CSSSA People – Pablo Lopez
“Being an artist is such a lucky thing to be.”
Meet Pablo! Pablo Lopez attended the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) Theater program in 2012. As a high school student, he didn’t know what to expect from the experience, but he was open to whatever was going to happen that summer. He admits, “Little did I know that it was going to be the most challenging, the most rewarding (experience) …and a place where I could meet amazing faculty and amazing friends…(many of whom) I still hold dear today.”
Pablo remembers that he was “challenged, pressed, and pushed” to his limits to see how far he could go. Like any artist, he confesses that it was a difficult process, “but its also a joyous and rewarding process.”
Faculty recognized Pablo’s talent and sheer drive as he strived to achieve a certain level of artistry. As a result of his efforts, he was awarded the Herb Alpert Emerging Young Artist Scholarship, providing $40,000 to continue seeking a future in the arts.
He has used his scholarship in his academic pursuits at University of California, Davis, and now at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. During summer he participates in the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble where he participates in two shows per day. “Davis Shakespeare is raising the bar for summer Shakespeare in the Sacramento region and is maturing into an increasingly polished series that will bear fruit for years to come.” – Twelfth Night review, Capital Public Radio.
As a working actor, Pablo notes that, “Every time I approach a challenge or a new piece of work, I do it to the fullest and use the skills that I learned at CSSSA because that is some of the best training I’ve had so far.”
Pablo embraces the difficulty and challenges that are inherent in theater life and is grateful for the struggles, because in his words, “being an artist is such a lucky thing to be.”
A Little About CSSSA:
California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) is a four-week intensive residential program for motivated and talented high school students. It offers seven disciplines, including: Animation, Creative Writing, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts. All California students who qualify are awarded scholarships to attend by the CSSSA Foundation.
The CSSSA Foundation is dedicated to preparing students for a creative life. In the development of the Bridge to College program, young artists have the integral resources they need to build a future in the arts. One of the many resources available, is a set of college pocket guides detailing the programs at colleges and universities in and out of California. To learn more about the CSSSA Foundation Bridge to College program, visit csssaf.org.
