School opens new center for the arts

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers FOR THE ARTS--Oaks Christian School's new performing arts pavilion stands next to the school's exisiting gym. In photo below, Vice President of Development Tom Konjoyan, at left, jokes with John and Judith Bedrosian, who made a $3-million contribution to help fund the 30,000-square-foot structure.

Oaks Christian School dedicated its new Bedrosian Pavilion Aug. 30 in a gala event attended by 250 donors, guests and other members of the community affiliated with the private Westlake Village school.

Activities included selfguided tours of the $16-million, 30,000-square-foot multipurpose arts facility, the unveiling of a glass sculpted "donor wall" and a special presentation to major donors John and Judith Bedrosian for whom the center is named. Entertainment was provided by student and alumni OCS performers.

The auditorium, with seating for up to 600 and state-of-the-art stage, lighting and professional fly-rigging, will be used for the school's theatrical performances and other productions. The lower level of the double-story pavilion contains a band room, choir room, dance studio, Dr. Stephen Sommers' piano lab, practice rooms, Curtis Black Box Theatre, Downey Burnett Teacher Core and the Sommers Family Media Studio with professional control room and soundproof recording booth.

A large banner signed by all OCS students and faculty was dropped from the stage ceiling during the presentation to the Bedrosians.

The building is the dream of cofounder Dallas Price VanBreda, who envisioned a top-of-the-line performing arts facility that would provide students with every opportunity to experience the full spectrum of the today's world of media and performing arts.

Oaks Christian School, now in its eighth year, is a nondenominational Christian school for grades six through 12.