Basics of Acting and Improvisation
By Matt Rapport
Teaching artist Matt Rapport will introduce students to the basics of acting through group participation, observation exercises, theater games, introductory monologue work, and scene study. Students will also explore characters, environments, problem solving, positive risk-taking, and their own imaginations through improvisational techniques and exercises.
Availability: after school Tuesday-Friday
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Build a Book: Letters and Lines
By Susan Schurman
Playful drawing and writing exercises will develop skill, confidence, and joy in the young author and artist. Sessions will focus on concepts of texture, color, pattern, shadow and shape in words and pictures, and practical book-building skills. Each participant will create, edit, revise and assemble a book of original writing and art.
Availability: after school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Grade Level: Pre-K, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Materials Fee: $5.00 per student
By Valda Hsu
The relationship between Chinese characters and painting with a Chinese brush is taught while introducing students to Chinese language and culture. The class will study 3 major themes through this ancient Asian form: animals, landscapes, and Chinese festivals. This 12-week residency concludes with an art show of the students’ work.
Availability: after school Tuesday and Thursday
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Materials Fee: $1.00 per student
By Jane Gotch
Children naturally use their bodies to explore their world, express their feelings, and communicate their ideas. Led by Jane Gotch, students will have fun exploring the language of movement in this class. Using the elements of dance, students will develop physical and cognitive skills such as balance, coordination, cooperation, attention span, and self-esteem.
Availability: Limited, please inquire
Grade Level: K-2, 3-5
Creative Writing for Creative Kids
By Sylvia C. Hall
Creative writing is an excellent way for students to learn about themselves and the world around them. In this multi-week workshop, young writers will learn important story writing techniques and get to express their creative side. They will explore the important components of storytelling and have the opportunity to share their work with the group.
Availability: after school Tuesdays and Thursdays
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
By Matt Rapport
A hands-on, fun residency that teaches students the time honored art of juggling. Students will learn basic juggling, balancing and object manipulation through a series of courses designed to improve hand-eye coordination, physical fitness, concentration and self-discipline. These workshops will challenge, stimulate and excite students as they learn a new skill and have a great time.
Availability: after school Tuesday-Friday
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
By Matt Rapport
In this performance-based residency, students will have the opportunity to experience Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets first hand, as they rehearse to bring one of his masterpieces to life. They will be exposed to Elizabethan history, period movement, stage combat, acting techniques, text analysis and more. Workshops can focus on one play, or be tailored to a theme: love, betrayal, power, etc. The class will create a living work of art with the help of history’s greatest playwright.
Availability: after school Tuesday-Friday
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
By Chaffawn Haynes
This high-energy dance class is enjoyed by both boys and girls who want to learn the latest urban dance steps that are influenced by some of today’s hottest video choreographers, presented in an age appropriate manner. Hip Hop combines elements of traditional African, jazz and street dance styles. The class will include proper conditioning and warm-up, individualized dance steps and full-bodied combinations. Dancers will love learning these expressive dance steps while dancing to popular music.
Availability: Limited, please inquire
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
By Lisa Holliday
“Winter, spring, summer, fall. We’ll explore, sing, create, and dance in them all!” With our imaginations, voices, and bodies we will build a snowman, rake our leaves, go fishing, and plant our own gardens. We will discover the wonder of the world we live in using music, movement, finger plays, games, stories, art, and of course, our own creativity minds and spirits!
Availability: Monday & Friday, noon-2:30pm
Grade Level: Pre-K & K
Special Requirements: Standard arts & crafts supplies, including scissors, glue and construction paper.
Swingin’ and Singin’ with Sensational Stories
By Lisa Holliday
Twist, shake, sing, and, shout as we listen and move to a variety of early childhood stories such as Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and An Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly. Using their bodies, voices, and imaginations, students will engage their whole selves in nurturing their various learning styles and increasing their pre-literacy skills. They will engage puppets, instruments, art, and creativity to bring these—and their own-- stories to life. Students’ spirits and senses will soar!
Availability: Monday & Friday, noon-2:30pm
Grade Level: Pre-K & K
Special Requirements: Standard arts & crafts supplies, including scissors, glue and construction paper.
Through the Looking Glass: Self-Discovery through Acting Legends, Tall Tales & Fables
By Laura Schaeffer
Read, discuss, and act out fables, legends and tall tales from around the world. Students will gain the foundations for understanding that all stories present aspects of us and our culture – our dreams, fears, triumphs, and aspirations for our lives. Students will grow in confidence as they explore and perform these famous stories, while gaining compassion and understanding for other backgrounds and cultures.
Availability: after school Tuesday-Thursday
Grade Level: K-2, 3-5, 6-8
By Teresa Saluzzi
Students will be introduced to a variety of visual arts media in this class taught by Teresa Saluzzi. Use your imagination and creativity as you explore drawing, painting, and clay sculpture.
Availability: Limited, please inquire
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8