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Creative Non-Fiction (Online), for ages 19 and up, with teaching artist Audrey Atkins (pictured).Registration is now open for new virtual arts classes from ArtPlay this spring, including writing, poetry, standup comedy, oil painting, visual arts, dance and Broadway cardio.
ArtPlay has embraced virtual classes and camps with enthusiastic response from students and families. Part of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and in collaboration with UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts and Institute for Arts in Medicine, ArtPlay provides lifelong learning through the arts to people of all ages. With engaging weekly classes in fall and spring, summer camps, and fun, educational events for the whole family, ArtPlay connects the community with the arts.
Registration is open now. Class fees begin at $30, with a UAB discount available when registering by phone at 205-975-4769. Explore ArtPlay’s offerings online at www.alysstephens.org/classes. Private instruction is also available in a variety of instruments, as well as group classes provided by local teaching artists.
ArtPlay spring 2021 classes:
Adult
Writing the Pandemic (Online), for ages 19 and up, with teaching artist Tina Mozelle Braziel. How has the pandemic changed your life? What would you want future generations to know about this time? Share your experiences with others. Each week, we will use writing prompts to develop ideas and explore creative writing techniques to shape your stories. We will provide each other with constructive and supportive feedback. All writers, beginning and experienced, are welcome. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. March 4-April 8. Cost is $80. Read more and register.
Broadway Cardio (Online), for ages 19 and up, with teaching artist Reid Watson. This class was created for stage moms and dads and any other adults looking for a creative outlet and was specifically requested by supportive ArtPlay parents. Class structure will begin with a warm-up (specific focus given to basic understanding of dance). Then, get ready to do cardio to Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli, followed by isolations/movement sequences/core training to modern musicals such as “Legally Blonde,” “Mean Girls,” “Heathers” and “SIX,” and stretch it out to more of your requested favorites. Pick out an optional costume for each week’s Broadway dance. Class will aim for the five C’s: Clarity, Control, Comfort, Choreography and Calories. All levels of experience, abilities and body types are welcome and encouraged. Adults who love Broadway shows and want a creative way to burn a few calories, this is the class for you. Thursdays, 6-7 p.m. March 4-25. Cost is $50. Read more and register.
Introduction to Oil Painting (Online), for ages 19 and up, with teaching artist Tonya Wise.Creative Non-Fiction (Online), for ages 19 and up, with teaching artist Audrey Atkins. Turn your life’s stories into works of art. Creative nonfiction is defined as “true stories, well told,” and in this class, you’ll learn the art of writing your true stories as well as the craft of establishing voice, theme, mood, character and place. Along the way, participants will put what they are learning into practice with writing prompts, and through weekly readings will receive support and constructive feedback about their pieces from the instructor and the other attendees. Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. March 2-April 6. Cost is $80. Read more and register.
Introduction to Standup Comedy (Online), for ages 19 and up, with teaching artist Carla Youngblood. This class is an intro to writing and performing standup comedy with a focus on finding the funny in everyday life situations, finding your unique comedy voice and developing stage presence. This class is great for people who are afraid of public speaking, required to do presentations or want to do standup. Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. March 3-April 21. Cost is $100. Read more and register.
Introduction to Oil Painting (Online), for ages 19 and up, with teaching artist Tonya Wise. In this six-week introductory class in oil painting, students will learn about the process of preparing a canvas, color blending and shading. Supplies are not included; a supply list will be sent to registrants prior to the start of class. Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. March 2-April 6. Cost is $100. Read more and register.
Self-Reflexive Cinema (Online), for ages 19 and up, with teaching artist, and co-host of Substrate Radio’s “Sleep In Cinema” radio segment, Gareth Jones. People often watch movies to escape reality and immerse themselves in the illusion of cinema. However, some artists do not accept this fantasy. In this course, participants will watch films that push audiences out of their comfort zones and confront them with their view experience, films that pull back the curtain and show us who is pulling the strings. These films will make you fully aware you are watching a film and ask you to think about this experience, thematically, aesthetically and even physically. Mondays, 6-8 p.m. March 1-April 5. Cost is $35. Read more and register.
Musical Theater Dance (Online), for ages 13-18, with teaching artist Reid Watson.Middle/High School
Introduction to Poetry (Online), for ages 13-18, with teaching artist Tina Mozelle Braziel. Harness your unique vision in poetry. In this class, participants will explore how image, metaphor, tone and repetition can make poems vivid and compelling. Shelley said, “Poetry lifts the veil from the hidden beauty of the world, and makes familiar objects be as if they were not familiar.” That will be the aim as the class completes writing prompts and provides one another with constructive and inspiring feedback. Mondays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. March 1-April 12. Cost is $40. Read more and register.
Expanding Character in Voice (Online), for ages 13-18, with teaching artist Melody Turnbow. Expanding Character in Voice is an advanced singing class meant for students who want to expand their vocal artistry. Students will seek to expand their sound in new, dynamic ways. Turnbow will embolden the voices of young talent using anatomy, diction and motivation to mold their voices into a variety of characters. These classes will challenge students to experiment with their singing and speaking voice. The course is perfect for the young actor/singer who wants to find the full potential of their range. Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m. March 2-April 27. Cost is $60. Read more and register.
Musical Theater Dance (Online), for ages 13-18, with teaching artist Reid Watson. In this class, students will focus on dance techniques used in musical theater auditions and productions. Students will learn what directors and choreographers are looking for in auditions, discuss proper audition attire and etiquette, learn tips to pick up combinations quickly, and explore different styles of theater dance. Students will also learn the importance of knowing the characters and plot line in order to make their dancing an extension of the story. Most importantly, they will have a lot of fun. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. March 6-May 1. Cost is $100. Read more and register.
Critical Thinking: Short Film Analysis (Online), for ages 13-18, with teaching artist Gareth Jones. Analyzing films is a fun and effective way to develop critical thinking skills — breaking down a film into its components not only helps students understand and appreciate film in a deeper manner, but also helps strengthen overall critical thinking. Class will learn about specific film language to critically engage with the film. Using short films allows participants to collectively view the films, experience them together and then discuss how it worked all in one class. Thursdays, 4-5 p.m. March 4-April 15. Cost is $30. Read more and register.
Finding Your Voice (Online), for ages 7-12, with teaching artist Melody Turnbow.Elementary
Introduction to Dance (Online), for ages 7-12, with teaching artist Rosalie Anthony. This comprehensive dance class is focused on the basic fundamentals of ballet, modern and jazz dance techniques to develop students’ dance knowledge, discipline, range of motion and proper alignment. Class will also work on focus, time management, flexibility, strength, stamina, musicality, coordination and more, to ensure a holistic understanding of what it takes to be successful in the dance field. Class will culminate in a final video showcase. Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. March 3-April 14. Cost is $50. Read more and register.
Introduction to Visual Arts (Online), for ages 7-12, with teaching artist Tonya Wise. Does your little one like to draw, doodle or paint? Traditional and nontraditional art projects will be sure to delight and challenge your little artiste; your child will make memories for you to cherish for years to come. Class will use paint, oil pastel, markers and inks on recycled materials. Supplies not included. Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m., March 2-April 13. Cost is $50. Read more and register.
Finding Your Voice (Online), for ages 7-12, with teaching artist Melody Turnbow. Finding Your Voice is an introduction to voice as a musical instrument, the perfect course for students who want to try something new or have been singing in a choir but have questions. Students will discover how their voice is produced and the basics of singing. Students will learn a song, have a warm-up recording to use and walk away from the course knowing better how to use one of their most valuable assets in life — their voice. Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. March 2-April 13. Cost is $40. Read more and register.
Musical Theater Basics (Online), for ages 7-12, with teaching artist Diego Villanueva. Students will be immersed in the world of musical theater through song, dance, acting and everything needed for the stage. Through these cooperative ensemble activities, elementary-age students will increase their confidence, sense of camaraderie and the understanding of basic theater techniques. All levels of experience are encouraged to join, whether you are brand-new to theater or an accomplished thespian. If your passion is to perform, then this is the course for you. Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. March 3-31. Cost is $45. Read more and register.
ArtPlay Kids Acting (Online), for ages 7-12, with teaching artist Jennifer Salvant. Actor and educator Salvant will guide participants through the basics of theater. Students will learn theater games, improvisation, monologues, scene work, and voice and diction. Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. March 6-May 1. Cost is $80. Read more and register.
Storytime Sing Along (Online), for ages birth-4 years plus guardian, with teaching artist Calliope Pettis.Pre-K
Storytime Sing Along (Online), for ages birth-4 years plus guardian, with teaching artist Calliope Pettis. Beyond vocabulary, there is an emotional realm of understanding that helps us connect deeply to ourselves and to our own humanity. Join Miss Calliope and explore emotional expression through children’s storybooks and poetry, adding elements of melody, harmony and rhythm. This class is a great opportunity for you and your little one to learn and explore together. Wednesdays, 9-9:30 a.m. March 3-April 14. Cost is $30. Read more and register.
Storytime Studio (Online), for ages 2-3 years plus guardian, with teaching artist Alley Bulka. Favorite storybooks and fairytales invite us to use our imagination and allow those characters to jump off the page. In this class, participants will explore an exciting new story each week. With you by their side, your young artists will create fun and engaging art projects that bring a whole new dimension to the enchanting world of books. Saturdays, 9-9:45 a.m. March 6-April 17. Cost is $60. Read more and register.
Arts & Laughs (Online), for ages 4-6 years, with teaching artist Alley Bulka. This mixed media art class with Bulka, “The Wacky Nanny,” focuses on imagination and creation. Children will be led through projects that will open their creative minds and allow them to make their ideas come to life. Saturdays, 10-10:45 a.m. March 6-April 17. Cost is $60. Read more and register.
Primary Ballet (Online), for ages 3-6 years, with teaching artist Brooke Lofton. Beginning ballet students are introduced to classical ballet, fundamental positions and movements to build their foundation for dance. In addition to stretches, ballet and freestyle dancing, students will enjoy story time with Ms. Brooke at the end of each class session. Saturdays, 9-9:45 a.m. March 6-May 1. Cost is $60. Read more and register.