The Governor's School strongly values the role that guest artists play in the classroom.


We believe that young artists benefit from exposure to the expertise that visiting artists can bring. We understand that hosting guest artists can be expensive, and that field trips are not always an option, so our Governor's School Teaching Artists and faculty are available to you, free of charge!

To accommodate the diverse needs of today's learning environments, we offer both in-person and virtual experiences. Our staff will work with you to determine the best fit for you and your students. Read more about each format below.

"My students were enthralled from the moment the class began!"

Identify Your Students

  • A school-selected group of students can be identified to attend.
  • Experiences can be customized for artistically gifted and talented students.
  • A guest artist can hold a workshop as a part of a regular arts class.

Select Your Visit

Virtual Guest Artist

Our staff will evaluate your interests and needs and pair you with a member of the Governor's School Faculty for a virtual visit with your students. These experiences are usually available between 9 AM and 12 PM and are designed for 4th -12th grade students.

In-Person Guest Artist

These “in-school field trips” by our Music or Visual Arts Outreach Teaching Artists are designed to provide Governor’s School experiences for teachers and students in 4th-12th grade during the regular school day. 

These workshops should be hosted by the school’s corresponding art area teacher and are generally no more than one day. Often, guests artists will visit multiple schools in the region during their day-long travel.

In person visits in other art areas may be possible based on availability. Reach out to us to inquire further.

Careers in the Arts Presentation

This year we are thrilled to support a Careers in the Arts visit in collaboration with the Office of AdmissionsDuring this visit, an Admissions Liaison will speak to students about the many careers available to artists -- including some that may be unexpected! 

At the conclusion of this visit, host teachers will receive a copy of the standards-based presentation, as well as the accompanying lesson plan.

To schedule a Careers in the Arts visit, please contact admissions@scgsah.org or 864.282.3713.

Choose Your Topic

Guest Artist experiences are discipline-specific. Let us know your area of interest, and we will work with you provide appropriate content. You will find some popular workshop topics below: 

Music
  • Facilitated Rhythm Activities
  • Concert or contest preparation
  • Master classes 
  • Music production
  • General music lessons
  • Musical Storytelling
Visual Arts
  • Bookmaking
  • Paper Weaving
  • Landscape Painting
  • Animal and Monster Drawing
  • Circle Collage
  • Still Life
  • Endangered Species Sculptures
Drama
  • Performance or Audition Prep 
  • Anatomy of a Scene
  • Dialect (requires 3 days/visits)
  • Theatre History Overview
  • Mastering Your Set and Setting
  • Principles of Design
  • Improvisation
Creative Writing
  • Imagery and Scene in Short Stories
  • How to Write a Memoir
  • Imagery and Figurative Language in Poetry
  • Personal Essay Writing
Dance
  • Modern and Contemporary Dance
  • Men in Dance
  • History of Dance
  • Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Ballet
English, Math, Science, Social Studies
  • History of Dance
  • Drama in the ELA Classroom
  • Taming Performance Anxiety/Speaking in Front of Groups
  • Endangered Species Sculptures
  • Sticker Making (designed around choice of subject area)

Guest Artist visits to schools are based on availability and the connection to Governor's School curricular goals. Please note that availability is limited at certain times of the year due to teaching schedules. 

Request an Artist!