Time to apply for Academy of Performing Arts

Tom Titus

So you’re about ready for high school and you have a particular

interest in the arts -- acting, singing, dancing or playing a musical

instrument. You’d like to get into a school that places special emphasis

on the arts, such as the one in the TV show “Fame.”

Well, the opportunity is here now, but that window will be open only

until Feb. 23.

That’s the deadline for application to the Huntington Beach Academy

for the Performing Arts’ 2002-03 school year. And it doesn’t matter

whether you live in Huntington Beach or not.

Young people accepted into the APA program may transfer to Huntington

Beach High School, home of the arts program, or attend any school in the

Huntington Beach Unified School District and take APA classes at

Huntington Beach High in the afternoon.

APA is a magnet school of the Huntington Beach district and is devoted

to a specialized curriculum that is considered “pre-professional,” or

advanced training. Classes are offered in theater (acting, musical

theater, technical theater, play writing, directing and TV/media

production); music (vocal, instrumental, song writing/recording), or

dance (ballet, jazz, modern, tap and choreography).

Most APA students work toward earning academic achievement awards,

according to Diana Makas-Colwell, who functions both as artistic director

of the program and chairman of the dance department. She’s in her sixth

year with the APA program.

“This program is designed for students who already have artistic

skills,” Colwell noted. “We develop and refine it. The graduates all

leave here with head shots and resumes.”

Most APA students work toward earning academic achievement awards.

They are offered a “Dance Technologies” physical education class, and

upperclassmen can take some APA classes for Golden West College credit on

the Huntington Beach campus.

But artistic talent alone doesn’t guarantee admission to the APA

program, Colwell explains. “We’re running out of space. We had to turn

over 100 kids away last year,” she says.

Colwell heads a staff of 10 professional instructors who prepare their

students for careers in show business. And although only about half of

them continue in the arts, most gain self-confidence.

Application for the upcoming term may be picked up at the front desk

of Huntington Beach High School during office hours. Additional

information is available at the APA office, (714) 536-2514, Ext. 302.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.