the stars who make it happen

dolores aguanno
Founder and artistic director

As the Founder and Artistic Director of dee-Lightful Productions, Dolores Aguanno endeavors to choose productions that will inspire and challenge the diverse body of students of various ages that join our program. Since 1999 Dolores has produced and/or directed over 100 dee-Lightful productions. She is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of our workshops and summer camps. She never ceases to be inspired by the creative expansion of our kids' talent and presence and the contributions of our staff and parent volunteers. She is eternally grateful for the sweet community that has emerged over the last 23+ years!

As a professional creative artist, Dolores still acts, directs, and writes as time and inspiration permit. 

As the mother of two beautiful grown women, her family is still her greatest joy and most delightful production.

Dolores holds a Ph.D. from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where her studies in myth and archetypal psychology ignited a passion for world cultures. In the last decade, her desire to experience more of these cultures has taken her to Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Mexico, the Caribbean, as 87 well as several states.

Dolores recently completed the RYT 200 Yoga Teacher Certification with BodyAwake School of Yoga. She is particularly looking forward to teaching yoga to women and men aged 50+ and to our kids in summer camp! 

See you on the mat and at the theater!

Allegra Williams-Stirrat
associate director & CHOREOGRAPHER

Allegra Williams-Stirrat is a graduate of CSU, Chico with a BA in Musical Theatre. As Dolores Aguanno’s daughter, Allegra has had the privilege of participating in countless productions since the birth of dee-Lightful in 1999. Beginning as a camper at age 9, it was during this time that Allegra realized her true passion for the art of performing, and has grown to contribute as Assistant Director, Director, Choreographer, and Producer. She has loved every minute of it. Over the last few years Allegra has also grown to be Dolores' right hand in co-facilitating the operations of the organization. Outside of dee-Lightful, Allegra works in the school system as a substitute teacher and teaching artist. She also continues to take classes and perform, feeding her artistic expression in addition to teaching because she holds a true passion for the arts and passing on what she learns to the youth. She believes that especially through the art of theatre, children gain a true understanding of what it means to be accepted in a family-like community where they can express themselves in a safe and supportive atmosphere. This gives them the confidence to carry with them in the world, whatever they choose to pursue, as well as experiencing different perspectives through the art of living in someone else's shoes. Allegra is grateful to have such a safe place to spread her knowledge and create with these young artists, and she feels fortunate to learn so much from them in return!

summer camp apprentices

2018 Summer Session 1 Staff for Once Upon a Mattress Jr.

2019 Summer Session 1 Staff for Once On This Island Jr.

Apprentices, aka our "Camp Counselors," are an integral part of our organization.  They are accomplished in their own right as performing artists and have an extensive background working with children.  They serve as role models for our young artists and support them in the day-to-day camp and workshop activities.  Many of our multi-talented apprentices come from the Culver City High School Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA), an accredited afterschool intensive arts program.

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