Opportunity Guide I Summer, Enrichment & Activities Guide

If your child loves singing, dancing, acting, playing an instrument, composing music or painting and designing, she will find a plethora of outstanding fun and instructional programs where she can develop her talents and meet people who love what she does. Check out extracurricular arts activities, including performance opportunities, at your child’s school or at local community centers. Specialized private weekend classes and summer programs for students of all levels are sponsored by various art institutes, music festivals, universities and professional music and dance companies.

To perform at the highest levels, many arts, especially music and dance, require private lessons and enrichment. If your child likes to perform, look for audition opportunities at local fairs, festivals, community orchestras and theaters. Many professional theaters and ballet companies sponsor summer intensive programs from talented youth. A child who enjoys competing may be interested in participating in arts contests where her work can earn recognition and win awards. The best students compete, at national arts contests that offer scholarship prizes.



  1. High school courses are offered year-round at the Kansas City Art Institute. All classes give fine art instruction while working with any skill level. Courses align with the KCAI Foundation Year and… Read more
  2. A three-week residential program located on the campus of Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri with an academically challenging curriculum for grades 7-9. JBA offers a selection of liberal… Read more
  3. The Architecture Discovery Program (ADP) is an exciting introduction to architecture and design for high school students. The rigorous two-week program offers intensive individual instruction by Sam… Read more
  4. The Portfolio Plus Program invites high school students to take college-level art and design courses. You will spend your mornings learning the fundamentals of drawing and your afternoons pursuing a… Read more