The New York State Summer Young Writers Institute, June 29- July 11, 2015 at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York.

The New York State Summer Young Writers Institute is a thirteen-day in-residence writing workshop for high school students. Held during the months of June and July the workshop offers young writers artistic development, recognition and respect, and peer support. Students work closely with professional writers, immersing themselves in poetry, prose, creative nonfiction, and the critical evaluation of each other’s work. Admission is limited and participation is determined by the evaluation of creative writing samples submitted as part of the application process. The SYWI is open to any high school student entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the fall of 2015.

Workshop participants attend three instructional sessions per day — a ninety-minute workshop in the morning, and two hour-long workshops each afternoon. In addition, the young writers attend readings and presentations by the nationally-known writers who are part of the New York State Summer Writers Institute, which is held at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Work produced by each student during the Summer Young Writers Institute is published in an anthology.

Full and partial financial assistance based upon individual need is available to help offset the cost of tuition and room and board. The application deadline is April 1st.

For more information visit the 17th Annual Creative Writing Workshop website or contact the Skidmore Office of the Dean of Special Programs at 518-580-5593.

Casting Auditions in Schenectady for We The Animals

Producer – Jeremy Yaches and Director – Jeremiah Zagar, co-founders of Public Record (a production company that specializes in film, TV, branded content, and commercials) are looking to cast Latino or multi-racial boys ages 7-13 for their new Sundance supported film “We the Animals.” The film, based on a New York Times best-selling novel by Justin Torres, is a coming-of-age story about three young boys growing up in upstate NY in the care of two young parents.

Auditions will be held Saturday, January 31st and Sunday, February 1st from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady, 400 Craig Street, Schenectady, NY 12307