Worcester Academy Summer Arts (WASA) offers an integrated program in the arts for boys and girls entering grades 2 through 9. Children are grouped by age and guided by expert faculty and well-qualified counselors. Each two-week session concludes with performances of original musical plays, which provide the focal point of all arts activities. With a repertoire of over 15 shows based on folk tales and children's stories we are able to present different plays each session.

All participate in acting, singing, instrumental music, and art. As the groups are small, each child is able to shine, developing old and learning new skills, under individualized guidance. The day includes recreational games and swimming. Let your child join in our 19th year of fulfillment and fun in the Arts!

Summer 2008 Dates
  • Session 1: June 23 to July 3
  • Session 2: July 7 to July 18

    • Hours
    9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
    Swim Instruction: 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.
    Presentation: 3 p.m. on the last day of each session.

    Acting
    Children develop skills through participation in theater games and the rehearsal of a short musical show. Each group performs on stage at the end of each session.

    Vocal Music
    Participants learn basics of singing and practice original songs for the shows.

    Instrumental Music
    Class Beginners: recorder or violin.
    Intermediate/Advanced: may play an instrument on which they have developed skills. By audition.

    Pit Band
    Everyone plays in a band for another group's show.

    Visual Art
    Each group creates arts and crafts projects to dress up their shows.

    Swimming and Games
    Recreational swim, indoor and outdoor games round out the program. For Instructional Swim, a Red Cross certified teacher is offered at an additional charge of $60 per session.

    Senior Faculty
    Donald Irving    , Director, Vocal Music. University of Chicago, B.A., M.A.; Schola Cantorus, Basle. Director of Vocal Music, Worcester Academy; Organist/Choirmaster, St. Matthew's Parish, Worcester.

    Silvia Irving, Instrumental Music. Schola Cantorum, Basle, M.M., Voice and Recorder; Orff Institute of Salzburg. Voice Teacher, Anna Maria College, Voice and Recorder Teacher, Pakachoag Music School, Auburn; Soprano, Handel and Haydn Society of Boston.

    Eliza Hale, Theater Director. Harvard University, B.A.A.C.T., Conservatory and the Neighborhood Playhouse. Middle School Theater Teacher, Worcester Academy. Former Associate Director, Worcester Forum Theater.

    Leonid Rogach, Singing. Theater Academy and Conservatory, St. Petersburg, Russia, M.A., B.M. Middle School Music Teacher, Worcester Academy.

    Joshua Webb, Theater Arts Teacher, Worcester Academy.

    Fees (2007)
    Tuition is $500 per two-week session; $900 for full four weeks. Recorders may be purchased for $10 and violins can be rented for $20. Instructional swim costs $60 per session. Drinks and snacks are provided; however, children bring their own lunches.

    Tuition Discount: One full-priced session is charged per family. Additional sessions (for the same child or his/her siblings) are given a 10% tuition discount.

    Contact Info
    Worcester Academy Summer Arts
    Donald Irving, Director
    81 Providence Street
    Worcester, MA 01604

    508-754-5302, Ext. 129
    donald.irving@worcesteracademy.org

    To learn more, download our brochure, WA Summer Programs 2008, which includes the calendar, Registration Procedures, Application Form and Health Form.