Visual and Performing Arts
At University High School Charter's Visual and Performing Arts Department, we envision a vibrant and inclusive creative community where every student is empowered to explore, express, and excel in the arts.
Guided by a commitment to excellence and innovation, we strive to cultivate a culture of artistic growth, collaboration, and self-discovery. Our diverse array of 2-Dimensional Art, 3-Dimensional Art, Digital Art, and a robust selection of music courses serve as dynamic avenues for students to unleash their creativity and develop their unique voices.
Our dedicated VAPA faculty are not just highly qualified teachers; they are also inspired industry professionals, working in various communities in their respective fields. They provide rigorous instruction, hands-on experience, and a nurturing environment. They aim to inspire a lifelong passion for the arts and equip students with the skills, confidence, and artistic integrity to thrive in an ever-evolving world. We foster a sense of belonging and encourage students to take risks, push boundaries, and embrace the transformative power of artistic expression.
As champions of creativity and advocates for the arts, we aspire to enrich the cultural fabric of our school, our community, and beyond. Together, we envision a future where the arts not only enrich lives but also shape a more compassionate, empathetic, and interconnected world.
Ronnie Sperling – Uni High’s Director of Theatre Arts
Ronnie Sperling – Uni High’s Director of Theatre Arts Ronnie is a graduate of California State University, Northridge and the acclaimed Los Angeles Civic Light Opera. He is also a proud graduate of University High School. Presently he is the Director of Theatre Arts at both, University High Charter and at iLead Charter campuses. He has become a fixture at the renowned Teenage Drama Workshop of CSUN since 1986. At T.A.D.W. he has become highly respected for his original musical comedies: “Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days”, “Cirque des Pirates”, “Snow White and the Magnificent Seven”, and “Jacques and the Bean Stock”.
Beginning his career with the acclaimed National Lampoon, Ronnie is a longtime highly respected teacher of improvisational theater in the Los Angeles area. His current online Improv Group “All in the Same Boat Improv with Ronnie Sperling” has been a smash.
A very popular Director in the Southern California area, Ronnie has recently directed such productions as: “Disney’s Newsies”, “Disney’s Frozen”, “Once Upon a Mattress”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Disney’s Freaky Friday”, “Once on this Island”, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, “Grease”, “James and the Giant Peach”, “The Fantasticks”, “Shrek the Musical”, “Disney’s The Lion King”, “Seussical the Musical”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, “Disney’s High School Musical”, “Walt Disney’s Jungle Book”, “Bullshot Crummond”, “My Fair Lady”, “Working the Musical”, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)”, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, and “Into the Woods”. For the last 15 years Ronnie has been found directing and getting laughs as Noll the Troll in the unique theatre experience, “A Faery Hunt”, which has been awarded Nickelodeon’s Best Children’s Show in Los Angeles multiple times.
On Stage and Screen, Ronnie is quite the familiar face. Co-starring opposite Motion Picture Legends, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau in Billy Wilder’s final film “Buddy, Buddy” or the big screen favorite: "Transformers". On Television, Ronnie is best remembered for his recurring roles of Chauncey on “Nickelodeon’s Zoey 101” and playing opposite Oscar nominee James Franco on “General Hospital”. His mug is often seen on over a 100 commercials: playing the "Other PC" numerous times in the famous Mac vs. PC spots, Capitol One with David Spade, T-Mobile, Disney Channel, Discovery Channel, Holiday Inn, Nintendo, Ball Park Franks, and McDonalds to name but a few.
Theater audiences across the country have enjoyed Ronnie’s performances in such shows as: Melvin P. Thorpe in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (with Susan Anton), Gerald in “Me and My Girl”, Applegate in “Damn Yankees”, Evelyn in “Anything Goes”, Frump in “How To Succeed in Business Without Trying”, Motel in “Fiddler in the Roof”, and Eugene in “Grease” (National Tour), and a dramatic turn as Mr. Franklin in “Children of a Lesser God”.
Ronnie and longtime comedy partner, Jerry Hauck spent many years as the in-house comics at The Monte Carlo Hotel in Las Vegas and opening for Dean Martin's Golddiggers. Yeah, those Golddiggers! They travel the country doing Corporate Events and Live Game Shows.
Ronnie is the Producer of the short film: “The Cross Up” which is currently playing on Amazon Prime and will be seen in the NEW feature film, “Gimme My Money”. Fun Fact: Ronnie is one of the original writers for cult favorite t.v. classic – “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers”.
Past Shows at University High School Charter
(Click on Image to see Playbill)
 |
 |
. 