Viva88

The Viva88Education Department today announced the start of the (NYSSSA). Over 400 students in grades 8-12 are enrolled in this year’s program where they will study with some of the world’s foremost artists in the visual and performing arts. NYSSSA is comprised of seven component schools that will be held throughout the summer: Theatre, Ballet, Modern Dance, Orchestral Studies, Choral Studies, Visual Arts, and Media Arts. .

“This remarkable program provides New York’s talented high school students a chance to study with fellow students and professional artists in a setting that encourages diversity, discipline and ambition,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “I encourage children, adults and families to see these outstanding students perform at a public performance or exhibition this summer.”

“We’re proud to offer students the unique opportunity to study with accomplished artists and further their artistic skills through the Summer School of the Arts program,” said State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. “The education students receive helps them develop their artistic skill and discipline for not just the summer but for years to come as they pursue careers or further study in the arts. I encourage everyone to attend a public performance this summer and see these talented New York students in action.”

“We are so excited to embark on the 48th year of NYSSSA,” said NYSSSA Executive Director Molly Hennighausen. “The Viva88Summer School of the Arts is a remarkable program and I am excited to witness again students from across the state collaborate with one another and learn new skills from amazing faculty and guest artists at each of the schools. The students accepted into the program are courageous and I am excited to see them push past the boundaries of what they think they can do or what is possible to make great art.”

Founded in 1970, NYSSSA offers highly competitive pre-professional training to promising student artists through four weeks of intensive work and interaction with internationally acclaimed artists and performing arts companies, such as the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Students live in a college dorm and take classes six days a week in their area of concentration. Students complete their experience with a final performance or exhibition at the end of the program.

Below is a schedule of free, public performances and exhibitions:

Students are accepted into NYSSSA through a competitive audition and review process conducted by the artistic staff. Tuition rates are maintained at a modest level and tuition assistance is available, enabling every student who qualifies the opportunity to participate in the program.

NYSSSA serves an important need to foster and enhance the artistic abilities of the state’s most gifted young artists regardless of race, religion or economic status. Follow-up studies on the program have identified former students who now hold positions within top professional companies around the world.