Concentrations

Creative Writing

Emphasizing fiction and non-fiction prose and poetry, student will develop their writing skills through a series of classes and workshops throughout the program.  Skilled instructors, visiting artists and special guests work with students to increase critical awareness and to hone writing mechanics. Peer review and public presentation of works in progress are core to the program. A juried literary magazine is produced at the end of the program and becomes part of the student portfolio.

Music

CCY’s music concentration is unusual in its multicultural approach to the broad development of musicianship. Students will apply their existing instrumental and/or vocal skills in familiar and unfamiliar ways, participating in ensembles and workshops that touch on jazz, blues, music from Africa, Asia, and Latin America and various experimental approaches, developing a sense of ensemble with other musicians who have diverse experiences and backgrounds. There are daily classes in music theory, as well as work in history, composition, and philosophies of music making, and several prestigious guest artists visit for participatory workshops. Students will both learn and co-create music at a fast pace and will have several opportunities to perform that music throughout the program.

Musical Theater

Students concentrating in musical theater integrate concentrated actor training with daily voice work and dance classes. Students work on solo and ensemble performance skills using selections from the American Musical Theater Lexicon, which covers a wide range of styles from traditional to contemporary. Audition preparation and Master classes are also key components of the training, which includes a focus on the History of Musical Theater and multiple performance opportunities.

Theater

Theater students begin with a five-day intensive program which focuses on movement for actors, based primarily on the Laban and the Viewpoint techniques. This is designed for the actor and does not require any dance experience. Students start each day with Suzuki method intensive exercises in ensemble building, physical core strength, focus and concentration, voice and diction, and improvisation. Theater students then focus on text work and audition preparation. We culminate in a devised-work intensive. Summer Artists-in-Residence or area professionals offer Master classes. A field trip to a local professional production supports their studies.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts coursework includes traditional drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media. Students will experiment with a variety of media in each discipline, with emphasis on foundation building, problem solving, and conceptual exploration. Students will exhibit their work twice during the program. Students will also learn from guest artists, draw from life, and take field trips to museums. Students will document their work, develop portfolios, and receive coaching in the college application process.