Photos by: Kate Valk and Ariana Smart Truman
The Wooster Group Summer Institute is a free, three-week performing arts intensive that brings New Yorkers aged 12 to 17 together to make experimental theater. Rather than working toward a predetermined production, participants begin with source material, explore an eclectic range of artistic forms and disciplines and collectively make something new. Students generate material, make artistic choices, operate technology, solve problems and gradually become an ensemble.
For Under the Radar, the Summer Institute opens up its process to the public for the first time. In this one-hour open studio, students, interns, apprentices and adult leaders from the 2026 Summer Institute will work together using some of the exercises and practices that shape the program. Audiences are invited to drop in, stay for five minutes or the whole hour and watch the artistic process unfold live.
“Achieves the holy grail of progressive education: children intrinsically motivated to construct their own learning process.” – American Theatre
CREDITS
A selection of the 2026 Summer Institute participants will take part in the workshop.
Summer Institute Co-Founder: Kate Valk
Director and Co-Founder: Ariana Smart Truman
Leaders: Tamia Aiken, Dee Beasnael, Maggie Hoffman, Eleanor Hutchins, Mike Iveson, Andy Maillet, Joseph Morris, Matthias Neckermann, Susie Sokol, Christopher-Rashee Stevenson
Students: Jaxon Bartok, Lorin Bordas, Tais Guzmán, Inara Hosein, Willa Kayne, Stevenson Lyng, Annalie Martinez, Owen McKenna-Blackwood, Dash McNitt, William McRae-Sainmervil, Michael Moran, Olivia Nyenator, Heaven Ortiz, Chaun Otto, Andrew Razmadze, Elizaveta Sharavara, Kian Sharma, Mia Taylor, Christopher Wright, Khailin Yearwood
Interns and Apprentices: Matteo Edesess-Hardy, Skye Fisher, Jelani Henry, Anjel Morales, Jack Oursler, Stephanie Renoj Lopez, George Truman
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Founded in 1996 by Kate Valk and Ariana Smart Truman, The Wooster Group Summer Institute welcomes participants from a wide range of backgrounds, with a particular commitment to those who have limited access to arts education. Each summer, young people work alongside professional artists from The Wooster Group and the wider experimental performance community to devise an original performance. The Institute has developed an intergenerational artistic community, with students returning as paid interns, apprentices, and eventually collaborating artists.
FUNDING + SUPPORT
The Summer Institute is supported by The Bowery Group: Cookshop, Vic’s and Shuka; Costco; Edward T. Cone Foundation; J.M. Kaplan Fund; Negri Foundation; Select Equity Group Foundation; Shake Shack; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
VENUE NOTES + ACCESSIBILITY
St. Ann’s Warehouse
45 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
F to York Street Station
A/C to High Street Station
2/3 to Clark Street Station
Access Notes
This event is designed for standing room or floor seating; chairs are available for individuals with limited mobility. The space is wheelchair accessible. Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are available at the box office on loan with a valid photo ID.
Appropriate Age Range
Appropriate for All Ages
SCHEDULE
Saturday, January 16 at 5pm
Entry Is Free, Reservations Are Not Required
VENUE
St. Ann’s Warehouse
45 Water St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
map
Accessibility
For access + directions, click here
Run Time:
60 minutes. Open studio format; audiences may drop in and leave at any time.
