The Six Divisons

The Governor's School of the Arts is composed of six divisions, each of which concentrates on a particular discipline within the arts:

Creative Writing

The Creative Writing division is home to 12 writers. It teaches young writers to work from their experiences and to develop a delight in language and an understanding of structure and form, as well as an appreciation for style. The program results in student readings throughout the four weeks and at least one anthology produced at the end of the session.

Dance

Home to 12 dancers, the dance curriculum provides a series of master classes and workshops designed to hone existing talents while also exploring new territories. A full battery of master classes is offered in ballet, modern, jazz, and sometimes other techniques. Special classes are offered in such support systems as tai chi, yoga, pilates as well as dance medicine and safety, choreography, and more. The majority of the faculty will set repertory, which will be performed, in the final public performance. Dancers also will work on their own choreography. The dancers are also encouraged to explore collaborative effort with artists from the other divisions.

Music

The largest division, Music contains over 46 students. The music curriculum is based on a performance model. Students concentrate on developing their individual skills and learn to cooperate and blend their talents in ensemble work. These activities are supported by individual coaching and classes in music theory and performance practices. This year, the ensembles include a brass quintet, woodwind quintet, two string quartets, saxophone quartet, two pianists, percussion ensemble, jazz combo, and vocal ensemble. These groups each perform at least once a week during the session.

Theater

The theater curriculum seeks to develop its 16 individuals as performing artists by combining technique with positive self-discovery within the artistic discipline of acting. The students study with professional directors, actors and master teachers. The theater curriculum provides a series of workshops, including the techniques of acting, improvisation, stage combat, and vocal technique — voice, speech and singing. Ensemble theatrical pieces are presented to the public throughout the month. In addition, the students study auditioning techniques and the business of acting.

Video/Film

The Video/Film division, the newest division, and the only one of its kind in the country, is home to 10 scholars. The program teaches film and video production as a form of creative expression and as a medium for the communication of ideas. Students will gain practical experience and proficiency in different types of film and video production including, but not limited to, digital video cameras, digital editing systems, 16mm cameras and editing equipment, and different forms of audio. Students will be expected to complete several videos and films in different forms of documentary and fiction, affording them the opportunity to understand all phases of the production process. Classes include: script-writing, storyboarding, creative visualization, use of digital cameras and digital editing, film cameras and editing, directing/working with talent and lighting, and media literacy (through the analysis of selected videos and films).

Visual Arts

In the Visual Arts, 18 students work in a broad variety of mediums which may include drawing, painting, watercolor, printmaking, computer graphics, sculpture and/or crafts. Students explore the depth of expression within the potential of each presented medium. The classes incorporate color theory, design, art history and multicultural themes providing a knowledge base for the critique and evaluation of the created artwork. Students are required to solve assigned problems in visual expression and participate in the installation of exhibits of their artwork. Instructors provide constructive criticism and assist the students in developing their visual statements. The Visual Arts Website showcases work of this year's session.