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 have the opportunity to immerse themselves completely in the course of their choosing. 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 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 8:30 a.m.–Noon, and 1 p.m.–5 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 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.