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ST-ARTS

Summer ST-ARTS Program

What is ST-ARTS?

Special Talents in the ARTS (or ST-ARTS) is a weekday summer arts program held in June for 3 weeks. Sessions are from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. ST-ARTS is hosted and staffed by Winthrop University and students in grades 6-8 are eligible to audition in Music (voice or instrumental), Dance, Drama, and Visual Art. Transportation to and from the summer program is the responsibility of the parent. Please feel free to visit Winthrop’s ST-ARTS website at Winthrop ST-ARTS or Facebook page for more details. Please see information regarding ST-ARTS auditions below.

How do I prepare for ST-ARTS?
 
● Music: Bring a solo piece to perform, two copies of the selection, and an instrumental tape/CD if needed.
● Dance: Small group auditions. Wear appropriate clothing.  Three audition tasks will include warm-up, improvisation, and technique.
● Drama: Small group auditions. Audition tasks will include warm-up activities and individual improvisation. No make-up, costumes, or props allowed.
● Art: Student should bring a minimum of three original works that best represent the artist’s skills and interests. One must be a still life. Works should not be traced or copied (including cartoon images). Work can be 2D or 3D. No more than 4 works total. There will be a short interview and an on-site observation drawing.
 
What can I expect at ST-ARTS?
 

Your time at ST-ARTS will be spent in “major” and “minor” areas where you will experience instruction by world-class instructors on the Winthrop University campus. SThe summer program will encourage students to conceptualize and create art through a variety of processes, classes, and experiences. Participating students and parents will be invited to attend a Saturday orientation to learn more about the summer activities. General information about the ST-ARTs program can be found at .tudents who are selected will participate in our 3 week summer program from in June., Sessions are each day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Transportation to and from Winthrop is the responsiblity of the parent.

Sponsorship to attend ST-ARTS is managed through each district separately. Please contact your district coordinator to find out more information on auditions and participation.

How do I get accepted into ST-ARTS?
 
  1. To attend the ST-ARTS program you must complete the online application. Students can be referred for an audition (apply) by a parent, teacher, administrator, or themselves. The deadline to complete the online application to 2026 ST-ARTS is October 30, 2025.  
  2. Auditions are held in the fall on one of our district campuses. Audition times vary based on the type of audition. Students can choose to audition in visual art, instrumental or choral music, dance, or theater. Visual art students will need 1.5-2 hours to complete their interview and live drawings. All other groups will vary based on their auditions time. Transportation to and from the audition site will be provided if needed and can be indicated in your online application.
  3. Prior to your audition, you will receive information about how to prepare for your audition via parent email. Please make sure that the email you include in the online application is accurate and frequetly checked. This will include specifics about the visual art portfolio as well as details about how to prepare for your specific audition.
  4. Students will receive an acceptance letter approximately two weeks following the close of the audition window. ST-ARTS is a competitive program. Acceptance will be based on the student's audition score and number of applicants. There are limited slots to attend ST-ARTS, so please review the dates of the program carefully and make a commitment to attend the program should you be accepted.
  5. Rock Hill Schools does not provide transportation to the Summer ST-ARTS program.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT ST-ARTS

For more information, you may contact: Kimberly Grant, Arts & Technology Specialist KGrant@rhmail.org.