Sagemont Prep Alumni Spotlight

Arturo Fernandez, Class of 2018

Undergraduate: University of Southern California

B.F.A., Stage Management

Arturo graduated Cum Laude in 2022 Minor in Cinematic Arts

Life After Sagemont:

"Life has been great since graduating Sagemont! I have since graduated from USC's School of Dramatic Arts Cum Laude with my BFA and Minor, where they also awarded me the James and Nony Dolittle Award based on my work while I was there. I have since successfully transitioned into Professional Stage Management, where I am currently an AGMA Stage Manager for the 4th largest opera company in the U.S., LA Opera when I am not flying around to work at other opera companies such as Opera Saratoga in New York or The Miami Classical Music Festival back in my hometown."

How did Sagemont ignite your passions?

"The great thing about Sagemont was that your individual passions were fostered both in and out of the classroom. Science, Theatre, and leadership opportunities were something I craved as a high schooler. Sagemont was a unique place in that if I was interested in exploring a passion, the school would support my endeavors in any way possible both in and out of the classroom. I took multiple AP classes in topics I specifically enjoyed learning about and participated in honor societies that advanced my love of those subjects. What I will particularly always remember is when the school supported me in the development of programs they had yet to even establish. I founded clubs and formed communities at Sagemont, such as the Gay-Straight Alliance, to support equity and diversity in the community. When I had run out of theatre courses in my senior year, they added a theatre course, directing and stage management honors, for me and one other student so we could continue pursuing a subject that interested us. They created a safe environment for me to fail, try new things, and figure out what truly interested me."

"Without a doubt, Ms. Garrard had a major impact on how I found my path, not only at Sagemont but in life. Besides the fact that she was the theatre teacher, she was someone who cared about each person and put the process of the class and the experiences of learning about theatre above the product, which still turned out fantastic because everyone was so invested in that process. I will always remember how she edited the syllabus of the middle school theatre III class so that you were required to audition in the school show. All the students in theatre III were already always a part of the show in some way, backstage and onstage, but she knew that was exactly how to get me involved too. I have been hooked ever since."

Words of Advice:

"It is difficult to say in only a few words something that will be meaningful and impactful to all students. Sagemont covers such a wide range of personalities, disciplines, and interests. I would say that you are at a point in life where you have the ability to try and fail at so many different things without repercussions. Do not squander that opportunity. There will always be someone, faculty or student, that is interested in that very thing and more than willing to explore it with you. Sagemont provides a great opportunity for you to fail in a safe environment so you can find what you enjoy."

Conservatory of the Arts students in 6th through 12th grade will explore all aspects of the art world through intensive visual and performing arts. Through our daily Conservatory Blocks, our budding and experienced artists will select offerings that include Costume Design and Construction, Stage Make-up, Theatre Production and Design, Theatre Writers, Musical Theatre, World Drumming, Piano Ensemble, Chorus, Percussion Ensemble, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, and Illustration. Afternoon sessions are designed to provide intensive programming in Arts Portfolio, Theatre Production, Piano Lab, Chorus, and Instrumental Ensemble. Each exciting three-week intensive will feature a showcase of visual and performing arts.

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