State Offers CalArts Program to Students

For high school students with aspirations of pursuing careers in the arts and entertainment fields, applications for the California State Summer School for the Arts program are now available.

The four-week summer program, established in 1987 by the state Legislature, provides a training ground for artistically inclined California students in grades eight through 12, said state Sen. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank).

“[The summer school] program offers an opportunity for budding artists to learn by practicing their art under the tutelage of established professionals in the field,” said Schiff, who is also chairman of the California Legislature’s Joint Committee on the Arts.

Prospective students must submit a completed application and two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a teacher, private instructor or professional artist. Deadline is March 2.

Accepted students will attend the program from July 11 through Aug. 8 at CalArts in Valencia, where they will be taught by professional artists, musicians, writers, dancers, actors and filmmakers.

Participants can receive three units of college extension credit from the California State University system.

“It’s an intensive study program like that shown in the movie ‘Fame,’ but packed into four weeks,” Schiff said. “I strongly encourage students with artistic talent and ambition to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

Applications are available at Schiff’s district office at 35 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 205, Pasadena, or may be downloaded from the school’s Web site at www.csssa.org

Cost of tuition, room and board is $1,310, with full and partial scholarships available for needy students.

For more information, contact the program hotline at (916) 277-9444.