culver city academy of visual and performing arts *artists wanted culver city academy of visu

welcome to culver city high school's academy of visual and performing arts

The Academy of Visual and Performing The Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Arts (AVPA) is a shining example of distinguishes Culver City High School from other what can happen when schools, teachers comprehensive high schools by providing our and private industry collaborate to students rare opportunities to gain professional benefit our students. experience and training. The dedicated teachers and students who are involved in this program This is a program like no other—a continue to reach new heights of creativity; program where students get real their work is truly inspirational to all who have hands-on experience working along- the opportunity to participate in or to observe side professionals in a setting where AVPA productions. their creativity and talent can be freely expressed. I hope that you will take the opportunity to explore the many facets of this exemplary AVPA has built a solid reputation in program; I know that you will be impressed its quality of performance and student with the level of artistic achievement that achievement since its founding in 1996, AVPA represents. and it continues to grow.

We wish AVPA all the best and pledge our ongoing support for what is one of the District’s finest programs. Pam Magee Sincerely, Principal Culver City High School

Dr. Myrna Rivera Coté Superintendent Culver City Unified School District al and performing arts

The Academy of Visual and Performing Arts has built a solid reputation on its quality of performance and student achievement since its founding in 1996. The Academy programs in theater, music, art, dance, and film have grown steadily over the past years, with over 200 students now enrolled in over 50 classes and workshops and participating in over 25 productions, exhibitions, performances, and special events during each school year.

What is unique about AVPA is not only the impeccable professional training our students receive from the faculty and our supportive Los Angeles creative community, but the nurturing environment our teachers provide with their leadership, mentorship, and expertise. We take pride in our “whole-student” educational philosophy.

Our teachers, programs, and passion help our students bridge the gap between dreams and reality. Our desire is to help them reach their creative goals and to awaken the great talents that lie within.

We hope you will join with us in support of the work we are all doing today to educate the artists and leaders of tomorrow.

Dr. Tony Spano Kristine Hatanaka Co-Executive Director Co-Executive Director *Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Academy of Visual and Performing Arts

The Culver City Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA) 4401 Elenda Street, Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 842-4200 www.avpa.org 3 Inspiring and empowering students to build a compassionate and creative community our mission through statement innovative * and challenging arts education.* Established in 1996, the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts is located on the Westside of Los Angeles in the “Heart of Screenland.” Our neighbors include Sony Pictures Entertainment, UCLA, USC, Loyola Marymount, Santa Monica College, West Los Angeles College, Twentieth Century Fox, and Center Theatre Group. The campus is surrounded by numerous art galleries, architec- tural design, recording, and theater companies. With tremendous community support, a strong faculty, and a rigorous balanced curriculum, students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them to enter college pro- grams, vocational programs, or the world of work.

avpa highlights The Academy student: * Graduates with between 10-15 courses completed in their major * Can receive college credit for some courses (UC/CSU approved) * Learns from professional teaching staff * Practices their craft using state-of-the-art technology and facilities * Has access to internships and scholarships * Participates in many productions and projects each year (25 per year across all four majors) * Is part of a dedicated and motivated student population * Receives teacher/parent communication and guidance, as well as business, community, and higher education support * Makes connections with the professional world and institutions of higher education * HISTORY

5 gain valuable insight about their chosen field, about the as well as access to connections beyond the curriculum walls of the Academy. SPONSORS/ADVISORY BOARD MAJORS Support from prestigious schools of higher Majors are offered in Acting and Theater education, businesses, professional film and Design, Art, Dance, Film and Video, and theater companies, museums, local institu- Music. Minors are offered as well. Students tions, and companies has been of tremendous complete required coursework and production benefit to the Academy. The Academy has work that together provide a balance between received financial assistance, in-kind dona- academic and hands-on training. tions, technical support, curriculum support, internships, and teachers from a variety of COURSEWORK sources, including Sony Pictures Academy students complete their college Entertainment, Westside Production Services, entrance and graduation requirements during Playa Vista Development, The Center Theatre the traditional high school day. Academy Group, The Museum of Contemporary Art, courses begin after school, Monday through The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Friday. A few Academy courses may be Santa Monica Museum of Art, UCLA Fowler offered during the school day. Many of the Museum of Cultural History, UCLA Hammer courses are offered for college credit Museum, Santa Monica College, West Los (UC/CSU approved). Angeles College, UCLA, The Geffen Playhouse, The Culver City Re-Development Note: Not all Academy courses taken outside Agency, and The Culver City Education of the school day are counted toward graduation Foundation. In addition, representatives from requirements from Culver City High School. Sony Pictures Entertainment, L.A. Trade However, all Academy courses and produc- Tech, and The Actors’ Gang sit on our tions will be listed on the Academy transcript. Advisory Council.

PRODUCTION EMPHASIS GRADUATES The Academy produces over 25 productions, AVPA graduates have continued to study their exhibitions, and events each year across all majors at many arts institutions and universi- five majors. Productions include 16 mm films, ties, including New York University Tisch festivals, concerts, art exhibits, plays, dance School of the Arts, The University of performances, and musicals. Depending on Southern California, Princeton, Stanford, their major, students can be involved in all Boston University, Pepperdine University, Los aspects of production, receiving practical expe- Angeles Film School, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC rience in their major that is reinforced by Santa Cruz, Cal Arts, Otis College of Art and classroom instruction. “Java Drama” is an Design, Art Center College of Design, Long annual collaborative production involving all Beach State, Cal State Northridge, San Diego departments. State and others. AVPA students also are cur- rently working at their craft in companies PROFESSIONALS WORKING throughout Southern California and else- WITH STUDENTS where. Our entire faculty and staff are teachers who are also working professionals, thus students the academy experience The Academy is an intensive experience for students. With coursework and productions added on to the traditional six-period high school day, students and parents need to give serious consideration to the time and energy required to participate in the Academy before applying.

On average, the student who is majoring in one of the Academy programs takes Academy classes Monday through Friday throughout the year, and also works on productions, exhibitions, and coursework, which require time in the evenings and weekends for roughly 20 weeks out of a 40- week year. (Each major has its own requirements that may differ from the above description. Specific production and course times for each major are provided during the initial student and parent orientation.)

Because the Academy recognizes academic achievement is critical, the Academy teachers are committed to monitoring the academic progress of their students in their high school courses, as well as the students’ progress within the Academy. Likewise, the Academy urges all students and parents to commit to working with the teachers to balance the students’ course load to maximize *the student’s chances for success in all areas. COMMITMENT

Opposite page: The Chamber Singers prepare for the Winter Holiday Season; This page, top: Gold Award winner, Scholastic Art Competition; Above: Students create a mural for The Cultural Fluency Center. 7 “Joining the Blurred Vision Theatre Company is like seeing yourself in the future. You learn who you are, what you can accomplish, and what you can mean to others.” ALEXANDRIA RICHARDSON, Class of 2007 * original Middle: page,top: Opposite inanyStudents participating accredited mustbepre-approved. ed-study programs anddirect- Theatre Group.Allinternships GangandCenter such asTheActor’s studyprograms anddirected internships additionalcreditforStudents canearn (see“Productions”below).Theater andApplied andLiterature; History Styles for DramaticProduction;Theater Management;Visual Stage Stagecraft; includes classesinDesignTechniques; Coursework for Designmajors Theater DesignMajor Theater (see“Productions”below).Applied Theater Voice;Literature; Movement; Writing; and and History classes inActing; Theater Coursework for Acting majors includes Acting Major for credit. approvalreceive by instructor prior the AVPA onthe listed courselistingmust before signingup.Any coursesnot other instructor the andcheckwith uisites Students shouldreview allcoursepre-req- forRequirements courselistings.) specific (SeeGraduation ments for graduation. courserequire- complete the Design to course listfor Acting orTheater either semester Students mustchoosefromthe 1. Courses Semester areas: following inthe (Borbetter) ing grades pass- 9–12with vised activitiesingrades 75less than creditsofclassroomorsuper- Design, eachstudentmustcomplete no amajor inActing with orTheater Arts Academythe ofVisualandPerforming from qualifyforIn orderto graduation requirements acting andtheaterdesign projectsandadaptations. known original classicsandmajor musicalsto mounts four seven full-scaleproductionsperyear, to rangingfromwell- oftheater. aswell art studies asin-depth inthe experience Thedepartment approach between coursework andproductions,givingstudents hands-on offers two abalanced Acting Design.Both majors: contain andTheater VisionTheatreCompany,The Blurred ofAVPA, department Theater the Cast of “The Cradle WillCast of“The Rock” byMarc Blitzstein; production ofElizabeth Kuti’s “Treehouses”; adaptation ofFranz Kafka's "TheMetamorphosis"; Blurred Vision Theatre Company’s originaladaptation Metamorphosis”; of Kafka’s “The ment). manage- directing, design,andstage leadership positions(i.e.,assistant manyductions, with studentsplacedin producequalitypro- work to asateam S peersandfaculty. their with Emphasis isplacedon studentinteraction aswell scenes. asbehindthe stage skillson honetheir to ous opportunities requirements. Students willhave numer- academic balanceoutthe emphasis to Design majors have aheavy production festivals. Acting Both andTheater theater showstions rangingfrommainstage to academy invarious produc- participating by creditinAppliedTheater Students earn 2. Productions(AppliedTheater) and New York University. University,Angeles College,Northwestern MonicaCollege,West Santa UCLA, Los atCalArts, Summer Schoolfor Arts the following: the to California State limited tional credit.Classesincludebutarenot class(es)willreceive addi- summer theater transcript. will receive 10 Academy creditsontheir orabroad orworkshop states inthe gram pro- inanyStudents participating theater 4. Electives week year. long workshops the throughout 4-6 through Students rotate instruction. studentsreceive moreone-on-one that 10 to shops arelimited studentsorlessso environment.more tailored Many work- inasmallerand artist-teachers qualified fromhighlyStudents receive instruction actingmajor. component ofthe a critical DesignworkshopsActing andTheater are 3. Workshops Bottom: Bottom: Production ofGeorg Buchner's Woyzeck. tudents

Blurred Vision Theatre Company:

ACTING9 & THEATER DESIGN MAJOR “The Young Filmmakers Program gives me the head start I need in the film industry.” LUCAS AVILA, Class of 2010 * a sequence. Students are setting focal distances, reading specialeffects shots, andpreparing the camera anddolly for All photos: College SummerInstitutes. Monica Santa atCalArts, for Arts the SummerSchool Angeles, California State California, UniversitySouthern of Los following: the to not University limited of al credit.Collegeclassesincludebutare class(es)willreceive addition- summer film inanyStudents participating accredited for credit. by instructor the approvalcourse listingmustreceive prior Any AVPA onthe coursesnot other listed before signingup. instructor the with andcheck review allcoursepre-requisites courselistings.)Students should specific forSee GraduationRequirements for Film courses. Some coursesaresemester-long (Pleasenote: requirements for graduation. course complete the course listfor to Film semester Students mustchoosefromthe 1. Courses Semester (Borbetter). grades passing 9–12with activities ingrades 75than creditsofclassroomorsupervised eachstudentmustcomplete noless Film, (AVPA)Performing Arts amajor in with Culverthe CityAcademy ofVisualand from qualifyforIn orderto graduation film majorrequirements production schedule. Academy’s the with ated rigorous associ- practicalexperience intense the combines classroomstudy with a minorinf major. A student may alsoreceive complete requirementsintheir the tion areoffered to s resources. Certif f tremendous to from Sony, campus the hasaccess few a Angeles, just Westside onthe Located ofLos Young Program. Filmmakers its andvideothrough study offilm engage to opportunity inanin-depth The Academy offers students an Film students onthe sets of16 productions SkyIsFalling.” “KillingJackie” mmfilm and“The ilm. Thecurriculum ilmmaking icates ofcomple-icates blocks awayblocks tudents who their Academytheir transcript. abroad willreceive 10gram credits on inany pro- Students participating film 4. Electives vision and expertise. their look into Academy studentsfor film anin-depth work alongside instructors Selected formats, styles,film/video andtechniques. cally of for studyofavariety the Workshops/programs aredesignedspecifi- 3. Workshops Departments. Theater, Music,andDance Art, design/painting for productionsinthe bybe earned working onscenic Academy Additionalcreditmay transcript. studiesontheir al creditsindirected shoot) willreceive addition- USC orUCLA Academyoutside ofthe (for example, a Students working on any pre-approved film shows. and videoproductionoftheater Festival, production ofJava Drama, the by working Film annualFrost onthe studies creditsindirected Students canearn Competitions 2. Productions/Exhibitions/

Young Filmmakers:

11 FILM MAJOR “The Art program gave me many opportunities to display my work at museums and in real art galleries. I believe this is why I was accepted into so many great art colleges.” RYAN ATIANZAR, Class of 2006 * Spotlight Awards, Music Center; with TheMuseumofContemporary Art; collectingartwork for Java Drama; award-winning artwork for The page,top: Opposite Young at OTIS Studio Program Artist available atUSC, include: Ryman Arts Watercolor. made programs art Other Drawing, Design, Drawing, and Classeshave included:Figure Program. MonicaCollegeDualEnrollment Santa the credit by classesoffered through taking college Academy students canearn art mustbepre-approved. study programs anddirected- Allinternships Program. Internship Angeles CountyMuseumofArt orTheLos Apprenticeship Program Art such asTheMuseumofContemporary programs anddirected-study internships additionalcreditforStudents canearn for credit. by instructor the approvalcourse listingmustreceive prior AVPA onthe coursesnotother listed before signingup.Any instructor the with andcheck review allcoursepre-requisites courselistings.)Students should cific for forGraduation Requirements Art spe- Some coursesareyear longcourses.See (Pleasenote: requirements for graduation. course complete the course listfor to Art semester Students mustchoosefromthe 1. Courses Semester following inthe better) areas: (Bor passinggrades 9–12with grades activitiesin classroom orsupervised 75must complete nolessthan creditsof eachstudent amajor inArt, with Arts Academythe ofVisualandPerforming from qualifyforIn orderto graduation majorrequirements art The Wende MonicaMuseumofArt. Museum,andTheSanta Museum, Angeles American TheCalifornia African County MuseumofArt, Fowler UCLA Art, MuseumofCulturalHistory,Contemporary TheLos prestigious museumsinLosAngeles andabroad,includingTheMuseumof AVPA students have shown work their inexhibitions atmany most ofthe artwork locally, exhibittheir andto arts of the regionally, andnationally. Academy students engage areoffered art to opportunities studies inin-depth form ofcreative expression. every media,studentstraditional drawing areexposedto digital andpaintingto processes ofdrawing andpainting,design,ceramics,sculpture. From the through andstyles, whileguidingthem ofmedia,techniques, in avariety ofAVPA Department Art The Fine allows creativity exploretheir students to The Wende Museum's Berlin Mural Project; Bottom: Bottom: Working collaboratively to create FridaKahlo chalk mural. Academy transcript. abroad willreceive 10 creditsontheir inany program Students participating art 4. Electives vision andexpertise. studentsfor their lookinto art anin-depth work artists alongsideAcademySelected ofmediums,styles, andtechniques. variety forare designedspecifically studyofa the workshops/programs Artist-in-residence 3. Workshops Departments. Theater,in the Music,andDance Film, on scenicdesign/paintingfor productions Students alsomay creditby earn working venues. museums,and galleries, other various FowlerMOCA, LACMA, the Museum,and to Exhibitions includebutarenot limited creating artwork exhibits. for art pation inproductions,competitions, and creditsfor partici- studentsearn their Art Competitions 2. Productions/Exhibitions/ atCalArts. Arts SummerSchoolforCalifornia the State Center,Saturday HighatArt andThe College, atOTIS College, SummerofArt College, Portfolio PreparationatOTIS Middle: Creating comicbooks for exhibition

Starving Young Artists:

FINE13 ARTS MAJOR “The Academy gives me a lot of opportunity to practice, produce, and perform. It’s also great fun to work with students like myself—artistic people with a lot of creative energy.” KENJI IGUS, Class of 2008 * Tappa Tappa Tappas; CariAnnShimSham*with Back therehearsal; at UCLA; the Tappa Tappa Tappas preparing for WAC Is page,top: Opposite Productionsinclude for danceconcerts. ticipation inproductionsand choreography creditsfor par- Dance studentsearn their 2. Productions/Exhibitions mer workshops andintensives. inpre-approvedand by sum- particpating programs, anddirected-study internships additionalcreditforStudents canearn SMCclassesreceive collegecredit. taking MonicaCollege.Students Santa through classesareoffered and somesemester for credit.Many coursesare UCapproved, approvalreceive by instructor prior the AVPA onthe listed courselistingmust before signingup.Any coursesnot other instructor the andcheckwith uisites Students shouldreview allcoursepre-req- course requirementsfor graduation. course listfor complete the Danceto semester Students mustchoosefromthe 1. Courses Semester following inthe better) areas: (Bor passinggrades 9–12with grades activitiesin classroom orsupervised 75must complete nolessthan creditsof amajor inDance,eachstudent with Arts Academythe ofVisualandPerforming from qualifyforIn orderto graduation dance majorrequirements requirements. curriculum in additionto dance live concert experience to opportunities are given numerousfieldtrip long.Students isonesemester offeredEach course Dancecurriculum inthe inLosAngeles, California, danceeducators nation. finest andthe from the are t students ofworkingexperience inprofessional environments. Additionally, Dance allowCaplain. Suchopportunities AVPA gain unique Dancestudents to the Kele Kouleman DanceCompany, andWorld Champion Adagio dancer, Cate World Bridge program, Arts UCLA UCLA andCulturesDepartment, Arts org professional community, foster isproudto numerous ongoingrelationshipswith LosAngeles rapidlygrowing dance inthe located The DanceDepartment, and choreography. dance)whiledeveloping andethnic strongtap, skillsindanceperformance jazz,ballet, intraditionalandnon-traditionaldanceformstechnique (modern, Sham Move Company, basedonsolid provides acurriculum student with the The Academy TheShim ofVisualandPerforming Dance Department, Arts “Sand Danz”performance concert; ataDanceOff! aught byprofessional trainingindance andreceive technical staff Bottom: anizations suchasTheDanceCameraWest Festival, Film Dance students at“Joshua” rehearsal credits for classes. those AVPA andreceive elective departments classesfromother take also encouragedto Academytheir Students are transcript. abroad willreceive 10gram credits on inanyStudents participating dancepro- 4. Electives dents for dancetraining. in-depth workartists alongsideAcademy dancestu- Selected ofdancetechniques. variety forare designedspecifically studyofa the workshops/programs Artist-in-residence 3. Workshops Dance departments. Theater,tions inthe Music,and Film, designforon scenicdesign/tech produc- Also, studentsmay creditby earn working Drama. annualJava Musical,andthe Spring DanceConcerts, to but arenot limited Middle: Dance students at“Joshua”

Shim Sham Move Company:

15 DANCE MAJOR “In the Academy you get to meet and play with other talented students. The variety of productions really makes it a great experience.” LEVI WILLIAMS, Class of 2010 * performing atCulverpalooza. The Session 2007; atCulverpalooza; JazzEnsemble performing atCabaret Night2007; rock bandperforming at performing Opposite page,top: Opposite competi- pation inproductions,concerts, creditsfor partici- studentsearn their Art Competitions 2. Productions/Exhibitions/ Ensemble. suchasChamberChoirandJazz Program, MonicaCollegeDual Enrollment Santa creditby coursesoffered the taking college Academy musicstudentscanalsoearn for credit. approvalreceive by instructor prior the AVPA onthe listed courselistingmust before signingup.Any coursesnot other instructor the andcheckwith uisites Students shouldreview allcoursepre-req- Music for courselistings.) specific forcourses. SeeGraduationRequirements Somecoursesareyear(Please note: long course requirementsfor graduation. course listfor complete the Musicto semester Students mustchoosefromthe 1. Courses Semester following inthe better) areas: (Bor passinggrades 9–12with grades activitiesin classroom orsupervised 75must complete nolessthan creditsof amajor inMusic,eachstudent with Arts Academythe ofVisualandPerforming from qualifyforIn orderto graduation music majorrequirements year, the throughout improve aswell ashelpingto individualskills. their Theseclasseshelppreparestudents forscoring. productions various Workshops andfilm canincludesoundrecording,songwriting/composition, history, to aswell aspreparationfortheory ofproductions. avariety Company Seminargives musicstudents abroadrange from ofinstruction Choir, JazzEnsemble,and Advanced Guitar. ThePinkElephantMusic thr experience school,studentsandensemble canreceiveAfter individualinstruction atallCCHSfootball games. performs at festivals, andother schoolandcommunityevents. TheMarchingBand atleastBand perform peryear, two concerts additionalperformances with regularschoolday. the Theseclassesmeet during Concert). Both Choirand in Guitar, Choir, MusicAppreciation,Concert andBand(Marching offers Culver classes CityHighSchoolmusicdepartment the music programs, Academy the school.Like with after creative many opportunities to school regularschoolday the during traditionalmusicprogram the from supporting Students receive manywhileinvolved benefits AVPA inthe Musicprogram, Music students performing in the Theater production of“Treehouses”; Bottom: ough the Academy’sough the musicclasses,whichincludeChamber VAChamber Singers performing atCabaret Night2007; AVPA courses and/orproductions. non-Academy productions andsummer also receive creditforon participation Academytheir Students may transcript. abroadwillreceive 10gram creditson inanyStudents participating musicpro- 4. Electives may longorshorter. beasemester inmusic.Workshops oftopics a variety forare designedspecifically studyof the workshops/programs Artist-in-residence 3. Workshops andDance. Art, Film, Academy’sthe ofTheater, departments ofproductions within inavariety ticipate year, the throughout studentscanalsopar- regular concerts ties. Inadditionto opportuni- performance tions, andother This page: Middle: Jazz student Students

Pink Elephant Music Company:

17 MUSIC MAJOR FOUNDING SPONSOR www.encitemarketing.com MarketingEncite by and brochuredesigndonated AVPA andAVPA Foundation logos Kodak Motion PictureFilm Kino Flo Fowler MuseumofUCLA FotoKem Evidence Room LightingServices Entertainment TheatreGroup Center City ofCulver City Leatherworks Custom Club Culver CityRotary Culver CityExchange Club Foundation Culver CityEducation Charles Schwab Equipment Chapman/Leonard Studio Hardware B&B Ascent Media ArtScene Anchange Productions Rentals Alternative Gang The Actors’ Westside Productions Westfield Fox HillsMall West LosAngelesCollege The Wende Museum Union BankofCalifornia UltraVision ArtsBridge UCLA Fox Century 20th Sound Deluxe spf: architects/MODAA gallery Enrollment Program MonicaCollegeDual Santa Ryman Arts Panavision andDesign Otis CollegeofArt Art Museum ofContemporary Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Los AngelesMusicCenter of Art Los AngelesCountyMuseum LaserPacific culver city academy of visual and performing arts academyofvisualandperforming culver city foundation

19 SPONSORS culver city academy of visual and performing arts * (310) 842-4200 CA90230 CulverCity, 4401 ElendaStreet, Arts and Performing AcademyofVisual The CulverCity www.avpa.org (AVPA)