Summer Institute
The Summer Institute is a free, three-week intensive performance workshop for NYC public middle and high school students. Founded in 1996 by Kate Valk and SI Director by Ariana Smart Truman, the Institute encourages students to discover new dimensions of themselves through joyful exploration of live performance.
“A beautiful experience. It incorporates multiple different fields of art, not just theatre and acting.” — student
Teaching artists, all working professionals, lead sessions in acting, movement, writing, voice training, microphone technique and more. Students gain hands-on exposure to a range of design elements—lighting, sound, video, scenic, and costume design—deepening their understanding of the creative and technical aspects of theater. A summer at the Institute builds confidence, independence, and creativity. Stepping outside their habitual selves, participants develop personal agency by taking risks in performance, and engaging in deep and revelatory play.
“We develop a trust that our peers will ‘catch us when we fall.’” — student
Students are accepted as young as twelve, and are invited back every summer until they graduate from high school, at which time they may return as paid interns.
In a unique model, students and teaching artists collaborate as peers to form an ensemble. A high ratio of instructors to students provides an intensive mentoring experience. Each session culminates in three public performances for supporters, friends, and family.
“The Summer Institute is distinguished by the high quality of the performances.” — audience member
The program meets at the Performing Garage, 33 Wooster Street, Manhattan, Monday through Thursday, for five hours each day, for one three-week session. It culminates in three public performances in the final weekend. Lunch is provided.
Watch short videos from past sessions here or view complete performances here.
How To Apply
If you are interested in applying for next summer’s program, please fill out this application.
The Summer Institute typically accepts 12 to 16 students. Participants are invited to return every year until they graduate from high school.
Applicant selection is made with thoughtful consideration of the group dynamic and attention to diversity (of gender, race, ethnicity, age, theatrical experience, and other factors). Creating a balanced group changes from year to year based on who returns from the previous summer.
We especially seek students from low-income families, and those without access to theater arts programming from their school or other extra-curricular programs.
To apply for the Summer Institute, participants must:
• Attend a New York City public School*
• Be at least 12 years old.
• Not have graduated from high school.
• Be available for all sessions and performances.
• Provide proof of up-to-date immunizations.
• Complete the written application: https://forms.gle/JJp7EWKbZmtq8KkF6
• Attend a one-hour informational session.
No prior performance experience is required.
* Occasional exceptions are made for students outside the NYC public school system.
Informational Sessions
Information sessions are one-hour, held at The Performing Garage with the Institute Director and the other applicants. Sessions include games and a program overview. After completing the written application, attendance at a session will be confirmed.
• Friday, May 2, at 6:00 PM
• Saturday, May 3, at 10:00 AM
2025 Schedule Overview
February | Application form available. |
May 1 | Application closes. |
May 2 & 3 | Information Sessions for Applicants (mandatory) |
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July 25 & 26 at 7 PM | Public performances (free) |
Summer Institute Program Schedule
Week One |
Monday, July 7 – 10am-3pm |
Week Two |
Monday, July 14 – 10am-3pm |
Week Three |
Monday, July 21 – 10am-3pm |
Questions? Please email si@thewoostergroup.org.
The Summer Institute Needs Your Support!
The Summer Institute is supported by the Edward T. Cone Foundation, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, New York State Council on the Arts, the J.M. Kaplan Fund, Select Equity Group Foundation, and the donations of many generous individuals. We need your ongoing help in order to sustain this program. The Wooster Group is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization; your contributions are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated. Contribute on-line:
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