New year, new talent: Take a class or workshop in voice, dance, drama, writing and more from UAB’s ArtPlay Community Education.Learn a new hobby or skill in the new year with classes and workshops from ArtPlay Community Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Part of the UAB Center for the Arts, ArtPlay provides arts education opportunities to a broader audience and helps students cultivate an understanding of and appreciation for the arts. Classes are available from preschool to adult. Most classes meet weekly and are led by community artists. Read more about ArtPlay’s classes, and upcoming summer camps, online at alysstephens.org/classes. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the class or workshop.

A discount is available for UAB students and employees when registering by phone. Call ArtPlay at 205-975-4769.

Children and teens

Saturday Story-Drama, for kindergarten through second grade, 10-11 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 24-Feb. 28, 2026. Start each weekend off with imagination and play. In this energetic and engaging class led by Sara Brunow, young artists bring stories to life using movement, voice and creative drama. Each session is inspired by beloved books and themes, combining theater, art and storytelling in a joyful learning experience. $150. Register.

Desert Terrarium Workshop, for a parent/guardian and child age 6 through sixth grade, 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. Create a tiny world together in this hands-on, family-friendly workshop led by Astrid Jerez. Using drought-tolerant plants like succulents and cacti, build a desert-inspired terrarium using decorative sand, stones, miniature figures and sustainable materials, and learn how to care for it. A fun and creative experience to share — and something beautiful to take home. $75. Register.

Let’s Sing! Beginner Vocal Performance, for third through fifth grades, 4:30-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20-Feb. 24, 2026. This class introduces foundational vocal techniques alongside basic music theory, with an emphasis on solo performance and vocal endurance. Led by Luca Bela G. Webber, students will work both in class and at home, learning new methods to approach songs and applying them to a semester-long piece. Through practice, performance and peer feedback, students will develop vocal confidence and acquire tools that can be applied to all areas of musical life. $150. Register.

The Stuff of Legends, for third through fifth grades, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 24-Feb. 28, 2026. Calling all young storytellers, dreamers and adventurers: In this fantastical class led by Sara Brunow, students will create magical creatures, build imaginary worlds, and bring legendary tales to life through theater, art and collaborative storytelling. Along the way, they will strengthen their creative voices and discover new ways to express themselves. $190. Register.

Nature Journaling, homeschool session, for fourth through eighth grades, 2-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20-Feb. 24, 2026. Discover the natural world through art and observation in this homeschool-friendly class with nature journaling instructor Amy Sides. Whether exploring the backyard or a city park or staying cozy indoors, students will learn to observe and record. This class is not about making perfect art but about following curiosity, sharpening observation skills and expressing creativity in new ways. $150. Register.

Nature Journaling, for fourth through eighth grades, 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20-Feb. 24, 2026. Explore the wonders of nature right in your neighborhood in this after-school journaling class led by Amy Sides. Whether outside in the garden or inside looking out the window, learn to see the world differently through art and journaling. This class celebrates curiosity over perfection and encourages young artists to observe, reflect and create in a fun, relaxed environment. $150. Register.

Beginner Polymer Clay Earrings and Accessories Workshop, for sixth through eighth grades, 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026. Get ready to roll, shape and create in this hands-on class. Rhonda Henry introduces middle school students to the fun and colorful world of polymer clay jewelry. No experience needed — just imagination and a willingness to try something new. By the end of the session, take home handmade earrings and the skills to keep creating unique accessories at home. $75. Register.

Dancing Through the Decades, homeschool session, for seventh through 12th grades, 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20-Feb. 24, 2026. Step into the spotlight and dance through musical theater history. Led by Jared Wright, this class takes students on a movement-filled journey, exploring iconic dance styles from the early days of Broadway to the contemporary stages of today. A fun and energetic way to build dance skills, learn choreography and celebrate the art of performance. $180. Register.

Dancing Through the Decades, after-school session, for seventh through 12th grades, 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20-Feb. 24, 2026. Step into the spotlight and dance through musical theater history. Led by Jared Wright, this class takes students on a movement-filled journey, exploring iconic dance styles from the early days of Broadway to the contemporary stages of today. A fun and energetic way to build dance skills, learn choreography and celebrate the art of performance. $180. Register.

Desert Terrarium Workshop, teen session, for seventh through 12th grades, noon-1:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. Looking for a chill, creative way to connect with nature? In this hands-on workshop, Astrid Jerez will show students how to design a desert terrarium using succulents, sand, stones and mini decorations. Learn simple plant care tips and leave with a low-maintenance, personalized piece of living art — perfect for your room or desk. $65. Register.

Beginner Polymer Clay Earrings and Accessories Workshop, for ninth through 12th grades, 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026. Discover the art of polymer clay jewelry in this hands-on class designed for teens and led by Rhonda Henry. Students will learn how to shape, bake and finish their own unique earrings and accessories — no experience needed. Express your style and walk away with handmade pieces and new creative skills. $75. Register.

Overcoming Stage Fright: Public Speaking, for ninth grade to adult, 11 a.m.-noon, Saturdays, Jan. 24-Feb. 28, 2026. Speaking in front of an audience, whether for a performance, a presentation or any public engagement, can be one of life’s biggest challenges. In this encouraging and lighthearted class, professional actor and teacher Brendan Powers uses theater-based exercises, scenes and monologues to help students find their voice, steady their nerves and connect with confidence. Through play and practice, discover techniques to express yourself clearly and authentically — on stage, in the classroom or in everyday life. $150. Register.

Adults

Playwriting Exploration, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20-March 10, 2026. Learn the fundamentals of playwriting in this introductory workshop by David Strickland, designed for new and aspiring playwrights. Through engaging prompts, group discussion and collaborative exercises, students will learn how to start writing compelling stories for the stage. By the final session, they will have a polished scene or short one-act play. No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to write. $250. Register.

Advanced Scene Work, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20-March 10, 2026. Designed for dedicated actors, this professional-level class led by Jamie Lawrence focuses on advanced scene study and performance. Through practical exercises and hands-on coaching, participants will explore core acting techniques that promote authenticity, creativity and independence. By the end of the course, students will be well-equipped to approach any script with confidence and depth. $275. Register.

Acting for the Non-Actor, 1-2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 24-Feb. 28, 2026. This class invites anyone curious about the craft to explore what happens behind the scenes of a rehearsal room. Led by professional actor and teacher Brendan Powers, take part in engaging acting exercises and scene work in a relaxed, supportive environment. Along the way, gain insight into how actors prepare, make creative choices and bring stories to life. No experience required — just curiosity, imagination and a willingness to play. $175. Register.

First Person: Personal Narrative Writing, 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 26-March 2, 2026. Ever experienced something so powerful, you thought, “I could write a book about this!” If so, this workshop is for you. Led by award-winning writer and journaling enthusiast Javacia Harris Bowser, this course introduces the art of creative nonfiction, with a focus on memoir writing. Learn how to shape your life experiences into compelling narratives and explore options for sharing or publishing your work. Whether writing for yourself or for the world, this class will help writers find their voice and tell their story with confidence. $200. Register.

Beginner Polymer Clay Earrings and Accessories Workshop, 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Discover the art of polymer clay jewelry in this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop for adults, led by Rhonda Henry. No experience needed — just bring imagination and creativity. Students will leave with their own handmade jewelry and the skills to keep creating at home. $75. Register.