Community School of the Arts is excited to announce the launch of the Institute for the Creative Arts, a program that will give high school students the opportunity to advance their artistic skills for high school credit in a specialized setting. The curriculum of programs will officially begin in August 2023 at the new CSA Center for the Creative Arts at 1101 Riverfront Drive, but auditions are beginning now.
In cooperation with regional high schools in Arkansas and Oklahoma, the Institute will allow for high school students in grades 9-12 to attend daily for part of their school day and receive credit at their high school. All students, public, private, virtual, and home school have equal opportunity to attend. Students may audition to get into a program of their choice as early as their 8th grade year.
The Institute is the first-of-its-kind in the State of Arkansas and endorsed by our Governor and First Lady. It is modeled after the “Best in Class” Virginia Governor’s Arts School. Offerings include programs in commercial music studies in jazz and pop styles, music composition & technology, studies in cinematography, digital art & animation, musical theatre, dance, technical theatre, and culinary.
The Institute will work with school districts to offer curriculum-based arts programs not typically available that will ensure student success in an ever-changing arts world.
Designed in a conservatory style, professional practicing artist-teachers immerse students into the arts as they prepare them for college and a professional career. The Institute provides rigorous arts training and fosters the overall educational development of students who have an interest in a creative field and the arts industry.
CSA has been working with Secretary Johnny Key and his staff at the Arkansas Department of Education for the past three years in preparation for the launch. They are providing assistance and support as CSA works with each school district and all educational entities to enroll students in the Institute.
There is a major shift occurring across the globe that will position creative individuals in places of leadership across all career boundaries. What that means is that those who think creatively, spatially, and in terms of problem solving will lead the world.
QUOTE: Dr. Rosilee Russell, Founder/Executive Director
Creative students are no longer taking a back seat but are now rising to the forefront as leaders of change and as the role models for society. This is a powerful change that has far reaching effects on our economy and society. Artists are going to be the leaders of the future and CSA is pioneering that future for our region!
The Institute is designed in a college prep format that includes six major program areas called Schools, with secondary areas of study under each School. The Six Program areas are:
School of Music School of Dramatic Arts
School of Dance School of Art & Design
School of Culinary Arts School of Cinematic Arts
Students will have the opportunity to audition for an arts area of their choice. Auditions include counselor/teacher recommendations, student video and essay, and interview. The goal of auditions is to make sure the student is placed in an arts area that is a good fit for their talent and interest. Students are not required to have previous experience in most of the arts areas. The Institute is designed so that all students have an opportunity to get connected to a comprehensive arts program, no matter their background or experience.
The Institute will officially open in August of 2023 but CSA is taking registrations now from interested students and families. Students who live within a 60-mile radius of Fort Smith may register.
CSA is offering several informational sessions about the new Institute. We invite parents and teens to join us to hear about these important programs.
Meetings will be held at the following times and location:
Thursday November 10, 6pm – St. Boniface Rehearsal Hall
Monday November 14, 6pm – St. Boniface Rehearsal Hall
Thursday December 1, 6pm – St. Boniface Rehearsal Hall
