ARTS Obispo, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, has announced that California State Summer School for the Arts (formerly known as InnerSpark) is seeking talented high school-aged visual, literary, media and performing artists from throughout California. 

CSSSA, one of the country’s premier summer arts institutes, is a rigorous, pre-professional, training program with specific instruction in the fields of Animation, Film, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts.

Selected teenagers will be designated California Arts Scholars, and will attend the month-long workshop on the campus of the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia from July 9 through Aug. 5. Participating students are able to hone skills and explore new techniques and ideas in a dynamic and supportive environment while making friends with others that share their passion.

Information has been distributed to local high schools, libraries and arts councils. Application forms along with instructions and program information also can be obtained online at www.csssa.ca.gov. Applications must be postmarked on or before Feb. 28.

For the 500 students accepted each year, CSSSA represents a unique opportunity to spend four weeks studying and working with professional artists, writers and performers of national stature.  The program provides an educational link to institutions of higher learning, major performing and fine arts organizations, and the film, television and recording industries for students considering careers in the arts.  The talented teenagers who successfully complete the program will receive three units of California State University course credit.

Financial Aid is available to assist with tuition based on need. Historically, nearly forty percent of the students who have attended this summer program have qualified for varying levels of financial assistance.  CSSSA is also able to help some of its students with college aid.

Alumni of the program include well-known actor Zac Ephron; actor and Golden Globe recipient James Franco, best known for his roles in Spiderman, Pineapple Express, and Milk; Emmy Award-winning animator Craig McCracken; dancer Sharon Grimsley Teague, principle soloist for the Houston Ballet, and award winning fashion designer Sophie Buhai, to name a few.

To learn more about CSSSA visit the website, www.csssa.ca.gov, call 916-229-5160, or contact ARTS Obispo at 805-544-9251.