Summer Institute
The Summer Institute is a free, three-week intensive performance workshop for NYC public middle and high school students (12-17 years old). Founded in 1996 by Kate Valk and directed by Ariana Smart Truman, the Institute encourages teenagers to discover new dimensions of themselves through joyful exploration of aspects of 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, video techniques and more. 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 Institute runs for one session of three weeks at The Wooster Group’s home The Performing Garage, 33 Wooster Street in lower Manhattan. Lunch and Metrocards 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 check this page in early 2025.
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.
• Students in the NYC public school system aged 12-17 are invited to apply.
• No previous theater experience necessary.
• The simple written application can be submitted online or via mail.
• Application is in English or Spanish. Other language speakers: please ask and we will facilitate translation.
• All eligible applicants are invited to a 1-hour meeting: it’s an opportunity for us to meet applicants and evaluate if they are a good fit for the program, and for students and families to learn more about The Institute.
• Our priority is in connecting with students who will most benefit from our free program, so we may continue to meet with and accept students past the April deadline.
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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