Idyllwild Arts Foundation

Huge thank you Andy Moss, former IAA faculty member and Fight Director/Intimacy Specialist, for returning to campus and sharing his expertise in stage combat! 🗡️✨ With years of experience coordinating fights and directing intimacy for productions worldwide—from The Met Opera to Boston Lyric Opera, Edinburgh Fringe, and the 75th-anniversary tour of "Porgy and Bess"—Andy’s impact on stage is unparalleled. 🌍🎭 His dedication to teaching at top institutions like NYU and Boston University is just one example of his commitment to the craft. We were thrilled to have him back, inspiring the next generation of dramatic artists! 🌟 Tap the link to learn more about our Dramatic Arts department! https://bit.ly/48XRZDx

🎓✨ This week, we had the distinct pleasure of hosting representatives from 38 of the world's leading colleges and conservatories at our annual College Fair, hosted by our College Counseling office! 🌍💼 Our students dove into networking, exploring the programs, campus life, and incredible opportunities each school has to offer and building a roadmap to their futures in the arts. From Berklee College of Music to NYU, Juilliard, USC, The New School, BIMM University, New England Conservatory, Cornish College of the Arts, and so many more top colleges (way too many to list!), our campus buzzed with insight and inspiration! 🌟💡 Students explored every facet of the college journey, including finding the right fit, managing lessons and academics, and navigating international choices. 🗺️✨ A huge thank you to all the college reps, faculty, and staff who helped guide our students’ paths beyond high school at this important event. 💙 We’re excited to see where our students will go next! Tap the link to learn more about Idyllwild Arts Academy student college acceptances! 📲 https://bit.ly/4hi03Df

🎉 It’s STUDENT TAKEOVER time! Dramatic Arts students Sophia Lumen and Isabel Zollman are here to guide you through our ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE & FAMILY WEEKEND! 🙌🌍 Families from all over the world are joining us on campus, and we can't wait to show you everything we’ve got planned! 🎭🎶🎥 Sophia and Bel will take you behind the scenes of our pre-professional programs, where you’ll experience the creativity and passion that fuels our campus. From Academic Mini-Classes to a music showcase in the stunning William M. Lowman Concert Hall, we’ll be diving into all the amazing art forms that thrive on our campus. 🎶🎭 Watch our Dramatic Arts department bring "Curious George: The Golden Meatball" to life and experience a multi-disciplinary student showcase that highlights the incredible talent of our artists. We'll also enjoy a delicious lunch together at the beautiful Nelson Dining Hall! 🍽️ But first, let's meet your amazing hosts for the day: 👋 "Hi! My name is Sophia Lumen! I am a three year Junior in the Dramatic Arts Department and I am from San Francisco. I am the Junior Representative on the IAA Student Council, and I am playing Curious George in this year's children's traveling musical!" 👋 "Hi, my name is Bel Zollman! I am a three year Junior in the Musical Theater Department and I am from Seattle, Washington. I am currently a Prefect and a part of PLUS (peer leaders uniting students)." Join us on our Instagram account and let the fun begin! Click the link to discover more about our unique learning experience! https://bit.ly/4fhthA6

Happy #InternationalArtistDay! 🎨✨ Today, we celebrate the incredible artists worldwide who enrich our lives with creativity and imagination. 🌍 This day honors the contributions of artists in shaping culture, sparking important conversations, and pushing boundaries. At Idyllwild Arts, we're proud to nurture young creators across Dance, Music, Visual Arts, Film & Digital Media, InterArts, Creative Writing, Fashion Design, and Dramatic Arts. 🎭🎶 With a rich history dating back to 1946, we continue to support the next generation of innovators who transform their talents into powerful expressions of art. 💡🎬 Let’s take a moment to appreciate and support the artists who make the world more beautiful, inspiring, and thought-provoking. Tap the link to learn more about the magic of Idyllwild Arts Academy 💫 https://bit.ly/4fhthA6

Lights, camera, action! 🎥✨ Idyllwild Arts is heading to NYC, and you're invited to join our STUDENT TAKEOVER at the All American High School Film Festival! 🌟 Join Audrey Kotkin and Ariel Tsao on our IG as they take us behind the scenes with the Film & Digital Media department, where several of our students’ films have been officially selected out of thousands of submissions from all over the world! 🌍🎞️ These films will be screened at AMC Theaters in Times Square and are eligible to win multiple categories this year! 🏆 The AAHSFF is the premier destination for young filmmakers, connecting the future stars of the industry with the recognition, respect, and opportunities they deserve. Before we hit the Big Apple, meet our amazing hosts: 🎬 "Hi! My name is Audrey Kotkin. I am a 3-year Junior in the Idyfilm department. My pronouns are She/Her, and I am from Las Vegas, Nevada. My favorite memory at Idyllwild Arts is being in the Idyfilm Production as a Producer! 🎥 I am going to be a four-year senior next year!” 🎬 "Hi Guys! I am Ariel Tsao. I am a 3-year senior in the Idyfilm department. I am from Taiwan and was raised in Shanghai, and my pronouns are She/her. My favorite memory of Idyllwild Arts is to be around all my fabulous film students. I love K-pop! 💟" Don’t miss out on this exciting journey! Follow our Instagram stories and tap the link to learn how YOU can become a Film & Digital Media student at Idyllwild Arts Academy! 🎬✨ https://lnkd.in/gAG62TWR

🎭 Last week, we had the immense honor of welcoming back the incredible Johanna McKay (@johanna.mckay) for one of her legendary Shakespeare Masterclasses! 🌟 Our stage was transformed as Johanna and our talented students brought Shakespearean drama and passion to life as they prepared for the ESU Shakespeare competition coming up in January. Johanna’s love for the Bard started when her father took her to Stratford, Ontario, inspiring her to memorize "The Seven Ages of Man" speech for just a dollar. Now an award-winning actress in LA, Johanna also teaches acting in underprivileged schools through P.S. Arts, and regularly returns here to our campus to direct and adapt Shakespearean plays for our students in the Academy and Summer Program. 🎭✨ We’re beyond grateful for her dedication and generosity to our students over the years. THANK YOU, JOHANNA! 🙏💫 Tap the link to learn more about our Dramatic Arts department! https://bit.ly/48XRZDx "All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts...' – William Shakespeare

A profound thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating #IndigenousPeoplesDay at Idyllwild Arts last Monday! 🌿✨ The day was filled with reflection, learning, and joy as we honored the incredible contributions Indigenous people make to humanity. A special shoutout to Shaliyah Ben, Executive Director of the IA Native American Arts Center, for curating such impactful programming with inspiring presentations and visiting artists. 🙌 We kicked off the day with heartfelt opening remarks and blessings from Michael Madrigal, followed by insightful public presentations from Jazz trumpeter Delbert Anderson and his quartet, and Eugene and Erin Tapahe of The Jingle Dress Project. 🌎✨ 🥙✨ Guests savored a delicious lunch of traditional Native foods—complete with delicious frybread—while grooving to a DJ set by IA alum Kino Benally, aka DJ Béeso 🎶🔥 In the afternoon, attendees visited a public open studio with Hopi glass artists Ramson Lomatewama and Ayen Talashoma, where they got hands-on, creating their own glass flowers! 🌸🔥 Our students spent the afternoon rotating between four workshops including a nature photography exercise hosted by Nia MacKnight, a conversation about original music and inspiration with Kino Benally, an interactive comedy show with Brian Bahe, and a speed screenprint session with Randy and Raven Kemp. We ended the day dancing under the stars at The Harvey House to the incredible music of the Delbert Anderson Quartet and the beautiful flute melodies of Randy Kemp (Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, Euchee) from Artificial Red. 🎵🌌 A huge shoutout to Harvey House for their generous support! 🙏 This day wouldn't have been the same without our incredible faculty, staff, students, and community guests who made it all possible. Remember—every day is Indigenous Peoples Day! 🌎💫 Learn more about our Native American Arts Center at the link. https://bit.ly/3PZTR52

🎬✨ We’re beyond excited to announce that "Qipao," a stunning short film by our very own Film & Digital Media student Ariel Tsao scripted completely in Mandarin, has been chosen as an official selection for the prestigious Chinese American Film Festival, the only annual Chinese and American film culture event held in Hollywood and recognized by the Chinese and American governments. 🌟🎉 Ariel will have the opportunity to attend the festival next month with fellow student and "Qipao" producer Ruslan Khromin, as well as Film & Digital Media Department Chair Catalina Alcaraz-Guzman, All American High School Film Festival 's 2023 "Teacher of the Year." 🎥Calling all aspiring Chinese filmmakers! Are you interested in learning more about the unique opportunities and creative community of Idyllwild Arts Academy? Join us on Monday, October 21st at 8pm CST for an exclusive WeChat livestream info session featuring our Admissions Team and alum, Cooper Dai! The entire livestream event will be translated in Mandarin, and you’ll hear about our upcoming recruitment trip to China, learn about in-person auditions and interviews, and ask any questions you may have about life as an international Chinese student at Idyllwild Arts Academy! 📅 Tap the link to learn more and save the event on WeChat! https://bit.ly/4h5S6kp

A huge thank you to the incredible Keli Adams (@keliadams) for stopping by last week to lead an inspiring masterclass for our dance students! 🙌💃 Keli is a powerhouse in contemporary and improvisation dance, with a rich background in both teaching and choreography. She’s worked with dancers of all levels at Elite Dance Center and De Toledo High School, and trained under legends like Mia Michaels and Wade Robson. 🌟 Her resume includes prestigious intensives like ABT’s teacher training and GagaHomeLabs in NYC. 🏆✨ Keli’s choreography has been recognized with multiple NCDP Merit Honors and Hall of Fame Dance Challenge awards! 🎉 We’re so thankful for the expertise and passion she brought to our students, and we can’t wait to welcome her back on campus soon! 💫💖 Click the link to learn more about our dynamic dance department! https://bit.ly/3mdQZnB

🎉 Today, we’re celebrating our fourth annual Indigenous Peoples Day event on campus with something extra special – a STUDENT TAKEOVER by our Indigenous Peoples Club! 🎉 Join Tain Half and Samaris Biglake on our IG as they guide us through a vibrant journey of Native arts and culture, right here on campus! 🌍✨ This free, family-friendly event honors the incredible contributions of Indigenous people through the arts. We're proud to celebrate our "Living Land Acknowledgement" with this year’s headliner, The Delbert Anderson Quartet)! 🎶🎺 We'll join Samaris and Tain to learn about The Jingle Dress Project with photographer Eugene Tapahe, enjoy a complimentary Indigenous foods luncheon with a DJ set from IAA alum Kino Benally, watch Hopi glass artists Ramson Lomatewama and Ayen Talashoma in action, explore incredible works for sale by Indigenous student artists, and more! 🖼️💫 Before our journey begins, lets get to know our hosts: 👋 "My name is Samaris Biglake. I’m part of the Apsáalooke tribe, I use she/her pronouns, I’m from Billings, MT, and a fun fact about me is that I love shepherd's pie. One of my favorite things about Idyllwild Arts is the students—I’ve met so many cool and amazing people during my time here." 👋 "Hi, my name is Tain Half. I’m from Montana and an enrolled member of the Apsáalooke tribe. I’m a four year senior in the InterArts department, with a focus on photography and metalsmithing. I’m also one of the co-presidents of the Indigenous Peoples Club here on campus." Head to the link to learn more about Indigenous Peoples Day and all the incredible events we have in store! Many thanks to Harvey House for their support of this special event. https://bit.ly/3TRnUjd