TEACHING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S FINEST PERFORMERS SINCE 1998
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
Transforming lives by combining artistic excellence in the performing arts with mentorship, community, and opportunity for children and family.
Vision
To see young people from every walk of life empowered with skills, confidence, creativity, and community through the performing arts.
Values
1. Community – We cultivate a welcoming environment where every student feels seen, supported, and connected — building lasting relationships through shared artistic experiences.
2. Excellence – We believe in the transformative power of professional-caliber arts education and performance, igniting creativity and self-expression while promoting discipline, practice, and resilience.
3. Character – We foster a culture of responsibility, respect, empathy, and integrity — helping students grow personally and artistically.
4. Accessibility – We strive to make it possible for any child, regardless of background or financial means, to have access to opportunities on and beyond the stage.
5. Empowerment – We inspire youth to build confidence, embrace creativity, and thrive — using the arts as a catalyst for lifelong learning and leadership.
Centre Stage began as a dream in the heart of founder Keely Milliken. As a child Keely grew up in Monrovia and there was no performance outlet for her. As she found her calling to teach music and theater it was important to her to build this program here in her home town of Monrovia. In the fall of 1999, Keely set up shop teaching voice lessons in her living room. What started with four students quickly grew to over 20 in the first few months. Teaching voice was so inspiring but as we looked around there was little opportunity for her students to perform. So in 2000, Centre Stage was born. This non-profit gave her the opportunity to raise money to put on broadway shows and the annual musical review she called LIGHTS.
As the years passed on so many students have passed through our doors and moved onto tours, bands, and on the broadway stage. Centre Stage prides itself on the highest quality classes & performance opportunities for youth to perform and build resumes as they move into careers in the music industry and TV, film and stage.
But more importantly students find a home and a environment to make life long friends. Our motto is known as “Centre Stage kids don’t get in trouble, they’re in rehearsal.” Centre Stage is much more than it’s a studio – it’s a place for all to find home.
Centre Stage began as a dream in the heart of founder Keely Milliken. As a child Keely grew up in Monrovia and there was no performance outlet for her. As she found her calling to teach music and theater it was important to her to build this program here in her home town of Monrovia. In the fall of 1999, Keely set up shop teaching voice lessons in her living room. What started with four students quickly grew to over 20 in the first few months. Teaching voice was so inspiring but as we looked around there was little opportunity for her students to perform. So in 2000, Centre Stage was born. This non-profit gave her the opportunity to raise money to put on broadway shows and the annual musical review she called LIGHTS.
As the years passed on so many students have passed through our doors and moved onto tours, bands, and on the broadway stage. Centre Stage prides itself on the highest quality classes & performance opportunities for youth to perform and build resumes as they move into careers in the music industry and TV, film and stage.
But more importantly students find a home and a environment to make life long friends. Our motto is known as “Centre Stage kids don’t get in trouble, they’re in rehearsal.” Centre Stage is much more than it’s a studio – it’s a place for all to find home.
OUR STAFF
Romel De Silva is a professional Filipino-American actor, writer, and comedian. Recent credits include: Sebastian Woo in “He’s All That” (Netflix), Oliver Ramos in “Ghostwriter” (Apple TV+), and Sawyer Friedman in “The Prank” starring Rita Moreno. He is a BFA graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). Romel joined the staff of Centre Stage as the resident Acting Coach during the pandemic and is constantly inspired by his students. As an acting coach he focuses on creating professional actors and good people.
Marcus S. Daniel is a dynamic instructor with such credits as 2017 Los Angeles Ovation Award Winner for The Boy From Oz at Celebration Theatre and over 200 stage credits including directing a sold-out world premiere musical at Carnegie Hall in NYC starring Natalie Weiss. Marcus is passionate about his students potential and loves working with his best friends at Centre Stage. When not in class you can catch Marcus seeing Wicked in a theater near you for the 110th time.
Andreas Pantazis-Performer, Director, Choreographer, Musical Director/Conductor, and Educator. Credits: performer in Beauty and the Beast(Beast twice/Gaston four times), Little Mermaid(Chef Louie/Scuttle), Les Mis with Center Stage and a regional tour just to name a few. Andreas has also been teaching for ten plus years at a high school for six years and currently is teaching dance, music, acting, and the school musical in La Puente, Arcadia and El Monte. He’s very grateful to be teaching with Centre Stage and continues to strive to inspire his students to shine and live in their moments!
Jackie discovered her love for performing arts in high school. She honed her performing skills at Citrus College as a member of the Citrus Singers. Jackie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with a focus on Vocal Performance from Cal Poly Pomona. She returned to CalPoly to pursue education and obtain her teaching credential embarking on a career as an elementary school teacher. Jackie’s passion extends beyond the classroom. She has dedicated her time to supporting young performers by serving as a voice teacher and music director in various school musical theater productions. Her guidance and mentorship have inspired many aspiring young artists. Jackie consistently showcases her talent on stage, seizing every chance to perform. Her impressive repertoire includes performances at esteemed venues such as the Candlelight Pavilion, Palos Verdes Performing Arts Center, Lewis Family Playhouse, Inland Valley Repertory Theater, and Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. Her passion for education and performance has made a lasting impact with her students and colleagues, enriching the performing arts community.
Brittany Hanson is an alumni, and excited to be back as a part of the Centre Stage team. She received her Associates in Theatre with an emphasis in Acting, and Vocal Music from Citrus College, where she was student director of the Citrus Singers, as well as student director of Women’s Ensemble under the direction of Mrs. Keely. She has been performing for over 20 years, and can be seen performing daily at home for her two children. With her performance experience, and her passion for keeping theatre alive, she is excited to be here to support all of our Centre Stage family!
Jacob Gonzalez is a passionate vocalist and music educator with an Associate’s degree in Music from Citrus College and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Cal State Fullerton. A dedicated performer, Jacob sings with the award-winning barbershop quartet The Seventh Variety, winners of the Southwest Far Western Division Contest and recipients of the prestigious Lloyd Steinkamp Most Entertaining Quartet Award. The group also placed 3rd at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Collegiate Quartet Competition. Jacob’s love for harmony and ensemble singing stems from his belief in the power of musical collaboration to create something greater than the sum of its parts. He has brought his voice to wider audiences through appearances on television, including Nickelodeon’s All That, and continues to pursue excellence both on stage and in the classroom. Currently, Jacob is preparing to enter the teaching credential program at Cal State Fullerton, aiming to inspire the next generation of musicians. He remains active as a performer and competitor, with a long-term goal of leading The Seventh Variety to an international championship.
Alex is a proud Centre Stage alumni and recently graduated in film production from Cal State Fullerton. Alex is a key member of the Centre Stage team teaching acting, and leading behind the scenes in our main stage performances.WHERE TO FIND US
Proudly serving Monrovia and surrounding areas our studio is located at 2640 S Myrtle Ave #9 Monrovia, CA 91016. Most of our performances are located at our partner IFGF Monrovia at 147 W Palm Ave Monrovia, CA 91016 – be sure to check ticket information for the best details. You can also look for us on social media. Don’t forget to like and follow us!
CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION TO CENTRE STAGE
Support the arts here in Monrovia and beyond and give the gift of arts education! As a 501(c)(3), your donation of finances or property is tax-deductible. Thank you for considering contributing to the students of Centre Stage, Inc.
(Federal ID # 91-2055566)
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
Transforming lives by combining artistic excellence in the performing arts with mentorship, community, and opportunity for children and family.
Vision
To see young people from every walk of life empowered with skills, confidence, creativity, and community through the performing arts.
Values
1. Community – We cultivate a welcoming environment where every student feels seen, supported, and connected — building lasting relationships through shared artistic experiences.
2. Excellence – We believe in the transformative power of professional-caliber arts education and performance, igniting creativity and self-expression while promoting discipline, practice, and resilience.
3. Character – We foster a culture of responsibility, respect, empathy, and integrity — helping students grow personally and artistically.
4. Accessibility – We strive to make it possible for any child, regardless of background or financial means, to have access to opportunities on and beyond the stage.
5. Empowerment – We inspire youth to build confidence, embrace creativity, and thrive — using the arts as a catalyst for lifelong learning and leadership.
