What Makes ITA Unique
At ITA, students learn from experienced professionals who are passionate about education and mentorship. We embrace a philosophy of progress over perfection, encouraging students to take creative risks and grow with confidence. Each participant is given the opportunity to perform in a lead role within one cast and as an ensemble member in another. This unique structure ensures that students experience both collaborative performance and the chance to shine individually, creating a well-rounded foundation in theatre arts.
Our Enviroment
The ITA environment is designed to be both nurturing and professional. With small cast sizes, every student receives individual attention and meaningful stage time. Our caring, knowledgeable staff blends industry expertise with a genuine passion for student growth. Through a process rooted in professional standards and delivered with encouragement and support, students gain the tools and confidence to succeed. Not just in performance, but in their personal journey as artists.
Staff
Nate and Crystal Pothier
Nate and Crystal, longtime San Clemente residents, are the passionate founders of ITA. They met while working professionally in theatre and always dreamed of creating a space for young performers to grow and thrive.
Nate holds a music degree from BYU and is certified through New York Vocal Coaching. With over 25 years of vocal coaching experience, he also brings expertise in theatrical sound.
Crystal studied theatre at UVU and is a professional seamstress with exceptional skill. She designs and creates unique costumes for every show, adding a special touch to each production.
Together, Nate and Crystal blend their talents and dedication to create a nurturing, high-quality theatre experience where students are inspired to learn, grow, and shine.
Emily Patterson
Emily is a founding member of ITA and a respected leader in San Clemente’s Performing Arts community. She directs several productions each year and also serves as the theatre educator at Vista del Mar Middle School.
Her passion for theatre began in middle school and continues to inspire her work today. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Directing from Indiana University, where she developed a strong foundation in theatre arts. An award-winning playwright, she brings both creative vision and technical skill to every project.
Before relocating to Southern California, Emily taught theatre in her hometown of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and was actively involved in performing, writing, and directing in the vibrant Boston theatre scene.
Her professionalism, artistic excellence, and commitment to nurturing young talent make her an invaluable part of ITA’s mission to provide quality theatre education and productions.
Karen Barrus
We are so thrilled to have Karen as part of ITA! From a young age, Karen has been passionate about musical theater and dance. She performed in numerous musicals and plays throughout high school and college, and her experience goes beyond the stage. She has appeared in over 30 commercials and infomercials on both local and national TV.
Karen’s true passion lies in musical theater, which has inspired her to dedicate over 25 years to teaching music and theatre to children. She takes great pride in helping her students reach their fullest creative potential, all while ensuring they have fun throughout their performing arts journey.
Mandy Kuhn
Mandy grew up on the stage coming from a performance family!
She started acting at a very young age working in numerous national commercials and voice over work. On stage she has starred in such roles as Agnes in Agnes of God, Maria in West Side Story, Celia in As You Like It and Inga in Young Frankenstein. She is also a trained dancer and choreographer. She has a world title in ballroom dance and has also won awards for her contemporary choreography for Youth America Ballet. Currently, Mandy is a teacher and director in the voice-over industry.
Her best accomplishment is raising her 4 beautiful kids with her husband Freddy and seeing them grow in their own personal talents! She is so happy to be part of the ITA family!