Teens rise to the challenge

Singing rings out from the Studio Performance Space on the third floor of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, so clear and crisp that it sounds like a recording.

Inside, one might expect to find a professional singing group rehearsing for Broadway. Instead, the singers were 35 high school kids wearing green T-shirts and facing a wall of mirrors, dancing and dramatically waving yellow blankets through the air as they prepared Monday for their stage debut this weekend.

“They’re put in a very professional environment,” said Jason Holland, manager of education programs at the center, as he watched the kids dance and sing in unison. “And they rise to the challenge.”

These talented kids are part of the “Summer at The Center” program for at-risk and underserved high school-aged youths at the performing arts center in Costa Mesa.

Much in the same way that their raw talent takes one by surprise, it is not apparent at first glance that these kids are also students of Alternative, Community and Correctional Education Schools and Services (ACCESS) in Orange County.

For many, this is one of very few places where they have ever been encouraged to sing and dance, make friends from various backgrounds and build self-esteem.

“They come from these environments where they’re hiding and fronting, and acting cool and behaving a certain way, so for some, just making it through the two weeks is a really big deal,” Holland said.

The kids were chosen from more than 100 candidates. Holland, who has worked with the program for four years, said those who were chosen exhibited “a willingness to step out of their comfort zone, a certain energy, and a willingness to work with kids of all backgrounds.”

All the effort that goes into choosing just the right combination of kids ultimately pays off. Just ask Gilbert, 17.

“We’re all different in our own way, but we all kind of clash together and mix together. I’ve met so many talented people, and I have a lot of new friends,” he said.

Thirty-five lucky kids made the cut for the 16-year-old program, which is 11 days long and culminates with special Friday evening performances for family and friends of the performers and three free Saturday performances in Samueli Theater, which are open to the public.

The performances bring about a range of emotions in these kids, like those of Jordyn, 17, who is considering trying out for “American Idol.”

“I’m nervous and excited at the same time, because I’ve never performed in front of a huge number of people before,” she said, adding, “But I’m not shy anymore! I’m a lot more outgoing than I used to be, and I’ve met more people than I’ve ever known.”

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Live performances by students of Alternative, Community and Correctional Education Schools and Services (ACCESS) in Orange County

WHEN: 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Samueli Theater at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa

COST: Free

INFO: For more information, visit www.ocpac.org