Meet Ellie Chae! Ellie is a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a B.Mus in cello performance and a B.A. in psychological sciences at UCI. The Korean-American cellist has performed as a soloist as well as an orchestra member in major venues across the country, including Carnegie Hall, Davies Symphony Hall and Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Ms. Chae began her cello education at the age of 8 and serves as the Principal cellist of the UCI Symphony Orchestra.

Meet Michael Balerite! Michael (he/him) is a third-year transfer B.A. in Music. He is a singer with the UCI Opera, the UCI Chamber Singers, and the UCI Voces Ensemble. An advocate for arts education, he is a CTSA Creative Connections intern, working at Costa Mesa High School. He also sits on the Youth Advisory Council for CreateCA and on the Board of Directors of the Carnegie Arts Center. You can find him researching about AAPI music or singing worship with the Liwanag Ministry and Anteater Catholic.

Jacquelyne Quinn Estrada (she/they) is a third-year M.F.A. student in the Department of Drama’s scene design program. Over the last 10 years, Jackie has worked in education-based theater, and has acquired skills in almost every aspect of theater, from deck crew to stage management. Out of those disciplines, they have found a love and passion for scenic design. Jackie has a passion for themed and immersive experiences, and they love getting to experience new and exciting ways to tell stories.

Meet Abigail Mesel! Abi is a first-year M.F.A. student in the vocal arts program in the Department of Music. Before grad school, she was also an undergraduate at UCI studying music and chemistry. Abi is preparing for a number of performances in 2024. She will be traveling to New York in April to perform at Carnegie Hall with the UCI choir, and she will be performing in UCI Department of Music’s production of “The Turn of the Screw” in May, a haunting two-act opera based on Henry James’ classic novella.

Meet Anisa Johnson! Anisa is carrying out their artistry by studying dance performance and choreography at UCI. They began dancing at the age of 4 and prides themselves in their versatility, enjoying many styles such as tap, modern and contemporary, ballet and hip hop. Anisa wants to encourage inclusivity through dance at UCI, which motivated them to help create three clubs to provide more opportunities and exposure for students and dancers in the community.

Meet Bella Lara, a fourth-year undergraduate earning her B.F.A. in dance performance and a minor in Literary Journalism. She grew up in San Diego, dancing at the San Diego Ballet School where she also was a trainee.

During her time at UCI, she has been able to expand her dancing abilities and versatility, being exposed to other styles of dance like modern, contemporary, jazz and hip-hop. Bella is graduating this spring and is excited for what is to come next!

Matthew Yee is a third-year Music major who currently serves as concertmaster for UCI’s Symphony Orchestra. He has performed as a soloist in major venues across the country including Chicago Symphony Center, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Thayer Hall at the Colburn School of Music and Soka Performing Arts Center.

Meet Robert Zelaya, a third-year M.F.A. in drama (acting). He hails from NYC where he did musical theatre professionally. As a queer Afro Latino, Robert is interested in stories that are inclusive. His dream is to work in film and TV where he can originate heartfelt and complex characters for the world to see.

Meet Kayla Quiroz, Class of 2023 and host of Two+ Minutes with an ARTeater. She recently earned a B.F.A. in Music Theatre with honors in acting. Kayla's passion for performing started at a young age and has led her to incredible experiences. She achieved four consecutive wins at Show Choir Nationals with Los Alamitos High School and had the honor of singing at the Grand Ole Opry. Kayla has performed across the United States, including New York, Florida, Tennessee, and Illinois. At UCI, she participated in the New York Satellite program and showcased her talent in various productions. Kayla will soon grace the stage in Disney's "Tarzan" at The Moonlight Amphitheater. In the fall of 2023, Maia Lucas will take over as the new host for Season 3.