This immersive studio experience helps students develop their individual practices through explorations of varied means of mark-making, color application, and composition. Individual projects will range from painting to printmaking, informed by the work of contemporary and historical artists.

Explore our typography and letterpress lab, combine traditional hands-on processes with professional digital skills, and create your own books and graphic narratives! Students design and make their own sketchbooks, develop narrative and graphic forms in comics, and complete a final collaborative book project in this two-week intensive.

In this hybrid art and technology lab, students explore the fast-growing fields of digital art and fabrication as they bring their ideas to life from sketchbook to final product. Using cutting-edge professional technology, students create individualized works across media as they consider the role of technology in contemporary art and design practices. Activities introduce techniques such as vector graphic design, laser cutting, 3D modeling, and 3D printing. Equipment is provided and no previous experience is required.

Photos are powerful. They are a language all their own and continue to evolve. This two-week course invites students to explore the possibilities of the digital photo. Projects cover a variety of topics: how the history of photography relates to selfie culture and social media, why photography relies on art and design principles, and how all images (personal and public) belong to an archive in time. Projects tasks students with creating their own photos and sharing images as a group. Students learn how to read an image and articulate conceptual and formal qualities of photographs. No previous art or photography classes are required. 

The Graphic Design Intensive introduces students to the exciting field of graphic design by way of creative projects and real-world applications. Led by faculty who are also practicing designers, students explore letterforms through hand lettering and typography; digital design through websites and navigation; and narrative design through branding and marketing. Design process, user experience, and creative thinking are introduced and expanded upon.

In this new studio, explore the basics of welding and metalwork while learning how to craft soft sculpture using fiber and other materials. Students learn how to use sewing machines, upholstery techniques, MIG welders, bench grinders, and drills to transform hard and soft materials. Each student works on individual pieces that combine into one cohesive project using both welding and soft sculpture practices.

The Ohio University School of Dance welcomes the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company to Athens for the 2021 Summer Dance Institute! Join us for daily classes in technique, composition, and repertory, culminating in a new work performed in the Shirley Wimmer Dance Theater. The Summer Dance Institute also offers professional development workshops with DCDC and School of Dance faculty, building the skills and knowledge necessary for making a career in the arts. This intensive is recommended for intermediate and advanced level dancers.

The Summer Dance Institute is open to dancers aged 16 and older.

Students with an interest in story-telling have the opportunity to create short video works from initial screenwriting to final production in this two-week intensive film-making lab. The course explores documentary and narrative modes using historical and contemporary examples, and culminates in a final screening of student work.

In this intensive and exhilarating course, students develop skills in acting, dance, and vocal performance as they train directly with school faculty to create the next generation of musical theater. Professional techniques in contemporary and alternative singing styles are introduced, along with modern and jazz dance techniques. The course culminates in a final review-style performance featuring student performances of contemporary works.

This new acting lab is for students interested in deepening their experience of what it means to be a theater artist. The program offers training in acting, movement, voice, and theater making. Participants will sharpen their performance skills, refine their creative voice, and work rigorously in a supportive and collaborative environment. The immersive training culminates in a final showing of work. Come prepared to take risks, have fun and discover your fierce, creative self.

In this new studio, students will be introduced to various hardware and software used for music performance and production. Topics will include loop stations, synthesizers, MIDI controllers, DAWs, and more!

This immersive program is designed for high school brass, woodwind, and percussion students who want to enhance their musicianship, develop their performance skills, and collaborate with high school musicians from the region and beyond. Classes include large ensemble sessions, masterclasses, and seminars on topics such as hip-hop and the history of rock. Band students perform in various concerts during the program and conclude with a finale concert on Saturday afternoon in the Ohio University Recital Hall.

Ohio University’s Summer Piano Academy provides pre-collegiate students with the opportunity to study piano in a stimulating and nurturing learning environment under the guidance of our distinguished artist faculty. This intensive program provides participants with both individual and group instruction, supervised practice time, master classes, ensemble study, performance opportunities, and seminars on a variety of topics (i.e. jazz piano, organ, practice strategies, careers in music, etc.). Piano Intensive students perform final pieces in the Ohio University Recital Hall.

The OHIO Summer String Academy offers high school string performers a chance to work with our distinguished string faculty to develop their skills in ensemble performance. Students receive master class instruction and participate in seminars with the full OHIO Summer Music Academy and perform in a finale concert on Saturday afternoon in the Ohio University Recital Hall.

High school students interested in voice performance work directly with our experienced faculty of active vocalists to build their voices and develop their skills in classical technique. In addition to singing, students explore movement and acting to build well-rounded audition and performance skills. Students participate in individual coaching sessions, group lessons, and activities with all Summer Music students. The experience culminates in a public performance on Saturday.