OUR AMAZING STAFF

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.

Cody Craven

Acting Instructor

Cody is a Winters native and career theatre actor / musician who spent the last 15 based in NYC. He has performed professionally around the globe including countless regional productions along with 4 years as a main stage performer with Disney Cruise Line. Over the last decade, Cody has developed a passion for sharing the knowledge, techniques, and secrets of his journey with aspiring young minds both in age and spirit. Outside of the classroom, Cody can be found onstage in local theatre productions, performing his original music, and fronting the bay area David Bowie tribute StarmanSF. Let’s make-believe!

Evan Losoya

Music Director/Instructor

A Vacaville native, Evan is a composer, pianist, and teaching artist. He is completing his Doctor of Musical Arts at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University and holds an MFA from California Institute of the Arts.

Evan’s experience spans theatre, concert music, and film scoring. His music has been performed throughout the United States and internationally. He has written original live scores for full-length silent films with the Grand Feature Film Orchestra and has also worked as an accompanist and vocal coach. At Starbound, Evan enjoys helping students grow as performers while occasionally getting schooled by them on the latest linguistic trends.

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.

Conner Watson
Technical Director

Conner Watson has been involved in theatre almost his entire life, both as a performer and as a technician. He believes in sharing what he has learned through his experiences as a stage manager, designer, director, and producer, and strives to foster a supportive and dedicated environment for students and staff.

As Technical Director, Conner works with tech students to build their knowledge and skills to help diversify their theatrical experience. He looks forward to working with students on the next show.

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. 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.

Some of her favorite professional credits include Judy Haynes (WHITE CHRISTMAS), Betsy (CRAZY FOR YOU), Brenda (HOLIDAY INN), Judy Turner (A CHORUS LINE), Female Swing (42ND STREET), and Martha Cratchit/Ensemble (A CHRISTMAS CAROL).

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.

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.

Karen (Kiki) Falcon

Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

Kiki Falcon serves as the Marketing and Media Coordinator for Rodgers Creative Enterprises, where she leads marketing, communications, and digital media initiatives across the organization's diverse arts, education, and community programs. She manages social media platforms, develops marketing campaigns, creates promotional content, and helps build meaningful connections between the organization and the communities it serves.

With a strong passion for creativity and storytelling, Kiki works to increase awareness of programs, events, performances, and educational opportunities through strategic outreach and engaging content. Her responsibilities include graphic design, website management, content creation, photography, videography, and audience engagement.

Dedicated to supporting the arts and fostering community involvement, Kiki strives to create impactful marketing experiences that inspire participation, celebrate creativity, and expand access to arts and educational opportunities for people of all ages.

Makali Mates
Program Manager

Makali is thrilled to serve as Starbound Theatre's Program Manager, combining her passion for the arts with more than 15 years of experience in customer service, leadership, and operations. A graduate of Solano Community College's Theatre Arts program, she has worn many hats both on and off the stage, including actor, assistant stage manager, stage manager, assistant director, and director.

Her theatrical credits include performances in Peter and the Starcatcher, Getting Out, and A Midsummer Night's Dream; assistant stage management for Nice Work If You Can Get It; stage management for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and The Servant of Two Masters; assistant directing Pippin; and directing productions of Macbeth and Immaculate. Throughout her career, Makali has collaborated with theatre and production organizations across the San Francisco Bay Area and is proud to call Starbound home.

As Program Manager, Makali is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences for students, families, artists, and audiences while supporting Starbound's mission to inspire creativity, confidence, and community through the performing arts.

When she's not at the theatre, Makali enjoys spending time with her husband, Tim, and their daughter, Brooklynn, who brings joy, laughter, and plenty of adventure to every day.

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.

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.

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.

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.