Segerstrom Center's Annual Summer at the Center Program to Celebrate 25th Anniversary

Summer at the Center (SATC), Segerstrom Center for the Arts program for high- risk and underserved teens, will have its 25th annual session July 18 - 29. The program, which was adopted by the U.S. Department of Education as one of its model programs, offers high school-age teens facing personal challenges a safe environment in which to grow, trust and develop self-esteem and positive goals. SATC professional teaching artists use elements of musical theater to engage participants in fun, creative and productive lessons and exercises. Following their hard work during the two-week program, the students will perform a Broadway revue-style show in Samueli Theater on Saturday, July 30 at 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The performances are free and open to the public; no reservations are required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. More information is available at www.scfta.org/satc.

Summer at the Center students come from homes and lives that include substance, mental and physical abuse, abandonment, social problems, gang affiliation and learning disabilities. SATC is a rigorous and disciplined experience that helps them to build critically important life skills. Their tools are collaborative and interactive lessons in singing, dancing and acting. Guest speakers, such as musicians, actors, directors and program alumni, reinforce what the students are learning in their daily sessions.

The arts have demonstrated enormous potential in personal development, attitude and coping skills. Additionally, the program helps participants to acquire the tools and skills to overcome adversity in their lives, build self-esteem, develop social skills and become peer role models for other youth.

Participation in Summer at the Center is not based on talent. Participants are selected through an interview process, developed deliberately as an opportunity for students to begin to step outside their comfort zones. These interviews help program coordinators to assess the level of interest and commitment to the program. They evaluate the applicants' abilities to work in a team environment, adapt to new challenges and take the first steps towards positive change. This year, it is estimated that approximately 40 students will be selected from an applicant pool of more than 100 to participate in the program.

Summer at the Center is a collaboration with the Orange County Department of Education. It was the first performing arts program to be offered to ACCESS (Alternative, Community and Correctional Education Schools and Services) students in Orange County. Students completing the program receive five fine arts credits with ACCESS. Summer at the Center was the first Center education program specifically created for high-risk teens.

Bill Brawley, who has directed Summer at the Center since its first year in 1991, will return this year. Brawley has been the artistic director for The Young Americans® for 39 years and works alongside his wife Robyn, who is the choreographer for Summer at the Center.

Following SATC, participants will return to Segerstrom Center to attend a performance of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical as part of a special reunion. For many of the students, it will be their first experience seeing a live Broadway show.

Summer at the Center is made possible in part by the generous support of Douglas T. Burch, Jr., Missy and Chris Callero, Paul and Jeanne Curry, Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, Frome Family Foundation, GOAL Foundation, GSF Foundation, Damien and Yvonne Jordan, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Lester, Corey and Leslie Leyton, Sharon D. Lund Foundation, Marconi Foundation for Kids, Tom and Naomi Moon, Mrs. Bert Nielsen, Dr. Walter and Mrs. Svetlana Parsadayan, The James Previti Family Foundation, L. Jarmin Roach and Karl A. Copas, Ron and Marcia Kay Radelet, David & Diane Steffy, and The Tappan Foundation.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts applauds Kia, Official Automotive Partner of the Center and United Airlines, Official Airline of the Center.