Students from the Orange County Department of Education’s (OCDE) ACCESS and Connections programs recently showcased their talents in the Summer at the Center 2026 performance. Held at the Samueli Theater within the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the event highlighted the culmination of a two-week intensive program where participants developed skills in singing, dancing, and acting.
This annual program, celebrating its 35th anniversary, is a long-standing partnership between OCDE and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. It provides students from OCDE’s alternative education programs a unique opportunity to collaborate with professional teaching artists, leading up to a live performance for their families, friends, and staff.
Dr. Maria Martinez-Poulin, ACCESS Chief, emphasized the extraordinary potential within every young person when they receive support and opportunities. She noted the powerful experience of watching students perform with confidence, joy, and pride, especially given the significant challenges many have overcome. Dr. Martinez-Poulin indicated that through artistic expression, students discover their voices, build self-assurance, and envision new possibilities for their future.
The program, led by professional artists, begins with interviews focused on a willingness to step outside comfort zones rather than assessing existing talent. Over two weeks, students build the confidence necessary to perform publicly, while also forging new relationships and acquiring artistic skills.
Lisa Lanier, OCDE’s director of state and federal programs, highlighted the remarkable transformation observed in just two weeks. She described students arriving unsure or hesitant, with the final performances serving as a visible testament to their personal growth, courage, and newfound sense of belonging that extends beyond the stage.
The performance itself featured a diverse array of musical numbers. Each student also stepped forward to introduce themselves and articulate their future career aspirations, ranging from astronauts to barbers, reflecting both the group's diversity and the confidence gained during the program.
At the conclusion of the show, students described their experience with single words such as “pride,” “excited,” and “family,” underscoring the strong community formed. Many acknowledged friends, family members, and ACCESS and Segerstrom staff as inspirations. One student expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m just really happy to be here,” acknowledging the teachers who inspired their commitment to the show.
