Summer Institute for the Arts

The Newport News Summer Institute for the Arts offers an intensive six-week program in dance, theatre arts, 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 Summer Institute for the Arts is intended for rising 8th grade through rising 12th grade students. Applications for audition are due March 26, 2010 to the school administration building or the child's guidance counselor.

Auditions will be held at various locations and schools throughout Newport News in late April or the first of May. If selected by audition, tuition for attending the Summer Institute will be $300.00 for Newport News residents and $450.00 for non-Newport News residents. Tuition for all selected students is due to an arts supervisor at the school administration building prior to June 4, 2010.

Dates for the 2010 Summer Institute for the Arts (SIA) are from Monday, June 28 through Thursday, August 5 with each week being a four day week - Monday through Thursday. SIA will be held at Woodside High School. Transportation to and from Woodside High School is not provided for non-Newport News residents.

Newport News Public Schools students will receive one weighted credit (+.5 value) for completing an Institute course. Each student will be responsible for providing his/her lunch on a daily basis. Newport News Public Schools rules and regulations apply to all accepted students. Failure to participate in all aspects of the program will result in the dismissal of the student. If a student is absent or tardy for a cumulative of more than two days for any reason, he/she will be dropped from the program. Families are encouraged to support their child's full participation in the program.
   

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. Dance Application

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. Visual Arts Application

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. Music Application

Theatre Arts - 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 theatre arts also will be offered. Theatre Arts Application

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. Creative Writing Application

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