Casa Romantica

Casa Romantica

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens has always been a jewel in the heart of San Clemente. This year ushers in a new Executive Director, Berenika Schmitz, along with an array of new programs for the community to enjoy.

“Berenika is the ideal Executive Director to lead Casa Romantica due to her Harvard, Oxford, Juilliard and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts training and background. Her energy to engage artists, performers, guest speakers, and arts and science educators is remarkable. She will continue the Center’s dedication to history and California culture, while also broadening its reach and engaging the community. The Board and I are tremendously happy to welcome her,” says Ruth DeNault, Casa Romantica’s Board President.

“This 2013-14 season will have extraordinary programming with something for everyone – a season that will bring the very best artists, speakers and performers to the Casa,” shares Berenika, “We can be a premiere Southern California Cultural Center.”

Highlights of the season include the performance of the acclaimed Christ Church Cathedral Choir from the University of Oxford in England. The Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles will lead the audience through site specific choreography that will make the Casa location become as much a part of the performance as the dancer’s bodies. A Casa Nutcracker will also be presented during the holiday season.

The Casa has always hosted a variety of guest speakers and lectures which will expand to include Malcolm Warner, director of the Laguna Art Museum, and Timothy J. Clark, world-renowned California artist. A new Casa Wellness Wednesdays program will present UCI Medical Health speakers, as well as guest yoga classes from Asana Fit and Pure Yoga. A Casa Cool Jazz series will feature a salsa dance lesson and Latin Jazz. Open Casa will highlight visual artists, starting with Rick J. Delanty, celebrated San Clemente fine visual artist, who will present “The Color of San Clemente: A Collection of Original Paintings of San Clemente and its Surroundings.” These visual art openings will be free to the public.

Berenika is particularly excited about an expanded Casa Kids program. The Casa has always encouraged a love of reading through its Wednesday morning StoryTime at 10 a.m. for ages 3 to 5. This year, the Casa will offer programs in music and theater from the Arts and Learning Conservatory. A Visual Arts class for toddlers taught by local artist and teacher Fery Khadivi and STEM based science programs by Mad Science will be new additions for children in the community. “I cannot think of a more inspiring and pleasant place for parents to spend time with their children. The programming is of incredibly high standards, and we hope that it will also give parents an opportunity to socialize and enjoy the magnificent gardens and grounds of the Casa,” remarks Berenika.

“Sustaining arts in our communities is of fundamental importance to me, and I have a fantastic board, staff and volunteers to help make this year at the Casa truly special,” says Berenika. The Casa Captivating 2013-14 Season is ready to begin, and reservations are open as is the Casa: a warm welcoming San Clemente home and Cultural Center, open to everyone.

For more information about Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, call 949.498.2139 or visit CasaRomantica.org.