Applications are now being accepted for the 2017 New York State Summer School of the Arts. High school students throughout New York State are encouraged to apply. Auditions begin in January and will be held across the state.

Founded in 1970, NYSSSA, a program of the State Education Department, provides more than 400 high school students the opportunity to study with some of the world’s foremost artists in the visual and performing arts. Four weeks of intensive work and interaction with performing arts companies, such as the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra, give students a chance to experience the rigors of their chosen arts field.

Students are accepted into the schools through a competitive audition process conducted by the artistic staff. Tuition rates are maintained at a modest level and tuition assistance is available, enabling every student who qualifies the opportunity to participate in the program.

A schedule of audition sites and application materials are available at: www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa.

Following is a schedule of the 2017 NYSSSA schools and locations:

— The School of Ballet will be held June 25 to July 22 at Skidmore College and the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs;

— The School of Choral Studies will be held July 2 to July 29 at SUNY Fredonia;

— The School of Dance will be held July 16 to Aug. 12 at Skidmore College and the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs;

— The School of Media Arts will announce dates and location in late winter 2017;

— The School of Orchestral Studies will be held July 23 to Aug. 19 at Skidmore College;

— The School of Theatre will be held in July 9 to Aug. 5 at SUNY Delhi; and

— The School of Visual Arts will be held July 1 to 28 at SUNY Fredonia.