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Self-Helpers

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The event: Hearts for the Arts, a dinner show starring students from the Orange County High School of the Arts in Los Alamitos. The gala took place Saturday at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim and raised money for the school’s arts programs.

Earning high marks: Calling their show “Rhythm of the Night,” the students put on a production that combined the best of their singing, dancing and musical talents. Among the production numbers: a performance of Haydn’s “Clock” Symphony by the school’s chamber orchestra, a song-and-dance medley from the musical “Rent” and excerpts from the ballet “Raymonda.”

For the teens, it was a chance to gain stage experience in a theater-like setting and soak up the applause of the 460 guests. “They’re so well trained. It’s almost like watching professionals,” said Karen Elliott, honorary co-chairwoman of the event.

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A is for arts: The Orange County High School of the Arts, founded in 1987, provides pre-professional training to aspiring artists and performers. The school serves about 500 students from throughout Southern California. All audition to attend.

While not guaranteeing that it will turn them into stars of stage, screen or television, the school does give grads an edge on the competition: “Aside from [arts] training, we teach them about the business side, so they know about rejection,” said Ralph Opacic, executive director of the school. “They’re more equipped to handle it because they went to this school.”

Quote: “This school is such a hidden jewel. Here we are building all these theaters [in Orange County]. We better have the talent to fill them,” said Shari Esayian, honorary co-chairwoman.

Bottom line: Hearts for the Arts, the largest school fund-raiser staged by the OCHSA Foundation board of directors, netted about $45,000, thanks in part to silent and live auctions. All proceeds go to the school’s arts curriculum, supporting its staff of professional artist-teachers.

Faces: William Gillespie, gala honoree; Ron Green, gala chairman; Carol Green, OCHSA president; Mark Denis, master of ceremonies; David Green, show director; Harry Esayian; Dave and Pat Lemmerman; Jack and Belle Lindquist; Richard Gadbois; John Gunnin; Patricia Grisham; and Nicole Steel.

Mark your calendar: The season finale at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, starring students from the Orange County High School of the Arts, will be at 7:30 p.m. May 9. (562) 596-1435 or (714) 536-8597.

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