THE MTCA TEAM

MTCA CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Joe's passion for igniting creativity shines through his work as an actor, teacher, and coach for over 20 years. His Broadway credits include Hairspray, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Shrek the Musical, Cats, Singin’ in the Rain, and Young Frankenstein. On screen, he has appeared in Clint Eastwood’s Jersey Boys, Ryan Murphy’s The Prom on Netflix, and Mythica: Stormbound. TV credits include roles on S.W.A.T., UnREAL, American Crime Story: The People vs. OJ Simpson, and Showtime’s Moonbase 8. Co-author of The Thriving Artists, now required reading in several university theatre programs, Joe empowers young performers to succeed in their creative pursuits. As a coach, he brings boundless energy and joy to the MTCA team, inspiring the next generation of theatre artists. 

Joe’s extensive experience, boundless creativity, and exceptional ability to connect with students make him an invaluable part of the MTCA community, inspiring the next generation of performers to thrive on and off the stage.

 FESTIVAL ARTISTIC ADVISOR

Nikki has performed on Broadway and Beyond for over 30 years.

As an actress, Ms. Snelson is most recognized for her performance of Brooke Wyndham in the original Broadway and MTV cast of LEGALLY BLOND   While at the Palace in LB, she was a part of the deliciously campy “Search for the New Elle Woods” on MTV.  

Nikki originated the role of Winnie Tate in the Broadway revival of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (starring Bernadette Peters   She was also seen on Broadway in SWEET CHARITY (starring Christina Applegate . Nikki spent several years on National Tours as "Cassie" in A Chorus Line and “Susan” in TICK, TICK, BOOM. 

Nikki's experience as a performer, director, and choreographer, combined with her energy and passion, drives her to create opportunities for students to thriv . Her inspiring mentorship leaves a lasting impact.

MTCA CREATIVE DIRECTOR

 Christine Negherbon serves as the Associate Creative Director and Lead Judge for Musical Theatre Competitions of America (MTCA) and Director of the MTC Triple Threat Competition. Her distinguished performing career includes roles in National Tours of My Fair Lady (Eliza understudy), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (starring Ann-Margret), and Crazy for You (Polly). 

Regionally, she has portrayed Laurey in Oklahoma! at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival and Jennyanydots in Cats at The Muny. 

Christine has also directed and choreographed productions such as 42nd Street at the Norris Theatre and Holiday Inn at Musical Theatre West. 

Her extensive experience enriches her leadership roles at MTCA, where she continues to inspire emerging theatre artists.

MAIN STAGE DIRECTOR

FOUNDING  CREATIVE  CONSULTANT

John Vaughan is a founding member of the MTCA Creative Team and a prolific director and choreographer with over 400 productions to his credit. He has worked extensively as an actor, director, choreographer, producer, and theatre educator. His work with Performance Riverside, Moonlight Amphitheater, Musical Theatre West, and other professional Southern California theaters includes acclaimed productions such as Big River, Cabaret, Evita, Footloose, A Chorus Line, and Ragtime. Since 1997, John has directed the “CHOC Follies,” raising over $8 million for Children’s Hospital of Orange County. His work has garnered numerous awards from Backstage West, the Inland Empire Theatre League, and San Diego Playbill. For 26 years, he has also been co-choreographer for the acclaimed Citrus Singers. 

John's passion and creativity are legendary at MTCA, inspiring generations of young artists.

MAIN STAGE MUSIC DIRECTOR

Cynthia McGarrity is a singer, music director, director, and master teaching artist with over 25 years of industry experience. Her career highlights include serving as Master Teaching Artist at Disneyland for Disney Performing Arts and as lead teaching artist for Disney Musicals in Schools at Segerstrom Center for the Arts and Center Theatre Group. She was a vocal coach for NBC's Parks & Rec, a voiceover artist for PBS’s Emmy-winning ART-Art Series, and director/music director for productions like Legally Blonde, Violet, and Shrek. Cynthia also served as Music Department Chair and voice teacher at The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts. 

She is thrilled to return to MTCA, sharing her passion for music, storytelling, and technique with young artists nationwide.

LEAD ADJUDICATOR

EDUCATIONAL CREATIVE CONSULTANT

THOMAS SCHULTHEIS, MA in Strategic Communications (National University) and BS in Psychology (James Madison University), is a dynamic teaching artist and creator of innovative workshops like Let Me Try That Again and TikTok Musicals: Exploration & Activation. A member of the Musical Theatre Competitions of America Creative Team, he also leads The Spark File Select Group Creativity Coaching. Thomas has performed on Broadway (Grease!) and in national tours (Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Chicago, South Pacific). With 15 years at Disneyland® Resort’s Disney Performing Arts program, he now collaborates with The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts. He founded The Educators Collective and Virtual Summit, connecting top educational leaders.https://teachingartistthomas.com/

OPERATIONS MANAGER 

PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE 

Hannah Baker, a Southern California native now based in New York City, is a versatile theatre professional. As a performer, her recent roles include Vivianne in Employee of the Month (Off-Broadway) and Marc Antony in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar (Barcelona). Behind the scenes, she has worked with Broadway teams for Wicked, Beetlejuice, and Hadestown, stage-managed NYC productions, and served as Covid Safety Manager for OBIE-winning Mabou Mines. Now with The Araca Group, Hannah manages Broadway branding and merchandise. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, "Learning to accept creative critique and grow from it is vital for young artists. MTCA shaped my approach to professional theatre."

ASSOCIATE  PRODUCER 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Emmy Fry is a passionate performer, makeup designer, educator, and proud MTCA alumna. A graduate of AMDA Los Angeles, Emmy has performed in regional theatre and has a strong background in technical theatre.  She serves as MTCA's Social Media Coordinator, managing engagement and content for the organization. Emmy also plays a key role in creating MTCA Main Stage Shows and leads the MTCA Technical Olympics, inspiring students to explore their creativity and love for theatre.

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER 

ARTISTIC  MANAGER

Chase Thomas, an MTCA alumnus, is a Tony-nominated producer and 2021 Broadway Global Producer of the Year nominee. His credits include the Grammy and Tony-winning Jagged Little Pill and the Drama Desk and 5-time Tony-winning A Christmas Carol. In film and TV, Chase has worked as a VFX Production Coordinator on Netflix’s Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, HBO’s Raised By Wolves, and FX’s American Crime Story: Impeachment. He has also collaborated with Warner Bros., Disney, and Madison Square Garden. Chase's remarkable career highlights his dedication to the arts, and he proudly credits MTCA as an early influence.