Opera Pacific’s Basic Training Camp Enlists Kids

Opera Pacific’s second annual summer Opera Camp has started with its goal firmly in mind--two performances of Peter Maxwell Davies’ “Cinderella” on Aug. 4 and 5 at Huntington Beach High School.

“Everything is connected to the opera,” says Maria Simeone, director of education at Opera Pacific. “All the classwork is focused on that final production.”

The camp, which runs through Aug. 5, features two programs taking place simultaneously. One, for singers, consists of classes in voice, dance, acting and opera history, as well as costuming and makeup.

The other, for youths interested in the technical side of theater, consists of hands-on classes in set design, costuming, lighting and sound as well as stage management and direction.

There are 33 students, ranging in age from 6 to 17, in the singers’ program. Another 10, ages 12 to 16, are in the technical production program. Almost all are Orange County residents.

Most already attend an arts high school such as Orange County High School of the Arts or the Academy for the Performing Arts in Huntington Beach, which is Opera Pacific’s collaborator in the program.

Two of the 10 are returnees from last year. One is lighting apprentice, Brit Masterson, from Huntington Beach. The other is Lindsey Turtletaub, 13, of Irvine, who will be one of the stage managers.

Participants were selected in April through a competitive audition process. About 60 kids auditioned.

There is a $375 fee for the singers’ camp, with two students receiving full scholarships. The technical theater program is fully underwritten by Opera Pacific.

“Students in the technical program work elbow to elbow with the Opera Pacific crew that does our main stage work,” Simeone said.

Many people know Davies as an avant-garde composer, but “he’s written about 10 works for children to perform,” Simeone said.

“He’s really dedicated to music education. It’s a wonderful piece.”

Brittany Loewen, a 15-year-old Laguna Beach soprano, will sing the title role. Michael McLean, a 14-year-old Costa Mesa baritone, will sing the Prince.

“What’s new this year,” said Simeone, “is that when the opera kids are not on stage, with direction in the afternoon, they’re with me, having extracurricular classes like Italian for Kids, or writing a script and shooting a commercial for the show or exploring the different versions of ‘Cinderella.’

“I’ll be teaching opera history--which is also taught to the technical kids--through the different versions of Cinderella--Rossini’s ‘Cenerentola’ and Massenet’s ‘Cendrillon.’ Through all that, they’ll learn about bel canto, too.”

A typical day begins with a Yoga for Kids class taught by stage director Robert Kay, who also teaches pupils acting and dance. Voice lessons with soprano Robin Follman, the staff voice teacher, follow. Henri Venanzi, Opera Pacific’s chorus master, is the music director.

“There is no program like this in the Southland,” Simeone said. “It gives the kids quality experience with professionals in the field. And it does the technical teaching alongside the performers.”

* Opera Pacific’s Opera Camp will present Peter Maxwell Davies’ “Cinderella” on Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 5 at 4 p.m. at the Huntington Beach High School auditorium, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach. In advance: $7 (children 3 to 17); $10 (adults). At the door: $12. (800) 34-OPERA.

Classic Indian Performer Does a Graduation Dance

“Arangetram” is an Indian word that means “ascending the stage.” It is used to announce the debut and graduation performance that marks a dancer’s completion of basic training, lasting anywhere from eight to 12 years.

“It’s actually a tradition in bharata natyam [classical Indian dance] more than in other Indian dance forms,” said Ramya Harishankar, director of the Arpana School of Dance in Irvine.

“It indicates one level of proficiency. Many dancers go on to learn more, even if they don’t pursue it professionally.”

The dancer must be able to dance solo for almost two hours, with one intermission.

“We’re looking at how much maturity they have in understanding their art, and how much soul they’re putting into their dance,” Harishankar said.

Anita Vaidyanathan, 15, from San Clemente, is one of several Harishankar students who will be presenting their “Arangetram” dance concerts this month. Anita will dance Sunday at the William Bristol Civic Auditorium in Bellflower.

“I began studying in 1990, when I was 4 1/2,” Anita said. “I always enjoyed doing it. I can relate to my traditions.

“It’s a lot of work, both physically and mentally. You have to focus and concentrate to really develop the stamina and the ability to keep going.”

She also has to worry about injuries.

“Mainly to your feet,” she said. “You have to hit the floor hard. There can be a lot of injury.

“This is basically just the beginning,” she said. “After this I hope to keep learning and take it through my life.”

* Anita Vaidyanathan will dance a solo program of bharata natyam Sunday at 4 p.m. at the William Bristol Civic Auditorium, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower. Free. Arpana Dance Company: (949) 552-9043.

OCPAC Drum and Bugle Program Is Canceled

“Champions at the Center,” a drum and bugle program announced to take place Monday at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, has been canceled because of poor ticket sales.

The program was to have featured three world-champion drum and bugle corps playing a variety of selections--the Blue Devils from Concord, Calif.; the Santa Clara Vanguard, Santa Clara, Calif.; and The Cadets of Bergen County, Bergenfield, New Jersey.

Ticket holders can receive refunds. Information: (714) 556-2787.