Summer Institute
Overview
July 10–July 28, 2023
Summer Institute offers innovative in-person programs for rising students in grades 10–12 designed to prepare young actors, dancers, musicians, artists, designers and entrepreneurs to navigate their art form.
Choose a program that parallels UArts’ college experience. You’ll be immersed in artistic and critical study while getting inspired with new ideas, insights and perspectives. You’ll also earn three college credits for successfully completing a program.
At UArts, independent thinkers from around the globe are your collaborators and community. At the end of the program, you’ll be thinking and making like an artist—with focus, motivation and vision.
Who can apply?
Motivated rising students in grades 10–12 of all backgrounds who demonstrate the ability to succeed in the program can apply. Summer Institute programs cover a variety of interests from visual and performing arts to writing. You’ll build your portfolio, explore artistic ideas and learn new skills while earning three college credits.
Summer Institute Programs 2023
Click your desired program below to learn more and apply.
July 10–July 28, 2023
Three weeks | Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. & evening studio hours
Expand your perspective on contemporary art-making while working with UArts faculty, who are professional artists and creatives. Through college-level art and design courses, critiques, and visits to Philly’s museums and cultural institutions, you’ll gain new technical skills, learn to think critically about art, complete new work for your portfolio and show your work in a public exhibition.
Over the course of three weeks, you’ll take three classes: one major and two electives. There are a variety of classes to choose from that reflect the UArts college experience.
July 10–July 28, 2023
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. & evening workshop hours
Work with award-winning, published authors and editors to sharpen your writing skills and develop your voice. Through college-level discussion, prompts, creative analysis and critiques, observational exercises around Philly, and workshops, you’ll broaden your experience and talent as a writer in a dynamic environment. You’ll explore several genres, including fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction.
Over the course of three weeks, you’ll take four classes: three writing courses and one elective.
July 10–July 28, 2023
Three Weeks
Three College Credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. & Evening Open Studio Hours
Expand your understanding of dance as an art form, a college major and a career with UArts faculty and guest artists. Transform the way you approach the practice and making of dances, and develop physicality and artistry in over a dozen student-selected workshops, choreographic projects, artist talks, professional dance performances, trips and open studio space for developing your work.
Over the course of three weeks, you’ll take up to five classes per day, collaborate with students in other Pre-College programs and perform in a final sharing.
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. & evening studio hours
This immersive, three-week experience will introduce students to the fundamentals of filmmaking, with classes on cinematography, sound, editing and directing taught by UArts faculty and using cutting-edge digital cinema technology.
Each participant will develop, direct and produce their own short film—narrative or documentary—that can be the center of a strong college portfolio. The program also teaches the importance of community and collaboration, with students collaborating on one another’s projects and, in the process, honing their filmmaking skills. Supplemental workshops will focus on screenwriting, nonfiction story filmmaking, storytelling in virtual reality, and site visits to local studios.
July 10–July 28, 2023
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & evening studio hours
Work with UArts faculty and master-level musicians in our state-of-the-art facilities in Philadelphia, a city with deep-seated musical roots and cultural history. Whether you’re an instrumentalist or a vocalist, you’ll explore techniques and repertoire with an emphasis on improvisation and performance while uncovering a range of creative possibilities through ensembles, lessons, workshops and jam sessions.
Over the course of two weeks, you’ll take up to four classes per day, collaborate with Dance students, and attend and participate in live performances.
Students are accepted into the program in one of the following performance areas: Bass (upright or electric), Drums, Vibraphone, Voice, Guitar, Piano, all woodwind and brass instruments.
July 10–July 28, 2023
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & evening studio hours
Enhance your music composition and songwriting skills in this multifaceted music creation program. Learn how to write for a wide range of instruments and explore creative processes in a variety of musical styles. Develop overall musicianship and apply music theory principles to better understand your creative tendencies and articulate your musical ideas. Take individualized lessons with UArts faculty, and get constructive critical feedback on your work in a supportive environment. Meet and network with fellow composers and songwriters, performers, and other potential collaborators.
July 10–July 28, 2023
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & evening studio hours
Dive into an immersive experience collaborating with peers and studying with music and technology industry professionals. Through project simulations, trips to music venues and recording studios, and guest lectures, you’ll hone your skills in live sound technologies, recording, digital audio mixing and streaming; learn the basics of music distribution, management and copyright; and gain experience networking.
July 10–July 28, 2023
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. & evening workshop hours
All great films and TV shows begin with great screenplays. Explore the art of writing for film and TV with our award-winning faculty. Through lectures, discussions, readings and guided screenings, you’ll learn about storytelling strategies and format; character building; writing visually; and how to pitch an idea, develop an outline and craft scripts.
Over the course of three weeks, you’ll take two courses each day. The program will culminate with an original screenplay and a live reading.
July 10–July 28, 2023
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & evening rehearsals
Experience what it means to be a modern theater-maker, and work with our award-winning faculty in Philadelphia—one of the nation’s largest theater destinations. Through a rigorous, college-level curriculum, lessons, master classes and performances, you’ll develop your voice, stage presence and acting techniques. This program trains artists looking to write, direct, design and produce, in addition to being on stage.
You’ll choose one of three tracks: Acting; Musical Theater; or Directing, Playwriting and Production. Over the course of three weeks, you’ll do daily warmups and take both core classes and track courses, electives and workshops.
Pre-College Vaccination Policy
In support of UArts’ commitment to health and safety for all members of its community, the university has updated its immunization requirements for students to include a COVID-19 vaccine, and will also require all faculty and staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
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COVID-19 boosters will be required for all eligible, in-person students prior to the start of classes, or within 30 days of becoming eligible, in accordance with CDC guidance.
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Students registering for in-person courses must certify their vaccination status at the time of registration.
We encourage all to visit vaccines.gov to help you find clinics, pharmacies and other locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Learn more about the university’s COVID-19 vaccination policy, including FAQs.
Studying in Philadelphia
Spend your summer in one of the coolest cities in the U.S. Anchored on the vibrant Avenue of the Arts, our campus is located in the cultural district of Center City—the heart of downtown Philadelphia. During your summer at UArts, you’ll be immersed in creating and growing artistically. But creativity doesn’t stop when classes end. Between impromptu jam sessions and open studios, you’ll find yourself creating something new with a classmate from around the globe or exploring one of Philly’s world-class museums, theaters or concert venues—all a short walk from campus—with teachers and friends.
Living on Campus
Tuition & Fees
Tuition and fees vary by program. Click your desired program above to learn more about costs.
Scholarships
Scholarships for the Summer Institute are awarded to students in high academic standing with significant creative potential and financial need. Scholarship awards are competitive. Students are able to apply for either a merit- or need-based scholarship.
Policies & FAQ
Read the Summer Institute 2023 policies.
Request Pre-College transcripts.
Philadelphia campus tours: Contact the Office of Admissions by email, admissions@uarts.edu, or phone, 215-717-6049, to schedule an in-person or virtual tour, a portfolio review or an information session.
Questions?
Request more infoContact Pre-College
precollege@uarts.edu
Pre-College Programs
211 S. Broad St, Terra Hall 9th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 717-6430