Learn the Basics
You don't have to make theater a career to learn the basics. Understanding and practicing performing art basics in acting, movement, and so on can expand your mind and encourage creativity.
Experiment
Take your foundational knowledge and begin to experiment with those concepts across a variety of mediums. You may find something you truly love.
Artistic Education
If a performing arts career is your dream, you can pursue a legitimate education here with us. We'll help you learn the skills and develop a portfolio to use as your foundation.
Future Success
By obtaining a solid educational background, you'll set your life and future career up for greater success. Come learn from accomplished artists and get started!
Ready to Begin Your Journey in Stage Craft?
We make it as easy as possible to schedule classes and get started. Simply schedule an appointment by clicking the "schedule appointment" button, or give us a call today!
ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
HOW WE DO IT
Our Services
Theater for Beginners
Fostering imagination and encouraging creative ideas begins with intentional play. The youngest in our communities enjoy make-believe, and when guided and supported, their young minds can soar with these classes that foster semi-scripted scenes and fun with ensembles. Classes include movement, object substitution, teamwork, focus, and projection through play.
Advanced Acting & Stage Craft
Take your acting skills to the next level with in-depth scene work, character development, and advanced performance techniques. This class focuses on emotional depth, script analysis, and mastering stage presence while incorporating elements of stagecraft, including movement, blocking, and working with technical elements like lighting and sound. Perfect for actors ready to start refining their craft and command the stage with confidence.
Production Team Mentorship
Behind every great show is a dedicated production team. Our tier-structured mentorship program provides hands-on guidance in directing, stage management, technical design, choreography, costume design, and production coordination. Whether you're aspiring to lead a creative team or enhance your backstage expertise, our mentorship cultivates the leadership and problem-solving skills necessary to bring a production from script to stage.
BENEFITS FOR YOU
How Theater Arts Can Improve Your Life
Gain Experience
The best way to improve as an artist is with practice and a variety of different experiences.
Expand Your Creativity
Simply engaging in artistic efforts opens up your mind and makes you more creative and imaginative.
Learn Techniques and History
Learn from accomplished artists by working closely with our staff and studying theatrical history and its proven techniques.
Earn Your Education
Earn a legitimate theater education through hands-on experience, acquiring genuine skills that can be used in a variety of production positions.
The Team
Jeff
Hinderscheid
Acting, Directing, Lighting, Production Management
Founder of CSTP, Jeff is an experienced theater producer, director and actor, and provides instruction on the development of character, how to audition, and physical story telling. He also teaches technical production skills like lighting and set design, and more!
Beau
Rodriguez
Acting, Movement, Costume Design, Set & Scenic Art
Beau is a performing arts teacher in Carmel, California. Her teaching experience spans ten years, focusing on children's performing arts education. Her professional background includes over two decades of experience in theatrical production, specifically in performance, set and costume design, choreography, and stage management and she is our resident costume designer.
Jamie
Jones
Stage Management, Production Management, Sound Design
Jamie has a plethora of theater production skills, from production and stage management to sound design and technical direction. She is a stage performer, a seasoned vocalist, and veteran teacher that brings a wealth of experience and education to the students she serves. Jamie is our resident stage manager and sound designer, providing technical guidance to those with an interest in behind the scenes production work.
Kyle
Richlin
Choreography, Vocal Coaching, Acting
Kyle is a seasoned actor and teacher with a career in theater production, choreography, acting, and instruction. Kyle has many students in Carmel as well as South Monterey County, teaching piano lessons, and voice instruction, and has choreographed many productions throughout Monterey County.
South Monterey County's Premier Performing Arts Education Program
If you're ready for action, we help you act.
Why Students Love Our Programs
Reg Huston
"I have learned so much being a fellow actor with Jeff, while directing him myself and by being directed by him! He is total theater."
Maria Elena Mejia
"Working with Jeff as a cast member, I learned a lot in areas as broad as stage presence and as specific as breath support techniques, working one on one or even just watching him on stage. Having him as a director has been one of the best experiences I have had working with a director, because he is fully there to support me in my art and wants us each to shine in the ways that are best for us, balancing having fun and staying professional."
Rebecca Serrano
“Working with Jeff in theater hasn’t only been extremely fun, but also a great learning experience. I see him as a mentor and can’t wait to do more shows!”
Fabian Arreola
Working with Jeff and the team has taught me more about who I am than I can ever thank them for. I love doing theater, and I didn't even know it at first. I can't wait to do more work with them in the future!