January 10, 2022

The West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) is accepting applications from current high school sophomores to attend the 2022 session to be held June 26 – July 16 at Marshall University. The GSA is a three-week residential program providing individual and in-depth group instruction in the arts for current high school sophomores living in and attending school in West Virginia.

Artistic areas addressed are acting, creative writing, dance, instrumental music, studio art and vocal music. Skilled artists and teachers will work with students who demonstrate interest in those areas. In addition, the GSA attempts to broaden the students’ understanding of the arts through interdisciplinary courses focusing on common elements in the arts disciplines.

“The GSA has a strong tradition in our state of helping students expand their horizons and develop their talents,” State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch said. “The impact this program has on our children cannot be overstated because it immerses them in a community of fellow artists where they share and grow with like-minded people. In addition, they are guided by teaching professionals who provide content knowledge and real-world expertise in their fields of interest that enrich the experience even more.”

GSA is provided by the State of West Virginia at no cost to the students or their families.

Applications and directions for preparing for auditions can be found on the Governor’s Schools Arts page. Specific questions may be addressed to Sherry Keffer, the Governor’s Schools coordinator, at cheryl.keffer@k12.wv.us. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 28, 2022, with audition videos or portfolios due February 4, 2022.

For media inquiries, contact Christy Day, West Virginia Department of Education Office of Communications, at 304-558-2699 or Christy.Day@k12.wv.us.

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