Description
Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) is a nonprofit charter school founded in 1987 by Dr. Ralph S. Opacic. The school specializes in the fine arts, with 16 conservatories offering rigorous academic preparation and pre-professional training in dance, theater, and music. Many alumni of OCSA have gone on to achieve success in the performing arts, becoming Broadway actors and television professionals. Ralph Opacic attributes OCSA’s success to a culture that prioritizes pure purpose, the passion for the arts, and the commitment to nurturing students’ talents. Through its innovative approach, students of OCSA have found a safe and supportive community for pursuing their passions. OCSA’s dedication to the fine arts stands out as a beacon of hope for students seeking to pursue a career in the performing arts.
Rewriting the Narrative of Having a Successful Career in the Arts through an Innovative Approach
I dreamed of performing in front of large crowds illuminated by bright lights. However, through my musical and arts education, I discovered another passion—education. Despite witnessing the unfortunate trend of schools cutting arts programs, I’ve made it my life’s mission to bring back the fine arts (from dance to theater, music, and culinary arts) to ensure that every child’s seemingly “outlandish” dream can come true—all it requires is an unwavering drive, passion, dedication, and a robust work ethic to bring it to fruition.
When my path to academia and education became clearer, I recognized the necessity of advancing my studies beyond a bachelor’s degree in music. I eventually earned my doctorate in 1994. Before that, I served as the choir director at Los Alamitos High School, where I grew my 30-student chorus into a 300-person choir.
In recent years, prioritizing self-expression through art is more important than ever. According to art4healing.org, art helps troubled youth, engendering less stress, healthier emotions, and stronger academic performance. It also fosters a sense of community and companionship. At the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), which I founded back in 1987, we do just that to help students succeed and thrive in a career field that is often considered unrealistic.
A Big Dream That Led to an Even Bigger Achievement
Reflecting on my journey in arts education and the inception of OCSA, my time at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Northern Virginia was pivotal in shaping my vision. While it wasn’t an art school, it prioritized the arts with five choirs, three orchestras, and three bands, celebrating creativity as much as athletics. My mentor, Robert Stambach, was a trailblazer in arts education, creating a rare music theory class and investing in my potential. His belief in me propelled my career, and I’ve since endeavored to pay it forward by identifying passionate students with untapped potential.
This experience laid the foundation for OCSA. In the face of budget cuts to arts programs in the eighties, I saw an opportunity to create a space for passionate individuals committed to the arts. I secured a state grant to realize this dream. OCSA became a hub where skills met opportunities, allowing students to interact with and learn directly from professional working artists. This model, born from my lack of such opportunities as a child, is a testament to the belief that recognizing and nurturing potential can lead to transformative outcomes.
The institution underwent numerous transformations, expanding to encompass over a dozen conservatories. Presently, it extends its reach to over 100 cities in Southern California, ensuring that students from all financial backgrounds have the opportunity to attend.
Today, OCSA, where I served as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director until my retirement in 2021, is recognized as one of the premier arts schools in the nation, offering a unique blend of rigorous academic preparation and pre-professional arts training across 16 conservatories.
Building a Charter School Where Students Feel Safe to Be Themselves
I once commented in a USC Rossier article that I’ve had feedback from students expressing a sense of invisibility at other schools. At OCSA, they find a haven where they can authentically be themselves. This was the impetus behind my initial vision for creating a place like this. When aspiring to be a professional performer, there’s a risk of being marginalized or disapproved of by parents who fear an unstable livelihood. However, our school challenges this misconception. Since 2011, Stanford has admitted 21 OCSA alumni, UC Berkeley 125, UCLA 160, Harvard 9, Yale 7, Brown 12, Columbia 11, Cornell 20, and Princeton 8 (with continued growth). This attests that pursuing the performing arts is a substantial endeavor if you set your mind and heart to it – offering a top-notch education in the process.
Our mission at OCSA is “to provide unparalleled arts and academic education in a creative, challenging, and nurturing environment to a diverse student body passionate about the arts, preparing them to reach their highest potential.”
We believe students can thrive in a safe community where they feel seen and fostered for their incredible talents.
“The culture at OCSA begins with purity of purpose. Ralph Opacic has always been about the students, and that passion allows these kids to come together and be safe and free to explore their passions and do what they enjoy.”
-Michal Mekjian, Jr. Emeritus Board
From TV to Broadway & Beyond
Matthew Morrison, OCSA alumnae and American actor, dancer, and singer, best known for his role as Will Schuester in Glee, was my student who reflects on how his education helped shape his career. “Dr. Ralph Opacic just gave me that fire, and OCSA gave me the tools to go out into the industry and succeed. Thank you, Ralph, for giving me access to a world of inspiration, curiosity, and glee,” he says.
Other Broadway TV professionals and artists that came from OCSA are Elsa Chang, character designer and illustrator for numerous Disney Animation and Nickelodeon shows; Justice Smith, film and TV actor who has appeared in The Get Down, Jurassic World 2, and HBO’s Masterclass; and Lauren Gerrie who is an acclaimed chef featured in Chopped among many other acclaimed performers and culinary artists.
With the growth and success of OCSA, there’s tangible evidence that pursuing a career in the fine arts can yield significant success. Adopting a more inclusive approach makes it possible to reach and help students with limited resources. What I’ve discerned over the years boils down to two key elements: passion and innovation. Being passionate about the arts is essential for navigating this path and investing the necessary effort. As an organization or school, innovation is paramount to cater to more people and help students thrive. Leading a career spanning over 30 years in this field has been an honor, and I extend my gratitude to other staff members and students who have contributed to such remarkable success.
