Frequently Asked QuestionsSupport

                     
 

 

GENERAL

Why should I apply for CTSA's Summer Academies in the Arts?

More than just your ordinary camp, the Summer Academies in the Arts are a unique, immersive summer experience you won't forget.

The only Orange County university offering a program of this kind, we at UCI's Claire Trevor School of the Arts ⤢, aim to provide a space for creative exploration, enhancing your 21st century skills, supporting college and career goals, and building self-confidence and leadership. Push your boundaries in hands-on, engaging courses with college-level work. Learn from our School's notable professionals and faculty. Network. Create. Perform.

The Summer Academies are the perfect opportunity for learning and development of one's craft in a fun, challenging environment.
 

What age range is this program geared for?

The Summer Academies in the Arts are designed to support students who are in high school as of Fall 2023. It can also be beneficial for current college students interested in transferring to UCI as an arts major, or in honing their skills as they prepare for their career path.
 

I have not studied or been trained in the arts, but love it ⎼ is this program right for me?

We love that you love the arts, but unfortunately, this program will not be beneficial for you. Most classes are designed to support advanced arts students who are seriously considering pursuing the arts as part of their college or career path. To be successful in classes meant for beginning and intermediate artists you should have at least one year of formal training in your discipline.
 

Where will classes be held?

All classes will take place at UCI's Claire Trevor School of the Arts facilities.  Detailed directions ⤢ to our arts campus is available online, or you can use an interactive UCI campus map ⤢ by searching Arts under "Schools and Academic Units".
 

I am a middle school student who is very interested in participating ⎼ can I participate?

No, unfortunately, we only accept students who will be in high school or beyond as of Fall 2023.
 

Do you provide housing for participants?

Unfortunately, at this time, we do not offer housing for those participating in our Summer Academies in the Arts.
 

What is your cancellation policy?

The registration fee includes a deposit of $100 and is non-refundable, no exceptions. Cancellations will be accepted through Thursday, June 1, 2023 for a full refund, minus the deposit. Cancellations made after June 1, 2023 will receive a 50% refund, minus the deposit. Cancellations made on or after the first day of the student's course are non-refundable, no exceptions. 

All cancellations must be made in writing to artsoutreach@uci.edu. Please allow 2-4 weeks processing time for all refunds. 

For refunds regarding university credit, please visit the UCI Summer Session website ⤢. 

Refund requests made based on exceptional circumstances may be reviewed on a case by case basis at the sole discretion of the program administration and are in no way guaranteed.

  

ACADEMIES

How do I register for the Academies?

Our registration process includes two steps:

  1. Application
  2. Registration

Students must complete both steps to participate in the course. Incomplete applications or registrations will not be used to reserve spots in the course.
 

Do I have to audition or submit a portfolio to participate?

We require that all students apply for their course of interest by submitting an application, with supplemental materials, before registration.  The materials will be used in the following ways:

  • Reviewed for placement into appropriate levels, if needed.
  • Shared with the course instructor(s) so they may prepare curriculum that meets the needs and goals of each student.

Once all materials are received and reviewed, another email with a link to register for the course will be sent.  More specific information regarding these requirements can be found on the individual Academy pages.
 

I completed my registration ⎼ what happens now?

You should receive an email confirming your registration with general Academy information.  Another email will not be sent until one week prior to your course, including more detailed logistics, expectations, and other pertinent information.  It is an extremely busy time for us, so we appreciate your patience as we prepare for your arrival. 
 

What is the daily schedule for each course?

All classes generally run Monday-Friday with an hour break for lunch.  Start and end times vary depending on the course, so please refer to the specific Academy for more information.
 

If I am only interested in some of the sessions or am not available for certain times, can I just participate in those?

No.  The program is structured in a sequential way for students to learn and apply gained knowledge and skills as they progress through the week.  We expect all students to be present and engaged in all sessions.

 

Who teaches the courses?

Our instructors are high-level graduate students, alumni in the industry, and esteemed faculty that are affiliated with Claire Trevor School of the Arts at UC Irvine.
 

Where can I find more information on summer classes other than the arts?

Please visit the UCI Summer Youth Programs website ⤢ to browse more offerings.

  

REGISTRATION & FEES

What is the deadline to register for the Academies?

The deadline to register for the Summer Academies is Thursday, June 1, 2023. Applications submitted after this date will not be reviewed. Registrations received after this date will be placed on the waitlist and admitted to the course if space is available.
 

How do you establish the costs for the program?

Registration fees for each of the Academies are established based on the number of 'instruction contact hours', meaning hours students spend receiving instruction.  We believe our prices are competitive with comparable programs and that the program is invaluable based on the skills learned, the top-level instruction given, and the unique experience gained.

We do offer financial assistance to ensure our Academies are accessible to all students.  Please visit our Scholarships, Financial Aid & Discounts page for more information.
 

What are my options if I am unsure whether I can afford registration costs?

Full and partial scholarships are available, with at least one full scholarship in each discipline (Art, Dance, Drama, and Music).  Scholarships may be used to offset registration costs, but may not be used to cover costs for university credit.  Financial aid is also available based on household income and size.  

If interested, please visit our Scholarships, Financial Aid & Discounts page for more information and to apply.
 

Do you offer college credit for participating in the program?

For an additional fee, university credit is available by enrolling as a student through UCI's Summer Session office ⤢.  Students will incur an additional fee of $465.50 on top of your Academy registration - $178.50 for course fees and a $287 mandatory campus fee*.  To qualify, students must be a Junior or Senior high school student as of Fall 2023 with an unweighted GPA of 3.0, or be a current college student.  If interested, please email artsoutreach@uci.edu to obtain more information to register for credit.  Last day to enroll for credit without a $50 late fee is June 23, 2023.

Student who enroll will receive university credit towards one (1) unit in an independent study course. Please double check with your academic counselor to ensure that credit can be transferred to the appropriate course/program.

International students also qualify to receive credit, but require additional documentation.  Please email artsoutreach@uci.edu for more information.

*Fees subject to change based on UCI's Summer Session office.
 

  

SAFETY & ACCESSIBILITY

How do you ensure the safety of those participating in your program?

Safety is our number one priority. We are proud to be the first program at UC Irvine and within the entire University of California system to be Praesidium Accredited.  This includes having all our instructors and staff trained in youth protection and basic emergency response, with extensive policies in place to maintain the safety of all participants.  Refer to the Student Handbook ⤢ for more information.
 

Are there any COVID-19 related safety measures in place?

While UCI is not requiring vaccination to participate in this program, we do encourage all participants who are eligible to be vaccinated and boosted to do so prior to attending the Summer Academies.

We follow protocols for non-pharmaceutical interventions or NPIs such as testing and masking.  All participants, regardless of vaccination status, are required to follow all current NPIs, no exceptions. 

We recognize the tremendous benefit that the arts have on our collective well-being.  Together, we can ensure that the Summer Academies are a space where young artists thrive.  To keep our community safe and healthy:

  • Students should not attend their Summer Academies class if they are feeling sick or have any symptoms of cold, flu, or COVID-19 ⤢, or if they receive a positive test. 
  • We encourage everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to take a COVID-19 test prior to the first day of class.
    • Laboratory antigen and PCR tests should be taken 24-48 hours before the first day, and everyone should do their best to avoid exposure between their test and coming to class.

I have specific accommodations and accessibility needs ⎼ who can I contact about this?

We are committed to reducing as many barriers to participation for all our students, and will do our best to accommodate any additional needs. Please contact us at artsoutreach@uci.edu to further discuss your specific needs.

  

                     

  
If you have any additional questions that were not answered here, in our Student Handbook ⤢, or on the specific course pages, please email us at artsoutreach@uci.edu.

Artist Support

                     

  

These last several years have been difficult for all of us in many ways.  The arts have been hit particularly hard because so much of the work we do requires physical closeness and interaction. While prioritizing the health and safety of our participants, instructors, and staff, we also need to support our community of artists.

The Summer Academies in the Arts program provides advanced young artists the tools they will need as they develop their technical and artistic skills in preparation for applications and audition material for college and career pursuits. It also provides much needed employment for our team of instructors ⎼ practicing artists themselves.

If you are able, please consider making a gift of any amount to support the Summer Academies in the Arts program. Your contribution will make a significant impact by supporting the artists who make it possible.

Summer Academies Instructor

Arts Outreach

                     

  

Students with audience in a performance studio

  

 

The mission of Outreach at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts (CTSA) is to connect CTSA with the community in ways that transform lives.

We partner with local schools and community organizations to share the talents and knowledge of our students, faculty, and staff with people of all ages. Composed of several community-minded programs, we introduce children to the arts, prepare middle and high school students for the next step in their arts education, and provide adults with active experiential immersion in the arts to help enrich lives. CTSA’s Outreach programs support the mission of the school as conduits for community engagement, fostering leadership both in the young artists who participate in them, and in the CTSA students and faculty who facilitate them.

Learn More ⤢