State Education Department Announces the Start of the 2019 New York State Summer School of the Arts

The New York State Education Department today announced the start of the 2019 New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA). Over 400 students in grades 8-12 are enrolled in this summer’s program where they will study with some of the world’s foremost artists in the visual and performing arts. NYSSSA is comprised of seven component schools that will be held throughout the summer: Theatre, Ballet, Modern Dance, Orchestral Studies, Choral Studies, Visual Arts, and Media Arts. Each program culminates in a final presentation or exhibition that is free and open to the public.

“This remarkable program gives New York’s talented high school students the opportunity to learn from fellow students and professional artists in a setting that encourages teamwork, discipline and ambition,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “I encourage children, adults and families to see these outstanding students perform at a public performance or exhibition this summer.”

“This program demonstrates the importance of the arts in students’ educational experience,” said State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. “The experience helps students develop their artistic skill and discipline not just for the summer but for years to come as they pursue careers or further study in the arts. The students’ concerts and exhibitions are inspiring and I encourage New Yorkers of all ages to attend a public performance.”

“Students at NYSSSA are chosen for their talent, skill, and passion,” said NYSSSA Executive Director Molly Hennighausen. “These students are some of the hardest working young artists I know, and we are excited to foster their talents this summer. We invite the public to attend our final performances or demonstrations to witness the work of the great artists of tomorrow.”

Founded in 1970, NYSSSA offers highly competitive pre-professional training to promising student artists through four weeks of intensive work and interaction with internationally acclaimed artists and performing arts companies, such as the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Students live in a college dorm and take classes six days a week in their area of concentration. Students complete their experience with a final performance or exhibition at the end of the program.

Below is a schedule of free, public performances and exhibitions:

Students are accepted into NYSSSA through a competitive audition and review process conducted by the artistic staff. Tuition rates are maintained at a modest level and tuition assistance is available, enabling every student who qualifies the opportunity to participate in the program.

NYSSSA serves an important need to foster and enhance the artistic abilities of the state’s most gifted young artists regardless of race, religion or economic status. Follow-up studies on the program have identified former students who now hold positions within top professional companies around the world.