Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Catherine Baker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Catherine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

“One of the most meaningful experiences has been witnessing the profound impact of the Coronado Junior Arts League (CJAL). Originally created to inspire a love of musical theater in young people, CJAL has grown into something far greater. It has become a source of joy, discovery, and personal growth for countless children.

At its heart, CJAL is a space where youth can connect, grow, and create together—embracing neurodiversity and celebrating individual differences. We are committed to meeting participants exactly where they are, taking into account their physical abilities, learning styles, and unique needs. It’s a community that champions inclusivity and encourages every child to shine.”

Catherine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

The story of the Coronado Junior Arts League (CJAL) begins with a parent who had a unique background—a Japanese pop star in the 1990s and a commercial actress for over 20 years. Frustrated by the lack of junior theater programming available on Coronado, I shared these concerns with my daughter and other families. Together, we envisioned something new: an organization that could prepare kids for programs like the Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) while also accommodating those who love performing but want the flexibility to play sports or pursue other interests.

We set out to create a junior theater program that mirrors the professionalism of adult musical theater. With my background in entertainment and connections to industry professionals, we crafted a plan and proposed it to the City of Coronado, which embraced the idea and became our partner. Today, CJAL offers workshops and productions through the Coronado Community Center, and our partnership with the Coronado Playhouse provides a professional stage for our performances.

Our mission is to establish a center of excellence for youth theater and performing arts, leveraging the expertise of award-winning actors, directors, musicians, and technical staff to educate and inspire San Diego’s youth. We are committed to making musical theater an accessible and integral part of the community, fostering a broader appreciation for the arts.

Through our partnerships with the City of Coronado, Coronado Playhouse, CoSA, and connections to leading professionals in musical theater, film, and the arts across the Western United States, we aim to elevate the quality of local arts offerings. CJAL strives to create a thriving youth arts ecosystem—one that champions creativity, excellence, and joy while inspiring the next generation of performers and artists.”

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I dream of seeing our program grow by expanding access to youth theater through scholarships. Imagine the incredible journey of supporting a child as they discover their passion for theater, nurturing that spark, and one day even sponsoring their college education. It’s about creating opportunities that inspire and empower young people, opening doors to a brighter future through the transformative power of the arts.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is deeply inspired by my mother’s story. She dreamed of becoming an opera singer at a time when opportunities for women, especially women of color, were incredibly limited. At just 18, she sang at Carnegie Hall and was accepted into Juilliard, but she couldn’t attend because she couldn’t afford the tuition. Her unrealized dream has become my driving force. My goal is to one day provide the support for individuals in her position—those with immense talent and passion but without the resources to pursue their dreams. I want to ensure that no one has to put their aspirations on hold because of financial barriers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cjal.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjrartsleague/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550711332562
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LCfIRPa3DA

Image Credits

Image of Catherine Baker is by Jerry Metellus. Production photos by Hernando Sorzano