Where passion meets possibility
Advanced Training at Zach
At Zach Theater, our Advanced Training programs are designed for serious young artists ready to take their talent to the next level. Through rigorous instruction, mentorship, and performance opportunities, students grow as performers—and as people. They build technique, confidence, discipline, and resilience in a creative environment that challenges and inspires them.
Whether preparing for college auditions or pursuing professional careers in the arts, our students graduate with a deep understanding of their craft and a strong sense of who they are.
Training at Zach isn’t just about becoming a better actor. It’s about becoming a bold, expressive, and empowered human being.
A Proven Pathway
Zach’s Advanced Training programs have helped launch students into:
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Top BFA and BA programs across the country
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Professional careers in theater, film, and television
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Life paths fueled by creativity, confidence, and leadership
Our alumni have gone on to study at prestigious institutions and appear on Broadway, national tours, and screens big and small. The strength of our training lies in its blend of technical excellence and individual support—tailored to help each student reach their full potential.
We’re not just building performers. We’re building futures.
Celebrating the next chapter
Standing Ovation for the Class of 2025
We’re proud to honor the graduating seniors of our Advanced Training programs. These remarkable young artists have spent years honing their craft at Zach—many since middle school—and now they’re heading off to college with acceptances to some of the nation’s most competitive performing arts programs.
They’ve learned their craft in our studios, grown through performances on our stages, and discovered who they are through years of commitment, creativity, and hard work. Each student carries the Zach spirit with them—bold, committed, and ready to shine.
Pre-Professional Company Seniors
Ignite
Hannah Brack
"My favorite memory is going to Second City at Unifieds."
HANNAH BRACK (Elite)—Zach: PPC's UNBREAKABLE: WHO I AM. HIGH SCHOOL: …SPELLING BEE (Marcy Park), MAMMA MIA! (Dance Captain), ALMOST, MAINE (Hope), THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. (Choreographer). She would like to thank her parents and friends for their endless and unwavering support!
Shenandoah University - Musical Theatre
Rena DeJuana
"My favorite PPC memory was in Chicago when Austin was talking about what he had done that day and the list just kept going!"
RENA DEJUANA (Elite Company) - Zach: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Ensemble B & Martha Cratchit U/S), A CHRISTMAS CAROL(Ensemble C). Rena is so excited to be in her second year of PPC. She's a senior at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders and will be attending Otterbein University in the fall to earn her BFA in Musical Theatre! She wants to thank Mr. Josh and Ms. Jen for all their help and support through this process and her family and friends for always being there for her!
Otterbein University - BFA in Musical Theatre
Sky Gonzales
"My favorate ppc memory is going to MO Ranch every year."
Zach: INTO THE WOODS (Rapunzel), STRONGER WHO I AM (Elite Company), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Lead Helper Bee, U/S Olive/Leaf/Marcy), INVINCIBLE: STORIES OF RESILIENCE (B Company). I'm grateful for my three years at Zach and I'm excited for the next chapter!
Rutgers University - BFA Acting
Wilkes Goodner
"Listening to people circle speeches is so moving. Everyone is so connected and it becomes like a family by the end of the year!"
WILKES GOODNER (Senior) - Zach: INTO THE WOODS - Zach ACADEMY (Baker) THE PROM (Kevin), SHOWCASE 2019-2025 (PPC); Wilkes is a Senior at ZACH Academy and so proud to be a member of Zach Pre-Professional Company. He thanks Ms. Jen and Mr. Josh for being the best teachers in the world!
Otterbein University - BFA Musical Theatre
Eric Judge
"My favorite PPC memory was presenting Parade in MT Workshop for PPC families!"
Zach: INTO THE WOODS (Narrator), THE PROM (Ensemble). HIGH SCHOOL: SWEET CHARITY (Oscar) at McCallum Fine Arts Academy. I'm forever grateful for Mom, Dad, Josh, Jen, and my entire PPC family for supporting me throughout this entire process.
Ithaca College - BFA Acting
Robin Kulhanek
"Unifieds with my friends."
ROBIN KULHANEK (Elite) HIGH SCHOOL: SEUSSICAL (General Schmitz)at McCallum Highschool, DESCENDANTS (Jafar) at McCallum Highschool, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Judah) at McCallum Highschool. I would like to thank my mom and my friends for their support.
Oklahoma City University - BM in Musical Theatre
Blakeney Mahlstedt
"Doing good old days with all of the seniors when I was in A company and then recreating it my sophomore year."
This is Blakeney’s 8th year in PPC! Zach credits include: THE PROM (Alyssa), MATILDA (Lavender), MARY POPPINS (Jane), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Leaf), and INTO THE WOODS (Witch). KENNEDY CENTER: THE GIRL WHO BECAME LEGEND (Raina). Blakeney would love to thank her friends and family for all of their support!
Pace University - BFA Musical Theatre
Luciana Marinari
"Celebrating the last night of Unifieds with my Senior Class!"
This is Luciana’s 6th year in PPC and she is a Senior at ZPAA. Zach: THE PROM (Ensemble), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Ensemble), CAT IN THE HAT (Thing One); ZPAA: INTO THE WOODS (Baker’s Wife), SPELLING BEE (Logainne); REGIONAL: ANNIE (Annie) TexARTS Professional Series; THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Leisl u/s) Georgetown Palace Theatre.
Boston Conservatory at Berklee - BFA Musical Theatre
David Moore
"Spending time in Chicago for Unifieds with the senior class."
ST. ANDREWS: Guys & Dolls (Benny Southstreet), ST. ANDREWS: Newsies (Jack Kelly), ST. ANDREWS: Mama Mia (Bill Austin), ST. ANDREWS: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Lysander). Thank you to my family, my friends in PPC, and Josh and Jen for all their help and support.
Emerson College - BFA in Theater Performance
Austin Pain
"Our nightly Unifieds debriefs in the PPC room in Chicago!"
AUSTIN PAIN — Austin will be attending the Institute of the Arts Barcelona in pursuit of a BA (Honours) Degree in Musical Theatre. He'd like to thank Eric Judge for bringing this school to his attention; he'd also like to thank PPC for supporting him through the college audition process. @pain.austin.raphael
Institute of the Arts Barcelona - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Musical Theatre
Cameron Redwine
"Throwing Walker's birthday party at Unifieds and just Chicago in general."
Cameron Redwine is an eighth year student in PPC and a sixth year at ZPAA. Cameron is beyond grateful for the community and connections he has made and to have grown as an artist here. He will be pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Otterbein University and could not be more excited! He trusted the process!
Otterbein University - BFA Musical Theatre
Walker Wallace
"My favorite PPC memory is when all the seniors and directors suprised me on my birthday during Chicago Unifieds!"
Walker Wallace (Elite)-IMPACT ARTS: THE LITTLE MERMAID (Prince Eric). ROUND ROCK HIGH SCHOOL: SOMETHING ROTTEN (Nick Bottom), SWEENEY TODD (Anthony). Walker would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him throughout his senior year.
Shenandoah University - BFA in Musical Theatre
Kaitlyn Zimmermann
"My favorite memory of PPC was unifieds!"
Kaitlyn is a two year PPC Member, and will be attending Elon University for a BFA in MT. She would like to thank every person in her life who has invested time into and supported her artistic journey.
Elon - Musical Theater
Zach North Seniors
Illuminate
Lara Alcantara
"Eating at Guadalajara after Houston unifieds"
ZACH NORTH: DRACULA: COMEDY OF TERRORS (Lucy), STUPID F**KING BIRD (Nina) VANDEGRIFT HIGH SCHOOL: LEGALLY BLONDE (Vivienne), MRS. HARPERS BAZZAR (Mrs. Cunliffe), CHICAGO (Annie) Lara would like to thank her Zach teachers for their guidance and her family for supporting her
University of Texas - Theatre
Noella Chipman
"Chicago Unifieds was amazing. Got to go to one of my favorite cities in the winter to do what I love!"
NOELLA CHIPMAN (MT2) — Zach: INTO THE WOODS (Wolf/Ensemble). SUMMER STOCK AUSTIN — THE LITTLE MERMAID (Chef Louis/Ensemble). HIGH SCHOOL: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Seymour Krelborn) at Crockett High School.
Marymount Manhattan College - Musical Theatre
Jaxon Fosbury
"My favorite memory at the Zach North Musical Theatre Company was the leadership retreat this past year!"
JAXON FOSBURY (MT3) - Zach: DREAMWEAVER (Dreamweaver). HIGH SCHOOL: CINDERELLA (Fox/Footman) at Rouse High School, THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Ensemble) at Rouse High School. I would like to thank all of my family, my wonderful directors, and all of my amazing friends!
University of North Texas - Vocal Performance or Music Education
Molly Frans
"The people I’ve met and friendships I’ve made have truly made me who I am and helped me grow to become the performer I want to be!"
Zach: INTO THE WOODS (witch double, ensemble, swing), KALEIDOSCOPE (ensemble), CAMPFIRE (asst. director, park ranger, swing). COMMUNITY: WHITE CHRISTMAS (Rita) at the Palace, HADESTOWN (Hermes) at SOPA. HIGH SCHOOL: CINDERELLA (Ella), LITTLE WOMEN (Jo March), SEUSSICAL (Mayzie).
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Musical Theatre
Ànya-Rose Hannah
"My favorite memory would be at when Dance Company performed at Rouse because I love the dances that both Isaiah and Matt created and it was so much fun to dance with the company!"
Goes to Meridian World School, 2nd year at Zach North Musical Theatre, and a part of the Thespian Society at Meridian. Participated in Shrek Jr as the Dragon and Willy Wonka as an Oompa Loompa. Hoping to become a voice actress one day!
Baylor University - BA Theatre Arts
Zoey Hatter
"The HSPVA college auditions! It was such an incredible professional opportunity, that I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else!"
ZOEY HATTER (Musical Theatre 3)-Zach: STUPID F**KING BIRD (Emma), LIMELIGHT GALA PERFORMANCES (Ensemble). HIGH SCHOOL: ROMEO & JULIET (Prince Escalus), CINDERELLA (Madame), THE THREE MUSKETEERS (Milady) at Rouse High School. Zoey wants to thank her amazing friends and family for supporting her during her senior year!
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Film
Lillian Joy
"My favorite memory was going on our retreat."
LILLIAN JOY (MT 2) — HIGH SCHOOL: RUMORS (Cookie) at High School, ALICE AND WONDERLAND (Queen of Hearts) at High School. Thank you to my parents for believing in me!
Texas State - Technical Theatre
Vitor Kvasir Larson-Parachini
"Was going to Chicago Unifieds with my Zach friends, now best friends, and feeling like I belonged for the first time."
Vitor Kvasir Larson-Parachini is a 19 year-old senior at BHS and Zach Acting and Musical Theatre Conservatory. This is his first year at Zach, and he is thrilled to be sharing the stage with such talented and nice people. As always everything he does is dedicated to his brother, Denali!
Nebraska Wesleyan University - BFA in Musical Theatre
Lauren Mackowski
"My favorite memory is performing on the New Amsterdam Theatre stage on Broadway — I am so blessed to have gotten that opportunity!"
LAUREN MACKOWSKI (MT 2) — Zach: Campfire (Swing). HIGH SCHOOL: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Drowsy) at St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School, FREAKY FRIDAY (Katherine) at St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School, THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Grandma) at St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School. I would like to thank my family and directors!
The University of Oklahoma - Letters
Stella Marquardt
"My favorite part of Zach North was getting to go on retreat and be included in the team building activities."
STELLA MARQUARDT HIGH SCHOOL: SPONGEBOB (Sardine) at Westwood High School, MEAN GIRLS (Ensemble) at Westwood High School, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Drowsy) at Westwood High School. Thanks to her parents, teachers, and friends for all their support.
UT Arlington - Musical Theater and Psychology
Khai Pormprasong
"My favorite memory with Zach was definitely the Chicago Unifieds trip!"
KHAI PORMPRASONG (MT3) — HIGH SCHOOL: DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Madame De La Grande Bouche) at Bastrop High School, LES MISÉRABLES (Cosette) at Bastrop High School. Thank you to Zach North for helping me through my college audition process, as well as everyone who has cheered me on throughout the years!
Roosevelt University - BFA Musical Theatre
Izzey Riley
"I loved that my first experience with Zach was at cabin this summer. I felt incredibly included and welcomed!"
IZZEY RILEY: VANDEGRIFT HIGH SCHOOL: LEGALLY BLONDE (Elle Woods), CHICAGO (Velma), MATILDA (Miss Honey), TARTUFFE (Elmire), SHAPE OF THE GRAVE (Brigid), THE LITTLE MERMAID (Sebastian), THE WIZARD OF OZ (Glinda). She would like to thank her amazing parents, family and friends for their support!
Marymount Manhattan - BFA Musical Theatre
Elizabeth Rollmann
"My Favorite memory about the Zach company was learning dances I would not have attempted before joining the company."
HIGH SCHOOL: ADDAMS (Ensemble) at Rouse High School, CINDERELLA (Ensemble) at Rouse High School. Thank you to my parents and siblings who have always supported my fine arts journey. Also thank you to all the wonderful directors at Zach North for an amazing year.
University of North Texas - Vocal Music Education
Ivy Speight
"Doing the lock-in for Zach North this year to prepare for Limelight "
My time at Zach and Zach North have taught me so much, not just to take with me into the arts, but about life as well. I couldn’t imagine a better group of people to spend my Sundays with. Thanks to Zach I get to follow my dreams of becoming a professional performer.
Wright State University - BFA in Musical Theatre
Ella Swinford
"My favorite ZNMT memory was opening night of the first showcase that I performed in--- it was magical!!"
ELLA SWINFORD (MT3)-- HIGH SCHOOL: FREAKY FRIDAY (Assistant Director) at LTHS, THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Pugsley) at LTHS, LEGALLY BLONDE (Whitney/Delta Nu) at LTHS, MAMMA MIA! (Ensemble) at LTHS. Thank you to Mom, Dad, Seven, Zach North, and everyone who has helped me to pursue my dreams.
BFA in Musical Theatre - Otterbein University
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