Youth Arts Center (Ages 13-18)
The goal of the Youth Arts Center is to provide students
13–18 years of age with an intensive hands-on experience
in the arts in a competition-free environment that emphasizes
individual growth. Students enroll in one course per session
which becomes the primary focus of their participation
in the Summer Program. Students are expected to attend
every class meeting or rehearsal. If a student is unable
or unwilling to participate fully in the program, he/she
may be asked to leave the program with no refund of fees.
Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves completely
in the course of their choosing during the Summer Program.
Although exceptional talent is always welcomed and acknowledged,
the key to success in the program is open-minded and energetic
participation. Instructors expect to work with students
of all levels of ability and experience in a nurturing
atmosphere that stresses strong educational and personal
values along with outstanding achievement.
Students should be prepared to work hard and learn a great
deal. Although many optional recreational activities are
scheduled for Youth students, the requirements of a student’s
chosen course, be it a rehearsal, a class or a lecture,
always take first priority. Conversely, if a student feels
the need for additional help or instruction, he/she can
feel comfortable about asking an instructor for more time
and attention.
Daily Schedule
In general, Youth students can expect to be involved in
course-related activities an average of six hours per
day, six days per week. Individual course schedules vary
according to the needs and requirements of each discipline.
A general description of the daily schedule by discipline
follows.
Dance: Three to four
1.5 hour technique classes/rehearsals each day, with brief
rest periods between each class. Some evening activities
include viewing dance videos along with informal lectures
and discussions on nutrition and the prevention of dance
injuries.
Music: Full rehearsals,
sectional rehearsals, lessons, practice time, and master
classes throughout the day and evening until 10 p.m. Faculty
and student performances some evenings.
Theatre: Classes from
9 a.m.–Noon, and 1 p.m.–3 or 4 p.m. Rehearsals
in the late afternoon and evenings.
Visual Arts: Classes
generally meet 9 a.m.–Noon and 1 p.m.–4 or
5 p.m. Artists lectures occur some evenings.
Writing & Poetry:
Classes meet together 9 a.m.–Noon. Writing assignments
and individual conferences in the afternoons and evenings.
Students often have an hour or two of free time between their last afternoon arts activity and dinner.
Student Pick-Up
and Check-Out
Students are free to be picked up by their parents at
the conclusion of their final performance or culmination,
and after they have been checked out of their dormitory
rooms by their counselors. In general, room cleanup and
checkout occurs on the final Friday night before the end
of the session. Most students depart on Saturday. Students
whose final performance/culmination takes place on Friday
evening are welcome to stay until Saturday, and should
be picked up no later than 11 a.m. Students whose final
performance takes place on Saturday are requested to leave
on Saturday. Students enrolled in Theatre Works! are required
to stay until Sunday morning following their final performance
in order to assist in striking the set.
Recreational
Activities
A variety of evening and weekend activities including
dances, game nights, art playgrounds, pool parties, talent
shows and field games are organized by the counselors
and offered to students. Students are encouraged, but
not required, to participate in these activities depending
upon the scheduled requirements of their arts courses.
Occasionally, students are required by their instructors
to attend student and faculty performances.
Supervision
Students are supervised in the dormitories by counselors.
Most counselors are college students or recent graduates
with a major or strong interest in the arts. Counselors
are rigorously screened and interviewed before being hired.
The Summer Program receives approximately ten applications
for every open position. Counselors are selected by the
Director of the Summer Program and the Dean of Students
based on their experience and interest in working with
young people, their character references and their interpersonal
communication skills. Counselors are the primary link
between students and the Summer Program. Students can
feel free to approach their counselors with questions,
concerns, problems or just plain homesickness.
The Dean of Students organizes a comprehensive 11-day
training and orientation session for all counselors prior
to the beginning of the Summer Program. Topics covered
during orientation include first aid, responsible counseling,
conflict mediation, and campus safety.
Housing
Students are housed in Pierson or Husch Hall (girls) or
MacNeal Hall (boys), four or five students per room. Each
room has a private bathroom with a shower. Supervised
by their counselors, students are responsible for cleaning
their own rooms and bathrooms. Cleaning supplies and vacuum
cleaners are supplied by the school. Students are responsible
for damages to facilities and property. Idyllwild Arts
reserves the right to bill students for repair and/or
replacement costs.
Meals
Meals are included in the fees for resident students.
Idyllwild Arts contracts with SACCO food service. Meals
are served cafeteria-style in the dining hall. Food is
wholesome and prepared for the general taste. There are
vegetarian options at every meal including a hot entree
at every lunch and dinner. In addition, an extensive salad
bar featuring fresh fruits and vegetables is available
at all lunches and dinners. Day students may purchase
meals individually or by the week.
The school also offers a snack bar which operates on a
cash basis. Sandwiches, snacks and soft beverages are
available from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.
General Information
Please visit the Registration and Student Life sections
for additional information about campus location, transportation,
suggestions for items to bring, discounts, credits, scholarships
and the school’s Standards of Behavior.
