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For over 30 years the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra has presented the finest performances of symphonic music to the communities of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. It is the region’s premiere performing arts organization.

Located on East Los Angeles Avenue between the Sycamore Drive and Tapo Canyon exits of the 118 Freeway, the Gothic structure has enjoyed a variety of tenants before being acquired in 1991 by the City of Simi Valley for reuse as a Cultural Arts Center.

Having been approved as Ventura County Historical Landmark No. 67 in July of 1981, refurbishing the building meant preserving the historical integrity as well. The result is a spectacular Neo-Classis structure in gleaming columned glory showcasing hints of its former life. With the first refurbishing, the church pews, cushioned for comfort, were used as seating on the theater’s main floor. Today some of them grace the lobby as seating for patrons prior to shows and during intermission. But the pew ends were incorporated into the theater seating to preserve the integrity of the theater’s original design.

Other hints of its past elegance are visible as well. A row of sconces in the main theater, a doorway, even a downstairs lobby light fixture that has hung in the same place since1924 are all tributes to the building’s varied and colorful past. The numerous stained glass windows, badly damaged in the earthquake, were duplicated thanks to a researcher discovering that the company that made them in 1924 still existed. Following a call to the New York-based glass craftsmen, it was discovered that the original order was still on file after 71 years and could indeed be duplicated.

The lower level lobby features a working fireplace, the box office, front office and public restrooms. Also on that level is the Multipurpose Room, available for rentals, that also acts as a rehearsal space for the shows. It features a small stage and accesses a fully equipped catering kitchen. The multi-purpose community room has a seating capacity of 93 for dinner or classroom seating for 174. The MPR also leads to the Green Room or preparation area for actors as well as two dressing rooms and an actors’ restroom.

Since the opening in late 1995, the Cultural Arts Center has featured everything from jazz and rock ‘n roll bands to classical music, dramas and musicals, and a variety of choral and dance group performances. It has been rented as a site for weddings of all faiths as well as film shoots, vocal and dance recitals, meetings, photography shoots, showers and private parties.

All information shown is from their website.

Santa Susana High School is a public school of choice for accelerated academics, technical arts, and visual & performing arts for students in grades 9-12.

Santa Susana develops scholarly, skilled, and humane students who are prepared for both college and career. The school thrives as an educational community committed to ensuring our scholars are prepared for the demands of our changing global society. The unique features of our school programs include a Schools and Academies structure where our scholars emphasize in one or more of 18 Pathways during their high school career. At graduation, they certify for completing the course of study and a Senior Project demonstrating their knowledge and expertise.

Performing groups are audition-based, allowing students to learn high level performance skills that prepare them for college and/or industry. Students participate in local and national competitions, festivals, workshops, and performances. Students perform in a state-of-the-art 422-seat Performing Arts Center, frequently selling out school events. All students certifying in the arts are required to complete a portfolio for college acceptance and career placement.

For more information about all of Santa Susana High School’s programs, click here.

Credit for all images to Ventura County Star and Santa Susana High School Choir.

Since 1992, Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi (ARTS) has earned a reputation for excellence in live theater, and in 2001 received a commendation from the City of Simi Valley for their contribution to the community. Recognizing the importance of arts education, ARTS’ mission has always been to further develop and increase the impact of the arts on youth as well as adults looking to further their theatrical training and unique expression.

For more information, please click here.

The Grace Brethren Junior/ Senior High School Fine Arts Department is dedicated to preparing young people to be skilled artists with a heart for God. Whatever level of talent or desire on the part of any student, we strive to fully nurture and develop it into an appreciation of the arts. Recognizing individual accomplishment and abilities is encouraged but always accompanied with a balance of humility and glory to our Creator. We strive to incorporate the technological advances of our time so to expand the variety and creative possibilities of creative expression through Performing and Visual Art.

All of the Fine Arts – whether music, art, or drama – are not only gifts from the Lord, but throughout history He has used them to communicate His truths to the world, and to glorify Himself and His creation. Psalm 33:3 commands that we perform skillfully and with enthusiasm. The Fine Arts Department of Grace Brethren High School applies that command to every artistic discipline.

While we delight in those students in whom special talent resides, our primary goal as Christian educators is to promote the understanding that the arts and our love for them are God’s unique gifts to all. Whatever level of talent or desire on the part of any given student, part of our duty is to nurture that desire and develop the gift and appreciation of the arts to the fullest. We teach that the object of the student in developing their artistic gifts is to glorify God in a uniquely personal and creative way.

In each discipline ethnic diversities will be reflected, both to appreciate the variety of God’s creation, and in order to be equipped to make an impact for the Lord in any cultural setting. As a Department, we also strive to encourage interdisciplinary study and understanding, giving students a wider perspective of how God has used artistic expressions of man in every period of social history and development.

We strive to add and incorporate the technological advances of our time, so to expand the variety, and creative possibilities of artistic expression in all disciplines, and to prepare students as fully as possible for career and stewardship opportunities in all the arts.

We encourage the students to develop their gifts, and align their choices, morals, and attitudes as that of an artist with a heart for God.

For more information, click here.