Dear US Performing Arts Family, Past, Present and Future,
The past two summers might not be what we all expected, but it looks like we’ll be back together in-person this summer. Together we will make it very SPECIAL!
When we wrote to you last two years Summer 2020 and 2021 was in limbo. We have partnered with schools this year that have assured us we can expect that as Summer 2022 arrives our summer camps and intensives will be able to run safely in person as they always had in the past.
There continues to be a lot of uncertainty with regards to COVID-19 for universities, and schools in general, throughout the country. We remain in close contact with our host universities and if anything should change for this summer we will tell you immediately. Our host schools are currently planning to remain open for the summer while implementing all CDC protocol for cleaning and disinfecting all public spaces. We have instituted a “No Risk Enrollment” policy so that families can safely plan to participate in our summer workshops and programs.
For us to plan appropriately…and for all of us to have hope again, we need your registrations, and you need to enroll feeling confident that you will have an exciting program with world class teaching artists, to look forward to attending. A fully refundable tuition deposit of $300 will hold your place for each residential or commuter program you choose at the published tuition price. Should the university cancel you will be given the option to move your enrollment to another campus with no tuition increase or attend a virtual workshop at a reduced price. Should you decide not to attend a camp at another campus or not to attend virtually, should we need to pivot, we will refund everything you have paid to date, minus your $150 non-refundable registration fee, or at your request give you a camp credit for the next year.
To begin the registration process for your student, please call toll-free (888) 497-3553 or (415) 924-6442.
It goes without saying, the number one priority of both USPA and its host campuses is the safety and well-being of our students, staff, their families, and the community at large. We will continue to closely monitor the reports from the World Health Organization, the CDC, our host universities, and the state and local health officials where we operate. At this time, we are expecting to move forward as planned but are also developing alternate plans in case there is a change. As we continue to confer with our universities, we will re-evaluate our plans for the summer at the end of April. As we have all seen, dramatic changes have happened rapidly. We want to be able to make the most prudent and right decision at the right time.
We have DREAMS and PASSION!
It’s been two years since we all have all “hunkered down” and “sheltered in place.” It’s important to keep our dreams and passion alive. Our virtual programs have been very successful, but we all know it’s not the same as being together in a collaborative environment. We are grateful to once again be planning to be in-person.
Our dream for you is that you stay safe and healthy. Our passion is to nurture your dream and stoke your passion. To that end we’re working hard to establish a creative and beneficial learning environment that will promote your dream and benefit your craft.
Our faculty is eager to work with you, whether it’s in person or remotely should we have to pivot. We’ve discovered many ways to make virtual learning interactive, personal and fun. We’re reaching for the stars and developing some exciting new project-based programs for you. Our web developers are creating a hosting platform for our students to share their writing, films, favorite monologues, songs, and more. It is the arts community, people like you, who have always lifted humanity by shining your light on our darkest days. We are nurturing our USPA community with virtual hugs until we can once again have a big group hug!
We know that there will be financial hardships for many families this year. We will work with everyone to make sure your dreams to attend a USPA workshop are attainable.
The saying goes, “We are all in this together.” We are. We are a collaborative team. Let’s do this. Let’s plan for our future together. Plan to attend a US Performing Arts Camp/Workshop this summer!
Stay safe, be well,
Judith Patterson
President/CEO