.png)
.png)
About Us
Mission Statement
At Santa Clarita Children’s Theater, our mission is to inspire and cultivate a lifelong passion for music and the arts in young performers and musicians. Through a unique, immersive summer program, we provide students with the opportunity to develop their talents, collaborate with professional instructors, and experience the magic of musical theater. We aim to create a supportive, creative environment where children can discover their potential, build confidence, and create lasting memories—all while fostering a love for music that will stay with them for years to come.
At Santa Clarita Children’s Theater, we believe that summer should be an unforgettable adventure—one that leaves a lasting impact on both the heart and the craft. Our story begins with a dream to create something truly unique, a place where young performers and musicians can dive deep into their love for musical theater in a way that’s never been done before. Our Founder and Program Director, Nelya Coomans knew firsthand how transformative summer theater programs could be.
"Growing up in British Columbia, Canada, I was fortunate enough to attend similar summer programs that sparked a lifelong passion for the arts and gave me memories I still cherish. Those experiences shaped who I am today, and I knew that I wanted to help bring that same magic to young people here in Santa Clarita.
​
However, I noticed something was missing—there was no program like this in the area, where both stage performers and pit orchestra musicians could come together to learn, collaborate, and create something truly special. So, I decided to build it. I wanted to give kids the opportunity to experience the thrill of performing in a real live musical, surrounded by professional instructors, musicians, and an incredible team. I wanted to create a place where they could learn the skills they need to pursue their dreams, all while making lifelong memories with their peers.
​
Santa Clarita Children’s Theater is more than just a summer program—it’s a chance for kids to feel what I felt growing up: the power of community, the joy of creativity, and the excitement of being part of something bigger than themselves. I’m proud to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to our community, and I can’t wait to watch these young performers and musicians create memories they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives."
Our Story
About Our Founder
Nelya Coomans, Program Director
Nelya Coomans is a lyric soprano born in Los Angeles and raised in British Columbia, Canada. She is known for her warm, rich sound, and lively comedic timing. Her passion for music and performance brought her to the United States, where she pursued higher education in Vocal Performance and Music Education from the University of Utah. She then went on to receive a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from California State University, Northridge. Ms. Coomans has certificates through the Canadian Royal Conservatory of Music in Music Theory, Advanced Harmony, Music History, and Classical Piano.
Ms. Coomans has been cast in numerous musicals, plays, and operas. Some of her most notable roles include Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Ruth in Pirates of Penzance, Gertrude in Seussical, and Diana in Anne of Green Gables. Some of her chorus credits include, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Footloose, Hairspray, The Wizard of Oz, Rigoletto, Susannah, The Magic Flute, Dialogue of the Carmelites, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Ms. Coomans has been a part of many performing ensembles including Opera Lyrica, Mission Opera, Landmark Opera, W. L Seaton's 27th Street Theatre, and Center Stage Performing Arts' Lights of Broadway.
She has had the opportunity to compete all over the continent as a soloist in Classical and Musical Theater vocal competitions and festivals. She has been awarded “Best Classical Performance” and “Best Comedic Performance” through the Royal Conservatory of Music Vocal Festival. She also had the opportunity to compete across Canada with the South Okanagan Dance Company in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, and lyrical dance styles. She continued her dance training with Center Stage Dance Academy before moving to the United States.
Ms. Coomans has also traveled and sung with many prestigious choirs including The Utah Chamber Artists, The University of Utah Chamber Choir and A Cappella Choir, The Santa Clarita Master Chorale, The Northridge Singers, and The W.L Seaton Honor Choir.
Ms. Coomans’ love for music and the arts is not only showcased through her performances, but also through her administrative contributions to arts. Ms. Coomans is currently the Executive Director of Mission Opera, a Santa Clarita local Performing Arts and Education non-profit organization.
