Talented teen artists, writers, & performers wanted!

Teen Artists, Writers and Performers Sought For Twenty-Third Session of
The California State Summer School for the Arts (InnerSpark)

The California State Summer School for the Arts (InnerSpark) is seeking the most talented high school-aged visual, literary, media and performing artists in California. The teenagers who are selected will be designated California Arts Scholars, and will attend one of the country’s premier summer arts institutes on the campus of the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia from July 11 through August 7, 2009.

Posters have been distributed to local high schools, libraries and arts councils. Application forms, instructions and program information can be obtained from the web at www.innerspark.us. The application deadline is February 28, 2007.

For the 520 students accepted each year, InnerSpark represents a unique opportunity to spend four weeks studying and working with professional artists, writers and performers of national stature in the fields of Animation, Film/Video, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts. The program provides an educational link to institutions of higher learning, major performing and fine arts organizations, and the film, television and recording industries for students considering careers in the arts. The talented teenagers who successfully complete the program will receive three units of California State University course credit.

Innerspark is also able to help some of its students with college aid through the distribution of Herb Alpert Scholarships for Emerging Young Artists, committing $1.2 million in funds for 18 students each year. In 2009, one outstanding student in each category will be awarded $40,000.

Alumni of the program include actor and Golden Glove recipient James Franco, best known for his roles in Spiderman, Pineapple Express, and Milk; Emmy Award-winning animator Craig McCracken; dancer Sharon Grimsley Teague, principle soloist for the Houston Ballet, and award winning fashion designer Sophie Buhai, to name just a few.

Those wishing to learn more about InnerSpark should visit www.innerspark.us on the web, or call 916-274-5815.