Reinventing The Summer Theatre Intensive: Virginia Summer Arts Collaborative Accepting Applications

The Virginia Summer Arts Collaborative-a summer training program in the arts led by director Joshua Miller-offers instruction and networking for students in grades 5 through 12 who are interested in the arts. Participants will learn from a distinguished faculty of performing artists and musicians from around the country and collaborate with other student artists during two- or four-week sessions from mid-June to mid-July 2018.

Artists in grades 8 through 12 who attend this program will have a residential experience, living on the VES campus-160 acres at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the James River. This unique environment allows students to be immersed in a talented, creative environment where they will hone their skills, expand their capabilities, and explore new and innovative ideas used in the professional world today.

Participants will also have a lot of fun. Outside the classroom, students can take advantage of a state-of-the-art athletic complex, running and biking trails, a swimming pool, tennis courts, yoga, evening bonfires and excursions to other arts organizations around Lynchburg.

"Beyond daily arts programming, we are building into each day time to practice mindfulness, reflection and self-awareness," notes Miller. "VES faculty understand the development of the teenage brain, and mindfulness is an essential part of that development. In today's society, too often we are focused on delivering products and we forget about the process. Mindfulness provides the opportunity to focus on that process, which enhances the product created. This aspect of VES's Virginia Summer Arts Collaborative makes it truly a one-of-a-kind summer arts experience."

Three program tracks students may choose among include:

1. Theatre Conservatory > Musical Theatre, Acting and Technical Theatre
2. Music Studio > Vocal and Instrumental Performance, Rock Band, Songwriter
3. Multimedia Lab > Film and Video Production

Miller, a native of Western North Carolina, with a B.F.A in Musical Theatre, brings a wealth of talent with his background of performing, directing and instructing in Theatre Arts around the country, including San Francisco, Seattle, San Antonio, Chicago, Charleston, Asheville, Richmond and Charlottesville.

Families interested in learning more about or to apply for the Virginia Summer Arts Collaborative at VES, please visit www.vesarts.org.