from DaVinci Charter/ Davis High in ‘09, Cody went on to study acting and theatre performance at the Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts, and has been featured on stages around the globe. After being based in NYC for nearly 15 years, he now splits his time between the city and his family ranch in Winters, CA. While offstage, Cody enjoys writing and producing music, wrestling with his husky Solo, and squeezing the most out of this little thing called life. Past credits include 6 productions of ONCE (Guy, Svec, Andrej), 4 productions of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET (Carl Perkins, Sam Phillips), KINKY BOOTS (Charlie Price), LES MISERABLES (Marius), and 5 years on the high seas with Norwegian, Oceania, and Disney Cruise Lines. A huge thank you to his family, partner Gillian, and everyone at Starbound for helping him continue his teaching journey.
Conner Watson – Tech Supervisor
Conner has been doing theatrical stuff both on and off stage for 25 years, mostly in Solano County but also from the Sacramento area down through the Bay Area and across Napa and Sonoma. Conner started as a performer with a love for Shakespeare, then started working behind the scenes as a tech in high school, which led him to the Actor Training Program at Solano Community College. While a part of this conservatory, Conner was hired as a theatre technician at Solano Community College and eventually branched out as a designer and stage manager to the local area. After years spent supporting community shows, he found himself in Martinez, where he met his wife Brittany. After a hiatus spent in the Maintenance department of Six Flags, Conner is excited to be back in the theatrical world and to be a part of the Starbound Staff!
Makali Mates – Production Coordinator
Makali is excited to join Starbound as their new production coordinator! She attended Solano Community College’s theatre program, where she wore many hats. She has had the privilege of being an an actor (PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, GETTING OUT, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM), an assistant stage manager (NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT), a stage manager (THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME and THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS), an assistant director (PIPPIN), and a director (MACBETH and IMMACULATE). Makali has worked with production companies across the SF Bay Area, and could not be happier to have found a home with Starbound! Professionally, Makali has 15 years of customer service and management experience. When she is not at the theatre, she enjoys spending time with her amazing husband, Tim, and their beautiful daughter Brooklynn, who always brings joy and laughter everywhere she goes.
Vanessa Lovelady – Parent Engagement Coordinator
Vanessa Lovelady is thrilled to be part of the Starbound team, where she combines her love for theatre and her dedication to fostering a supportive community. With two wonderful children who have been part of Starbound for the last three years, Vanessa’s involvement in their theatre journey has sparked her own passion for the performing arts.
In her role as the parent engagement coordinator, Vanessa is committed to organizing meaningful volunteer opportunities and facilitating clear, open communication between parents and the program. She believes that when parents are actively involved, it enhances the overall experience for everyone, creating a vibrant and connected theatre community.
Outside of Starbound, Vanessa brings her nurturing skills to her work as a registered veterinary technician (RVT) at a local emergency hospital for animals, a role she has proudly held for the last 15 years. In both her professional and personal life, Vanessa is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Vanessa is excited to help create memorable experiences for Starbound families and looks forward to working closely with parents to support their children’s theatrical journeys.
Veronica Montemayor – Company Manager
Veronica Montemayor is an individual who wears multiple hats with grace and expertise. As the company manager for Starbound Theatre, she orchestrates the behind-the-scenes communication with parents. Outside of the theater, Veronica's most cherished role is that of a full-time mom to two amazing teenage boys. Balancing the demands of working full-time with the joys and challenges of motherhood, she possesses dedication and devotion in every aspect of her life. She is a steadfast advocate for the transformative power of the performing arts. With her boundless energy, unwavering commitment, and infectious enthusiasm, her journey is a testament to the profound impact of following one's passions and embracing every opportunity with courage and conviction.
Vivian McLaughlin – Musical Director & Academy Instructor
Vivian has a BFA in Musical Theatre from New York University. She performed on Broadway and starred in the television show Out of the Box currently streaming on Disney+. She has performed in Russia and Argentina, recorded several children’s audiobooks, and can be heard on Volume I and II of the Playhouse Disney CD Series. Vivian has filmed industrials and commercials for companies such as Western Union, Sun Microsystems, MSN, and Visa.
She is a proud member of SAG/AFTRA and AEA. Vivian was the head of the theatre department at Justin-Siena High School where she taught acting and choral classes, and directed their musicals and plays. A multiple Arty Award winner/nominee for her music direction, Vivian has also taught at several other schools including Fairfield High, Benicia High, Will C. Wood, American Canyon High, Rodriguez High, Sun and Stars Montessori, Stone Bridge School, St. John’s Catholic, St. John’s Lutheran, Pueblo Vista Elementary, Northwood Elementary, Matthew Turner Elementary, and Oakbrook Elementary.
In addition to Starbound Theatre, Vivian currently works with Cafeteria Kids Theater and Musical Mayhem Productions, and offers private voice/piano lessons. While some of her students can now be heard singing on Broadway, Vivian hopes to impart an appreciation for musical theatre and the art of singing, regardless of whether or not her students choose to pursue the arts as a career. She feels extremely lucky to be part of the Starbound Theatre family and to have landed the roles of “wife” to Bret and “Mommy” to daughter Julien.
David Rodgers Jr. – Managing Artistic Director​
David, a multifaceted force in the Bay Area theatre community, boasts an extensive career spanning over two decades as a playwright, director, teacher, and performer. His journey began at Solano College Theatre, where he immersed himself in the Actor Training Program, graduating with degrees in Liberal Arts and Theatre Arts. Fueling his passion for the arts, David pursued further education at the University of San Francisco, delving into Arts Management and Art History.
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David's artistic footprint shines brightly through his work with Starbound Theatre, where he has directed an impressive array of over forty productions, created a Performing Arts Academy within Starbound Theatre, and lead the company to impact thousands of students across Solano and Napa counties.
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Expanding his leadership roles, David serves as the Chief Creative Officer of Creative ArtReach and holds the prestigious position of Artistic Director at Creative Arts Solano. Additionally, his expertise enriches the educational landscape as he imparts knowledge and passion through teaching theater, acting, and film classes throughout the Bay Area. David's influence extends even further as he contributes his talents to Oakbrook Academy of the Arts, where he teaches the magic of theatre to grades TK-8th grade.
