Smart Scholars students gain confidence, credits during summer program

Members of the Smart Scholars Early College High School Performing Arts Academy last month earned college credits through summer programs at Dutchess Community College, which included a two-night experience staying overnight in the campus’ dorms.
The program’s first cohort, comprised of students who are entering their junior year, took the three-credit, four-week Acting I class with AnnChris Warren, DCC’s instructor of theatre and dance and program liaison to the Poughkeepsie City School District.
Members of the second cohort, students entering sophomore year, took the one-credit Performing Arts Intro seminar over three weeks with professor Andrew Karl.
Smart Scholars is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Poughkeepsie district, DCC and the Bardavon 1869 Opera House, in which students can earn up to 24 college credits through enrolling in specialized dual-enrollment classes.
The four-year program provides career counseling, academic support and career exploration opportunities, including field trips and college visits, in addition to regular school programming. Students during freshman year focus on traditional subjects while receiving dedicated counseling and support, in advance of earning their first college credit during the summer bridge program. Then, opportunities to take dual-enrollment classes focused on the transferable skills and confidence to succeed in performing arts fields increase through the final three years.
While some of those who took part in this year’s summer bridge program dream of becoming an actor or music producer, others are looking to go into law or another field outside of the performing arts.
“I have other plans,” rising junior Daniel Groucher said. “It’s, like, teaching you skills for the betterment of your future. It’s honestly a very good program to be in.”
Those members of the first cohort who have enrolled in and completed all four classes in the program up to this point, including piano classes offered this past year, have been able to earn 10 college credits.
Acting I aims to “introduce basic communication skills, including physical and vocal presence in front of an audience,” and “develop acting skill through the use of regular warm-ups, improvisational, imaginative and ensemble-building theatre exercises as well as beginning scene study,” according to the course syllabus.
Among other skills, students were expected to learn memorization, presentation, basic acting terminology, performance structure and techniques to get over stage fright and prepare to give a speech. They were required to learn, rehearse, block and ultimately perform monologues and scenes with partners.
Warren noted the class, when offered at DCC, is a 15-week course, making it an “intensive” experience.
“It’s actually harder than when we do it with our college students,” she said three weeks into the program. “But they’re doing well, they’re taking it in stride.”
The one-credit Performing Arts Seminar “introduces students to the field of performing arts and helps guide them in making decisions that lead to success in performing arts studies and a career in the performing arts,” providing an overview “of courses and training needed, preparing for auditions, career opportunities, and possible transfer options,” according to the syllabus. Students also learned some basic performing arts exercises.
On the overnight experience, held for both cohorts July 21-23, the rising sophomores worked on final projects that included creating press kits for an artist in the field that they someday seek to be in.
The dorm experience is an important aspect of the summer program, providing exposure to campus life many students will not have during their high school years. The students enjoyed cafeteria food and mini campus events like a movie night, while exploring the campus’ resources and getting to know their fellow program participants on a deeper level. They also took a class in ceramics, expanding on their arts education.
“It’s a really good experience, just getting to know what it’s like,” said Jose Aquino-Ortiz, a rising junior, who said the program has helped him “be more open, socially. … Especially with acting class here, you feel more comfortable to speak out loud, the more and more you do it.”
Kay-Anna Stewart, also a rising junior who wanted to go into the music industry, said she feels the program is helping her “be more outgoing,” and get the confidence to “give public speeches, talk to other people I wouldn’t talk to and gain new friends and opportunities.”
Registration for the third cohort of the unique early college program remains open to students who recently completed eighth grade. Use this form to express interest or call (845) 451-4900 ext. 1448.