About
Rising Stars
OUR MISSION
Together we rise. Together we shine.
At Rising Stars, we believe in the transformative power of theater. Our mission is to create an inclusive and nurturing environment where all students can explore their artistic potential, develop personal growth, and collaborate with one another. We strive for artistic excellence in every production, while also serving our community through meaningful performances and outreach initiatives. Together, we inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster a love for the arts that shines brightly in every individual. Join us as we rise together to create unforgettable stories that connect and uplift our community.
OUR HISTORY
Rising Stars has been a part of Heritage High School from the beginning. It began when the school opened in 2005 under the direction of Theater Director Christopher Fallows, Technical Director Hillary Pedrotti and Costume Director Tammy Vance. Together they formed this program from the ground up. From our traditions to our values, Rising Stars was carefully formed into a safe space for students to not only become themselves but also learn to become a part of something bigger. In 2023, Amanda Moore stepped in as Director, carrying on the legacy and mission of the Rising Stars. We are eternally grateful to the individuals, named and not, who have helped Rising Stars get to where it is today!
Our Director
Amanda Moore
Amanda Moore is honored to be leading the Rising Stars program since 2023. Her 15 years as a Theater Educator have spanned the country from Florida, to NYC, and right here in the Bay Area. Before stepping into the classroom full time, Moore served as Education Director of Children’s Musical Theater San Jose (CMTSJ) from 2018-2023. There, she oversaw a robust education department offering a variety of educational opportunities for aspiring theater artists of all ages across the South Bay. Working under the nationally acclaimed artistic direction of Kevin Hauge, Moore directed and choreographed productions such Legally Blonde, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Moana Jr. and Finding Nemo Jr. Prior to her time with CMT, Moore managed Bay Area Children’s Theater (BACT)’s expansive Education Program from 2015 – 2018. During her time with BACT, Moore led the Disney Musicals in Schools Program, helping to build sustainable musical theater programs in underserved schools throughout the East Bay. In 2016, Moore co-led a Summer Camp program in Shanghai, China in partnership with Shanghai Children’s Art Theater. Originally from South Florida, Moore’s passion for theater education started on the East Coast with organizations such as Florida Children’s Theater, Broadway Bound Kids, and New York Kids Club. She received her BFA in Musical Theater from the University of Central Florida. Since moving to the Bay Area, she has enjoyed performing with Contra Costa Musical Theater, Tri-Valley Repertory Theater, CMT, Bay Area Children’s Theater, and Brentwood Theater Company, among others. Amanda lives in Brentwood, California with her husband Brian, 4.5-year-old twins Dean and Russell and 2-year-old Lily. She is exceedingly honored to be directing the Rising Stars program at Heritage High School and for the opportunity to continue to inspire future generations of theater makers.
