CREATING A
GOLD
STANDARD
Our company is a safe space for creative risk and profound growth
We nurture emerging talent and produce elite theatrical works that unite our community. Our company provides a diverse, inclusive stage where every artist belongs. Together, we empower performers to excel and audiences to be inspired
How we work
For more than ten years, we have been dedicated to bringing immersive and meaningful stories to life. We encourage our artists to arrive ready and dive deep into their craft, following a professional rehearsal rhythm that mirrors the intensity of Equity standards. With each production coming together in four to five weeks, we offer a focused path that values our performers' time. Despite this swift pace, our artists build lasting connections, becoming part of a true creative family. We take pride in selecting talented individuals who bring both skill and a positive spirit to our stage
THE
SOUTHGATE
WAY
Meet the Founders
Jon Infante is an award-winning creative and artistic director whose work spans twenty-five years at the intersection of live entertainment, theatrical direction, and large-scale content production. As the artistic director of both Southgate Productions and Infante Media, he has built a career defined by a singular ability to fuse cinematic storytelling with the immediacy of live performance — crafting experiences that are as emotionally precise as they are visually commanding.
Jon's client roster reflects the range and trust his work commands: Walt Disney Company, Adidas, ABC, NBC, and Pacific Life, alongside acclaimed theatrical partners including McCoy Rigby Entertainment, Big League Productions, and Tuacahn Amphitheatre.
His directorial work is marked by bold conceptual vision paired with meticulous production discipline. He thinks in sightlines and story beats, in the architecture of a moment and the emotional truth beneath it. This multi fluency — equally at home in a concept meetings, a rehearsal hall, or on stage — has made him a sought-after collaborator for organizations that need more than a director or a producer, but a singular creative authority who can carry a vision from concept to opening night.
The Team
Jon Infante - Co Founder / Artistic Director
Kris Kataoka - Co Founder / Producer
Kris initially set out to conquer the world as a musician. When that proved slightly less lucrative than promised, he made the completely logical financial pivot: moving into local theatre for the money. Over two decades later, he serves as the Artistic Director and Manager of the Curtis Theatre for the City of Brea—a venue that has somehow kept him employed for over 20 years.
Along the way, he has worked as a stagehand, technical director, and sound designer, even snagging an award for lighting design (just the one, but it counts). He has done virtually every job inside a theatre with one firm exception: costuming. He remains convinced sewing machines operate on dark magic and refuses to bargain with those forces.
At Southgate, he wears many hats—producer, lighting and sound designer, emergency percussionist, food delivery guy, and designated engineer tasked with making that "one weird thing" in the show actually work.
Sarah Wybackzynsky - Co Founder / Music Director
Music has been part of her life for as long as she can remember—she could read music before she could read words, which explains a lot about her personality. She's been a pianist for 35 years and has spent the last two decades working as a music director, vocal coach, and accompanist (and occasional musical firefighter). At this point, she's basically been hired by every possible version of "please help this musical happen." But her theatrical home and found family are here at the Curtis with Southgate Productions.
She's generally a quiet, reserved person…until someone says "Sondheim," at which point she becomes legally required to talk about it. She loves complicated harmonies, analyzing lyrics, tracking motifs like a musical detective, and digging into the dramatic truth of every song. She's happiest when she's fine-tuning the tiny details that make a show feel alive.
Hier current record for most productions of one show is Into the Woods: six times, including Southgate's inaugural production in 2015. By now, she should probably just list " Woods survival skills" on her résumé.
Meet the Creative Team
Gabriela Maldonado
Music Director
Gabrielle is an accomplished educator, composer, music director, performer, and USC alumna, actively shaping Southern California’s vibrant musical theatre landscape while teaching at local colleges. Gabrielle has a breadth of experience working on live performances ranging from small ensembles to large orchestras. She has directed and coordinated numerous productions, ensuring seamless execution and musical integrity, whether leading big orchestral arrangements or smaller bands tailored to each project's needs. She has played a key role in managing productions, maintaining high standards of musical quality, and specializes in building tracks that create dynamic soundscapes to support storytelling and audience engagement. Her work spans across a variety of roles in live theatre, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to musical excellence.
As a passionate creator and performer, Gabrielle has contributed significantly to developing original works alongside popular productions. Her collaborative approach spans from concept development to final production, emphasizing innovative storytelling through music. She is committed to bringing authenticity and depth to every role she undertakes, portraying characters with honesty and sensitivity, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, challenging stereotypes and promoting diversity. Having music directed nearly 80 productions, she continues to expand her skills as an educator, inspiring fellow artists, supporting emerging talent, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative live theatre community. Her passion for fostering creativity and connection through music drives her ongoing dedication to advancing the art form she loves.
Kelsie Blackwell
Resident Choreographer
Kelsie Blackwell graduated from Alan Hancock college with a concentration in Dance, and earned a BA in Theater Arts from Concordia University, Irvine. She is the current resident choreographer for Southgate Productions and Bonita High School Choir. Kelsie has worked as a dancer in Live Entertainment at Disneyland since 2008.
Choreography credits include Something Rotten, Beautiful, Broadway Divas, Once, Rocky Horror, All Shook Up, 9 to 5, Legally Blonde, Little Shop of Horrors, Working, Godspell, The Evil Dead, and the Toxic Avenger.
Tara Pitt
Associate Director
Tara Pitt is an award-winning director, choreographer, and theater artist with more than 25 years of experience creating exceptional theatrical productions throughout Southern California. Her work spans professional theaters, educational institutions, and community arts organizations across Los Angeles and Orange Counties, where she has earned a reputation for dynamic storytelling, innovative staging, and inspiring collaboration.
Throughout her career, Tara has produced, directed, and choreographed a wide range of productions, bringing creativity, precision, and passion to every project. She is also the composer and co-creator of the critically acclaimed original musicals Natalie Portman: The Musical and Christian Bale: The Musical, both of which premiered in Los Angeles to enthusiastic audiences and critical praise.
In addition to her work behind the scenes, Tara is an accomplished performer whose stage credits include numerous productions throughout Southern California, including performances at the Disneyland Resort. Her extensive experience as both a director and performer gives her a unique perspective on the creative process, allowing her to cultivate compelling performances and memorable theatrical experiences for audiences and artists alike.
Meet the Creative Team
Sarah Catherine Amaya
Costume Designer
Bio Coming Soon
Lisa Kataoka
Company Manager / Vibes Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon
Lauren Shoemaker
Lauren is excited to be back with Southgate Productions at the Curtis Theater. She has stage managed numerous productions at many theaters all across Orange County. Outside working in theater, Lauren holds degrees in History and Music from UCSC and earned her teaching credential from Chapman University. She spent nine years in Theater Operations at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, where she managed concerts, community events, and fundraising galas. Lauren spends a lot of time working on and attending various shows and events. She is on the events committee at the Fox Theater in Fullerton, as well as on the board for the Day of Music, Fullerton. Lauren was a program director for an after school performing arts program, and is an adjudicator for the California Educational Theatre Association Southern California theater festival. Lauren is also on the board of the Academy of the Arts Foundation at Fullerton High School. While she rarely is seen on stage, in December she can be found in Victorian garb singing Christmas carols around LA and Orange County.
Production Stage Manager
