YOPAC

Youth Outreach for the Performing Arts Center (YOPAC) is a unique program that works to bring rich and diverse performing arts experiences to every student on the Central Coast.  Operating within the Performing Arts Center since the facility's inception in September of 1996, YOPAC provides invaluable opportunities for students to participate as audience members, performers, and investigators of the performing arts.

YOPAC is responsible for several ongoing programs...

Open Rehearsals:

Several local groups stage public, open rehearsals with no admission charge, either for a specific under-served audience, or for the general public.  Rental rates are reduced under the Outreach Program.  Local presenting organizations which currently sponsor open rehearsals include Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo, Festival Mosaic, San Luis Obispo Symphony, and Vocal Arts Ensemble.


School Matinee Performances:

Through School Matinee Performances, the Performing Arts Center provides nonprofit arts organizations a deeply discounted rental rate, and in return they provide an opportunity for K-12 students to attend performances during the school day.  While these presenting organizations sell tickets in advance to schools for these performances, YOPAC works closely with these groups to promote matinees, send parking vouchers, create seating assignments, and provide front-of-house staff.

Check out upcoming Matinees!

  Download YOPAC 08-09 Schedule

Transportation Scholarships to School Matinee Performances now available!   Check eligibility and fill out an application today.


Young Artists Onstage:

Young Artists Onstage was designed to bring thousands of lucky students behind the red curtain and onto the stage.  Organizations with school-age performers, such as local middle and high school bands and choirs, are able to use our state-of-the-art facility at a significantly reduced rental rate saving thousands of dollars and allowing students the extraordinary experience of performing in a world-class performance hall. 

Local groups featuring young artists that are performing on our stage:

American Dance of SLO
Central Coast Children’s Choir
Creative Dancin’
Friday Night Live (Mock Rock)
Laguna Middle School
Los Osos Valley Middle School
Morro Bay High School
SLO County Honor Band
SLO County Youth Symphony
San Luis Obispo High School
Vocal Arts Ensemble Youth Choir 

Organ Encounter:

Designed for advanced piano students at the high school and college level, Organ Encounter is a two-and-a-half hour introductory session to the Forbes Pipe Organ.  Led by Cal Poly University Organist Paul Woodring, the class involves a brief historical background on how the organ has evolved as an instrument, an up-close look at exactly how the instrument works, and an extraordinary opportunity for each student to sit down and play the Forbes Pipe Organ. 

For more information contact Melody Klemin mrklemin@calpoly.edu 

Thank you to the following generous YOPAC supporters!

YOPAC would like to thank the City of San Luis Obispo , San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, Rotary Club San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Central Coast Funds for Children, Mr. & Mrs. Aaron A. Baker, Gerry & Peggy Peterson, and Rabobank for their continued support.