Creation Talent Academy

OUR TEAM

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At CTA, our educators are more than teachers—they’re passion-fueled mentors certified in global pedagogies and active creators in their fields. From Broadway performers to martial arts champions, they blend expertise with empathy to ignite curiosity and nurture holistic growth.

Willington

Willington

Founder / Principal / Actor / Motivational Speaker

Willington Liu is an accomplished actor, recognized for his performances in Creation of the Gods and the Hollywood film Bullet Train. With a unique background bridging Eastern and Western performance systems, he has collaborated with international directors and top-tier production teams across film, television, and stage.

In addition to his acting career, Willington is a motivational speaker who has inspired thousands of students across China through large-scale events focused on confidence, creativity, and self-expression. In the United States he works closely with community leaders and politicians to expand access to arts education for all students.

He founded Creation Talent Academy to bring global-standard performing arts training to local youth, giving students the skills to perform, audition, and grow. As Willington often says, “Every child deserves to be seen, and art is their most powerful voice.”

Manu

Manu

International Model Manager / Co-Founder / Vice Principal

As Co-Founder of Creation Talent Academy, Manu has built an industry pipeline that connects students to international opportunities in modeling, performance, and entertainment. She oversees student development and program operations, ensuring every student receives personalized attention on their journey.

Kathrina

Kathrina

Finalist on "The Voice" (U.S.) / Singer / Musical Theater Actor / Vocal Coach

Finalist on The Voice (U.S.), Kathrina is a singer, musical theater actor, and vocal coach with an extensive performance career. She brings stage-tested technique and a deep understanding of vocal artistry to every student she works with at CTA.

Margie

Margie

Singer / Broadway Performer / American Idol Finalist

American Idol finalist. Broadway: Legally Blonde, Tarzan, Alice. Stanford graduate. Margie brings conservatory-grade training and Broadway experience to CTA's vocal and acting programs.

Lizzie

Lizzie

Dance Influencer / Dance Instructor / Well known K-Pop dance instructor

Lizzie is a well-known K-Pop dance influencer and instructor who has built a following teaching choreography, technique, and performance style. At CTA, she leads K-Pop and contemporary dance classes for students who want industry-current movement training.

Drew

Drew

Actor / Drama Instructor / Performance Coach

NYFA-trained. Z Nation, Forbidden Power. Has taught acting across Los Angeles school districts and led the youth conservatory at CTA. Drew's on-camera and stage experience anchors the acting program.

Stanley Wu

Stanley Wu

Choreographer / Dance Artist / Kpop & Hiphop Dance Instructor

Stanley Wu is a versatile choreographer and dance artist with deep roots in K-pop and hip-hop. With a unique blend of cinematic storytelling, athleticism, and creative voice, his classes push students to develop both technical command and personal expression.

Eliver

Eliver

Martial Arts Instructor / Action Actor

Eliver is a martial arts master trained across Karate, Kickboxing, and Wushu, with elite stunt-team training under Jackie Chan's team. Screen credits include Cobra Kai, Wu Assassins, Blade of the 47 Ronin, and Freaky Tales. Today he brings his elite professional experience to the next generation of action performers at CTA.

EJ

EJ

Actor / Voice Coach

NYFA & Berklee College of Music-trained. EJ is a working actor and voice coach who has led intensives for youth performers and stage productions across Southern California. She blends professional set experience with conservatory-style technique to help students develop both authentic on-camera presence and a confident, well-trained singing voice.

Honorary Advisory Board

At Creation Talent Academy, our Honorary Advisory Board brings together visionary leaders from diverse fields. Their expertise in education, governance, arts, law, and public service enriches our mission to nurture young performing arts talents. With their guidance, we bridge artistic aspirations with real-world insights, empowering students to thrive both on stage and beyond.

Joaquin Lim

Joaquin Lim

Honorary Board of Advisors

  • Former Mayor & City Council Member, Walnut, CA
  • Two-time President, Chinese Elected Officials Southern California Association of Governments
  • Former Defense Contracts negotiator for the Pentagon
  • Chairman: American International Education Foundation
  • Former Executive Director, California Institute of Public Administration (CIPA)
  • Professor, California State University, Long Beach Branch
Douglas Smith

Douglas Smith

Honorary Board of Advisors

  • Academy Award (Oscar) Winner: Best Visual Effects — Independence Day
  • Golden Horse Award Winner — Best Visual Effects
  • Leader of international visual effects teams on major Hollywood productions
  • Veteran with over 30 years of experience in the visual effects industry
  • Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (OSCARS)
Dr. Joy Zhu

Dr. Joy Zhu

Honorary Board of Advisors

  • Executive Vice President, New York Film Academy
  • Former President of U.S.-China Economic and Cultural Development Association
  • Promoted Asian cinema on the international stage
  • Co-authored Film and Television Production at Chinese and American Art Colleges
  • Dedicated to nurturing global film talent
Anni Chi

Anni Chi

Honorary Board of Advisors

  • Director of Dim Sum Funeral (2008), released by Warner Bros.
  • Director of The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island (2018)
  • Director of Swimming (2018)
  • Director of The Disappearance of Mrs. Wu (2021)
  • Producer of the acclaimed short film Burden (2018)
  • Production consultant on major Chinese and American film projects
  • Known for bridging Eastern and Western creative industries through cross-cultural storytelling
Dr. Chui Tsang

Dr. Chui Tsang

Honorary Board of Advisors

  • Former President, Santa Monica College (SMC)
  • Recognized by President Obama
  • Established The Broad Stage — hosted legends like Paul McCartney & Helen Hunt
  • Spearheaded $295M bond project for SMC
  • Named one of “America’s Great Immigrants”
  • Professor at UCLA, USC & The Royal Society of London
Raymond Cheung

Raymond Cheung

Honorary Board of Advisors

  • President, Arcadia Unified School District
  • Member of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
  • Led Arcadia USD to earn California PBIS Silver recognition
  • U.S. Marine Corps veteran
Scott Warmuth

Scott Warmuth

Honorary Board of Advisors

  • Founder & President, Law Offices of Scott Warmuth
  • Former City Council Member, Lake Forest Park
  • Prominent Chinese-American civil rights attorney
  • Recipient of Congressional Recognition from Rep. Judy Chu
  • Recipient of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership International Inspiration Award
Paul Cheng

Paul Cheng

Honorary Board of Advisors

  • Arcadia City Council Member
  • Former Mayor of Arcadia (2022–2023)
  • Managing Partner at PPRC Law, APC
  • Former Prosecutor in San Bernardino County
  • California real estate & business law expert
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