What is the Governor's School for the
Arts?
The Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts provides
hands-on arts opportunities for the state’s talented high school
students who are dancers, actors, musicians, creative writers, future
architects or visual artists. GSA’s primary components include a
three-week summer residency program, regional arts workshops and master
classes, College and Career day and an artist roster of performing and
visual artists made up of GSA alumni. Utilizing distinguished
professional and teaching artists, students are immersed in a rigorous
curriculum and supportive learning environment that allows them to
explore the discipline and freedom of the creative process.
The Governor’s School for the Arts stands for one simple principle:
that young artists like you are vitally important to Kentucky. GSA is
dedicated to developing your creativity and initiative. GSA is a great
opportunity to join a vibrant, energetic and supportive artistic
community where you will gain a greater sense of confidence and learn to
focus more clearly on goals for the future. In addition, you will meet
new friends who share your love for excellence and the arts.
Apply now! GSA can be
the time of your life!
Who may attend the summer residential
program?
Students who are sophomores or juniors during the 2008-2009 school
year, who reside in Kentucky and also currently attend a high school
or home school in Kentucky. (Students attending conservatories
outside of the state may be considered, but the parents still must
be residents of Kentucky.) Any student meeting these requirements
may audition, regardless of special training or formal participation
in a school ensemble (band, choir, drama club, etc). Participants
are selected each spring on the basis of their creativity, talent
and potential in one of the following art forms: Architecture,
Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Instrumental Music, Musical Theatre,
New Media, Visual Art or Vocal Music. Applicants must also show
evidence of dedication and discipline. There is no minimum GPA
necessary to qualify for GSA; however, students must be in good
standing with their schools. GSA is committed to diversity among our
students and faculty and within our curriculum and events.
What are the benefits of participating in the
GSA summer residency program?
GSA provides the opportunity for the state’s most talented young
artists to learn in a supportive community of distinguished teaching
artists; not to mention, experience the excitement of performing and
exhibiting at Final Day, the culmination of three weeks of intense
learning and fun. By graduating from GSA, students earn the
opportunity to participate and audition at our special College and
Career Day which takes place in Louisville each fall.
Representatives from nearly 70 top national colleges gather at
Louisville’s Youth Performing Arts School to share information about
their schools with GSA students and their parents, and to conduct
auditions and interviews. Many GSA students have received
scholarships as a direct result of the opportunities and recognition
GSA created for them. In addition, 19 total colleges and
universities, in Kentucky and out-of-state, offer scholarships for
GSA alumni. Alumni of Kentucky’s Governor’s School for the Arts are
recognized across the country by the nation’s top colleges and
universities. For details on GSA scholarships please refer to the
GSA website, www.kentuckygsa.org.
Is there a cost?
No! There is no charge to students or their families for attending
the GSA summer program ($2800 cost) or the optional ArtShops. We do ask
that our graduates give back some of what they have received from the
Commonwealth by continuing to be active in their local arts communities
and by becoming lifelong advocates for the arts.
What is a typical week like at GSA?
While our ArtShops are designed to only offer students a full
Saturday of arts enrichment opportunities, our summer residency
program provides an intense schedule of lectures, workshops, field
trips and master classes with guest artists in their chosen
discipline. Classes run from approximately 9:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.,
Monday-Saturday and 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, with a break for
lunch. Evening classes run until 10:00 p.m. on approximately three
to four evenings a week. Evening activities include film screenings,
concerts, theatrical productions, lectures, sports activities and
informal student performances and readings in the student
coffeehouse. Rehearsals, practice-time and additional self-paced
studio work take place throughout the schedule. Optional classes,
called “Smorgasbords”, are scheduled throughout the program and
allow students to explore other art forms in a hands-on workshop
format, encouraging interdisciplinary studies and appreciation.
Where do participants in the summer
residency program live?
Students live in college residence halls, typically with one
roommate, and eat their meals together with the faculty and
residence staff in the college dining hall. The dormitories are
fully staffed with Resident Assistants who are supervised by two
Co-Residential Supervisors, a Head RA, and an on-campus counselor.
Our host and partner in making GSA possible is Transylvania
University, which is located in downtown Lexington. GSA students
have access to Transylvania’s classroom and rehearsal facilities,
computer lab access for internet and e-mail, the Mitchell Fine Arts
Center, the Lucille C. Little Theater, as well as numerous
recreational facilities.
Who are the Faculty?
GSA faculty members are accomplished, practicing professional visual
artists and architects, musicians, writers, dancers and actors. Many
are distinguished college and university professors. All are
exceptional artists noted for their abilities to teach, inspire and
act as positive role models for young artists. The
teacher-to-student ratio during the summer program is approximately
one instructor to ten students. GSA also provides outstanding
private instructors and guest artists, giving students many
opportunities to work closely with professionals in their major
fields.
How will students be selected for GSA?
Admission to GSA’s summer residency program is determined by one of
three methods, depending on which art form you have chosen.
| Auditions and Interviews: Dance,
Drama, Musical Theatre, Vocal Music and Instrumental Music |
| Review of Portfolios and
Interviews: New Media, Visual Art & Architecture |
| Review of Manuscripts (Part 1)
and Interviews for selected students/manuscripts (Part 2):
Creative Writing |
Students select a regional audition site for their audition or
review.
When will GSA's summer residential program
take place?
Sunday, June 21, through Saturday, July 11, 2009.
