OSAI goes off-book with Improv!

This year at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, students will participate in a special extracurricular class to learn the basics of improvisation!

This year's improv elective will encourage students to stretch their boundaries and exercise their minds, skill sets that are sure to come in handy later on, no matter what their discipline!

The improv elective is being taught by San Francisco-based actor and improviser Regina Saisi. Saisi is an instructor at American Conservatory Theater, the Marin County School District, and BATS Improv, where she serves as Dean.

Supply lists for 2012 OSAI Students

Each discipline at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute requires unique tools in their classes. Below you'll find a list of the required supplies for the 2012 OSAI. It's also available for download as a Word document on our website.

All OSAI Students:  Personal computers are NOT allowed at the Summer Arts Institute.  For classes that require computers, OAI will provide them for you.  (We also suggest that you leave other valuable electronics at home.)

Acting

1. Please be prepared to bring $30.00 to your first class session to purchase Voice and the Young Actor
2. Comfortable attire
3. Comfortable athletic shoes 
4. Notebook and pencils and/or pens

Students must be prepared to perform their audition monologues at the first class session.

Ballet

Students are expected to wear proper ballet attire during classes at the Institute.  Bring adequate numbers of rehearsal clothing for two weeks of class. Warm-ups (leg warmers, sweats, etc) may be worn before class and during rehearsal only.  No torn up tights, garments, baggy sweats, dirty shoes, unkempt hair, or gum chewing will be allowed.  Laundry facilities are not available at Quartz Mountain; please refer to page 9 of the Student Handbook for more information.

For everyday class: Girls

1. Black leotard - any style for class (sports or athletic bra in black if necessary)
2. Pink footed or convertible tights in pink for class
3. Ballet slippers in canvas or leather with elastic sewn on
4. Female dancers should bring at least 2 serviceable pairs of pointe shoes, with ribbons and elastic attached.  Please note:  Daily pointe class does not necessarily mean that the showcase will be en pointe.
5. No dangling earrings for class or jewelry
6. Yoga mat 
7. Students may bring extra towels, warmers, surgical tape and antiseptic lotion or gel.  

For everyday class: Boys

1. White tee shirt - any style for class, no logos
2. Black tights or shorts for class
3. White socks and white ballet slippers
4. Dance Belt
5. Yoga mat 
6. Students may bring extra towels, warmers, surgical tape and antiseptic lotion or gel

Performance Attire:

Girls:

1. Black leotard - for performance tank leotard Bloch L5415 or similar style (pinch front, tank strap, medium back) - no halter or racer back styles for the performance. 
2. Black wrap around ballet skirt for the performance like Treinawear 12 inch chiffon skirt TR200S12 can be found on Amazon or on TrienaWear
3. Pink footed or convertible tights for performance - Capezio style 1816 in light pink or similar styles - no back seam
4. Rhinestone earrings for performance
5. Performance make-up will depend on the lighting in the facility, but dancers should be prepared to wear some kind of heavier make-up for the showcase.  No body glitter or bright nail polish.

Boys:

1. White tee shirt, short sleeve, without logo for performance
2. Black tights with black ballet slippers for performance

Modern Dance

Students are expected to wear form-fitting rehearsal attire during classes at the Institute.  Bring adequate numbers of rehearsal attire for two weeks of class.  Laundry facilities are not available at Quartz Mountain; please refer to page 9 of the Student Handbook for more information.

1. A yoga mat
2. Several pencils
3. One large lined notebook
4. Ballet slippers (You will be switching classes with the ballet students a couple of times during OSAI.)  However, if you do not already own ballet slippers, do not purchase them; please contact Stephanie Currey at the OAI office (405) 605-7500 for alternate options.
5. Students may bring surgical tape, extra towels, kneepads and antiseptic gel or lotion

Performance Attire:

1. Form-fitting, solid-colored clothing that allows for free movement and does NOT have any visible logos, images or words.

Choral Music

All music will be provided on our website prior to the Institute.  You will receive an email with instructions on downloading the required music.  You will be charged for any music that is lost or damaged.

Students should bring concert dress clothing.  

Girls: Long-sleeved white blouses, black floor length skirts, black stockings and black dress shoes.

Boys: Long-sleeved white dress shirts, black pants, black dress socks and black dress shoes.  


All students will need to bring a black, three-ring binder, a black folder for music, and pencils.


Showcase your talents during our Bach’s Lunch music series.  Perform a solo or ensemble piece of your choice for other OSAI students during lunch.  It’s a great way to highlight your abilities while providing entertainment for your friends.  Don’t let the name “Bach’s Lunch” fool you -- you don’t have to perform a Bach piece, or even a classical work!  This is a fun time for you to perform anything from a jazz standard to your favorite show tune.  Of course, classical pieces are welcome, too!  You won’t have a lot of space, so pick a piece for 4 musicians or less.  Bring your own music and sign up for a performance time when you arrive at Quartz Mountain!  

Orchestra

All music will be provided on our website prior to the Institute.  You will receive an email with instructions on downloading the required music.  You will be charged for any music that is lost or damaged.

1. Students should bring concert dress clothing.  

Girls: Long-sleeved white blouses, black floor length skirts, black stockings and black dress shoes.

Boys: Long-sleeved white dress shirts, black pants, black dress socks and black dress shoes.  

1. Soft instrument cases are recommended and will save you a lot of wear and tear.  A considerable amount of walking will be required of you at Quartz Mountain and light-weight cases are recommended for local transport. 
2. All students will need to bring a black, three- ring binder, a black folder for music, and pencils. 
3. Each student must bring a portable, folding music stand for sectional rehearsals.  
4. Large instruments only: Bring a padlock for the instrument lockers.  If your lock is keyed, please bring an extra key!

Showcase your talents during our Bach’s Lunch music series.  Perform a solo or chamber piece of your choice for other OSAI students during lunch.  It’s a great way to highlight your abilities while providing entertainment for your friends.  Don’t let the name “Bach’s Lunch” fool you -- you don’t have to perform a Bach piece, or even a classical work!  This is a fun time for you to perform anything from a jazz standard to a new rock song you wrote.  Of course, classical pieces are welcome, too!  You won’t have a lot of space, so pick a piece for 4 musicians or less.  Bring your own music and a wire music stand, and sign up for a performance time when you arrive at Quartz Mountain!  

Creative Writing 

Students should bring several notebooks, pens, pencils, and a dictionary.

More supplies may be added later. Please check back soon for more details.

Drawing & Painting

1. Students should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that they do not mind getting dirty.  Students should also bring an apron to protect their clothing.  
2. #2 pencils 
3. 3.5” x 5.5” sketchbook
4. Pair of scissors
5. Expired gift card or credit card
6. 1 set of Speedball Lino Set No. 2 Carving tools—Item #40203-1029 here
7. Apron

Film & Video

1. Students should bring sunscreen and closed toe shoes, no sandals!
2. One spiral notebook
3. One 1½ -inch binder with dividers
4. Pens
5. Large flash drive (min. 8 gb)
6. Headphones (recommended)

Screenwriters: You are able to bring a laptop computer (if you have one).  However, please note: If you choose to bring your computer, it must remain in the OSAI film/video classroom for the duration of OSAI and will be secured when class is not in session and every night. (You cannot use it in your housing area.)  

Photography

1. Digital SLR (single-lens reflex) camera with at least one lens (Examples of some affordable SLRs include the Canon Rebel XSi and the Nikon D40.)  If you are unable to acquire a digital SLR camera, please contact the Oklahoma Arts Institute: 405/605.7500.
2. Your camera’s manual
3. All camera accessories that you already own (e.g. camera bag, chargers, etc.)
4. 1 small 3-ring binder
5. Re-usable water bottle
6. 1 high-capacity (at least 4 gigabytes) jump drive
7. At least one memory card compatible with your camera (with minimum 2 gigabytes storage capacity). Make certain the memory card is EMPTY. 
8. Bone folder with one pointed end; Item # : TTS001001, #1-5” here 
9. 2” foam brush
10. Pair of scissors
11. Sensible shoes: no sandals or flip-flops!
12. Sunscreen and a hat (Photography students are frequently on field trips in remote areas and must often work in conditions of heat and humidity.)
13. 5 rolls of black and white film.  (Recommended Brands: Ilford HP5 or Kodak TRI-X 400 recommended, beware of C41 films, no Ilford XP2 or Kodak BW400CN.) Visit Calumet Photo  or BH Photo.
14. Recommended but not required: 35 mm camera with manual controls for shutter speed, aperture, and focus, such as an old Pentax K1000 or Nikon F series style camera

Public Performance Schedule

PLEASE NOTE: All listed performances are free and open to the public. Performances are subject to schedule and location changes. Please check back for up-to-date info. All performances take place at the Quartz Mountain Arts & Conference Center in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma. Click here for directions to Quartz Mountain and hotel information. Classes at Quartz Mountain are taught at a collegiate level. Some performances could contain subject matter that may not be suitable for children.

To download a printable performance schedule as a Word document, click here.
PAC = Robert M. Kerr Performing Arts CenterHandicapped Parking is available behind the theater -- please follow the signs from the main road.

Friday, June 15

7:00-9:00pm 

Improvisation / PAC
Regina Saisi, ActorJazz Performance / PAC
Don Byron, Clarinet

9:00-10:00pm
Reception / PAC Deck

Saturday, June 16

7:00-8:30pm
Institute Chorus and Orchestra / PAC
Paul Tucker and Jeff Grogan, Conductors 

8:30-9:30pm
Reception / PAC DeckSunday, June 17 

10:00-11:00am
Celebration of the Spirit / AmphitheaterMonday, June 18 

7:00-8:00pm
Percussion Performance / PAC
OSAI Percussion Students

Wednesday, June 20
7:00-8:30pm
Eine Kleine Quartzmusik / PAC
Student Chamber Music

Friday, June 22
6:30-7:30pm
Ballet & Modern Dance / PAC
7:30-8:00pm
Reception / PAC Deck
8:00-9:00pm
The Institute Chorus / PAC
Paul Tucker, Conductor

Saturday, June 23
10:00-11:00am
Art Gallery Opening / Amphitheater
2:30-3:30pm
Acting Performance / PAC
3:30-4:00pm
Reception / PAC Deck
4:00-5:30pm
Poetry Reading and Film Screening / PAC
8:00-9:00pm
The Institute Orchestra / PAC
Jeffrey Grogan, Conductor

OSAI and Early Morning Hikes

The 2012 OSAI students, faculty and staff will have the option to start the day off right with several early morning guided hikes being offered over the course of the two-week program.

Whether participating hikers are looking for a bird's eye view of the Quartz Mountain campground, hoping to see a few early-morning critters, or just wanting a chance to stretch their muscles along with friends before the day begins, the hikes are sure to please all.

So this year, when you're packing your bags, be sure to throw in a pair of sturdy shoes if you plan to hike! You don't want to miss out on these spectacular hikes!

Former OSAI guest artist featured on TEDTalks

Former Poet Laureate of the United States and OSAI creative writing guest artist Billy Collins was featured recently in a TEDTalks video podcast. In the video, Collins shares a project he worked on in collaboration with Sundance Channel that turned several of his poems into miniature animated films.

Collins includes five of his poems in the talk, including "Budapest," "Forgetfullness," and "Some Days," all animated by Julian Grey/Head Gear, "The Country" animated by Brady Baltezor/Radium and "The Dead" animated by Juan Delcan/Spontaneous. Collins then finishes off the talk by reading a more recent original poem, "To my favorite 17-year-old high school girl," receiving a standing ovation from the audience, many members even stomping their feet in appreciation.

The Oklahoma Arts Institute remains ever grateful to Billy Collins for sharing his talents with our students. Check the video out below!

Students 'Chow Down' at Quartz Mountain

Another 'creature comfort' issue that students and parents tend to have questions about is regarding what the meals will be like while at Quartz Mountain. While snacks are available for purchase in the Institute Store each day and students are welcome to bring snacks (that have been tightly sealed against critters) with them, part of the $2500 scholarship that each student receives for their stay at Quartz Mountain includes three meals a day in the cafe.

Every year, OAI and Quartz Mountain staff make every effort possible to ensure that each student's dietary needs are met, including those needing additional options, such as vegetarians or students with special health needs. We strongly encourage students to review the menus, however, in order to supplement their diet while at camp with any special snacks they may want to bring. If you have a dietary restriction, please let us know as soon as possible, by calling the office at (405) 605-7500.

For the past few years, to help ease students' transitions to camp, we've posted the menus for the two week program online, so students and parents feel more "in the know" about what their experience will be like. This year is no exception! You'll find below a small sample of the Quartz Mountain menu, and can download the entire two week menu as a Word document here.

Saturday, June 9

*Opening Day Lunch- In ballroom for students/guests 

Hamburgers

Veggie Burgers

White and Wheat Buns

Lettuce, cheese slices, tomatoes, pickles, onion slices, ketchup, mustard, mayo, Dijon mustard

French fries

Vegetarian BBQ beans

Assorted cookies and brownies

Student Dinner

Breaded Chicken strips-with dipping sauces (Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, ketchup)

Grilled Chicken Strips

Mac and Cheese

Potato Salad and Cole Slaw

Steamed Green Beans

Cornbread

Assorted Cakes

Sunday, June 10

Breakfast

Scrambled Eggs

Waffles

Syrup

Sausage

Lunch

Deli Sandwich Bar to Include:

Assorted Breads and Wraps

Sliced Ham and Turkey, Roast Beef, Egg Salad Tuna or Chicken Salad

Sliced American and Swiss Cheeses

Tomatoes, Onions, Pickles, Lettuce, Mustard, Mayo, Dijon Mustard

Potato Chips

Potato Salad, Cole Slaw

Assorted Cookies

Dinner

Sliced turkey breast with gravy

Mashed potatoes

Vegetable Medley

Rolls and Butter

Fruit Cobbler

Quartz Mountain Student's 'Home Sweet Home' During OSAI

For two weeks this June, 271 students from around the state, as well as faculty, staff, and counselors will call Quartz Mountain home as they immerse themselves in the arts. Naturally, many students have had questions about just what to expect out of their living quarters while at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, so we're here to answer that question!

Students are assigned housing based on age and gender, with housing assignments designed to encourage interaction between the different disciplines (in other words, if you are an orchestra student, you won't be housed with just other orchestra students.) All OSAI housing facilities are air-conditioned, offering students a break from the extreme Oklahoma summer heat! In fact, housing facilities as well as many of the classrooms are so air-conditioned that we encourage students to dress in layers in case they get chilly!

Housing for boys and girls is separate. Female counselors and female students are housed in the lodge rooms that sleep three to four students. Male counselors and male students are housed in cabins, bunkhouses, and duplexes that sleep six to sixteen students.

Housing letters went out a few days ago, so students should be receiving information about their housing assignments and check-in times this week. Our Facebook is already filling with posts from students with their room assignments, hoping to connect early with their roommates. If you'd like to see if any of your roommates have posted, check out our Facebook here. Check-in times should also be included with housing letters, but here they are again:

Orchestra: 1:00 p.m.
Photo, Drawing, and Film: 1:30 p.m.
Choral Music and Acting: 2:00 p.m.
Ballet, Modern Dance, and Creative Writing: 2:30 p.m.

There will be an orientation for all students at 3:30 p.m. If you know that you will be later than the beginning of the orientation for any reason, please call the office at (405) 605-7500 as soon as possible and ask to speak to Emily or Stephanie.

Almost time for OSAI

We're only 2 1/2 weeks away from the start of the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, and the OAI offices are in full gear preparing for our biggest program of the year!

We've received a lot of questions around the office from accepted students regarding OSAI, so here compiled is a FAQ about our summer program. If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave them as a comment here, send them to us on Facebook, or email them to kbrown@oaiquartz.org and we will update this post with your answer!

Q: When will orchestra and chorus students be receiving their music?
A: Music Coordinator Justin Watson is busily scanning in and posting music on our website! If you have not already seen your music, we should have it up sometime this week!

Q: Will we find out our housing assignments before camp?
A: Yes! We sent out your housing letters yesterday, so you should be receiving a letter in the mail in the next few days about your housing assignments. If you haven't by the end of the week, feel free to call the office at (405) 605-7500.

Q: When will we find out about the supplies we need for our discipline?
A: We will have those lists up on our website within the next day or two!

Q: Is there a cut off for when alternates could still be accepted into their discipline?
A: There is always a chance (and usually happens once or twice every year) that an accepted student could cancel their attendance as late as the first day of camp, and therefore an alternate slot open up. We completely understand that many of you that were accepted as alternates had to go ahead and make other plans for your summer, but don't be too surprised if you receive a call about OSAI as late as June 9.

Q: Can we access online a list of which performances our family and friends are invited to attend?
A: Absolutely! You can access and download a list of performances here. We especially encourage family and friends to attend during ONSTAGE Weekend, Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23, although we strongly encourage everyone to arrange motel rooms as soon as possible, as they do fill up quickly!

Q: What will my typical day at OSAI be like?
A: Here's a basic schedule for most days at OSAI, so that you can plan accordingly:
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. - Optional Fitness Class
7:00 - 8:30 a.m. - Breakfast
8:30 - 11:00 a.m. - Morning Classes
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch
12:15 - 1:00 p.m. - Optional Fitness Class
1:00 - 5:30 p.m. - Afternoon Classes
5:30  - 7:00 p.m. - Dinner
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Evening Performances/Presentations
9:15 - 10:00 p.m. - Return to Rooms
10:00 - 10:30 p.m. - Cabin/Room Meetings
11:00 p.m. - Lights Out

Q: What should I bring with me to camp?
A: We highly recommend that you bring the following items with you to camp:
1. A copy of the Student Handbook (available online here)
2. A flashlight with working batteries
3. Any additional snacks you'd like (tightly sealed against critters!)
4. You must bring 10 sheets of personal stationary or note cards with envelopes and seven $.45 stamps for writing thank-you letters to donors
5. Male students should bring a footlocker or inexpensive plastic tub.
6. Spending money to purchase between-meal drinks and snacks, items from the Institute store (such as t-shirts and books) and to pay for laundry service and other miscellaneous items.
7. Enough clothing for at least 7 - 14 days, as well as possibly including: bathrobe, swimsuit, beach towel, closed-toe shoes for hiking, hat, raincoat, and jacket. Comfortable shoes are a must. Many students choose to bring dressier clothing for performances and special events. Students should have their name sewn or marked in all items of clothing and accessories. Keep in mind that it may be hot outside, but all Quartz Mountain facilities are well air-conditioned, so you should layer. Students wishing to send out laundry (at their own expense) on the second Monday of OSAI should bring an indelibly marked laundry bag.
8. Also recommended: sunglasses, bug spray, sunscreen, alarm clock, backpack, games, cards, and camera. (Bath towels, bed linens, and pillows are provided)

Q: Is there any kind of dress code implemented during OSAI?

A: Because of the temperatures that can get very high at Quartz Mountain in June, the dress code is fairly casual (shorts and tshirts.) However, while the outside is extremely hot, often the classrooms are air coditioned almost to the point of being cold, so we encourage everyone to dress in layers. In addition, many students choose to bring dressier clothing for performance and visitors nights.