In today's world of computers, instant messaging, video games and reality television, arts and culture are almost a forgotten treasure. This month's Great Find, College of the Canyon's Center for the Performing Arts, is bringing the arts to the forefront with something to offer for all ages and interests.

The center has been part of COC's vision for over 30 years. Funded through a partnership between the state and the City of Santa Clarita, that vision became reality in October, 2004. Originally named the EPIC Center (Education, Performing, Informing & Communicating), the facility was re-named upon its opening thanks to a generous donation from local shipping company Vital Express. Unfortunately, a re-evaluation of the business climate required Vital Express owners Dan and Lisa Boaz to cancel their sponsorship of the Center. The college is currently entertaining alternate sponsorship options.

Karen Schmidt, director of the Center, explains that "In today's busy world, we are forced to choose between a myriad of things to do, and unfortunately, those choices are often based on how long it may take. By bringing the arts into the Santa Clarita Valley, we are making it possible for residents to integrate the arts into their lives on a more regular basis - without the traffic and without the hassle."

Today, the College of the Canyons Center is a 47,000 square foot theater, seating up to 926 guests in its main proscenium style stage (similar to most Broadway theaters, where patrons sit directly in front of the stage). An additional "black box" theater seats up to 99 patrons in its entirely black room, where seating is arranged around the actual performance.

The $18.4 million facility is designed to host shows ranging from local theatre groups and schools to professional performances from artists including Melissa Manchester, The Temptations and Sha Na Na. From music and dance to comedy and theatre, there's truly something for everyone.

When asked what makes the Center unique, Schmidt was quick to answer. The intimacy is what sets the Center apart; no seat is more than 100 feet from the stage. She continues: "How often does The David Sanborn Group (Grammy Award-winning saxophonist) or The Temptations come to town? The center is a jewel in our own backyard."

Capitol Steps

The Center will finish out this season with performances including The Santa Clarita Symphony, "Wartime Romance" (a Broadway-style musical for the whole family), "Beauty and the Beast" and "A MidSummer Night's Dream," both presented by Santa Clarita Ballet Company. College of the Canyons will also host a number of performances ranging from dance and music concerts to theater presentations.

When asked to single out performances that she is most looking forward to during the remainder of this season, Schmidt spoke about The Capitol Steps, a world-renowned comedy group made up of current and former congressional members who attempt to be funnier than Congress. Capitol Steps pride themselves at taking a humorous look at serious issues, while providing a nationwide laugh for millions. The troupe will perform on April 22 and Schmidt assures us that there will be "laughs to the left, laughs to the right and laughs everywhere in-between," regardless of your political views.

In May, families will enjoy the ODC/San Francisco (an extraordinary dance ensemble), who will work together with our own Santa Clarita Ballet Company to present "The Velveteen Rabbit" May 20 and 21. ODC/San Francisco will perform their own mixed repertory dance program on Friday, May 19.

Tickets to all performances are offered at reasonable prices, ranging from $5 and $10 (academic shows) to $75 for commercial productions (for seating in the first six rows). Average pricing ranges from $25 to $60, and when you make reservations through the website you are able to pick your exact seat and see the distance from the stage.


For more information on the COC's Center for the Performing Arts, contact their box office at 362-5304 or visit their website for upcoming performance schedules at www.canyonspac.com.