Summer Arts Clinic

Contemporary Dance

Emphasizes the study and practice of the Contemporary dance technique and exploration of the body as a creative and expressive instrument capable of gaining new understanding through the art of dance.

Modern Dance

Modern technique is the study of various practices that work with balance, direction and momentum, release of the joints, and individual expression. This class is designed to prepare the dancer to move fully through space, to use personal expression, and to develop an awareness of self.

Ballet

Emphasizes the study and practice of the fundamental principles of Ballet technique and exploration of the body as a creative and expressive instrument. Movement based experiential learning.

Exploring Architecture Through Miniature Models

The goal of this workshop is to introduce high school students to the world of architecture by engaging them in the process of designing and creating a small-scale architectural model. The focus will be on thinking about space, form, and function in a creative way. During the architecture workshop, students will learn basic principles of architectural design and construction by working on a hands-on project: designing a small-scale pavilion as a functional object in everyday life inspired by architecture.

The students will be tasked with designing a pavilion which will be used as an object (such as a clothes hanger, a chair, or a bookshelf) that reflects architectural principles, such as structure, form, and utility, while also being creative and innovative. The challenge is to think of how a small architectural form can also function as a piece of interior design, creating a meaningful and functional space in a compact form.

STREETWEAR AND SUSTAINABLE STYLE: Exploring Upcycled Design through Hip-Hop

In this week-long course, students will take inspiration from a musical artist or song in order to design and construct fashion-forward streetwear garments. In addition to learning the basics of fashion design including moodboarding, illustrating and sewing, students will practice mending, dying, altering and other skills needed in order to turn second-hand textiles into wearable pieces that reflect their personal style. At the end of the week, students will showcase their work in a fashion show featuring their musical inspiration. No prior sewing or dyeing experience is required. Skills that students will learn: – How to create croquis and sketch designs. – How to create a mood board. – How to make basic garment alterations such as flaring pants, mending holes, adding patches and making simple size alterations. – How to use cyanotyping dying and print on a tote bag. 

Acting

This course explores how we tell stories through acting. Through creative play, group exercises, and skill-based rehearsals gain valuable training in voice and diction, characterization, focus, staging, and more.

Forum Theatre Workshop

Forum Theatre was pioneered by Brazilian radical Augusto Boal as a political tool for change (part of Theatre of the Oppressed), but has been widely adapted for use in educational contexts.

A play or scene (usually showing a form of oppression) is performed twice. During the second run-through, any member of the audience (‘spect-actor’) is allowed to shout ‘Stop!’ when they think a different course of action would produce a more successful outcome. The spect-actor is invited to step forward and take the place of one of the oppressed characters. The scene starts again from a chosen moment so that the spect-actor can try a new approach to change the situation for the better.

If this doesn’t work, alternative courses of action can be tried out by members of the audience. The performers remain in character, improvising their responses to each intervention. A facilitator (Joker) is necessary to enable communication between the players and the audience. The strategy breaks through the barrier between performers and audience, putting them on an equal footing. It enables participants to try out courses of action which could be applicable to their everyday lives.

Introduction to Design for Theatre

This course explores foundational elements of theatrical design and developing the skills to translate text into visual and/or aural content. Involves an introduction to script analysis; visual, aural, and dramaturgical research; problem solving skills; creative exploration and visual communication. Relevant to designers, directors, actors, stage managers, technicians, and informed audience members.

Watercolor

Painting with watercolor and mixed media on paper. Experimental and traditional uses of the media will be explored, emphasizing drawing, composition, and imagination with the goal of development of concepts and technical skill.

Masks of Us: Identity, Culture, and Public Storytelling

In this workshop, students explore mask-making as a way to express their cultural backgrounds, personal identities, and everyday experiences. Using recycled cardboard, fabric scraps, and other sustainable materials, students learn hands-on techniques to design and build their own wearable masks. We also look at how masks from different cultures communicate meaning, celebrate community, and spark imagination. Sketch ideas, experiment with shapes and textures, and reflect on the stories the masks tell. They also write a short artist statement explaining the meaning and inspiration behind their mask. For the final project, students collaborate in small groups to create a shared narrative that weaves together their individual stories. They wear their masks and work together to design a small installation—either outside in a public space or inside the classroom, depending on comfort level. This installation becomes the stage for their collective story. Students can choose to photograph or record their performance to document how their masks bring the story to life.