Quick look: More than 650 Orange County high schoolers connected with arts employers and educators at the annual College and Career Pathways in the Arts event, where they explored career pathways supported by Proposition 28. <\/p>\n
From theatrical costuming to art portfolio design, students explored a wide range of careers in the arts during the third College and Career Pathways in the Arts event at Santa Ana College. <\/p>\n
Hosted by OCDE in partnership with local organizations, the event brought together more than 650 high school students and educators from across Orange County to connect directly with arts organizations and employers representing multiple creative fields.<\/p>\n
Launched three years ago by the Orange County Music and Arts Administrators<\/a> coalition, the event was created in response to Proposition 28<\/a> arts funding to highlight career pathways in the arts and address the growing need for qualified arts educators across the state. <\/p>\n County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean welcomed students and staff to the arts-focused day by highlighting OCDE\u2019s commitment to arts education, followed by remarks from Santa Ana College\u2019s Associate Dean of Fine & Performing Arts, Carin Jacobs.\u00a0<\/p>\n Students from seven school districts including Anaheim Union High School District and Buena Park School District took part in a series of breakout sessions and workshops designed to provide a closer look at both creative and behind-the-scenes occupations. Sessions covered topics including audition preparation for musical theatre, technical theatre and arts administration, allowing students to hear from arts educators about the skills, training and pathways needed to enter the field.<\/p>\n Scott Fitzpatrick, OCDE coordinator of visual and performing arts, brought together organizers from local colleges, universities and arts organizations to share their expertise on pursuing the arts through higher education and work-based learning opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition to learning from local arts educators, students also heard from working professionals who shared how they began their careers in the arts. <\/p>\n