Performing arts students continue to shine on big stage
From meeting a star actor to performing at a Tournament of Roses event, Citrus College Visual and Performing Arts Division students have stayed busy over the past few months.
In December 2025, following a holiday-themed performance, the Citrus Singers met actor Matthew Lillard, whose resume includes the films "Scream," "Scooby-Doo" and "Five Nights at Freddy's."
According to instructor and Citrus Singers director Marius Beltran, Lillard approached the group after watching them perform and told them how much he enjoyed their performance. He also told the group that he participated in theater and choir as a kid and wanted them to know how much he enjoyed their talent and discipline.
Before departing, Lillard encouraged the Citrus Singers to continue chasing their dreams, Beltran said.
A few weeks later, instructor Dan Volonte and a group of students in the emerging theatre technologies (ETT) program traveled to Galveston, Texas, to set up a large-scale show.
The ETT students, who contribute to the production design of approximately 75 events each year, provided the staging, lighting, and audio and video equipment for "Holiday Fantasy: North Pole's Got Talent at Moody Gardens' Holiday in The Gardens." Among their most impressive feats was building a 20-foot by 32-foot video wall for the production.
On New Year's Day, Night Shift performed at Floatfest, a showcase of Rose Parade floats following their appearance along the parade route. With their lively performance, featuring support from ETT students, the band earned new fans from throughout the region.
"Our performing arts students continue to awe and amaze me, as they do to all they encounter," said Amberly Chamberlain, dean of visual and performing arts. "It is a great honor to watch them grow into diligent and skillful working professionals through these incredible opportunities, mentored by immensely dedicated faculty and served by tremendously hardworking staff."
This article originally appeared in the March 2026 edition of the Citrus View.