Faculty

Mrs. Kathleen Cannarozzi-Harris - Drama 1, 2, 3, 4, 5/IB, Stagecraft and Musical Theatre Production

KC Harris has been teaching drama and dance since 1978 in her native state of Pennsylvania on the high school, university and community theater levels. She has directed over 150 productions, received her Master's degree in theater from Penn State University, and began her Doctoral study at Northwestern University in children's theater. She served for six years as the Pennsylvania State Director for the International Thespian Society and was awarded the city and county teacher of the year in 1988 and 1990. Mrs. Harris is the chairperson of the MVHS Performing and Visual Arts. She was the 1997 Los Angeles County Music Center's Bravo Finalist for Arts Excellence in Drama and was recognized as a 1997 Distinguished Woman of Orange County. She was awarded the Arts Educator of the Year 2002 from Arts Orange County and the 2008 California Educational Leadership Award. She is the 2008 SVUSD Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Harris is also an adjunct faculty member at Cal State Fullerton, UCI, and Saddleback College and is a member of the teaching staff at the Laguna Playhouse.

Mrs. Mari Belfield -  Drama 1, Cappies and ComedySportz Advisor

Mrs. Belfield teaches English and Drama. She received her BA in Theater and English from California State University at Fullerton. She has been the ComedySportz Advisor for two years.

Mr. John Elg - Vocal Music

Mr. Elg grew up in Los Angeles, where he began singing in his church's children's choir at age 5. At age 8 he began to study guitar. He then broadened his musical interests at Westchester High by joining A Capella Choir, Madrigals, and the Musical Production class. Mr. Elg went on to obtain music degrees from California State University at Northridge; University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music; and USC. He has studied and performed under such notable conductors as Aaron Copland, Eric Leinsdorf, Paul Salamandovich, and Robert Shaw. He also conducts the studio orchestra for Fox Television's "Family Guy" and "American Dad."  In the summer months he can be found conducting the orchestra at the  Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters.

Mr. John Hannan - Instrumental Music - www.mvhsmusic.com

Mr. Hannan has been teaching instrumental music for over twenty years. Mr. Hannan has conducted many musicals throughout Southern California. He has been the director for the nationally recognized Americus Brass Band and worked as a historical music consultant on such notable film projects as "North and South: Parts I and II", "The Alamo", "Glory", and "Gettysburg". Mr. Hannan received his B.A. in Music from California State University of Long Beach.

Staff

Kristi has had an extensive dance career as a TV and stage performer. A dance instructor and choreographer for over twenty five years. She received most of her training in Los Angeles with teachers such as Joe Tremaine, Dean Barlow and, JohnZerbieOn tour, as featured dancer and choreographer with the "Dancin' Machine", Kristi appeared in the opening acts for Tom Jones, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.. Kristi and her group appeared in TV specials such as Grammy Awards, Rock Music Awards, and numerous other variety shows, including weekly appearances on the Midnight Special with The Jackson Five.

Kristi has been the choreographer for the Mission Viejo High School Musicals for the past 8 years. Her credits include, Singing In The Rain, West Side Story, Sweet Charity, Charlie Brown, Guys and Dolls, Grease, Kiss Me Kate, Crazy for You, Anything Goes, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, under the direction of Kathy Harris. Several of these Musicals as well as several of the students have received numerous M.A.C.Y (Music and Arts Commendation for the Youth) Awards. Kristi is the founder and owner of Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Mrs. Carol Fiore - Scenic Designer & Artist / Crew Supervisor

Carol oversees the crews at MVHS. She has designed and painted for Thoroughly Modern Millie, Metamorphoses, Les Miserables, How To Succeed in Business, Anything Goes, Crazy For You, Kiss Me Kate, Guys and Dolls, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Grease, Sweet Charity, Little Shop of Horrors, West Side Story, Singin' In The Rain, and Annie. Her credits also include The Diviners, Stage Door, The Crucible, Marat/Sade, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Amadeus, The Trojan Women, Museum, the Shakespeare Festival, as well as the Drama II, IB One Acts, and Murder Mystery productions.

Mr. Chris Caputo - Theater Manger, Designer, and Technical Instructor

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from the University of California at Irvine where he studied theatrical design, acting, singing, and dance. After getting his start at Mission Viejo High School he has become a veteran of the stage.

Theatrical Designer, Chris has designed sets and/or lighting for many shows including Noises Off, They're Playing our Song, Godspell, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Singin' in the Rain, Pollution Solution, Fools, The Boyfriend, The Sound of Music, Grease, Bye Bye Birdie, Carousel, South Pacific, Sugar, and The Caucasian Chalk Circle.

Actor/Performer, he has performed such roles as Julian Marsh in 42nd Street, Captain Von Trapp in Sound of Music, Emile De Becque in South Pacific, and many others. Performances of the above roles were with SCLO, Limon/Carr Productions, The Rose Center Theater, and the Curtain Call Dinner Theater. Chris studied at the Moulton Playhouse Acting Conservatory and has won both scholarships and acting awards including the MACY award for Best Actor.

Ms. Heide Janssen - Webmaster

Before taking on the task of webmaster for mvhsdrama.com, Ms. Janssen taught English and Drama at Mission Viejo High School from 1998 - 2000 where she met and remains great friends with Mrs. Harris. Ms. Janssen continues to help with Mission shows as a consultant, critic, and all-around cheerleader. While teaching at Mission, she directed Glimpses and was the ComedySportz advisor.

In 2004, Ms. Janssen, together with Mrs. Harris, created the RoleAbout Theatre Festival. She also serves as the Program Director for the Orange County Cappies, a national high school theatre critics and awards program. She is an MFA Theatre Management graduate of the Yale School of Drama 2008.