This program does not require any type of assessment or audition to get into the program. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Any previous music instruction will be helpful, but is not required.

• A refillable water bottle
• Comfortable clothes that allow for movement
• Sturdy closed-toed shoes

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time in Children’s Center. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Children’s Center between 8:15 – 8:25 am
(breakfast is not included for day students)

Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Children’s Center

8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 am – 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30 pm – 3:45 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)

Day students should be picked up from Children’s Center at 4:00 pm.

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RA’s.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 – 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Lauren Daniels has taught at Children’s Center for the ����ֱ�� ����ֱ�� Program since 2015.  She teaches music, theatre, and literacy at various schools and facilities in California, and has done so for over 20 years.  Lauren holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice, Percussion, and Theatre Performance from Belmont University and a board certification in Music Therapy.  She earned an MLIS from San Jose State inspired by her love of books and is both a children’s librarian and an adjunct professor of library science at various colleges and high schools in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs

Students who are interested in the Dance Technique for the Male Dancer must submit a video audition for acceptance.

Please submit a 1-2 minute video showing you dancing a solo in your favorite style of dance. This can be a performance video or something made in a dance studio. If it is a video of a group dance, please make sure you are visible for us to see and be clear as to which dancer you are.

Once you have submitted the Camper Application, we will send you information on how to submit your dance video.

Dance Experience:
It is suggested that applicants have at least three years of dance training. The training is rigorous—dancers will be in class and rehearsals for up to 6 hours per day.

Once you have completed the Camper Application, your application will be reviewed within 5 days by a member of the Enrollment team. At this time, you will be charged the $50 application fee and receive an email with a link to the Submittable audition application for you to submit your audition. Complete the Submittable audition application and provide an email address for your teacher recommendation form within Submittable.

We use the platform Submittable to receive all auditions for the ����ֱ�� Program (a universal platform utilized for exhibitions, contests and even university and job applications). It is very easy to use. You will be prompted to set up a free Submittable account with your email. This account can be used for any future open calls you apply to at ����ֱ�� and beyond!

Priority Audition Deadline: February 15, 2027
First round evaluation will take place shortly after this date. You will be notified of acceptance as soon as evaluations are complete. Auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis after February 15. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to allow time for faculty evaluation. Auditions will be accepted until the program is full.

• Water bottle
• Thera-band
• Yoga mat
• Black tights
• Plain black or white T-shirt (no writing/graphics)
• Dance belt if applicable
• Ballet shoes

A typical day will follow this guideline:

• 8:30 am – 9:30 am: Conditioning
• 9:30 am – 11 Ballet technique
• 11 am – 12:30 pm Contemporary or Jazz Technique
• 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch
• 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm Jumps and Turns
• 3 pm – 4:15 pm Modern Dance
• 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Rehearsal

Ellen Rosa-Taylor is currently the Chair of the Dance Department at ����ֱ��. She received her BS in Ballet from Indiana University, Bloomington, and her MFA in Dance from Florida State University where she was the recipient of a Dean’s Teaching Fellowship and a University Fellowship. Ellen has performed as a ballerina with the Los Angeles Opera, New York City Opera, and San Diego Opera; she has performed as principal dancer with City Ballet of Los Angeles, Media City Ballet (now Pacific Ballet Theater), La Danserie, and Chattanooga Ballet. She has also performed with Louise Reichlin and Dancers, Charleston Ballet Theater, Russian Ballet Theater of Delaware, and was featured as the Bluebird in Disney’s Snow White at Disneyland. As a choreographer, Ellen has had her works presented across the U.S. The LA Times has referred to her as having “a unique jazz ballet style.” As a dance educator, Ellen is an ABT Affiliate Teacher for levels Primary – 7 and has received the distinction of ABT NTC Fellow, which has been awarded to only 50 ABT Certified teachers worldwide. Additionally, Ellen recently became a ballet examiner for the ABT NTC training curriculum.

Jonathan Sharp was trained at National Academy of the Arts and the School of American Ballet, the official school of the New York City Ballet. While on full scholarship at SAB, he was trained by master teachers Stanley Williams, Peter Martins, Andrea Kramarevsky, Suzanne Farrell, Alexandra Danilova, Suki Schorer, and Sean Lavery. He danced professionally with the Boston Ballet, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and the touring Stars of American Ballet, headlined by Robert LaFosse and Darci Kistler. He has appeared on Broadway in the original casts of The Red Shoes, Carousel (1994 Tony winner for Best Revival), The Rocky Horror Show Live, The Dance of the Vampires, and Fiddler on the Roof. He has also appeared on television as a contract player on Another World, and he has guest-starred on Law and Order and Gilmore Girls. He has taught at ����ֱ�� for thirteen years, and he also teaches and directs internationally. He is currently Associate Director of Inland Pacific Ballet and a principal guest teacher with Pacific Festival Ballet. Additionally, Jonathan recently became a ballet examiner for the ABT NTC training curriculum.

Marlon Pelayo is a Los Angeles-based dancer and choreographer who teaches from a simple philosophy: Technique in service of curiosity, musicality, and individual voice. In class, dancers build strength and clarity while exploring texture, groove, and grounded floor work, finding artistry through disciplined practice. Trained across ballet, jazz, hip hop, Gaga, and traditional Greek forms, he’s a scholarship alum of EDGE Performing Arts Center and a longtime member of Hysterica Dance, with performance and credits spanning stage, film, and TV, including collaborations with artists from Cher to Nine Inch Nails. His room is high expectation, high support, structured, sweaty, and deeply encouraging.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

This is an open-admission program for all interested students, regardless of their level of experience. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Your child will improve and learn new skills, whether they are a beginner or have been acting and performing for years. They do, however, need to be willing to project their voices and act onstage.

Students will be asked to send in a video of themselves doing a 1-minute dramatic or comic monologue- or tell a joke, using vocal projection for the stage. Instructions for submitting the video will be sent closer to the start of the program.

Please note that this video will not impact your child’s admission to the program; this is an open-admission program for students of all skill levels. Rather, the video will be utilized to determine your child’s skill level and to help with planning for the production that the students will work on. Students will have casting auditions at camp after working with faculty.

• Refillable water bottle (very important) and sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes you can move in during rehearsals
• Long black leggings or pants
• Black knee-high, or short socks
• White tank top/undershirt
• Black tank top/undershirt to wear underneath as needed (and for modest quick changes)
• Black, comfortable, flat, closed-toed shoes (a jazz shoe, a mary-jane, or black sneaker) work best. No heels, no open toes, no sandals)
• Lipstick and blush (natural colors)
• Hair elastic/scrunchie to keep hair away from your face for acting

You may be required to bring additional items pertaining to the specific production. We will communicate with enrolled students on those needs prior to the program start.

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time in Children’s Center. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Children’s Center between 8:15am – 8:25am
(breakfast is not included for day students)
Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Children’s Center
8:30am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00am – 11:20am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30pm – 3:45pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)

Day students should be picked up from Children’s Center at 4:00pm

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RAs.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 4:00pm – 5:45pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Saturday classes/rehearsals are at the discretion of the teacher. Some programs will meet on the Saturday between the two week session. Please watch out for more information from the teacher. Sundays are off for everyone, with no mandatory classes held.

Judy Heneghan has acted, directed, written plays, and taught both acting and improv for more than 20 years. Judy’s musical credits include being the lead singer of R&B Band, Blue in the Face, in Ireland; she also has numerous musical theater credits. Judy has taught Improvisation Story Theatre in Ireland, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles (LA). She was a teaching artist at the Aaron Copeland Music and Arts Camp in New York. At ����ֱ��, Judy has taught Page to Stage, Improvisation Comedy, and Theatre of Myth. Alongside Johanna McKay, she has taught Shakespeare’s World and “The Play’s The Thing.” Judy co-wrote/created and performs as Olive in the long-running comedy musical The Martini & Olive Show, touring theaters and comedy clubs throughout the country. Her play ‘The Big Woop’ has been optioned for film.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

This is an open-admission program for all students who are interested in performing as a vocalist. Some experience singing with a microphone is recommended, but not required as long as they have the willingness to project their voice on a stage. No audition is required.

• Water bottle
• Laptop or phone (voice memo capable recommended)
• Several pens/pencils
• Notebook or journal
• Portable instruments if applicable (guitar or smaller)

Concert attire:
Anything tasteful is fine. Bring an outfit to express yourself and have fun at your final show!

A typical day at the Idyllwild ����ֱ�� Vocal Intensive is designed to balance focused vocal training, individual growth, creative exploration, and performance. Mornings begin with vocal technique, including warm-ups, breath work, resonance, vocal coordination, and exercises designed to strengthen and develop each singer’s individual voice. Students then move into repertoire coaching, exploring song interpretation, phrasing, expression, and the artistic choices that bring a performance to life.

Afternoons shift the focus toward performance. Students develop stage presence, movement, microphone technique, audience connection, confidence, and performance skills. Individual and small-group coaching provide opportunities for focused attention as students refine their repertoire and apply the techniques they have learned.

Throughout the day, students have dedicated time to practice, receive feedback, and apply what they are learning. Each day builds toward the culminating showcase, where students have the opportunity to share the songs and performances they have developed throughout the intensive.

Danielle Todd
With more than 20 years of experience as a performer, Danielle Todd brings a deep understanding of what it takes to develop a voice, command a stage, and connect with an audience. Based in Nashville, she owns and operates Studio45b, a sister company to The Artist Path, and continues to tour internationally, release her own music, coach artists, and work alongside her husband, , the lead producer at Studio45b. Her work spans vocal coaching, live performance, songwriting, and in-studio vocal production, giving her a uniquely complete perspective on the artist’s journey.

Danielle is a believer from the start. She brings the energy of a true hype woman to her coaching, but when an artist is serious about their craft, she is even more serious about helping them build a path forward. She gets in your corner, believes in what you’re capable of, and brings the practical knowledge to help you turn that potential into action. Because Danielle has released her own music and toured it internationally, she understands the work that happens beyond the lesson room—from recording and preparing vocals to releasing music, promoting it, performing it, and navigating the realities of building a career as an artist.

As a coach, Danielle brings the same energy and honesty to the room that she brings to the stage. She meets artists where they are, whether they’re building confidence, working through a vocal challenge, preparing for a performance, or figuring out what comes next. She believes coaching should do more than fix a problem in the moment—it should give artists the understanding and tools to keep growing on their own.

Chase Guyton grew up in a house where music was more than a hobby—it was the family language. One of six brothers, he learned early how to blend, adapt, and find his place in the harmony. That foundation turned into a career spanning over two decades as both a performer and coach.

Chase’s path took him from small-town Georgia to national stages, including a Top 30 finish on American Idol and performances with the internationally acclaimed a cappella group Rooftop Records. But his passion has always been helping artists grow—not just in skill, but in confidence and ownership of their craft.

As a coach, Chase has worked with Grammy winners, Broadway stars, touring pros, and beginners alike. His approach is practical, direct, and personal. He meets artists where they are, helps them see what’s possible, and gives them the tools to get there. Whether it’s refining technique, rebuilding after vocal injuries, or navigating stylistic shifts, Chase equips artists with honest feedback and actionable steps.

At The Artist Path, Chase is committed to guiding artists through the process of becoming—not through shortcuts, but through real-world application, community, and hard work.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

Students returning from 2026 will be accepted without an audition, but are still asked to submit a video to assist with planning purposes. Students who are new to the Commercial Dance program must submit a video audition for acceptance.

Please submit a 1-2 minute video showing you dancing in contemporary, jazz or hip hop. This can be a performance video or something made in a dance studio. If it is a video of a group dance, please make sure you are visible for us to see and be clear as to which dancer you are.

Once you have submitted the Camper Application, we will send you information on how to submit your dance video.

Dance Experience:
It is suggested that applicants have at least 2 years of dance training in contemporary or jazz dance technique.  The training is rigorous—dancers will be in class and rehearsals for up to 6 hours per day.

Complete an online Camper application through CampInTouch.

Once you have completed the Camper Application, your application will be reviewed within 5 days by a member of the Enrollment team. At this time, you will be charged the $50 application fee and receive an email with a link to the Submittable audition application for you to submit your audition. Complete the Submittable audition application and provide an email address for your teacher recommendation form within Submittable.

We use the platform Submittable to receive all auditions for the ����ֱ�� Program (a universal platform utilized for exhibitions, contests and even university and job applications). It is very easy to use. You will be prompted to set up a free Submittable account with your email. This account can be used for any future open calls you apply to at ����ֱ�� and beyond!

Priority Audition Deadline: February 15, 2027
First round evaluation will take place shortly after this date. You will be notified of acceptance as soon as evaluations are complete. Auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis after February 15. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to allow time for faculty evaluation. Auditions will be accepted until the program is full.

All Students:

• Water bottle
• Thera-band
• Yoga mat
• Short or open-toe tights, preferably black
• T-shirts or leotards (no writing/graphics)
• Black Dance shorts or pants
• Jazz Shoes
• Colorful street clothes
• Sneakers that can be worn in the dance studio
• Ballet shoes

A typical day will follow this guideline:

• 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Conditioning for dance
• 10:15 am – 11:45 am: Contemporary Dance Technique
• 11:45 am – 12:15 pm: Musical Theater Dance
• 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch
• 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm: Jazz or Ballet technique
• 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm: Hip Hop
• 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Rehearsal

Ellen Rosa-Taylor is currently the Chair of the Dance Department at ����ֱ��, as well as the Director of the ����ֱ�� Children’s Dance Program. She received her BS in Ballet from Indiana University, Bloomington, and her MFA in Dance from Florida State University where she was the recipient of a Dean’s Teaching Fellowship and a University Fellowship. Ellen has performed with the Los Angeles Opera, New York City Opera, and San Diego Opera; she has performed as principal dancer with City Ballet of Los Angeles, Media City Ballet (now Pacific Ballet Theater), La Danserie, and Chattanooga Ballet. She has also performed with Louise Reichlin and Dancers, Charleston Ballet Theater, Russian Ballet Theater of Delaware, and was featured as the Bluebird in Disney’s Snow White at Disneyland. As a choreographer, Ellen has had her works presented across the U.S. The LA Times has referred to her as having “a unique jazz ballet style.” As a dance educator, Ellen is an ABT Affiliate Teacher for levels Primary – 7 and has received the distinction of ABT NTC Fellow, which has been awarded to only 50 ABT Certified teachers worldwide.

Marlon Pelayo is a Los Angeles-based dancer and choreographer who teaches from a simple philosophy: Technique in service of curiosity, musicality, and individual voice. In class, dancers build strength and clarity while exploring texture, groove, and grounded floor work, finding artistry through disciplined practice. Trained across ballet, jazz, hip hop, Gaga, and traditional Greek forms, he’s a scholarship alum of EDGE Performing Arts Center and a longtime member of Hysterica Dance, with performance and credits spanning stage, film, and TV, including collaborations with artists from Cher to Nine Inch Nails. His room is high expectation, high support, structured, sweaty, and deeply encouraging.

Chadwick Gaspard
Born and raised in Miami Florida Chadwick began his training in the underground hip hop/breaking scene. He earned his BFA from the University of Florida where he was able to train in various styles such as Ballet, modern, and contemporary. After graduation Chadwick has relocated to Los Angeles where he has the opportunity to work for dance companies such as JacobJonas the company and Diavolo Architecture in Motion performing both locally and internationally. Chad has also been able to work commercially for artists/brands like Sia, Elton John, Mastercard, adidas, etc. Currently Chadwick’s main focus is on community engagement through hosting dance sessions as well as imparting knowledge through teaching. He is always looking for ways to foster inclusivity and growth wherever he sets foot.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

Ideally students will have at least 1 year of tap dance experience. However, if you have tap shoes and are willing to try, learn, and grow, we will make it available for the student to develop over the course of the week.

There is no audition needed to be accepted to the program although we will be asking for a video before the program begins to assess experience level. Please note that this video will not impact your child’s admission to the program; this is an open-admission program for students of all skill levels.

Before the program begins, we will send a link to all enrolled students to submit a video including the following video files (approximately 60 seconds each):

• Video 1: A recorded video of you singing approximately 16 bars, or up to one minute, of a song from a published musical of your choice. If possible, you should use a backing track with no other vocals on it.
• Video 2: Tap Dance – A 1 minute video showing your level of tap dance. If you have no tap experience there are many Youtube tap dance tutorials that demonstrate simple steps you can easily learn and demonstrate.

• Water bottle (very important to stay hydrated)
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• A backpack or bag to carry your script and personal items to and from rehearsals
• TAP SHOES
• Closed-toed shoes/tennis shoes to rehearse in (no flip flops, sandals, or Crocs)
• Black/dark dress or skirt, or black/dark leggings, pants, and/or jeans
• Black dress, character, or jazz shoes, closed-toe dress shoes, or black sneakers
• Black socks
• Comfortable clothes you can move in
• Hair ties or clips for long hair
• White tank tops/undershirts/tee shirts

This is an anticipated list of items needed for this theatre workshop. You may be required to bring additional items for the specific production. We will communicate with enrolled students on those needs prior to the program.

Each day, you will come together as an ensemble to do group warm-up work. We will then have various breakout sessions of tap dance, vocalization/singing, and acting development. At the end of each day, we will come together to debrief the day’s work.

Jeanette Knight is an award-winning actor, director, choreographer, playwright and producer.
As a member of SAG/AFTRA and Actors Equity Association, she has portrayed over twenty roles, ranging from Rose in The Woolgatherer at the Tony award winning Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago, to Shen Te/Shui Ta in Bertolt Brecht’s Good Person of Szechwan to Roberta in Going to a Place Where You Already Are. But her most demanding role was Louise in Always, Patsy Cline, which played to sold out audiences in 2011 and 2013.

She began her stage career as a dancer, garnering adjectives like “superb” from Variety and studying with icons like the legendary Broadway tap choreographer Henry LeTang. She has been teaching acting, directing and improvisation at the ����ֱ�� since 2006, where she has also directed several highly-lauded productions, including “Stepping Out” and “A Chorus Line.” Previously, she was the Education Program Director for the McCallum Theater, supervising a faculty of fourteen teaching artists, working as a master teaching artist, and developing the Aesthetic Education Program partnering with New York’s Lincoln Center Institute. During that same period, she served as the Executive Director for the cutting-edge Beaumont Actors Studio. Other theaters/venues she has directed for include the Indian Wells Theater, California State University San Bernardino in Palm Desert, Arthur Newman Theater, Palm Canyon Theater, Truckee Meadows Community College, Brewery Arts Center, and Coachella Valley Repertory.

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Northwestern University, Jeff Bell has over 30 years of experience in musical theatre as a music director/vocal coach/arranger/accompanist/keyboardist. His career started in the Chicago Area, continued in the Pacific Northwest and now continues in beautiful Idyllwild. Jeff is thrilled to be part of the ����ֱ�� community of artists and students.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

This is an open-admission program for all interested students who have at least some experience in music production/recording and/or songwriting. Students will be asked to provide a video or audio sample of their work before the program begins. Instructions for submitting this recording will be provided after the application is received.

• Notebook or journal and several pens/pencils
• Notebook Computer (preferably Apple) with Logic Pro software loaded. A 30 day free trial is available. A similar program, Garage Band, is often included with Apple computers and is free.
• Wired Headphones for monitoring tracks privately are strongly encouraged.
  
• Portable instruments that you play (guitar or smaller) with capos, extra strings, guitar picks, or other accessories necessary for the instrument

The following is a list of recommended tools that will allow you to continue your recordings from home. It would be helpful to bring any of the following items, but is not required.

• Recording Interface (acts as a universal translator between your microphones/instruments and your computer). Examples include:
  • (recommended)
• Condenser Microphone (an ultra-sensitive recording device, opposed to a “dynamic microphone” which is your typical live application microphone used for live performance).
  Examples include:
  • : Microphone WITH Pop Filter (recommended)
• for live playback.
• Midi Controller (a hardware device—like a keyboard that acts like a musical remote control. The computer can be used for this purpose, but a keyboard controller makes controlling sounds much easier).
  • (recommended)
• Cables including

The morning session breakouts include presentations on songwriting techniques, live performance, vocals, music production, recording, music business and other special topics. After lunch, students work on assignment prompts alone and in groups to create tracks with faculty mentors. The day ends with students presenting their new material for group feedback. Each week culminates with an informal showcase of new material from that week.

Don Reed, an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, has been performing, composing, teaching and recording music for over 40 years. Don’s playing and compositions have been featured on hundreds of recording projects, television and film soundtracks and more. Don has performed with, produced and managed numerous bands and solo artists throughout his career. He excels in diverse genres, including punk, bluegrass, hard rock, classic rock, jazz, folk, blues and more. Don currently heads up Pop Music & Songwriting at ����ֱ�� and chairs Songwriting for ����ֱ�� ����ֱ�� & Auxiliary Programs.

Website:

Josh Hogan has been songwriting and playing guitar for over 20 years. He has been a singer, guitar player and songwriter in The Mowgli’s since their inception in 2009. His newest project, ‘Modern Original’, has been releasing new songs since 2021 to rave reviews. He is working as Producer for The Blushes, who are having a moment in the Riot Grrrl scene. He lives in Los Angeles, CA where he enjoys a nice hike or beach day in between working on a number of musical projects.

Producer/songwriter Tyler Thompson is a well-rounded writer who’s great at taking lead on production and finalizing tracks for artist releases and sync pitches. His bands WILD and girlhouse have secured hundreds of sync placements for spots like Nintendo, Mazda, Walmart, Pixar, Grey’s Anatomy, Ted Lasso, and more. He’s written and produced songs with Valerie Broussard (RCA), Lindsey Stirling, salem ilese (10k Projects), The Mowgli’s, and The Band Perry. Tyler currently works in Los Angeles as a songwriter, producer and mixing/mastering engineer.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs.

We ask that all students submit an audition video, regardless of participation in past programs. The video helps our faculty and staff plan and prepare for group assignments, class schedules, private lesson schedules and much more for the music programs.

Priority Audition Deadline: February 15, 2027
First round evaluation will take place shortly after this date. You will be notified of acceptance as soon as evaluations are complete. Auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis after February 15. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to allow time for faculty evaluation.

Junior Strings
Audition material should be submitted in video form, with or without accompaniment. Performance tempos and repertoire selections should highlight the student’s ability to play accurately and overall musicianship.

One 3 octave scale (quarter note = 50-60, 2 beats per bow, 8th notes or 16th notes)
Two 2 octave arpeggio (your choice of key, 3 octave optional)
Two Short Contrasting Pieces of your choice, one piece should highlight the student’s technical agility.

Junior Piano
Submit a video of two or more solos from different periods that demonstrate both musical expression and technical facility, totaling at least 5 minutes. The chosen repertoire should be at least at the level of these intermediate/early advanced pieces:

-Baroque period: J.S. Bach: any two-part invention; Domenico Scarlatti: any sonata

-Classical period: Mozart: Sonata in C Major, K. 545; Clementi: any sonatina (first movements are enough)

-Romantic period: Chopin: Nocturne in Eb Major, Op. 9, No. 2; “Raindrop” Prelude, Op. 28, No. 15; Waltz in A Minor, Op. posth., B. 150; Grieg: Puck, Op. 71, No. 3 (from Lyric Pieces)

-Twentieth Century: Debussy: a movement from Children’s Corner; Anton Biloti: The Firefly

-Contemporary: Karen Tanaka: Northern Lights; Wynn-Anne Rossi: Puppy Dog Etudes

After being accepted into the junior piano workshop, a short ensemble piece will be sent to you at least 6 weeks before camp, to have ready to rehearse on the first day.

We use the platform Submittable to receive all auditions for the ����ֱ�� Program (a universal platform utilized for exhibitions, contests and even university and job applications). It is very easy to use. You will be prompted to set up a free Submittable account using your email address. This account can be used for any future applications at ����ֱ�� and beyond!

-Complete an online Camper application through CampInTouch.

-Once you have completed the Camper Application, your application will be reviewed within 5 days by a member of the Enrollment team. At this time, you will be charged the $50 application fee and receive an email with a link to the Submittable audition application for you to submit your audition.

-Complete the Submittable application and provide an email address for your teacher recommendation form within Submittable.

Hard copies of music will be provided when you arrive, but pianists are asked to bring their printed solo and ensemble music.

����ֱ�� cannot provide individual instruments or personal equipment with the exception of pianos/keyboards.

Please be sure to bring:
-Your personal instrument
-Extra strings, rosin, and other necessary accessories for your instrument
-Metronome
-Blank music staff paper
-Pencil

Concert dress code is a black top and black bottom with black shoes/socks.

Students can mix and match from this list as desired:
-Black button-down shirt, blouse, or all-black formal shirt (no sleeveless tops)
-Black pants or black skirt (below the knees)
-Black dress shoes and black socks
-No ties, bowties, or suit jackets

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time for Junior Artists. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Children’s Center between 8:15 – 8:25 am
(breakfast is not included for day students)

Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Children’s Center

8:30 am – 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30 pm – 3:45 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)

Day students should be picked up from Children’s Center at 4:00 pm.

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RA’s.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 pm – 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

The instrument breakdown listed below is a projection of the intended enrollment for the program. Final enrollment may vary slightly at the conductor’s discretion.

Violin | 6

Viola | 3

Cello | 3

Bass | 2

Piano | 10

Music in all of its various shapes, sounds, and forms has forever been a central force in the life of Kai Potts Smith, beginning with absorbing piano by ear from her mother, singing in choirs, and taking flute lessons in elementary school. And at age 11, she picked up the viola, fell in love, and never looked back.

A native of California and raised in Las Vegas, NV, she swiftly excelled as a violist under the watchful eyes of John Sullivan and was accepted into the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts. She then added violin to her studies under Rebecca Sabine and went on to win multiple command performances, international competitions, and began her work performing on stage with iconic mainstream recording artists in Las Vegas at age 15. Since then she has appeared as a violist on multiple albums with artists including Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, and Celine Dion, had a six year residency with Celine Dion in Las Vegas, and continues to work with musicians such as Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish to this day. She has appeared as soloist and featured artist with orchestras across the US and abroad, including the Cleveland Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, Puerto Rico Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, and the Atlanta Symphony, among others.

A Steinway artist and the recipient of four Nevada Arts Council touring grants and Nevada Governor’s Arts Award, Laura Spitzer has performed extensively through the US, Canada, and Mexico, playing recitals in towns and cities of all sizes and in over 1000 schools. For her unique style of touring–traveling with her Steinway in a truck–she was featured nationally on ABC and NBC news, and in such publications as People, Time, Reader’s Digest, Clavier…a�Ի� Overdrive.

Laura Spitzer earned a Solodiplom with Hans Leygraf at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria,
where she was awarded the Bösendorfer Stipend, and graduated with distinction. She
completed her Master of Music degree with Leon Fleisher at Peabody in 1979, and a Doctor of
Musical Arts with John Perry at the University of Southern California in 2000, where she served
as Assistant Lecturer and received the department’s teaching award.

In 2000 Dr. Spitzer joined the faculty at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where she
served as Piano Area Coordinator until her retirement in 2025. Many of her former students
have earned master’s and doctoral degrees at such institutions as UT Austin, Texas Tech,
University of Arizona, University of Houston, and Louisiana State University. She is active as a
master class teacher and adjudicator, and has enjoyed teaching the piano at ����ֱ�� for more than 30 years.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

All Students:
-Water bottle
-Thera-band
-Yoga mat

Female:
-Pink or flesh tone tights
-Black dance shorts, leggings or tights
-Leotard (any color, but please bring a black one for your performance)
-Clean ballet shoes
-Jazz Shoes
-Sneakers for Hip Hop
-A pair of black socks you can dance in

Male:
-Black tights
-Black dance shorts or pants
-Plain black or white T-shirt (no writing/graphics)
-Dance belt
-Ballet shoes
-Jazz shoes
-A Pair of black socks you can dance in

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time in Children’s Center. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Children’s Center between 8:15 – 8:25 am
(breakfast is not included for day students)

Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Children’s Center

8:30am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00am – 10:00am: Ballet
10:00am – 10:15am: Snack (provided)
10:15am – 11:15am: Jazz/Modern
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30am – 1:30 pm: Hip Hop
1:30pm – 1:45pm: Snack (provided)
1:45pm – 2:45pm: Choreography
2:45pm – 3:45pm: Rehearsal

Day students should be picked up from Children’s Center at 4:00 pm.

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RAs.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 4:00pm – 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Ellen Rosa-Taylor is currently the Chair of the Dance Department at ����ֱ�� as well as the Director of the ����ֱ�� Children’s Dance Program. She received her BS in Ballet from Indiana University, Bloomington, her MFA. in Dance from Florida State University where she was the recipient of a Deans Teaching Fellowship as well as a University Fellowship. Ellen has performed as a ballerina with the Los Angeles Opera, New York City and San Diego Opera and as principal dancer with City Ballet of Los Angeles, Media City Ballet, La Danserie and Chattanooga Ballet. Ms. Rosa has also performed with Louise Reichlin and Dancers, Charleston Ballet Theater, Russian Ballet Theater of Delaware and was featured as the Bluebird in Disney’s Snow White at Disneyland. As a choreographer Mrs. Rosa-Taylor has had her works presented across the USA. LA Times has called her style… “a unique jazz ballet style.”. As a dance educator, Ms. Rosa-Taylor is an ABT Affiliate Teacher for levels Primary- 7 and has received the distinction of ABT NTC Fellow, which has been awarded to only 50 ABT certified teachers worldwide.

Jonathan Sharp was trained at National Academy of the Arts and the School of American Ballet, the official school of the New York City Ballet. While on full scholarship at SAB, he was trained by master teachers Stanley Williams, Peter Martins, Andrea Kramarevsky, Suzanne Farrell, Alexandra Danilova, Suki Schorer, and Sean Lavery. He danced professionally with the Boston Ballet, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and the touring Stars of American Ballet, headlined by Robert LaFosse and Darci Kistler. He has appeared on Broadway in the original casts of “The Red Shoes,” “Carousel (1994 Tony winner for Best Revival),” “The Rocky Horror Show Live,” “The Dance of the Vampires,” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” He has also appeared on television as a contract player on Another World, and he has guest-starred on “Law and Order” and “Gilmore Girls.” He has taught at ����ֱ�� for thirteen years, and he also teaches and directs internationally. He is currently Associate Director of Inland Pacific Ballet and a principal guest teacher with Pacific Festival Ballet.

Justin Epstein is a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in Los Angeles, CA with over 17 years of experience in hip hop, tap, jazz, ballet, modern, musical theatre, contemporary, and partnering. Justin has performed live for the Los Angeles Avengers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Pac-12 Championship Halftime Shows and can be seen dancing in music videos with Brooklyn Jai, MNEK, Matoma, and Kiana Lede. Justin graduated with a B.F.A. in Dance as a member of the inaugural class at the brand new USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance where he had the opportunity to perform the work of Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, George Balanchine, Jiri Kylian, and Dwight Rhoden, including original works by William Forsythe, d. Sabela Grimes, and Jodie Gates. Since graduating Justin has co-founded RYBG, a multidisciplinary creative production studio rooted in choreography.

Yuka Fukuda, originally from Tokyo, Japan, trained at George Mason University in VA and The Ailey School in New York City. On graduating in 1999 she was invited to join Ailey’s second company “Ailey II,” performing with them from 1999-2002. Yuka went on to be a company member of Dallas Black Dance Theatre for two years. She performed in six productions of The King and I, including the venue Papermill Playhouse, as well as several national tours. She played the role of Victoria in Cats at West Virginia Public Theater. She served as an assistant choreographer for the production of Gospel Gospel Gospel directed and choreographed by Otis Sallid. She has worked with renown choreographers such as Robert Battle, Jessica Lang, Jacqulyn Buglisi, Donald Byrd, and Ronald K Brown.

As a teacher, she has taught at the Nang Young Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, Dallas Black Dance Academy, Lula Washington Dance Theater, and headed up the Modern department at Champs Charter High School for the Performing Arts. She is also a faculty member at LACHSA (Los Angeles County High School for the Arts), Colburn School, Debbie Allen Dance Academy and City Ballet of Los Angeles.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

This is an open-admission program for all interested students, regardless of their level of experience. Instructors will work with your child to teach them acting skills and techniques, whether they are a beginner or have been acting and performing for years. They do, however, need to be willing to project their voices and act onstage.

Students will be asked to send in a video of themselves doing a 1-minute Shakespeare monologue using vocal projection for the stage. Instructions for submitting the video will be sent closer to the start of the program.  

Please note that this video will not impact your child’s admission to the program; this is an open-admission program for students of all skill levels. Rather, the video will be utilized to determine your child’s skill level and to help with planning for the production that the students will work on.

Please also note that although this is an open admission program (no formal audition is required upon entry), students will have casting auditions at camp after working with faculty.

-Refillable water bottle (very important)

For the field trip:

–A low beach chair or blanket to sit on at the theater (it will be OUTDOOR theater – so bring a sweater or a jacket),

-Money for snacks/ice cream (a “sack lunch” will be provided for a picnic before the show)

For rehearsals and costumes:

-Footwear:  tennis shoes, boots (black or brown), closed-toed dress, ballet flats,  jazz shoes, or character shoes (if you have them, in black, brown, or beige) No sandals, crocs, or flip-flops, please.

-Comfortable clothes you can move in

-Dark legwear (black leggings, black pants and/or long jeans)

-White blouses or shirts (short or long-sleeved)

-Tank tops/undershirts to wear underneath as needed (and for modest quick changes)

-Any Renaissance Fair-type costumes you may have (flowing skirts, cloaks, corset vests, blouses, pants, hats, small purses, bags, etc.)

You may be required to bring additional items pertaining to the specific production. We will communicate with enrolled students on those needs prior to the program.

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time in Children’s Center. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

A typical day will involve a group warm up, learning vocal exercises and acting techniques, studying the life and times of William Shakespeare, reading aloud, playing acting games, and watching a video of the play we’ll be doing. 

Students will audition for parts, then the days will be spent developing characters and rehearsing our play scene by scene. If the play calls for it, there will also be rehearsals for stage combat, singing, or choreography. We will have costume fittings, and one or two evening rehearsals during the second week. Students need to be able to memorize lines and be willing to perform.

We expect to use one day to take a field trip to see a live Shakespearean performance and will stop for ice cream, have a picnic, and meet the actors after the show.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Children’s Center between 8:15am – 8:25am
(breakfast is not included for day students)
Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Children’s Center
8:30am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00am – 11:20am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30pm – 3:45pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)

Day students should be picked up from Children’s Center at 4:00 pm

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RAs.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 4:00pm – 5:45pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Saturday rehearsals are at the discretion of the teacher. Shakespeare’s World will be meeting on Saturday, July 17 from 9:00am – 11:30am. One or two evening rehearsals will likely also be called during the second week.

Johanna McKay, has worked extensively with writers and composers to create original plays and musicals which she then directs, and has adapted and directed eleven of Shakespeare’s plays. Her adaptation of “As You Like It” was published by Playscripts, Inc. Johanna is the Curriculum Consultant on the Netflix show “Julie’s Greenroom” which teaches children about the arts. Johanna also teaches theater at Los Angeles City College and directs and teaches for P.S. Arts, a non-profit group that integrates the arts into underfunded public schools in the Los Angeles area. She spends her summers at Idyllwild Fine Arts Camp directing musicals, Shakespearean adaptations, and original plays generated by the students. She has also taught acting and improvisation at UCLA. Johanna has trained with The Groundlings, earned her B.F.A from The Theatre School, DePaul University, and her M.F.A. in theater, film and television from UCLA. Besides film and television, Johanna’s acting credits include work at Steppenwolf, The Goodman, Dallas Theatre Center, San Jose Repertory Theatre, and The Rubicon Theatre in Ventura, California.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

The Multi-Arts program is open-admission. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Your child will improve and learn new skills, regardless of their level of experience.

-A refillable water bottle with your child’s name clearly marked
-Comfortable clothes that can get messy
-Sturdy closed-toed shoes

Before you arrive:
-Apply sunscreen
-Apply bug repellent, repellent stickers or bracelet

Please mark all belongings with your child’s name.

Phones or other electronic devices are not allowed in Kids programs. Please do not send a device with your child.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each day:

Drop off students at Children’s Center between 8:15am – 8:25am
8:30am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00am – 11:20am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall
12:30pm – 3:15pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)
Pick up from Children’s Center at 3:30 pm

Students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 3:30pm – 5:45pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Multi-Arts culminations are every Friday at 3:00pm. Parents and families are encouraged to attend. Students are free to go home with their parents when it is finished, or stay and watch the Artist Discovery student performance immediately afterwards.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs

The Artist Discovery program is open-admission. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Your child will improve and learn new skills, regardless of their level of experience.

-A refillable water bottle with your child’s name clearly marked
-Comfortable clothes that can get messy
-Sturdy closed-toed shoes

Before you arrive:
-Apply sunscreen
-Apply bug repellent, repellent stickers or bracelet

Please mark all belongings with your child’s name.

Phones or other electronic devices are not allowed in Kids programs. Please do not send a device with your child.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each day:

Drop off students at Children’s Center between 8:15 – 8:25 am
8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 am – 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall
12:30 pm – 3:15 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)
Pick up from Children’s Center at 3:30 pm

Students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 3:30 – 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Artist Discovery culminations are every Friday at 3:30 pm, immediately following the Multi-Arts performance. Parents and families are encouraged to attend. Students are free to go home with their parents when it is finished.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs