Artists Repertory collective
The Artists Repertory Collective, or ARC, is an advanced teaching and producing program under the umbrella of the Children’s Theatre of Long Beach (CTLB). While CTLB provides foundational training and performance opportunities for young artists, ARC is designed for students aged 12 and older who who have served in leadership roles within CTLB and are ready to take a more active and professional role in the theatrical process.
ARC members don’t simply perform — they produce, design, direct, and create. The program allows young artists to take part in every phase of bringing a show to life, from conception to curtain call, guided by professional mentorship at every level.
Mentored production lab
Investment and Participation
Unlike CTLB’s tuition-based model, ARC operates as a collective investment opportunity. Members may choose to invest their own funds into a production, assuming partial ownership of its success. If the production generates revenue beyond its costs, members may see a return on their investment. This model introduces students to the financial and organizational realities of the performing arts industry, while still prioritizing education and ethical creative practice.
Project Pitch Process
ARC’s creative season is built around student-proposed projects. Through an application process known as the Play Proposal, students may pitch a play, musical, or original concept they wish to produce. The proposal outlines:
* The title and relevance of the piece
* The intended impact or educational value
* A proposed creative team, including director, choreographer, and designers (set, costume, sound, lighting, and props)
All
proposals are reviewed by the ARC committee and CTLB leadership. Once
accepted, the student director and team begin pre-production under
structured mentorship.
Mentorship Structure
Every member of a creative team is paired with an experienced CTLB professional mentor in their discipline.
Directors
are mentored by Sean McMullen, CEO and Artistic Director of CTLB, who
retains final producing authority to approve or modify any element to
ensure artistic integrity, safety, and community standards.
Designers
and technicians are mentored by working professionals from CTLB’s
roster of artists and educators, providing real-world guidance on
aesthetic cohesion, technical feasibility, and storytelling clarity.
This
mentorship model balances artistic independence with professional
accountability—empowering students to lead while learning how to
navigate the responsibilities of production leadership.
Rehearsal and Production Process
ARC productions rehearse three times per week, with rehearsal days
selected collaboratively by the collective. After the first rehearsal of
each week, the production team participates in a technical and creative
meeting, where the mentors and student leaders evaluate progress,
address challenges, and make adjustments to keep the production on
track.
Casting is conducted through Collective Casting, an
approach in which the ensemble votes on role assignments. This
democratic process fosters a spirit of collaboration and shared
ownership, while still being guided by mentors to ensure fairness,
inclusivity, and respect for the integrity of the piece.
In summary
Investment and Participation
A Transformational Model
ARC transforms the traditional youth theatre model into a collaborative
apprenticeship—one that invites students not only to perform but to
create, manage, and own their work. Guided by seasoned professionals,
participants learn that art is not merely made, but crafted, refined,
and shared responsibly.
As a subset of the Children’s Theatre of
Long Beach, ARC embodies CTLB’s vision to Dream, Create, and Inspire,
while challenging emerging artists to take their craft—and their
community—into their own capable hands.
About the Program Mentor
Sean McMullen, Artistic Director
and CEO of the Children’s Theatre of Long Beach, serves as the principal
mentor and producer for all ARC projects.
He holds a Master of Fine
Arts from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and a Bachelor
of Fine Arts from California State University, Long Beach. With over 24
years of experience in children’s theatre and a career spanning
Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional, and Equity-waiver stages, McMullen
brings a professional rigor and creative generosity that set the tone
for ARC’s educational mission.
Creative Standards and Safeguards
While ARC encourages bold, original expression, it also upholds CTLB’s central value: art should uplift and not harm.
Mentors maintain the right to revise or veto material that may be unintentionally hurtful, insensitive, or detrimental to the wellbeing or self-esteem of participants. This is not censorship—it’s stewardship. Young artists are still developing empathy and perspective, and ARC’s mentors ensure that humor, critique, and storytelling remain compassionate and constructive.
Philosophy and Educational Goals
ARC exists at the intersection of education and artistry. It is both a
training ground and a launchpad, providing students with hands-on
experience that mirrors the collaborative, interdisciplinary nature of
professional theatre.
The goal is not simply to prepare
performers—it is to cultivate producers, directors, designers, and
leaders capable of shaping the next generation of inclusive, innovative
theatre.
What Our Members Say
Testimonials from Our Community
“Joining the Artists Repertory Collective was a turning point for me. The mentorship and community support helped me hone my craft and gain invaluable performance experience.”
“The collaborative environment allowed me to explore my passion and develop new skills. I am grateful for the connections I've made here.”
“I had the chance to work with seasoned professionals who provided real-world insights. This experience has been enriching!”
