Program Overview
New for 2027! In live performance, no one works alone. From the set and lighting designers to the costuming team, stage managers, choreographers, and performers, the team of artists working both behind the scenes and in front of the curtain all play a vital role. Whether you see a musical, ballet, play, or concert, collaboration between artists is key!
In this institute, you will have the opportunity to experience this collaboration in action through the lens of the performing arts. With major focuses on the importance of collaboration and community-building, you will learn about and experiment with Chance Procedures through the works of John Cage and Robert Wilson; practice various approaches to the creative process through Somatic practices, and movement generation; and work together to solve problems through group projects such as Prototyping. In addition, you will also have an opportunity to reframe your relationship to failure, for in the creative process these “happy accidents” can often lead to refinement and innovation. This course will conclude with a final project in which the entire class generates, executes, and presents a Pop-Up Exhibit or Gen Lab.
This program is intended for students with a strong interest in the performing arts, including production design, choreography, and performance. No performance, design or dance experience is required; only an openness to trying new things and working with others.
Meet Your Instructors: Rob Morgan and Liz Anderson.
Dates
The Performing Arts Institute is a two-week, residential program offered from June 13-26, 2027.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the Performing Arts Institute, you should:
- Be a current high school student graduating in 2030, 2029, or 2028.
We are looking for mature, academically motivated individuals enrolled in challenging curriculum which may include honors, advanced placement, and International Baccalaureate courses, if offered by their high schools. Individuals who are collaborative, intellectually curious, and creative thinkers thrive in our program.
Fees and Scholarships
The 2027 program fee for the Performing Arts Institute is TBD which includes all program activities, housing, and meals. Need-based scholarship assistance is available. Children of WashU employees and returning students are eligible for a 10% discount. Visit Fees & Scholarships to learn more about fees, need-based scholarships, and discounts.
Grading and Evaluation
Our summer institutes are ideal for individuals who want to experience college-level curriculum without the pressure of a letter grade. Class sizes are small (typically between 15-20 participants) to ensure personalized feedback from instructors. These programs are designed for participants to ask questions, collaborate with peers, and consider new ideas through immersive study.
Although summer institutes are noncredit, they are rigorous. Participants are evaluated based on attendance and engagement in class activities, completion of assignments, quality of work produced, as well as their ability to adhere to academic integrity standards and program policies. Noncredit programs do not issue a traditional letter grade (A, B, C, D, F). Instead, you will receive an "L" for successful completion/audit or a "Z" for unsuccessful completion/audit.
Because summer institutes are noncredit, no transferable credit is earned. At the end of the program, participants may request a transcript of noncredit course work. No certificates are issued for these programs.
Acceptance and participation in summer institute course work and activities does not imply or guarantee acceptance into a degree program at WashU. For questions about the undergraduate admission process, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.
