Summer Institute
Overview
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 earn three college credits in our in-person programs or 1.5 college credits in our online workshops.
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 in our in-person programs or 1.5 college credits in our online workshops.
The application has closed.
Summer Institute Programs 2022
Click on your desired program below to learn more and apply.
July 11–July 29, 2022
Three weeks
Three college credits
M–F, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. & evening studio hours
In the three-week Art, Media and Design program, your interests drive your experience. You’ll gain new skills and learn to think critically about art through college-level art and design courses, critiques and visits to Philly’s museums and cultural institutions. You’ll take three classes: one major and two electives. Class offerings are broad and reflect UArts’ college experience.
July 11–July 29, 2022
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. & evening workshop hours
Develop your artistic voice in a creative and collaborative workshop setting, in which you’ll be immersed in poetry, fiction and other genres. You’ll learn from professional writers and editors with a variety of backgrounds as you sharpen your skills and gain writing experience in several areas. Modeled on UArts’ Creative Writing college experience, this program allows you to take an Art, Media and Design elective to broaden your skills.
July 11–July 29, 2022
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & evening open studio hours
This immersive, three-week program will expand your understanding of dance as an art form, a college major and a career. Take daily studio practice classes; work with a rotating selection of UArts faculty and guest artists; and explore opportunities to improvise, choreograph and perform.
July 11–July 22, 2022
Two weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & evening studio hours
This dynamic two-week intensive allows high school age instrumentalists and vocalists to explore technique and repertoire while interacting with master-level musicians. You’ll work with UArts faculty to uncover a range of creative possibilities through ensembles, improvisation, lessons and collaborations.
Students are accepted into the program in one of the following performance areas: Bass (upright or electric), Drum Set, Vibraphone, Flute, Guitar, Piano, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet or Voice.
July 11–July 29, 2022
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & evening studio hours
This three-week program gives you exclusive access to new technologies, business practices and music industry professionals. Dive into an immersive, real-world course of study, and collaborate with classmates and professionals. Through project simulations, you’ll merge new software skills with your love of music.
July 11–July 29, 2022
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. & evening workshop hours
All great films and television shows begin with a great screenplay. In this three-week screenwriting intensive, you'll explore the art and craft of writing for film and television. Our faculty of award winning filmmakers and screenwriters will guide you through the concepts of story structure and character development as you generate ideas, create outlines, write dialogue, and ultimately craft a short screenplay.
July 11–July 29, 2022
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & evening rehearsals
Join us in Center City Philadelphia, one of the nation’s largest theater destinations, for three weeks of immersive study. You’ll choose one of three tracks: Acting; Musical Theater; or Directing, Playwriting and Production. Modeled after the renowned UArts college experience, this program trains artists looking for individualized and hybrid opportunities to write, direct, design and produce, in addition to being on stage.
July 18–July 29, 2022
Two weeks
1.5 college credits
Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. ET
In the two-week online workshops, you will gain new skills and learn to think critically about art through college-level art and design courses and critiques in your chosen workshop.
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 attending class in person to include a COVID-19 vaccine, and also requires all faculty and staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, with the exception of approved accommodations.
Once accepted, families will be required to complete health forms which include vaccination details.
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.
Read UArts' comprehensive and most up to date COVID-19 response in the Community Health Policy.
Students attending online workshops are not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
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 and Fees
Tuition and fees vary by program. Click on 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 in-person Summer Institute 2022 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, portfolio review or an information session.
2021 Student Work Showcase
The online gallery of student work from the 2021 Summer Institute online program celebrates the focus, creativity and initiative of these young artists.
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