The Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) is now accepting applications for its Summer Arts Academy. During the months of July and August, the school opens its doors to students, entering grades 6-12, who are interested in exploring drama, musical theater, creative writing, dance, music and the visual arts.

Courses at the Summer Arts Academy include the traditional classes that the school's students participate in during the year. In addition, the summer allows time for other exciting offerings, including master classes in clowning, stage combat and self-defense. The varied curricula make the Summer Arts Academy perfect for current LIHSA students as well as for those who are just beginning to discover their passion for the arts.

After having picked a "major," students will receive both group and individual instruction from renowned artists, many of whom teach at the school during the year. In addition to the daily lessons in their chosen craft, participants will have a chance to see performances by guest artists, visit museums, work with ensembles and take a trip to Broadway. The Theatre and Art departments also offer audition classes and portfolio development classes for older students. The culminating event of the Summer Arts Academy is a series of performances before family and friends during the final week of the program.

The Summer Arts Academy is held in a state-of-the-art, air-conditioned complex in Syosset. Students interested in attending should ask their school principal or guidance counselor for an application. After acceptance - which requires approval from the student's home district - students will be placed in classes based on age and level of achievement. Districts that have already signed on to participate include: Bellmore-Merrick, Carle Place, Commack, East Meadow, Elwood, Garden City, Half Hallow Hills, Harborfields, Herricks, Huntington, Island Trees, Jericho, Levittown, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Malverne, Massapequa, Mineola, North Shore, Oyster Bay, Plainedge, Port Washington, Rockville Centre, Seaford, Sewanhaka and Wantagh. For more information, please call LIHSA Principal Ava Favara at

516-364-1177.