Community Celebrates Grand Opening of Performing Arts Center

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District and community members celebrated the grand opening of the district’s new Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 19.

To view videos and photos, visit our Facebook page. A link is on the homepage of our website.

“We are incredibly proud of our visual and performing arts programs,” said Superintendent Dr. Doug Domene. “More than 9,000 students participate in the performing arts. This event showcased the amazing talent of some of these students in one spectacular show.”

The event featured performances by music, dance and theatre students from across the district (elementary through high school). Alumni who are now well-renowned in their respective fields also made surprise appearances. Lesley McKinnell, who played the role of “Glinda” in the musical “Wicked” sang “For Good” in a duet with Savana Buttacavoli Beal, who was on the show "American Idol."  Green Day band member Jason Freese gave tribute to the performing arts program that started his career.

In addition, works of art created by middle and high school students were prominently displayed in the lobby and enjoyed by guests during the reception.

The 18,000-square-foot performing arts center is located on the El Dorado High School campus and is designed as a multi-use concert hall and theatre venue. The house capacity is 635 seats, and the stage can accommodate the following ensemble combinations: 125 musicians, or 70 musicians and 100 choir members, or 230 choir members.

Architectural features include a welcoming glass foyer, stage with fly loft, a state-of-the-art sound system, variable acoustics and orchestra shells that can be configured for different musical performances, and private areas for performers such as a green room. Construction began in 2012, and was funded through the communities support of the Measure A bond measure.

The district is now working on a video of the event to make available to the public. Please keep checking the website for more information.

To view a snippet video of one of the many great performances, visit our "PYLUSD Official Page" video on YouTube at:

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