Summer Institute for the Arts

The Newport News Summer Institute for the Arts offers an intensive six-week program in dance, drama, music, visual arts, and creative writing each summer. Students are selected by a panel of area artists and educators on the basis of written applications, auditions, review or portfolios, and interviews.

The Institute is normally held at Woodside High School with specialty workshops held throughout the city. Tuition is charged and will be announced in the spring. Classes normally meet 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, June through August (specific dates to be announced). Food services is NOT available. Students must provide their own lunches. The staff consists of practicing artists, university staff, and local educators.

Students from rising eighth graders to high school seniors residing in Newport News are eligible for the program. Students will receive one weighted credit (+.5 value) for completing and Institute course.

Students may pick up application forms and audition information from any fine or performing arts teacher or from the school guidance office in the spring. Completed applications must be returned to the guidance office sometime in March, and auditions are usually in April. Students will be assigned a specific audition time and place. Information will be mailed home. For more information, please call 591-4561 or 591-4911.

Summer Institute Programs

Dance - Students will study ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Course work will include dance history, a survey of dance forms, and a study of pivotal performers. Workshops will be offered in folk and ethnic dance, character dance, improvisation, and personal grooming for dance activities.

Visual Arts - Students will be given concentrated instruction and experiences in drawing as the basis for all other art skills. Art history and appreciation, including instruction and field trips to area galleries and museums will be included. Workshop opportunities in painting, sculpture, computer graphics, and other media will be offered.

Music - The program will include instruction and performance in vocal or instrumental music. Additional studies will include music theory, the evolution of music, composition, and arranging. Workshops in conducting, opera, musical theater, electronic music, recording techniques, career opportunities, and related areas will be offered.

Drama - Students will receive advanced level instruction in voice, diction, stage movement, stagecraft and design, character development, and acting. Workshops in stage combat, mime, improvisation, Shakespeare, musical theater, summer theater, puppetry, auditioning, lighting and set design, directing, and careers in drama also will be offered.

Creative Writing - Students will receive instruction in the various modes of writing such as short story, poetry, and screen writing . Workshops related to genres such as historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy, mystery, and adventure will be used to generate ideas for settings, characters, and plots. Students will also read literary selections of great writers and learn about literary careers.

Program Objectives

• To develop the unique talents of students
• To provide a forum for the display of student's works
• To enhance student's abilities to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the arts
• To increase student's awareness of career opportunities in the arts