The Summer Institute

The Summer Institute is a free, three-week intensive performance workshop for New York City public middle and high school students. Founded in 1996 by Kate Valk and SI Director 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 theater 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.