About CTC

Building Community Through Theatre, Education, and Storytelling

At the California Theatre Conservatory, we bring together students, families, and audiences through bold, joyful, and transformative theatre.We provide professional-level acting, dance, and vocal training for middle school, high school, and college-age students.

From Shakespeare to Musical Theatre, our performances feature rising talent empowered to shine. Whether you’re stepping into your first rehearsal or preparing for collegiate or professional stages, there’s a place for you at CTC.Join us — and become part of a thriving community where excellence, belonging, and artistic growth take center stage.

Our Staff

Rodney Franz

Artistic Director

‍Accolades from coast to coast, including: the Jimmy Awards, the Rita Moreno Awards, the Sara Bareilles Awards, Chapman University’s Shakespeare Competition, the Lenaea and Ohlone Theatre Festivals, Bravo Television, and the English Speaking Union Shakespeare Competition at Lincoln Center, attest to the vision and expertise of acclaimed Theatre Director Rodney Franz.

A UCLA-trained actor, published poet, and former Artistic Director of the Iowa Theatre Company, Franz has directed and designed over 100 productions worldwide and led Marin and Sonoma students to win top awards in acting, design, Shakespeare, and musical theatre. His students perform with truth, focus, and full-bodied presence — trained in his own celebrated curriculum, including techniques from NYU/Tisch MFA in Professional Acting, Sandford Meisner, LeCoq, and Edith Skinner.On seeing his students’ work, Film Director David Lynch wrote: “I have never seen acting which was so natural…and without affectation or any falseness…and no funny ego business…genuinely honest…such great comic timing (when required) …Flawless grasp of all material …so imaginative.”

Train with this awarded director in California’s acclaimed and vital youth theatre program.

Dylan Smith

Broadway Dance Artist | Choreographer & Educator
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Dylan Smith is an NYC/LA-based dancer, choreographer, and visual artist, honored with Broadway World San Francisco’s Best Choreography and part of the Emmy-nominated team for Nickelodeon’s Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder.

His performance credits include international tours of 42nd Street, A Chorus Line, and productions with MGM, Holland America, and Las Vegas’s JUBILEE!.A sought-after educator, Dylan teaches at Broadway Dance Center, Alvin Ailey, Rutgers, and more. He also coaches students into top college programs and is a recognized visual artist with public works across California. Dylan holds a BA in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College.

Dr. Alissa Deeter

Voice Director | Nationally Recognized Educator
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Dr. Alissa Deeter is a celebrated performer, researcher, and voice teacher with over 20 years of experience training singers across the U.S. Her “Form-Follows-Function” approach cultivates healthy, lifelong technique for all ages and styles.

She has taught at leading institutions, served as Vocal Director for Broadway by the Bay, and coached students who’ve performed everywhere from the Kennedy Center and Jimmy Awards to the San Francisco Opera and Broadway.

Deeter’s training includes vocal technique, audition prep, song interpretation, diction, and professional development—empowering singers to perform with authenticity and excellence.

Building Community Through Theatre, Education, and Storytelling

Rodney Franz

Dylan Smith

Dr. Alissa Deeter

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