AIR Programs

AIR offers various after school and school vacation programs throughout the year in dance, drama, music, poetry, and the visual arts.

Summer AIR
Summer AIR offers middle school girls the opportunity to explore the arts in an intensive six-week experiential learning program. It runs Monday through Thursday, from 9AM until 3PM, beginning in early July. The curriculum offers various hands-on arts activities with a primary focus on the visual arts. Though specific projects vary from year to year, generally participants study painting, pottery, jewelry making, textiles, and mixed media. The program also teaches girls basic skills in dance, poetry, and drama. A qualified arts staff leads daily activities and several guest artists come in to lead additional workshops. Participants attend weekly field trips to various museums, artists’ studios, and theatres. At the end of the program, all participant artwork is displayed at a public reception hosted by The Art Gallery at the University of New Hampshire. Summer participants plan and implement a community arts service project. In the past, girls have painted a public mural that depicted local women’s history in Henry Law Park in downtown Dover, New Hampshire. This program is traditionally located at the Mill Pond Center for the Arts in Durham, New Hampshire.  Applications are available in May and must be accompanied by a referral.

Summer AIR Film Institute (SAFI)
SAFI invites high school age girls to study the art of film.  This is a summer program that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning early July.  Participants create film shorts that are premiered in August at a public screening.

LEAP
LEAP (Let’s Experience Arts Performance) is a week-long drama, dance and writing workshop offered during either winter or spring school vacation time. Up to thirty middle and high school age girls participate in each week. Participants use the arts to create an original performance that they perform at the end of the program.

Listen to Her Sing
Listen to Her Sing is a week-long workshop on voice and musical theatre offered during either winter or spring school vacations. Up to thirty middle and high school age girls are accepted to participate in each week. During this program, participants learn voice techniques, write and compose an original group song, study traditional, classic, jazz, and contemporary music, and learn a musical theatre dance. The program ends with a public recital.

Picture Poets of AIR
Picture Poets is an after-school poetry and photography program led by former Portsmouth Poet Laureate, Mimi White, and professional photographer Courtney Bent.  Participants meet weekly throughout the school year to explore an annual theme through photography and poetry.  Participants give public readings, display their photographs in local venues, and publish their work in chapbooks.  Current Picture Poets publications include: I Don’t Need Your Praise to Survice and Who Am I?  A Voice, A Fingerprint, A Name. 

Voices of AIR
Voices of AIR is a select choir of AIR participants who have completed the Listen to Her Sing program.  This group meets weekly to rehearse for general professional engagements throughout the year.

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