Summer Workshops June 20-25
Converse College announces a variety of summer workshops for rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to be held June 20—25 on the Converse campus. Themes range from exploring the world of forensic science and comprehensive theatre techniques to intensive drawing and printmaking practices and creative writing.
Early-bird tuition (applications received by March 31) is $675; regular tuition (applications received by April 15) is $775. Tuition covers residence hall accommodations, all meals, materials and on-campus activities. A limited number of need-based scholarships up to $200 are available. For more information, visit www.converse.edu/summerworkshops.
Converse chemistry professor Dr. Sheri Strickland will team with biology professor Dr. Neval Erturk in leading the CSI: Converse workshop. Participants will explore the world of forensic science by securing a crime scene, gathering clues and processing evidence in science labs; learn about blood (artificial) typing and DNA fingerprinting; study fingerprints, shoeprints, hairs, fibers and powders to investigate the scene. Participants will also meet legendary K–9 Officer Igor. Class size is limited to 18 students.
A host of southeastern theatre professionals including Brent Bateman, Brent Glenn, Megan McFarland and Lavinia Plonka will lead the Converse Theatre Workshop. The acting technique portion of the workshop will introduce the basics of actor training and includes exercises and theatre games designed to free the actor physically and emotionally while stimulating creative impulses. The Feldenkrais Method® will increase the actor’s ease and range of motion and improve flexibility and coordination. During the musical theatre portion, student actors will learn to relax and sing some of the great songs from the musical theatre in a low-stress, supportive environment. A special segment devoted to Shakespeare will enable student actors to define and deliver with confidence some of the great Shakespearean monologues. The workshop will also feature emphasis on improvisation and learning to work as part of an ensemble.
The Visual Arts Workshop will allow young artists to work within a studio setting with Converse art faculty Andrew Blanchard, Jonas Criscoe and Kathryn Boucher and guest artists whose talents have earned numerous awards and inclusion in exhibitions worldwide. Participants will learn alternative drawing techniques using a variety of media; explore silkscreen printmaking through direct drawing and photo emulsion processes; examine digital possibilities as they apply to drawing and printmaking media; visit Hub-Bub’s Showroom Gallery in downtown Spartanburg for a lecture and gallery talk; and install work in the Milliken Art Gallery for an end-of-the-week exhibition. Enrollment is limited to 10 students.
The faculty, staff and guest writers of the Young Writers Workshop will conduct seminars and panels geared to a range of interests. Participants will sharpen their writing skills through daily critique sessions led by professional writers, and through writing workshops, craft discussions, panels and readings. A limited, selective enrollment will ensure that participants receive personalized instruction.