Our Team

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Michael Kirsch (he/him) is a Southern California native with a huge passion for Musical Theatre. He began his theatrical career at age 3 and performed locally and professionally through-out Southern California. His most notable performing credit was the National Tour and Broadway Production of Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby. After moving to Louisville KY and attending the Youth Performing Arts School, Michael moved to New York City where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts Performance with a minor in Musical Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College. While at Marymount, he was the President of both the Residence Hall Council and the Musical Theatre Association; where he created multiple performing opportunities for the students, including full length musicals and workshops. During his second year at Marymount, Michael was exposed to the world of directing and choreographing during the full school musical Sweet Charity, where he associate directed and choreographed for Broadway’s Jeff Shade. His most notable New York directing credit was for the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) where he was the associate director for Mother, Wife, and the Complicated Life. Other recent directing credits include: Clue, Matilda Jr. Legally Blonde Jr., Seussical Jr., All Shook Up, Peter and the Starcatcher and many many more! He loves teaching young performers and sharing his passion and knowledge of musical theatre with his students.

Alex DeCosta (he/him) is an artist, arts administrator, curator, and art installation specialist with a passion for arts education and directing community accessible art programming through regional exhibitions, artist workshops and lectures, and collaborative initiatives across multiple institutions. Alex’s first introduction to musical theatre was through an annual dinner and show birthday tradition with his grandparents, which sparked a lifelong admiration for the medium. 

After receiving his BFA in sculpture from NYC’s School of Visual Arts in 2010, Alex DeCosta became an assistant for several artists’ studios around the city. Over the next several years, Alex gained extensive experience handling artwork and curating exhibitions for various institutions including Gallery HO and Art MORA Gallery in Chelsea, the Armory and SCOPE Art Fairs, and the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning in Queens. In 2012, Alex joined the New York Foundation for the Arts as an assistant for their fiscal sponsorship program and shortly after, became a full-time art handler for Sotheby’s Auction House. Since relocating to San Diego in 2015, Alex has continued advancing his career in art curation and installation at Madison Gallery and Laguna Art Museum, before accepting the gallery directorial position for the Hyde Art Gallery at Grossmont College in April 2016. 

The Hyde Art Gallery services the entire Grossmont College and San Diego County community as a supplemental educational resource with exhibitions featuring local and international artists, in conjunction with lectures and studio workshops. The gallery’s primary aim is to not only influence and refine our students’ respective art practices but also expand their understanding of the endless variety of mediums, techniques, and concepts at their disposal to achieve their educational goals.

Elisa Hilliard (she/her) is a leader committed to driving positive change in her community. Mrs. Hilliard holds a B.A. in Spanish Language Teacher Education, as well as an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, both earned from the University of San Diego. This academic background has provided her with a strong foundation in educational principles, enabling her, alongside the FRC Board of Directors, to design an enriching theater program that caters to the diverse needs of young performers of San Diego. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Hilliard is an enthusiastic volunteer, investing time and energy in various community-driven initiatives. For a decade, she has actively supported the Girl Scouts San Diego, serving as Service Unit Chair, Recognitions Chair for the Sunny Trails Service Unit, as well as a Troop Leader. Her experience as a volunteer trainer further showcases her dedication to imparting knowledge and fostering growth in others. As the Vice-President of Front Row Center, Mrs. Hilliard brings a wealth of experience and a passion for theater arts and education. As an educator of 20 years, she has been an active leader and participant in the homeschool community, working closely with families to provide enriching educational experiences and fostering a sense of community among homeschooling families. Mrs. Hilliard's commitment to education goes beyond traditional classroom settings, as she recognizes the importance of offering diverse learning opportunities to students. At Front Row Center, Mrs. Hilliard is committed to ensuring that theater arts experiences are attainable for all young performers, regardless of their socio-economic background, cultural heritage, ethnic origin, skill level, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Her efforts aim to break down barriers and open doors for aspiring artists, nurturing a lifelong admiration and passion for the performing arts. With her vision and expertise, Front Row Center is poised to remain a force for positive change, enriching the lives of young artists and bringing the magic of theater to the hearts of audiences throughout San Diego and beyond.

Polly Bild (she/her) is a lifelong resident of San Diego County, she now resides in Eastlake with her husband, Gene. Polly's passion for musical theater was sparked when her daughter took part in her first show at the age of 11. Since then, Polly has dedicated over a decade to volunteering within the musical theater community. She is committed to FRC and the arts and has the exceptional ability to manage various aspects of theater operations. Her keen attention to detail and effective organizational skills have been instrumental in ensuring the seamless execution of numerous productions and events. In her leisure time, Polly enjoys reading and refining her sewing abilities as a devoted costumer. She cherishes her trips to Disneyland with her Disney friends and the revitalizing weeks she spends in Hawaii with her husband. Polly finds immense joy in witnessing children grow and excel on stage. Her unwavering dedication to making theater arts accessible to all children is truly commendable, she's grateful to be on the FRC Board of Directors as the Secretary.

Heidi Lawrence (she/her) is a dedicated board member specializing in fundraising and event coordination.  Heidi is a homeschooling mom with 3 children that have grown up involved in theater. Being heavily involved in theater has given her a unique perspective on the importance of arts education and understands the positive impact it can have on a child's development.  For over a decade, Heidi has found her passion for theatre while serving as costume chair for over 25 productions. She has also served in many fundraising capacities, developing a deep commitment to the arts.  She also has experience serving on other non profit boards, and has coordinated numerous large fundraising events. Heidi’s dedication to theatre and the power of the arts has fueled her desire to contribute to the enrichment of youth and she strives to use her fundraising knowledge to create more avenues to make sure every child has the opportunity to participate. Heidi is thrilled to serve on the Front Row Center Board,  and hopes to help FRC reach new heights, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community where all youth can discover the joy and transformative power of the performing arts.

Nancy Peña (she/her) is a passionate advocate for the arts and an experienced volunteer dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through community engagement and education. With nearly 10 years of volunteer experience in various youth organizations. Throughout her extensive volunteer career, Nancy has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to empowering youth. She has held multiple leadership positions in organizations focused on youth development, where she has successfully organized events, managed programs, and mentored young individuals. 

Nancy’s ability to connect with and inspire young people has been a cornerstone of her volunteer work, fostering environments where creativity and personal growth can flourish. Nancy is particularly excited to contribute to FRC, believing strongly in the transformative power of the arts. Her involvement stems from a deep appreciation for theater as a medium that not only entertains but also educates and uplifts. 

In her professional life, Nancy is a doctorate-prepared registered nurse and a respected educator at a local community college. Her expertise extends to financial decision-making in the healthcare environment, where she applies her skills in analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning to improve organizational efficiency and patient care. This background provides Nancy with a unique perspective and a valuable set of skills that benefit our board, particularly in areas related to financial oversight and resource management. Nancy is eager to help shape the strategic direction of the program, ensuring it continues to provide exceptional opportunities for young