Musical Theatre Academy Of Orange County

The mission of Musical Theatre Academy of Orange County is to develop every child's talent, confidence, and potential through year-round, inclusive, professional training and performance in musical theater arts.

Once Upon A Time In 1984 … The Musical Theatre Academy originated in 1984 in Irvine, California. The foundation for what was to become MTAOC started as a children’s choral program known as the Rainbow Singers under the direction of MTAOC’s founding Board Member, Margie King. As part of the Yamaha Music Education Center, the group was a valued member of the community dedicated to developing every child’s talent, confidence, and potential through exposure to the performing arts. Over the next ten years, the group expanded from providing only a choral curriculum to producing full-scale musical-theatre productions. In 1993, the Yamaha Music Education Center sold the franchise, and the group faced a decision: continue on its own or let the program go. The decision was simple. With no financial backing, a group of committed parents, with Margie at the forefront, secured MTAOC as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and proceeded to make history. Since then, MTAOC has provided life-skill development training through the musical theatre arts to well over 3,000 children and young people ages 4 to 18 throughout the Orange County and Southern California region. MTAOC has inspired its students to challenge their fears and develop their natural talents by experiencing the benefits of a performing arts education. With the addition of MTAOC’s Artistic Director Jimmy Hippenstiel in 2001 and through the continued efforts of both a highly dedicated staff and volunteers, MTAOC has created what is clearly a unique and very valuable asset to its students, their families, and the world community at large. By providing a tuition-based program supported by private and public donations, MTAOC has helped shape the future of not only its students but also everyone whose lives it touches as they continue on their individual paths. Many of MTAOC’s students have used the skills that they have acquired at the academy to advance both their professional and personal lives. Whether they have gone on to further a career in the performing arts or ventured into other professional fields, all have benefited from their MTAOC experience.

In 2025, after over 20 years at our previous location, we moved into our new, larger facility in Costa Mesa with all hands on deck: volunteers, staff, and parents. The new studio can serve all of our students while considering adding additional programs. Our programs continued as usual, with two Broadway-style musicals in the fall of 2025 and two in the spring of 2026, which are currently in rehearsal.

In 2025, our Grant-writing team was strengthened, and additional applications were submitted.

This year, in 2026, our programs will continue to grow into the new studio space. Additional drama, choreography, and expanding the voice lessons are under consideration.

Financially, there is always room to increase the Margie King Scholarship Fund.

Our current schedule of programs will continue: The Fall Shows presented in January, 2026, with the Spring Shows currently in rehearsal for presentation: Disney Descendants, the Musical will present in May, 2026, by the Rising Stars, ages 7 - 13, and our Shooting Star Teens will present The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!” in June, 2026.

Enrollment is open for the Summer on Broadway 2-week Summer Camp, July 8 - 25.

In the Fall 2026 - 2027, MTAOC will begin the new after-school programs alongside our regular two Broadway-style shows in the Spring and Fall.

We can begin a campaign to expand the Margie King Scholarship Fund.

The Top Five most pressing needs for the 2025-26 school year are:

1. Develop a Campaign to cover Fall expenses.

2. Volunteers: We would like to draw upon older teens to mentor and teach the younger teens as assistants in Summer on Broadway.

3. Develop a Campaign to increase the Margie King Scholarship Fund.

4. Develop a media campaign ready for use at Giving Tuesday, on December 1.

5. Update the Website, and YouTube Channel.

Orange County, California

"I am very passionate about my work here at MTAOC. I have the privilege of inspiring the performer within each student with results both onstage and offstage that are always amazing to see. Thank you for supporting the Musical Theater Live Programs for our students!" - Jimmy Hippenstiel, Artistic Director