Our Story

In November of 2019, Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, CA. Experienced a tragic event that impacted the entire community.  The owners of MTCA saw the news and recalled that the Saugus High School Director had reached out about attending the 2020 MTCA Festival. Learning they did not have the funding to participate and knowing the healing power of theatre, Lisa and Pia felt the need to do something to support the students impacted by this tragedy. They founded Musical Theatre Festivals Educational Foundation (MTF) with the initial endowment to provide full scholarships to 26 students and 4 chaperones. Seeing the joy on the student's faces as they escaped the intense experience for a short time and sharing the MTCA weekend with those remarkable students confirmed the need for this nonprofit. MTF Educational Foundation aims to fund scholarships and educational theatre opportunities for deserving students.

"I cannot thank you enough for giving my students an experience they will never forget. From the moment we arrived, we were treated with such kindness. The positive energy eased their hearts and instilled confidence. Thank you, MTCA, for a life-changing experience. "  

- Gina Painter, Director of Saugus High School

Since 2020, the Musical Theatre Festivals Educational Foundation has helped students, schools, and youth theatre groups at every opportunity. MTF was essential in assisting MTCA in bringing students back to the stage virtually when stages went dark during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. MTCA created an entirely virtual festival with immersive masterclasses & performance opportunities. MTF offered many scholarships to students whose families were impacted by the pandemic, allowing them to connect with others and continue doing what they love without the burden of financial ability.

"The virtual festival was professional, thoughtful, communicative, and encouraging. MTCA highlighted students and their gifts. Managing to inspire students who are numb to video screens is no small task, and I am grateful for MTCA's persistence, flexibility, and vision in a time where theater has never been so important."

- Shannon Saleh, Director, Euphony 

We look forward to continuing our mission of helping foster the next generation of artists and performers and hope you will join our efforts!