Haugh entertains audiences with diverse content
Nestled on the western end of campus, the Haugh Performing Arts Center most often comes to life at night after most students have gone home.
In addition to serving as the home for many Citrus College student performances, the Haugh has attracted several marquee performers in recent years, including LeAnn Rimes, Los Lobos and the U.S. Army Field Band.
So far, the 2024-2025 season has been off to a great start, with many more shows remaining on the schedule.
During the fall, the Haugh hosted the Righteous Brothers, who embarked on their Lovin' Feelin' Farewell Tour, as well as Jarabe Mexicano, Stella Cole and others. In between those shows, the venue hosted student performances, including "Carrie: The Musical," "Anime in Concert" and "Christmas Is..."
A busy winter season saw a handful of popular shows, including Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock, R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: A Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin, and Broadway's Rock of Ages Band. One major highlight came when Henry Winkler, who portrayed Fonzie on "Happy Days" and, more recently, Gene Cousineau in the HBO series "Barry," visited and shared humorous anecdotes and inspirational lessons from his life.
In March, the Haugh hosted the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company and the college's own Blue Note Swing Orchestra, who performed with students from Azusa Pacific University and Garey High School in Pomona. In the coming months, it will welcome performances from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Vicki Lawrence and the Citrus Singers, among others.
Beyond serving as a premier venue, the Haugh also helps provide students with real-world experience.
Working alongside the performing arts center's team, Citrus College students take part in all aspects of production, from the scene shop and backstage to marketing and front-of-house customer service. The Haugh employs an average of 60 student-workers annually.
Industry connections have also offered students additional experience. For example, the Haugh's team spent a week with the Jim Henson Company on the West Coast premiere and launch of "Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock Live!", which toured 49 cities.
Through master classes or residencies, the season also holds opportunities for students to interact with artists that appear at the Haugh. Instrumental music students participated in a master class with renowned jazz trumpeter Benny Benack III, while the college's Vocal Jazz ensemble opened for Voctave, a touring 11-member a cappella group.
"On behalf of the campus community, I want to thank the Haugh leadership and staff for making our performing arts center one of the most vibrant and unique in the region," said Superintendent/President Schulz. "With such amazing and diverse programming, the Haugh truly does have something for everyone."
To purchase tickets or view a list of upcoming performances, visit www.haughpac.com.
This article originally appeared in the April 2025 edition of the Citrus View.