Assemblyman David G. McDonough recently announced that he has available at his District Office applications for the New York State Summer School of the Arts 2003 Session.

This program, with its eight component summer residential achools is sponsored and supported by the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and is administered by the State Education Department. Recognized as one of the finest programs of its kind in the nation, over 13,000 high schoolage students have become part of this unique summer experience. The schools provide opportunities for all New York State students who qualify through auditions to receive the highest level of training and instruction.

The eight Summer Schools of the Arts are directed and staffed by internationally acclaimed artists and companies. Students work in small groups and in one-on-one sessions with professionals and with other students of similar ability. NYSSA's goal is to provide intensive, preprofessional training programs for New York State's most gifted and motivated young artists, those who are considering careers in the arts or entertainment industries. The schools provide intensive training in an environment where students experience the rigorous discipline of the daily life of a professional artist.

The program is open to all high school age students who qualify through auditions. Tuition assistance, based upon financial need, is available. Students must audition in person at regional audition sites for the summer schools they wish to attend. In certain cases, however, a portfolio review, or a video and/or audio tape or compact disc review, will be sufficient. Deadlines, depending on the school being applied for, are different as auditions are being held in January and February.

Anybody interested in obtaining an application may contact Assemblyman David McDonough either by writing to 3000 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, New York, 11756 or by calling 731-8830.