OCSA’s dynamic arts education curriculum includes numerous pre-professional opportunities for students in all conservatories. One of the most influential modes of instruction comes from students working alongside and learning from working artists in their chosen field of study. These once-in-a-lifetime interactions and experiences fuel our students’ creative drive and inspiration.
Through the Master Artist Series, students have the privilege of studying with nationally renowned guest artists in a variety of master classes, workshops, and performance experiences. These leading industry professionals have a profound impact on the students’ education and often serve as their mentors and inspiration as they advance to higher education and a professional career in the arts. Guest artists and master teachers have included many esteemed professionals, including Misty Copeland, Joshua Bell, Francis Ford Coppola, Neil Gaiman, Chef Jet Tila, Nigel Lythgoe, Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, Lindsay Mendez, Matthew Morrison, Bebe Neuwirth, Cathy Rigby, Anna Deavere Smith, Deborah Voigt, Susan Graham, and more.
Every April, OCSA produces an Actor's Showcase, which features 12 to 16 of our Acting, Integrated Arts, and Musical Theatre Conservatory students, ranging in grades 7 through 12. Held at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles, these talented students perform for an invited audience of Los Angeles talent agents, casting directors, and managers. Nearly 80 to 100 high-level industry professionals attend annually, including representatives from CBS, NBC, Sony Pictures, CW Television, Warner Bros, Disney, Abrams Artists Agency, Osbrink, Mavrick Artists Agency, and several other boutique agencies. The intent is to connect the students with industry professionals who can help facilitate the next step in their careers. This showcase is directed by casting director and OCSA alumnus, Rick Messina (MT, ‘95).
Performing with the Pros gives students in the Musical Theatre Conservatory the chance to study and perform alongside celebrated Broadway stars, such as Lindsay Mendez (MT, '00), Jessica Vosk, Jason Robert Brown, Liz Callaway, Susan Egan (MT, ’88), Eden Espinosa, Krysta Rodriguez (MT, '02), and Ali Stroker, among others. This annual event is the culmination of a three-week artist-in-residence program in which a guest artist works with 35 to 45 students to develop a fully staged production, featuring pieces with the guest artist, the students, and the combined cast. Students are not only given the incredible opportunity to share the stage with Broadway legends, but they are able to hone their skills with performance insights and critiques from the pros.
MONTAGE! is an interdepartmental performing group featuring students in grades 7 through 12 auditioned from each of the school's arts conservatory programs. MONTAGE! has been highlighted at a variety of community and private events, including the South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting Ceremony and special events for Kaiser Permanente, Coast Magazine, CHOC, and Farmers & Merchants Bank.
MONTAGE! has an impressive and diverse preexisting repertoire. MONTAGE! offers a 45-minute scripted holiday performance, contemporary a cappella holiday tunes, contemporary pop tunes, a cappella pop selections, various Great American Songbook options, a contemporary string quartet and coffee house style acoustic set. BOOM! is an upbeat urban street band, which features many of OCSA's celebrated brass players and percussionists. BOOM! will be performing upbeat contemporary tunes and will be completely acoustic. MONTAGE! can also create original repertoire specifically for your private party or event, including everything from one customized number to a fully staged production. MONTAGE! has been highlighted at a variety of community and private events, including: Disneyland Resort, AltaMed, AIDS Walk, AT&T, and many more!