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Contact:�� Debbie Gibbons, Western Washington University Youth Programs Manager, (360) 650-6820 or ��debbie.gibbons@wwu.edu.

BELLINGHAM – This summer, Western Washington University's College of Fine and Performing Arts will host the Western Arts Preparatory Academy (WAPA) interdisciplinary arts program for youth.

There is a diverse range of options available for youth, grades K-12, in the community and on the �������� campus. In addition to the art, theatre, and dance classes, WAPA is also offering a violin program this summer.

• Dance, July 11-22: Children entering grades K-5 discover creative self-expression in this dynamic program. Students will explore new creative dance movements and enhance their coordination and social skills through fun and exciting dance interpretations. The program will focus on creative dance, drumming and musicality, and hip-hop. An evening showcase performance in Old Main Theatre will conclude the program.

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• Music (Violin), June 20-July 22: A great opportunity for youth ages 4-7 to develop a love of music and learn how to play the violin based on the Suzuki Method which involves the teacher, child, and parent in the learning process. This active and supportive method will enhance hand-eye coordination, organizational skills, problem solving, discipline, and communication skills. The program culminates with showcase recital. ��

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• Summer Youth Theatre Institute, June 20-July 8: Students entering grades K-12 explore all aspects of a theatre production, from the script development to the final show on stage. Students will build skills in improvisation, vocal and body warm-up techniques, monologue and scene writing, auditioning, and choreography. Each program will culminate in an original showcase performed on stage in Old Main Theatre. All students will be guaranteed a role in the August production of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.”

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• Visual Arts, July 25-29: An exciting opportunity for children in grades 3-5 to experience the thrill of being a writer, stage producer and actor. During the program, students will learn about the creative writing process and develop an original story. They will then be able to design a book cover, turn their story into a script for a play, construct clay characters, create a set, rehearse their play, and then perform it at Village Books for a grand finale. Each participant will produce a bound copy of their works for a book exhibit at Village Books.

Find out more about the Western Arts Preparatory Academy summer options on the website, . Additional �������� summer programs for grades K-12 are on the website, . If you have questions, e-mail youth@wwu.edu or call (360) 650-3308.