The California State University Summer Arts program returns this year, running from July 1 to the 28 at the California State University, Monterey Bay campus for all students interested in visual and performing arts.
This month-long Summer Arts program offers two-week-long classes and workshops in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, writing, media and arts education.
Classes consist of 12-14 hour days, including weekends. This unique environment gives students the opportunity to work intimately with some of the best artists in the world.
“Last year I did the Rennie Harris hip-hop class that was intense, but I built a lot of strength,” Daisy Esmeralda (senior, Child Development) said.
“They treat you like professional athletes, so yes it’s intense but it hurts so good.”
The Summer Arts program is coordinated by CSU faculty members. Since 2002, California State University, Stanislaus theater professor John Mayer has been actively involved.
Meyer has overseen the development of the curriculum and brought together artists and professionals to be a part of the program.
“A typical day in a theatre course might include voice and movement and acting methods in the morning, improvisation in the afternoon, and attending a public performance at night,” John Mayer said.
“Summer Arts is the single greatest educational experience I can recommend to an arts student, whether in theatre, music or art.”
Mayer is coordinating Steppenwolf Classes West at Summer Arts this summer. The Steppenwolf Classes takes its name from Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, whose founders include Jeff Perry (currently appearing in “Scandal” on ABC), Joan Allen, John Malkovich, Gary Sinise and others.
Students taking this course will get to work with the Tony and Pulitzer Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
Scholarships and financial aid are available. More than 70 percent of students get approved.
“I received a scholarship last summer and it helped so much,” Alyse Payan (senior, Psychology) said. “The scholarship paid for the entire tuition, making it easier to only pay for housing since I applied late.”
Workshops carry three to six units of transferable undergraduate or graduate university credit. These college credits have helped students get ahead while enjoying their experience.
“I encourage anyone who has a passion for art or is looking for a fun class to get ahead in credits to apply for this program,” Esmeralda said. “There’s nothing like escaping from real life for two weeks to live in the dorms in Monterey and getting school credit for it!”
For more information regarding the application process, tuition fees, and transferrable course credits, visit csusummerarts.org.