News Summary
Orange Coast College (OCC) kicks off the fall semester with Theatre Nouveau, a series of student-directed short plays held from September 12 to 14, 2025. This event showcases student talents and encourages leadership development through performance art. Additionally, OCC will benefit from a $9.44 million anonymous donation aimed at enhancing the visual and performing arts programs, providing scholarships and further artistic opportunities for students. With a rich tradition in the arts, the college continues to foster creativity and community engagement.
Costa Mesa, CA – Orange Coast College (OCC) has launched its fall semester with the introduction of Theatre Nouveau, featuring a series of student-directed short plays. The performances took place from September 12 to September 14, 2025, in OCC’s black box theatre, marking a vibrant start to the academic year.
The lineup included performances by student actors such as Mia Schiesel, Linda Hanson, Liv Mellon, Mariam Soliman, Ray Al Rayes, and Diego Enz. The choice to have students direct their own scenes contributes to the educational experience, allowing for creative expression and leadership development.
Theatre Nouveau is a long-standing tradition at OCC, serving as an annual kickoff event to engage students and audiences alike. The acts performed during this production provided a unique and intimate experience that stands out from traditional movie viewings, reflecting the dynamic nature of live theatre.
Students involved in the production expressed satisfaction and growth through their participation. Diego Enz highlighted the supportive community fostered within the theatre program, emphasizing the sense of belonging that participants have found. Maia McGraw, a student majoring in Audio Engineering, complimented the student involvement and the close-knit environment that enhances the overall experience.
Among the participants was Linda Hanson, who not only took the stage as an actor but also stepped into the role of director for the scene titled “The Beautiful & the Damned.” The multi-faceted opportunities provided by the program allow students to build a diverse skill set while collaborating with peers.
The production was overseen by Professor Cynthia Corley, who plays an essential role in guiding the students throughout the theatre class. Corley pointed out the transformation that occurs among students through their collaborative efforts, transitioning from strangers to a cohesive and supporting group.
Audience members who attended the performances commented on the enriching experience provided by live theatre, with many appreciating the opportunity to witness the creativity and emotional depth that student-led productions can evoke. A promotional poster for Theatre Nouveau was prominently displayed in OCC’s Drama Lab, showcasing the commitment to the arts within the college community.
Funding Boost for Visual and Performing Arts
In addition to the successful Theatre Nouveau production, the college’s visual and performing arts program is set to receive a substantial financial boost. A recent anonymous donation of $9.44 million has been allocated for scholarships and programming related to the arts, giving a significant advantage to students pursuing their passions.
The generous contribution has led to the establishment of the OCC Endowment for the Arts, which aims to support various artistic opportunities for students across multiple disciplines. This endowment is expected to create pathways for emerging artists to explore their potential and professional aspirations.
The donor, who remains anonymous but is recognized as an alumnus of OCC, joins a list of notable former students, including designer Paul Frank, actress Diane Keaton, and actors Adam DeVine and Patrick Warburton. Their collective achievements reflect the college’s rich tradition of fostering talent and creativity in the arts.
As Orange Coast College continues to evolve its arts programs and traditions, the combination of student-led productions and enhanced funding signifies a promising future for theatre and the broader artistic community within the college.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: OCC Arts Donation
- Coast Report: Theatre Nouveau
- Orange County Register: OCC Planetarium
- Wikipedia: Orange Coast College
- Google Search: Orange Coast College theatre programs
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
