Mason Kimont is a long-time bay area resident, having grown up in San Jose, and is a graduate of San Jose State University. At SJSU, Mason was an active member of the Orchestra, Concert Choir, and the Choraliers, and was honored to study conducting with Dr. Charlene Archibeque. Mason began his life at CMTSJ at the age of 16 as a rehearsal accompanist, and after much prodding from friends decided to leap from the pit to the stage. Favorite roles include Nicely Nicely (Guys and Dolls), Rocky (Damn Yankees), and Sir Robin in the 2014 Marquee production of Spamalot. Vocal and Musical Directing collaborations at CMTSJ include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Who’s Tommy, West Side Story, Sideshow, Spamalot, and the non-equity West Coast premieres of Aida and Miss Saigon. Mason has also worked with many local theater companies including TheatreWorks, City Lights, and San Jose Stage. In the fall of 1999, Mason was hired at Archbishop Mitty and became the Director of Performing Arts in 2002. Under his leadership, the Department of Performing Arts grew from one Concert Band and one Jazz Band into five different instrumental groups, three choirs, three levels of dance, four drama classes and an AP Music Theory class. For fifteen years, “Mr. K” was proud to oversee what many consider to be the top performing arts department in the Bay, having been recognized both locally and nationally in all disciplines. In the spring of 2017, Mason was recognized by the National Youth Arts Organization with an Outstanding Direction Award for his work on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, a show that was also recognized with an Outstanding Production Award. Previously, Mason also received San Jose Stage Top Honors for Musical Direction in 2013 (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and in 2010 (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels). Mason’s true pride and joy reside with his beautiful family – wonderful wife, Sharon; thoroughly entertaining twelve-year-old Riley; and the little “peanut” of the family, ten-year-old Ainsley.