Summer Pre-College Programs
SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS 2023
Residential and commuter pre-college programs return this summer, with new and updated programs to explore in the fine arts! Students aged 14–18 may choose from courses in any area of the Fine Arts, working with faculty and visiting artists to improve their skills and techniques, hone their creative vision, and create meaningful personal work––all while living on our beautiful campus in Athens, Ohio.
Pre-college students have the option to live in residence halls and experience on-campus college life fully, or may choose to commute to and from classes each day. Either way, they’ll have the opportunity to attend not only their class sessions and visiting artist presentations but also to take advantage of all that Athens has to offer in the summertime! Extracurricular activities are organized by resident advisors and instructors and may include independent films at the Athena Cinema, musical productions and concerts, craft nights, etc. Students also have the option to take advantage of the Ping Recreation Center, or explore Athens’ many independent cafés and shops.
Please note: Health and safety requirements for Ohio University students and visitors adhere to CDC guidance. There is no current vaccination requirement for pre-college students, and masks will not be required in campus spaces while Athens County community levels remain low. Up-to-date safety protocols may always be found at www.ohio.edu/coronavirus/protocol.
SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMS
SESSION 1: June 5–16, 2023
(residential stay June 4–17, 2023)
Details: Courses run 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some courses may have final performances or events outside these hours, please see individual course descriptions.
Cost: Program fees are $645.00 with the option to enroll for 2.0 university credits. Residential stay with all meals included is an additional $795.00.
ART + DESIGN
Design Studio
Students in Design Studio use the fundamentals of the design process to find creative solutions to the questions of tomorrow. Projects span analog and digital methods to explore typography, pattern design, spatial design, 3D modelling and printing, and students complete individual pieces and work collaboratively to develop larger structures. Visiting professionals from a variety of design areas share their experiences with students as they build skills toward effecting lasting change through design. Final exhibition Friday, June 16, 4:30–5:40 p.m. at our Trisolini Gallery in Baker Center.
No previous software experience is required; all supplies are provided.
Fiber: Stitching a Story
This course explores the exciting convergence of storytelling and fabrics, tracing historical paths from what could be called the first comic books to contemporary artwork being produced today. Students will generate their own text through creative writing exercises and learn to translate their language into unique objects, using techniques like embroidery, printmaking, quilting, and weaving. Final exhibition Friday, June 16, 4:30–5:40 p.m. at our Trisolini Gallery in Baker Center.
All supplies are provided.
Painting + Drawing Studio
This immersive studio experience helps students develop their individual painting and drawing practices through explorations of material, composition, and scale. Wet and dry media are introduced, including charcoal, pastel, and acrylic paint, and students will complete individually-driven projects informed by contemporary art practices. Final exhibition Friday, June 16, 4:30–5:40 p.m. at our Trisolini Gallery in Baker Center.
All supplies are provided.
FILM
Summer Film Lab
Students with an interest in story-telling will create individual short films from initial screenwriting to final production in this intensive film-making lab. Working collaboratively to realize each other’s projects, students will have the opportunity to explore the different roles and equipment used on a professional film set. The course explores documentary and narrative modes using historical and contemporary examples, and culminates in a final screening of student work on Friday evening. Final screening on Friday June 16, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
No previous software or camera experience is required; all supplies are provided.
SESSION 2: June 26–30, 2023
(residential stay June 25–July 1, 2023)
Details: Courses run 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday unless specifically noted otherwise. Some courses may have final performances or events outside these hours, please see individual course descriptions.
Cost: Program fees are $375.00 with the option to enroll for 1.0 university credit. Residential stay with all meals included is an additional $395.00.
ART + DESIGN
Introduction to the Figure
Working from the nude model, students gain an understanding of figurative tradition and contemporary
practices that explore issues and images of the body. Students explore drawing, painting, and other
forms of mark-making to investigate perceptions of the human figure.
All supplies are provided.
NOTE: Nude figure models will be present in the classroom. All students must abide by the student code of conduct to maintain a mature and respectful classroom environment.
Photography: Digital and Alternative Processes
Photos are powerful conduits for connection. They are a language all their own and continue to evolve. This one-week course invites students to explore the possibilities of different ways photography can tell stories, strengthen relationships, and be shared. Through artist introductions, assignments, and in-class training, students will make photos focused on creative expression, technique, and relevancy. We will specifically focus on introductory digital photography, darkroom photograms, and cyanotypes. Discussions and assignments center around the impact of photography in our lives and the significance of contemporary photographic art. Students learn how to read an image and articulate conceptual and formal qualities of photographs.
Projects cover a variety of photo related topics, for example, how the history of photography relates to selfie culture and social media, why this scientific invention relies heavily on art and design principals, and how all images belong to an archive in time. Each assignment tasks students with creating their own photos and sharing images as a group through peer critique. The class will culminate with a display of student work a variety of fine art quality prints, and some exploratory sharing of artwork.
DANCE
Summer Dance Institute with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, a premier African-American contemporary dance organization, joins the Ohio University School of Dance to present daily classes in technique, composition, and repertory, culminating in a new student work performed in the Shirley Wimmer Dance Theater on Saturday, July 1, 2023. The Summer Dance Institute also offers professional development workshops with DCDC company dancers 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.
Learn more about the Summer Dance Institute
FILM
Animation Lab
This course introduces students to digital and analog animation with skills and applications for both narrative animation and visual effects. Using open-source software, students have the opportunity to build skills and develop a short animation project.
No previous software experience is required; all supplies are provided.
MUSIC
OHIO Summer Music Academy
The OHIO Summer Music Academy is designed for high school musicians and performers who want to enhance their musicianship, develop their performance skills, and collaborate with talented high school musicians from around the world. Along with our award-winning faculty, the program welcomes distinguished musicians and performing artists to work with students and share their experiences in the field. Students in all areas receive individual instruction and participate in group practice sessions and seminars each day, though individual schedules may vary. The program ends with a finale concert on Saturday, July 1, 2023, in the Ohio University Recital Hall.
The OHIO Summer Music Academy includes the following five streams:
- OHIO Summer Music Academy: Band Camp
The OHIO Summer Band Camp is an immersive experience designed for high school brass, woodwind, and percussion students. Daily classes include both large ensemble sessions and master classes with instrumental faculty, in addition to seminars that explore content such as conducting, different musical styles, and marching band. Participants may perform in a culminating finale concert on Saturday in the Ohio University Recital Hall. - OHIO Summer Music Academy: Contemporary Music and Digital Instruments
Ohio University’s new Contemporary Music and Digital Instruments program offers an opportunity for students to combine popular music and technology to create their own musical works. Composition and performance is taught through hands-on experiences with a wide range of digital instruments including loopers, MIDI controllers, digital audio workstations, beat making software, and synthesizers. Students benefit from individual and group instruction, as well as seminars that explore a wide variety of musical styles. Participants may perform in a culminating finale concert on Saturday, July 1, in the Ohio University Recital Hall. - OHIO Summer Music Academy: Piano
The OHIO Summer Music Academy Piano program 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 and guests. The program also 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.). Participants may perform in a culminating finale concert on Saturday in the Ohio University Recital Hall. This year's guest artist is pianist, Carter Johnson, performing June 27 at 7:00 in Glidden Recital Hall. - OHIO Summer Music Academy: Strings
The OHIO Summer Music Academy Strings program is an immersive experience designed for high school strings students. Daily classes include both large and chamber ensemble sessions and master classes with instrumental faculty, in addition to seminars that explore a variety of musical styles and practice. Participants may perform in a culminating finale concert on Saturday, July 1, in the Ohio University Recital Hall. - OHIO Summer Music Academy: Voice
High school students interested in voice performance work directly with our distinguished vocal music faculty and guests to build their voices and develop their singing techniques. Vocal music students will explore contemporary a capella, choral music, vocal music recording, and live stage performance in addition to explorations of composition, music theory, and studies of extraordinary vocal performers. Participants will have several opportunities for public performance during the program including the finale concert on Saturday, July 1, in the Ohio University Recital Hall.
Learn more about the Summer Music Academy
THEATER
Acting Intensive
This course gives high school students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of what it means to be a theater artist today. The week-long program offers training in acting, movement, voice, and devised theater. Participants sharpen their performance and audition skills, refine their creative voices, and work rigorously in a supportive and collaborative environment with faculty and visiting artists. The immersive training culminates in a final showing of student work on Friday, June 30.
Summer Music Academy Preview
Summer Musical Theater Preview
All courses run full-time Monday through Friday so students can focus intensively on an area of their choice, and experience not only the life of a college student in the fine arts, but also the dedicated experience of a creative professional. Many students find that a course from Session 1 followed by a course selected from Session 2 will enhance their experience and give them additional perspective on their practice. Please note that due to our 2023 session schedule and the June 19 federal holiday, there is no residential housing offered during the week between sessions.