Jessica Lea Patty Performs with CSArts-SGV Students at Bonita Center for the Arts

California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) Musical Theatre students take the stage with Broadway actress Jessica Lea Patty for the school's second annual "Performing with the Pros." The performance occurs after a four-week-long artist-in-residence program. During that time, the students work alongside Patty to put together an energetic, cabaret-style show featuring music from Broadway hits and stories from her career. The event takes place at Bonita Center for the Arts on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m.

Patty is a seven-time Broadway veteran, choreographer, director and instructor. She was most recently seen on Broadway as Jo in the Tony Award-winning musical "Bandstand." She has also performed as Eva Peron in "Evita" and as Cassie in the Broadway Revival of "A Chorus Line." Her other Broadway credits include the original companies of "9 to 5 The Musical," "The Addams Family" and "The People in the Picture." Patty has also been featured in five Broadway cast recordings and has performed in regional theaters across the nation. She is currently a staff member at Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) where she teaches, directs and choreographs for the school's Musical Theatre Conservatory.

Karen Rymar, assistant director of the OCSA Musical Theatre Conservatory, is helping to bring this exciting performance to CSArts-SGV students and the San Gabriel Valley community. Rymar debuted "Performing with the Pros" 15 years ago at OCSA. She said it is a dream come true to share this longstanding tradition with CSArts-SGV for the second time.

"I feel like I'm at home. The caliber of talent in our 34-member cast is superb and is matched only by their passion, focus and professionalism. Add to that their enthusiasm for performing and respect for the process, and I sometimes feel like I'm cheating the system because of the amount of fun I am having with them," Rymar said.

"Performing with the Pros" is part of CSArts-SGV's Master Artist Series, which brings talented artists and arts professionals to campus to provide students with once-in-a-lifetime learning experiences and master classes. "Performing with the Pros" allows students to envision a path to success by offering them a glimpse into the life and career of a professional. Students are able to see the possibilities in their own future, while also refining their skills alongside a true professional.

The event is open to the public and takes place Saturday, April 6, at 7 p.m. at the Bonita Center for the Arts, 822 W Covina Blvd, San Dimas, CA 91773. Tickets are $25 online, $30 at the door and can be purchased at sgv.csarts.net/boxoffice.

About California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley

California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) provides an 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. CSArts-SGV is the first satellite school to open in a network of public charter schools being established by the California School of the Arts Foundation, an organization created to replicate the award-winning, 30-year model established by Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA).

CSArts-SGV opened on Aug. 14, 2017 in a unique public-private partnership with the Duarte Unified School District, and is a tuition-free, donation-dependent program for seventh through 12th grade students. CSArts-SGV students study in one of the 10 arts conservatories offered including acting, classical & contemporary dance, commercial dance, creative writing, instrumental music, integrated arts, musical theatre, production & design, visual arts and vocal arts. CSArts-SGV is located at 1401 Highland Avenue, Duarte, CA. For more information, visit sgv.csarts.net.

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