In partnership with the City of Torrance, The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation’s mission is to enrich the community through the performing arts by providing diverse cultural, educational and entertainment experiences of the highest quality.
OUR VISION
The vision of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is to connect our community through culturally enriching experiences.
THANK YOU TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF TOCA AND THE ARTS IN THE SOUTH BAY
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation would like to acknowledge that the Armstrong Theatre is located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Tongva people in the Swaanga Village. We ask you to join us in acknowledging the Tongva community, their elders both past and present, as well those of future generations. www.tongvapeople.com
Welcome to Our 2025–2026 Season
Welcome to a brand-new season with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation! I’m honored to step into the role of Board President as we continue TOCA’s proud tradition of celebrating the arts in all their beautiful diversity.
For over three decades, TOCA has been a cornerstone of creativity and connection in the South Bay. That legacy continues today because of the passion and dedication of our community—our artists, audiences, partners, donors, and volunteers. Together, we make it possible to bring inspiring, thought-provoking, and joy-filled performances to our stages.
At TOCA, we believe the arts are for everyone. Whether it’s your first time in the theater or you’ve been with us since the beginning, we invite you to explore this season’s lineup and find something that speaks to you. From laugh-out-loud comedy to moving musical performances and cultural celebrations, there’s truly something for every taste.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support. I hope you’ll consider deepening your connection with TOCA— subscribe to our season, become a donor, or lend your time as a volunteer. However you choose to engage, know that you are a vital part of our mission.
I look forward to seeing you at the theater—and to all the unforgettable moments we’ll share this season.
Warmly,
Camilla Seferian President, Board of Directors Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
Welcome to the 2025/2026 season at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation!
As we turn the page from our milestone 30th year and look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude— not only for where we’ve been, but for where we’re going. Each season is a new opportunity to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the incredible power of live performance.
At TOCA, we’re not just curating a season— we’re creating space for discovery, connection, and joy. Whether it’s world-class music, laugh-out-loud comedy, soul-stirring theater, or family programming that ignites young imaginations, our goal remains the same: to offer something memorable for everyone who walks through our doors.
I continue to be inspired by the artists we work with, the team behind the scenes, and especially you—our audience, donors, and community partners—who make it all possible. Your enthusiasm and support are what keeps TOCA vibrant and thriving.
Please explore this brochure and find the shows that speak to you. And as always, if there’s anything we can do to make your experience better, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@TorranceArts.org.
Let’s make this season one to remember. See you at the theatre!
Chris Wolf Executive Director
Assisted listening devices available. Ask the House Manager or usher for assistance.
SHOW ORDER
ACT ONE
Morgan Lee
Charlee Marie
Krista Chica
Luna Suhr
Bryan Keon
Gabi Urdaz
Sophie Mark
Jax Ayers
Elaine Dang & Sophie Spencer
Dance Space AI Vibration
INTERMISSION
ACT TWO
Camille Tayo
Nick Pietroforte
Sahana Sriram
Lê Khoa
Alondra Ochoa
Fartash “Nick” Hashemian
Andrew Schwarz
YOUR HOSTS
Brian Singer
A South Bay resident for 20 years, Brian is involved in many aspects of the entertainment industry. As an actor, film credits include 9/11, The Bronx Bull, and Sweetwater with Richard Dreyfuss and Cary Elwes. He has appeared in several national and regional commercials for Lowe’s, Jeep, Comcast and Verizon and Region’s Bank. A broadcast journalist by trade, Brian spent 25 years as a news and sports producer, editor, and photographer from coast to coast, most recently with KCAL and KCBS-TV. Brian has been honored with 8 Los Angeles Regional Emmy Awards for his work on various projects including The L.A. Lakers Basketball broadcasts and The Special Olympics.
He has been involved with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation for over a decade, hosting and providing video production and voice-overs for South Bay’s Got Talent and Dancing with the South Bay Stars.
Brian is a youth baseball coach, currently with Hermosa Beach Little League. He enjoys watching his players learn and grow with the game. Here on the Armstrong Theater stage, he gets to see another side of the kids and what immense talents many of them have off the athletic fields. This is Brian’s 9th year hosting South Bay’s Talent and he is looking forward to seeing many new and returning acts shine tonight.
Giovanna Wynne
Giovanna Wynne is a junior at Palos Verdes High School. She has been in many community plays such as Clue (Professor Plum), Mean Girls (Mrs. George), and James and the Giant Peach (Ladybug). One of her favorite activities is singing and improv. She is currently in her second year on her school’s ComedySportz improv team. In her free time Giovanna loves to do puzzles and play with her shelter cats. She’s super excited to co-host tonight’s show!
YOUR JUDGES
In alphabetical order
Chyna Chuan-Farrell
Chyna Chuan-Farrell has been in the entertainment business for over 35 years. She started as an assistant at ICM Partners and worked her way up to a Concert Agent and eventually worked in the corporate/private division. She started her own business, during a 6-year break from ICM, Chyna Entertainment & Design, LLC, creating and producing events. She discovered a new passion after photographing a friend’s wedding that led her to focus on photography full time. Chyna went back to ICM and continued to work in the Corporate/Private division. Reconnecting with clients and buyers
She has years of experience with negotiating talent for Adult Contemporary, R&B, Comedy and Speaker clients. Tailoring deals to specific clients, she brings forth her expertise from ICM and headed to APA as Sr. VP of the Private/Corporate Department. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, she was suspended mid-year. Early 2021 Chyna joined Paladin Artists, a boutique agency started by music industry veterans. Her role expanded to managing the company and booking a variety of clients in the corporate and private space, clients including Smokey Robinson, Blondie, Dream Theatre, David Gilmour, just to name a few.
Chyna loves to travel and spend time with family and friends as she continues her passion of photography, capturing moments of events, portraits, and families.
Megan Dolan
Megan Dolan is a Long Beach based writer | actor | storyteller with over 30 years experience. She has a BA in Theater Arts from CSULB and was a founding member of the acclaimed Elephant Theatre Company which built a reputation for championing new American plays from 1995-2015. For 17 years, Megan facilitated Playfair, the most popular campus attraction for new student orientation, performing for collegiate audiences around the country. She has performed at the Moth, Hollywood Fringe Festival, and Expressing Motherhood as well as many other LA based storytelling shows and her TEDx talk entitled, Messy Mommy: A Slob in the Shadows can be seen on YouTube. Megan has written and performed three solo shows, the latest of which, the award-winning, Not the Right Mom, which is currently touring the U.S. and was selected as “Best of Fest” for the Whitefire Solo Fest and chosen to be part of the Amplify series for marginalized voices at the Curtis Theater in Brea, CA. Megan is a frequent guest artist at USC, Cal State Northridge, and Long Beach City College and she was recently a judge for the South Bay’s Got Talent competition at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. Her written work has been published in L.A. Parent Magazine and the anthology, Becoming Brave Together heroic, extraordinary caregiving stories from mothers hidden in plain sight. She will be performing at the Association of Performing Arts Professionals conference January 9–13, 2026 in NYC. Visit nottherightmom.com for info on upcoming shows and follow @megan_tells_stories on IG.
Rick Farrell
With over 25 years of major agency experience, Rick Farrell is an agent at the Gersh Agency in Beverly Hills and works booking the west coast in Concerts, Comedy and Special Attractions. Gersh’s clients include Dave Chappelle, John Oliver, Marcus Miller, Maria Bamford and Vicki Lawrence and many other top artists.
With tenures at the Agency for the Performing Arts, MPI, Inc. and ICM Partners. Rick moved over to the Gersh Agency in the summer of 2022.
Rick has a bachelor’s degree of Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University.
Hope Levy
Folk-pop singer-songwriter and voiceover actress Hope Levy has been immersed in music since childhood, recording with folk legend Malvina Reynolds and releasing her own 45, Hope and Her Friends.
Her career spans musical theatre—appearing in Los Angeles productions of Les Misérables, The Rocky Horror Show with David Arquette, and Hollywood Bowl productions of Show Boat and The Music Man. As a voiceover actress, Hope plays “Mom” in Boss Baby: Back in Business on Netflix, sings “Welcome to Duloc” in Shrek, performs in Na’vi in Avatar, and voices Rebecca Chambers in Resident Evil.
She tours nationally with her cabaret The Connie Converse Universe, which premiered at the El Portal Theatre, won Outstanding Musical at the 2024 San Diego Fringe, and will appear at Fullerton’s Muckenthaler Center in 2026.
Her latest album, Hope Levy Sings Connie Converse! is available on all streaming platforms and at select record stores. More at: connieconverseuniverse.com | linktr.ee/hopelevy
Steve Ornest was infatuated with music from an early age. He started playing piano at age six, transitioning to guitar just a few years later. Steve began recording local bands in high school, and after graduating Berklee College of Music he landed a gig producing at the legendary Total Access Recording in Redondo Beach. Fast-forward to the present, Steve is now running Total Access Recording with Wyn Davis.
Steve’s mission has been to reinvigorate the local South Bay music scene. Aside from working with incredible local talent like Joker’s Hand and Willowake, Steve continues to work on records for legacy artists such as Black Sabbath and Foreigner.
Steve’s colleagues recognize his invaluable contributions to the studio. “He has the ability to listen and think like a musician and as a fan,” explains Mike Sutherland, production manager for Gwen Stefani. “Most producers aren’t able to go back and forth like that.”
Steve recently opened a 1000sq ft rehearsal suite steps away from the studio, called Total Access Rehearsal. He also hosts a bi-weekly radio show on 99.1 KLBP-FM where he features local talent.
Luke Swinney
Luke Swinney is a casting and talent producer based out of Los Angeles. After growing up in Texas as a TV-obsessed kid that watched Game Show Network every summer, he later made the move to California and turned that TV obsession into a career. Over the last decade he’s worked on shows for networks including Netflix, ABC, FOX and many more. Currently, he is a senior casting producer on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Luke loves discovering and developing new talent and is excited to see the amazing talents South Bay has to offer this year!
CONTESTANTS
In alphabetical order
AIV Super Kids
ADS
ADS (Andrew Schwarz) is a singer, songwriter, and pianist who is excited to share his original song Bird of Prey at South Bay’s Got Talent 2025. Since 2019, he has performed his Elton John Solo Show, sings regularly at Bel Air Church in Encino, and teaches piano at the Rhodes School of Music in La Cañada. Beyond the stage, Andrew composes and directs for film and is the co-creator of the viral YouTube channel The Piano Kings, which has gained more than 300,000 subscribers and over 100 million views with its playful piano pranks.
AIV Super Kids is a vibrant kids’ team chosen from AI Vibration. Growing together as a team, they continue to challenge themselves through events and contests.
Krista Chica
Hello my name is Krista Chica I am 21 years old and this is my second year participating in South Bays Got Talent I am very excited and honoured to be performing again and coming back stronger this year. I’m currently in school majoring in music with hopes of graduating with my associates degree in music and transferring to cal poly to continue my musical journey. In the future I hope to have my own band and writing my own music and being able to perform my music and share it with the world creating a story through my music. I’m very passionate about music and I’m looking forward to what the future has in store for me.
Sophie Spencer & Elaine Dang
Sophie Spencer and Elaine Dang are lifelong friends and college sophomores who have been singing together since high school. They first met in their school’s Advanced Choir and quickly bonded over a shared love of performance. Since then, they have continued to sing side by side, bringing joy and harmony to every stage they share. Together, they look forward to sharing their voices and passion for music with the South Bay’s Got Talent audience.
Fartash “Nick” Hashemian
Fartash “Nick” Hashemian is a 14-year-old pianist and composer who began playing piano at the age of six. A 9th grader at South High School, he presents his original piece, Velvet Shadows Waltz in C-sharp minor, a lyrical ternary work dedicated to the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran. Combining chromatic harmonies, rubato phrasing, and dynamic contrasts, Nick’s composition gives voice to courage and hope while showcasing his deep artistry and sensitivity as a young musician.
Jaxxx
Jaxxx is a Los Angeles–based artist who began her music career during the pandemic in 2020 after moving from Portland to pursue both music and acting. A graduate of the Los Angeles Film School in music production, she has been releasing original singles and music videos nearly every month. With a growing catalog and a unique sound, Jaxxx is committed to delivering powerful and uplifting musical experiences that reflect her artistry and light.
CONTESTANTS
In alphabetical order
Lê Khoa
Bryan Keon
Bryan Keon is a rising singer-songwriter from the South Bay who is committed to sharing his voice and stories with wider audiences. This year, he has been performing at local open mics and restaurants, bringing heartfelt performances to his community. With aspirations to reach bigger stages, Bryan sees South Bay’s Got Talent as an opportunity to grow as both a performer and writer while inspiring others with his music.
Lê Khoa is a Vietnamese singer, vocal coach, and performing artist who began his musical journey at age ten. After earning a degree in Music Performance and Music Education in Kansas, he went on to become a Top 10 finalist in Vietnam Idol in 2023. Now based in Los Angeles, he shares his talent as both a professional vocalist and teacher, guiding aspiring artists with passion and skill. For Khoa, the stage is not only a calling but a lifelong pursuit.
Morgan Lee
Morgan Lee is a 17-year-old pianist and high school senior from the South Bay. He began piano studies at age five and has trained extensively for the past three years at Bravo! Music School under teachers from the National Tchaikovsky Music Academy of Kiev and Berklee College of Music. A passionate performer, composer, and storyteller, Morgan views music as a form of narrative and expression. He is grateful to his teachers, family, and friends for their support as he begins his journey as a young artist.
Sophia Hailey Mark
Charlee Marie
Charlee Marie is an 11-year-old performer from El Segundo returning for her second year at South Bay’s Got Talent. On stage since the age of four, she has appeared in productions such as Annie, Frozen, Oliver, and The Music Man. Her credits also include voiceover work for Mattel and Peanuts New Media, as well as a starring role in Disney’s YouTube series Create Your World. Charlee performs regularly with her rock band “Costco Ramen” and has sung the National Anthem for numerous local events.
At only ten years old, Sophia Hailey Mark is already establishing herself as a singer-songwriter, ballerina, and writer. She has appeared in productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Moana Jr., and The Nutcracker with Palos Verdes Ballet. Her first music release, a cover of the K-pop track Golden, has received over 30,000 views online. With a passion for both dance and music, Sophia is excited to continue exploring and sharing her creativity.
Alondra Ochoa
Alondra Ochoa is a 27-year-old singer and vocal coach from Modesto, California. She discovered her love of singing in high school choirs and went on to study music at Modesto Junior College and California State University, Los Angeles, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2023. Now teaching students of all ages, including children with special needs, Alondra is dedicated to inspiring others through her music and mentorship. This marks her second appearance at South Bay’s Got Talent.
CONTESTANTS
In alphabetical order
Sahana Sriram
Nick Pietroforte
At 96 years old, Nick Pietroforte has been singing nearly his entire life, performing in Broadway musicals and operas throughout Southern California. A veteran of the Korean War, he served as soloist with the U.S. 8th Army Choir, bringing music to troops and communities abroad. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Ambassador of Peace Medal by the Korean Consul General. Nick continues to share his voice at military and community events across the region.
Sahana Sriram is a South High student and Indian classical dancer with more than seven years of training in Bharatanatyam. Passionate about blending tradition with innovation, she has created a unique fusion piece that combines the grace of classical Indian dance with the energy of Western music. Through her performance, Sahana hopes to celebrate both cultural heritage and creative exploration.
Luna Suhr
Ten-year-old Luna Suhr of Redondo Beach is thrilled to perform in this year’s South Bay’s Got Talent. Passionate about singing, musical theatre, and playing instruments, she brings joy and enthusiasm to every stage. Influenced by her Spanish and Korean-American heritage, Luna embraces a wide range of artistic styles, joking that her favorite genre might be “depressing pop.” With her talent and love of performing, she is a young artist on the rise.
Gabi Urdaz
Camille Tayo
At 15 years old, Camille Tayo is a singer and straight-A student at Granada Hills Charter High School. She has been performing since the age of five, appearing with her school’s show choir, in musical productions, and as a cantor at her church. Camille has sung in venues from San Diego to Las Vegas, and when not performing, she enjoys hip hop dance and Muay Thai training. She continues to pursue her love of music with energy and dedication.
Gabi Urdaz is a classically trained vocalist and educator based in Redondo Beach. She holds a degree in Music Education from San Diego State University and teaches voice, saxophone, and theory at Torrance Arts Academy. Also a professional pet groomer, Gabi balances her love of animals with her passion for performance. She plays with groups such as the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band and South Bay Klezmer Jam, while also releasing original music on Spotify under the name Gabi Lydia.
YOUR ENTERTAINER
Landon Kroon
Winner of the 10th Annual South Bay’s Got Talent, Landon Kroon is a fourteen-year-old pianist and composer who has studied at Torrance Yamaha Music School since age four and now attends The Colburn School in Los Angeles. A member of the Yamaha Junior Original Composer program since age seven, his works have received top awards from Yamaha Music USA, MTNA, and MTAC.
Landon has performed widely, from the Yamaha Highlight Concert at NAMM to the Yamaha Gala Concert in Tokyo, where he was the sole international performer in over a decade. In 2025, his original three-movement piece It’s Always… was featured at the Yamaha International Highlight Concert in Malaysia and named winner of the MTAC Composers Today Competition. Alongside competitions and showcases, Landon shares his music at community and fundraising events, using his talent to inspire and support others.
MORE GREAT SHOWS COMING UP
Saturday, November 8, 2025 • 8:00pm
Spinphony is a string quartet with the energy of a rock band, blending classical, rock, and pop into mashups like Bach in Black and Don’t Stop Beethoven. With choreography, beats, and dazzling stage presence, the quartet is winning fans nationwide. Their unique sound brings a fresh appreciation for instrumental music that appeals to audiences of all ages.
The ladies from Manhattan Transfer in
BROADAppeal
Saturday, January 10, 2026 • 8:00pm
Two legendary voices of The Manhattan Transfer, Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne, unite for Broad Appeal. Together, these 10-time GRAMMY winners showcase their extraordinary talents through solos, duets, and improvisations. Featuring jazz standards, pop classics, and originals, the evening celebrates the power of the female voice in an unforgettable night of harmony.
What the Constitution Means to Me
Saturday, January 24, 2026 • 8:00pm
Sunday, January 25, 2026 • 2:00pm
Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award nominee What the Constitution Means to Me is Heidi Schreck’s witty, deeply personal exploration of America’s founding document. Based on her own debate competition experiences, the play traces how the Constitution shaped four generations of women in her family, blending humor and humanity with sharp political insight.
Saturday, April 11, 2026 • 8:00pm
Megan Dolan’s solo show is a funny and heartfelt look at raising a son on the spectrum while navigating the chaos of parenthood. With warmth and honesty, she shares missteps and small victories on her journey, ultimately realizing she might be the exact right mom for her remarkable child.
THANK YOU
SEASON PARTNER
City of Torrance
Eleanor Marie Land Family Trust
$10,000 - $49,999 - STARS
Paul & Rita Keil
Pearlston Family Trust
Torrance Refining Company
$5,000 - $9,999 – CO-STARS
Sares-Regis Group
Supervisor Janice Hahn
Surf Management, Inc.
$2,500 - $4,999 - PRODUCERS
Jean Adelsman
Continental Development Corporation
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Jane and Jim Isomoto
Dale Korman (In Memory of Maestro Frank Fetta)
Lori Mizuguchi
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
$1,000 - $2,499 - DIRECTORS
Ann and Marty Gallagher
Nancy and George Mannon
Ted and Carolyn Porter
$500 – ANGELS
Tammy Khan
Rod and Crystal Macdonell
Gerald and Carol Marcil
Ellenmary Michel
William Oberholzer
Jim Olds (In Memory of A.Y. & Joyce Olds)
Athena Paquette Cormier
$250 - FRIENDS
Reuben and Sabrina Ayala
John and Louise Bye
Mary Hoffman and Bob Habel
Glen and Fumiko Isobe
Russell and Carole Lefevre
Frank and Marilyn Miles
Fred and Ann Peitzman
Andrea and Ron Perez (In Memory of John Popovich)
Nancy Richards
Laura Savitz
Winnie Seieroe
Sylvia Stadlman
Christian and Robin Wolf
Saturday, May 9, 2026 • 2:00 & 6:00pm
The Stunt Dog Experience delivers a thrilling mix of tricks, stunts, comedy, and heartwarming moments from rescue dogs turned superstars. Led by Chris and Suhey Perondi, the show has wowed audiences nationwide with its high-energy fun. Perfect for all ages, this “paw-some” event will have the whole family cheering.
$100 - FANS
Amy Blomgren
Janice Burrin
Ann and Victor Cooper
Helen Dennis
Lynn Fernandez
Judy Golden
Gary Hastings
Janet Johnson
Eleanor Jones
Pentti and Ginger Jussila
Lynda Kraemer
Kenneth and Doris Nakakura
George and Helen Nakano
Peter and Vicki Pellerito
Pamela Popovich
Maurine Swilley
Hazel Taniguchi
Paula and John Verbeck
Kurt Weideman and Sue Golden
TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS
FOUNDATION BOARD
Katy Geissert, Founding President
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Camilla Seferian, President
Heidi Cunningham, Vice President/Secretary
Winnie Seieroe, Treasurer
David Kartsonis, Immediate Past President
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jean Adelsman
Sara Baillie
Liliana Dongo
Jim Olds
Peter Pettler
Rosemarie Piccioni, Ed.D.
Laura Savitz
ADVISORY BOARD
David Benoit
Shannon Dean
Scott Douglas
Donna Duperron
Steve Fechner
Patrick Furey
Ann Gallagher
Jonah Hirata
Sherry Kramer
Gesuina Lafayette
George Nakano
Steve Napolitano
Bill Oberholzer
Ted Porter
Ritas Smith
Kurt Weideman
STAFF
Christian Wolf, Executive Director
Sharon Sapigao, Administration
Susan Lyon, Artist Hospitality
Tes Schaff, Graphic Design
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Would you like to lend a hand and support the arts in your community? No previous experience needed!
TOCA is looking for volunteers to help with front of house duties during performances (ushers, concession workers)… and the best part is, once your duties are done, you get to watch the show!
