Mr. Zick Program director
Originally from New Hampshire, Mr. Robert Zick has a rich background in theater on both the
East and West coasts. He was the Founding Artistic Director of New World Theatre in New York City and served as the Assistant Executive Director at Baystage in San Francisco. While his lifelong passion is theater, his true calling has always been teaching, and he believes the two go hand in hand.
Mr. Zick started his teaching career in stagecraft at Phillips Exeter Academy while earning his BA in Theatre from the University of New Hampshire. Before joining the Baron family in 2010, he taught stagecraft at Jordan High School in Long Beach and was also a student teacher while completing his MA in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount University.
Mr. Zick currently teaches Theatre 1, 2, 3, and Dramatic Production.
East and West coasts. He was the Founding Artistic Director of New World Theatre in New York City and served as the Assistant Executive Director at Baystage in San Francisco. While his lifelong passion is theater, his true calling has always been teaching, and he believes the two go hand in hand.
Mr. Zick started his teaching career in stagecraft at Phillips Exeter Academy while earning his BA in Theatre from the University of New Hampshire. Before joining the Baron family in 2010, he taught stagecraft at Jordan High School in Long Beach and was also a student teacher while completing his MA in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount University.
Mr. Zick currently teaches Theatre 1, 2, 3, and Dramatic Production.
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MrS. Wheeler Assistant program director
Mrs. Becky Wheeler is a dedicated actress, director, and teacher with a rich background in the performing arts. Sice the age of 7, she has been actively involved in the entertainment world in Los Angeles and Orange County, performing on stage, on TV, and in films. She’s also had the pleasure of teaching acting at top institutions like the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) and the Pacific Symphony's arts-X-press program. Additionally, she’s worked as an acting coach and director with Long Beach Playhouse, Arts & Learning, and John Casablancas Modeling & Acting Career Center.
A proud alumna of Fountain Valley High School (FVHS), Mrs. Wheeler began her journey there in theatre and choir and first directed shows there starting in 1997. She’s been a part of the FVHS theatre program off and on for many years, most recently serving as the Assistant Program Director. Mrs. Wheeler believes that teaching acting and public speaking is about more than just performance skills—it’s about helping her students gain confidence and a deep appreciation for who they are, no matter where their careers take them.
A proud alumna of Fountain Valley High School (FVHS), Mrs. Wheeler began her journey there in theatre and choir and first directed shows there starting in 1997. She’s been a part of the FVHS theatre program off and on for many years, most recently serving as the Assistant Program Director. Mrs. Wheeler believes that teaching acting and public speaking is about more than just performance skills—it’s about helping her students gain confidence and a deep appreciation for who they are, no matter where their careers take them.
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Mr. Nelson music director
Mr. Matthew Nelson, a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, has cultivated a dynamic career as a performer, composer, and educator. He regularly performs throughout Orange and LA County at venues like The Mint LA and the Barclay Theatre in Irvine, and he is a core member of the band Albion Kristof, featured on their debut album Eclipse.
In 2021, Mr. Nelson expanded his artistic horizons by composing for dance. His compositions have been featured in UC Irvine’s Dance Escape and New Slate, as well as various thesis projects. His collaboration with Dr. S Ama Wray as a guest artist in Embodiology® workshops has further shaped his creative journey.
As an educator, Matthew is passionate about developing the next generation of musicians. He serves as a woodwind technician at several Orange County high schools and maintains a private saxophone studio. Since 2022, he has been a dedicated educator at Fountain Valley High School, where he directs the woodwinds and jazz ensembles. His work with the theatre department began in Spring 2023 with Chicago, followed by Mamma Mia! and Peter and the Starcatcher. Looking ahead, he will be the music director for the Spring 2025 production of Pippin. In Fall 2024, Matthew also began teaching an ongoing “Music for Actors” workshop, aimed at equipping students with the skills and confidence to independently learn music.
Matthew’s multifaceted career reflects his deep commitment to the performing arts and to empowering young artists.
In 2021, Mr. Nelson expanded his artistic horizons by composing for dance. His compositions have been featured in UC Irvine’s Dance Escape and New Slate, as well as various thesis projects. His collaboration with Dr. S Ama Wray as a guest artist in Embodiology® workshops has further shaped his creative journey.
As an educator, Matthew is passionate about developing the next generation of musicians. He serves as a woodwind technician at several Orange County high schools and maintains a private saxophone studio. Since 2022, he has been a dedicated educator at Fountain Valley High School, where he directs the woodwinds and jazz ensembles. His work with the theatre department began in Spring 2023 with Chicago, followed by Mamma Mia! and Peter and the Starcatcher. Looking ahead, he will be the music director for the Spring 2025 production of Pippin. In Fall 2024, Matthew also began teaching an ongoing “Music for Actors” workshop, aimed at equipping students with the skills and confidence to independently learn music.
Matthew’s multifaceted career reflects his deep commitment to the performing arts and to empowering young artists.
