The Estancia High School Performing Arts Center officially opened with much fanfare on September 9, 2025, as approximately 200 members of the community gathered to celebrate the occasion. Beneath an arch of red, yellow, and silver balloons, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith, and Estancia Principal Michael Halt cut the red ribbon to mark the official opening. Following the ceremony, Estancia High School Drama students served as docents, providing guided tours of the impressive two-story, 46,000-square-foot facility and offering guests a firsthand look at its modern features.

The new building serves as a shining focal point for the campus, welcoming visitors from its perch on Placentia Avenue. As Principal Michael Halt noted the history of Estancia High School, he recognized Kathy Gordon, a member of the school’s first graduating class of 1967. The performing arts center is the school’s newest showcase of the district’s modernization efforts.  

NMUSD Board President Krista Weigand thanked the community for its support in building the performing arts center. Current and former board members were recognized, as well as representatives from the California Assembly, the Orange County Board of Supervisors, and the City of Costa Mesa.

“This is not just about bricks and mortar — it's about making smart, forward-thinking decisions that support student success today and into the future. . . . Our district has always recognized the vital role the arts play in a well-rounded education, and this beautiful new performing arts center is a shining example of that commitment in action,” Weigand said.

The district worked with the community, including the volunteer members of the Measure F Citizens’ Oversight Committee, who monitored the project to ensure that Measure F funds were appropriately allocated. 

“A project of this magnitude comes to life through the hard work, vision, and dedication of a talented team. This is not only one of the most beautiful facilities in our district, but it’s also one that will inspire generations of students to dream big and shine bright,” Smith said.

Among the event’s highlights was the recognition of the late Barbara Van Holt, who originated and led the drama program at Estancia for 21 years, and her successor, Pauline Maranian. The Barbara Van Holt Theater honors its namesake’s legacy at the school and in the performing arts community. Under Van Holt’s direction, Estancia’s drama program was recognized with awards from the Southern California Educational Theatre Association, Music & Art Commendation for Youth, and the California Annual High School Drama Competition, among others. During her time at Estancia, she was named Newport-Mesa Unified School District Teacher of the Year multiple times. Notably, the City of Costa Mesa proclaimed March 15, 1985, to be designated as Barbara Van Holt Day.  

“Thanks to Barbara’s vision and tireless leadership, Estancia’s award-winning theater program has become known for exceptional performances and top honors. With this theater, her legacy lives on—empowering future generations to shine on stage and continue the tradition of excellence she so passionately cultivated,” said NMUSD Board of Education Vice President Leah Ersoylu.

The Pauline Maranian Mainstage recognizes Maranian’s 26 years of dedication to Estancia’s drama program. Now a film studies teacher at Estancia, Maranian has received the Bill Boyer Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Golden Touch Award; she has also been named a Newport-Mesa Unified School District Teacher of the Year and an Orange County Teacher of the Year.  

Under Pauline’s guidance, Estancia’s drama program expanded and flourished, offering students richer, more meaningful opportunities to learn and perform. She ensured that her students received a comprehensive education in the arts—from performing onstage to mastering lighting, sound, set construction, and every backstage role.

Advanced Estancia High School Drama students led tours of the two-story, 46,000-square-foot facility, which features a 350-seat mainstage theater, a 150-seat black box theater, multiple dressing rooms, a green room, a scene shop, costume and prop storage, and more. Surrounded by drought-resistant landscaping, the building meets California standards for energy and water efficiency and conservation.

“I can’t believe this is finally happening. We won’t have to load everything for performances — costumes, sets, everything — into cars, vans, and trucks anymore. This is our space now!” said Estancia senior Derrick Laster, who was one of the student docents. 

Current drama teacher Amber Reyes agreed. “It’s like a dream! We are so excited to welcome the students and the community and show off our beautiful new theater and what our students can do here,” she said.

The musical “Frozen” will be the drama department’s opening production in the new performing arts center. Opening night is scheduled for November 20, 2025. For more information, visit the Estancia Drama website.

The Estancia High School Performing Arts Center now stands as a cultural cornerstone not only for Estancia High School but for the wider Newport-Mesa community. It is a place where creativity and collaboration will thrive, where students will discover their voices, and where the community can gather to celebrate the power of performance. It is a lasting investment in the arts as a vital part of education, connection, and community.

For more photos of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, please visit the district’s online photo gallery.