Upcoming Events at The Arts Project of Orange County

By The Arts Project of Orange County, For the San Clemente Times

During the weekend of Oct. 17, Neil Simon’s hit production of Rumors debuted at The Arts Project of Orange County, a one-stop shop for all things art. The farcical comedy featured students ages 12 and older as they acted their way through one of Simon’s most beloved plays.

Taking place in a New York City penthouse, the deputy mayor of the city has shot himself in the ear (don’t worry, it’s only a flesh wound) on the night of his wedding anniversary. As guests begin to arrive, he passes out from accidentally taking Valium instead of aspirin. The guests must piece together what has happened and how to help protect their friend from scandal. Mistaken identities, faulty cover stories and rumor after rumor turn an ordinary cocktail party into farcical mayhem.

This is the fourth production at the Arts Project of Orange County in the past 10 months. They have put on Seussical the Musical, Because Love, Into the Woods and are gearing up for their winter season of both Grease and Harry Connick Jr.’s The Happy Elf .

There are over 70 students involved in these productions. Along with doing full length shows, TAPOC has a complete list of fall classes that accommodate all the arts from piano and voice, to painting and drawing as well as musical theater and acting technique classes.

TAPOC officials said the goal of the organization is to become a “third place for its students, a second home where they can come and feel safe, not judged.

“Kids come here right from school,” said Emily Patterson, the head of the Theatre Department. “They come hours and hours before they need to be at rehearsal because they love being here. They love each other and are passionate about their craft. We have truly become an art family.”

Upcoming events at TAPOC:

6 p.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 30. Kids Movie & Art Party:

Also known as Parents Night Out. Drop your kids off for three hours of art, movies & fun! We will be watching The Nightmare Before Christmas and painting a canvas of the famous moon scene from the movie with Jack Skellington and Sally. Open to ages 5 and older. $35 per child. Sibling discount. Great way to let the kids have fun while the parents get a few hours together.

6:30 p.m. Nov. 7. Art on the Vine: Comparing Apples to Oranges

Art, wine and cheese night, no experience necessary. We will be painting “Comparing Apples to Oranges.” Art supplies and a cheese spread are provided. Please bring your own beverages and any additional snacks you’d like. Cost: $40

6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Art on the Vine: All We Really Need to Christmas

Art, wine and cheese night, no experience necessary. We will be painting “Comparing Apples to Oranges.” Art supplies and a cheese spread are provided. Please bring your own beverages and any additional snacks you’d like. Cost: $40

6 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 11. Kids Movie & Art Party

Also known as Parents Night Out. Drop your kids off for three hours of art, movies and fun. We will be watching Elf and painting a holiday inspired canvas. Open to ages 5 and older. Cost is $35 per child. Sibling discount. Great way to let the kids have fun while the parents get a few hours together.