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This photo was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.Registration is now open for new in-person arts classes from ArtPlay this fall, including visual arts, dance including hip-hop, step and ballet, sculpture, hand quilting, musical theater and dance, improvisation, and acting.
Safety is UAB’s priority. The pandemic is a fluid situation that UAB is monitoring, in consultation with infectious disease and public health experts; classes will be subject to change based on the latest COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Registration is open now. Class fees begin at $55, 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.
Pre-K
The ABCs of Visual Arts, with teaching artist Celeste Pfau.
- Ages 1-3 years and a guardian, 2-2:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 6-Nov. 10
- Ages 4-6 years and a guardian, 3-3:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 6-Nov. 10
Students will begin class with movement exercises, as well as improvisation exercises in dance and sound. When students are all warmed up, Ms. Celeste will introduce the students to an art activity inspired by nature. Students will explore the seasons in class and learn about the biodiversity of Alabama through art activities inspired by the plants and animals that live here. Every week, students will explore a different topic spanning local wildlife, forest systems, rivers, urban ecology, gardens, etc. Cost is $65 for one child and guardian.
My First Ballet Class, ages 3-5, 9-9:45 a.m. Thursdays Oct. 7-Nov. 11, with teaching artist Brooke Lofton. Beginning ballet students are introduced to classical ballet, fundamental positions and movements to build their foundation for dance. Cost is $65.
1, 2, 3 Sing with Me, ages 2-4, 10-10:45 a.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 5-Nov. 9, with teaching artist Mary Elizabeth Neal. Through a mixture of silly songs, rhythm and rhymes, musical games, and creative dances, students will deepen their understanding and love of music, while developing motor skills and making friends. Guardians are welcome and encouraged to join in on the fun. Cost is $65.
This photo was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.Elementary/Middle School
ArtPlay Kids Acting classes A and B, with teaching artist Darrell Revel. An actor and educator, Revel will guide participants through the basics of theater. Students will learn theater games, improvisation, monologues, scene work, stage makeup application, and voice and diction. Best of all, the children will get a chance to showcase their newly developed skills when the workshop culminates with a showcase. Cost is $80.
- ArtPlay Kids Acting A, ages 7-10, Saturdays 9-10 a.m. Oct. 2-Dec. 11
- ArtPlay Kids Acting B, ages 11-14, Saturdays 10-11 a.m., Oct. 2-Dec. 11
Visual Arts Time Machine, ages 7-13, Saturdays 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Oct. 2-Nov. 20, with teaching artist Lauren Beagle. A mixed-media exploration into art history while becoming part of it. Join your fellow art historians in a journey through time and art and create projects that tie into a lesson about Western art history. Each week, class will explore a period of Western art history and make mixed-media projects that align with that period. Projects will also teach a basic understanding of the elements and principles of art. Cost is $75.
Step It Up! Step Class for Kids, ages 7-13, 4-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 6-Nov. 10, with teaching artist C.J. Wade. You’ve seen it among sororities and fraternities and in movies such as “Stomp the Yard.” Now you can learn how to step, too. Rooted in African culture, the art of stepping utilizes claps, stomps and chants to create rhythms and visual patterns with the body. In this class, students will learn a brief history of the dance form and basic step movements, focus on listening and collaborations skills, and compile these fundamentals with a dash of showmanship to create a fun, energetic step piece. Are you ready to let your body create the music? Then join Wade for this exciting class designed to empower and inspire the rhythm in you. Cost is $60.
The Shape of Things: Sculpting for Kids, ages 7-12, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 5-Nov. 9, with teaching artist Tamara Nanje. A mixed-media sculpting class dedicated to using simplified objects from around us to create something new. Building and sculpting techniques will be taught so that the artists can use their imaginations to create something unique and bring it to life with colors and textures. The idea is to take mundane objects we find no use for to reuse and make something beautiful. Cost is $70.
All About Uke, ages 7-12, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 5-Nov. 9, with teaching artist Mary Elizabeth Neal. Join Ms. Emmy as she shares her love of all things ukulele. This joyous art form will introduce kids to silly songs and the basics of playing music to share with family and friends. It’s cool to learn an instrument, and the ukulele might be one of the coolest. Student will need to provide their own ukulele to participate. Cost is $65.
Musical Theater Basics, ages 7-12, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 4-Nov. 22. 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, from brand-new to theater to an accomplished thespian. If your passion is to perform, then this is the course for you. Cost is $75.
High School
Musical Theater Dance, ages 10-18, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 2-Nov. 20, 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 on picking up combinations quickly, and explore different styles of theater dance. Cost is $120
Improv for Teens, ages 13-17, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 4-Dec. 6, with teaching artist Chris Davis. This class will teach the fundamentals of long-form improvisation, including how to create strong characters, play at the top of one’s intelligence and build strong comedic scenes together out of thin air. This class will be held onstage at the Alys Stephens Center and includes a final performance for friends and family. Cost is $80.
The Acting Studio for Teens, ages 14-17, 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 6-Dec. 8, with teaching artist Susan McCain with The Acting Studio. McCain follows the legendary Lee Strasberg’s design. This technique begins with sensory work, the heart of the method, which focuses on nailing that tricky audition piece. This class will take place onstage at the Alys Stephens Center. Cost is $80.
Sew Special: Hand Quilting for Teens, ages 13-17, 4:30-6 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 7-28, with teaching artist Jackie Kim of Say Luv Studio. This is a beginner’s improvisation hand-stitching quilting workshop. In this class, students will learn the tools of the trade, piecing techniques, quilting and binding by hand and will come away with a finished quilted wall hanging. Cost is $55 plus materials.
Inktober (Ink Art for Teens), ages 13-17, 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 6-27, with teaching artist Tammy Hayes. Jump into the fun of painting with alcohol inks to express your creativity. With the use of a variety of tools, explore creating abstract art from your imagination, where there are no limits to what you can paint. Perfect beginner class for anyone seeking to learn about mixing colors, new techniques and having fun. Cost is $55 plus materials.
The Shape of Things: Sculpting for Teens, ages 13-17, 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 5-Nov. 9, with teaching artist Tamara Nanje. A mixed-media sculpting class dedicated to using simple objects found around us to create something new. Building and sculpting techniques will be taught so artists can use their imaginations to create something unique and bring it to life with colors and textures. The idea is to take mundane objects we find no use for to reuse and make something beautiful. Cost is $75.
Adult
The Acting Studio, age 18 and up, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 6-Dec. 8, with teaching artist Susan McCain with The Acting Studio. McCain follows the legendary Lee Strasberg’s design. This technique begins with sensory work, the heart of the method, which focuses on nailing that tricky audition piece. This class will be held onstage at the Alys Stephens Center. Cost is $125.
The Art and Craft of Creative Nonfiction, age 16 and up, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 5-Nov. 9, with teaching artist Audrey Atkins. Whether you want to document your family’s history, publish a memoir or start a blog, this class will give you the tools you need to write your stories with clarity and confidence. Over the course of six weeks, receive instruction in the art and craft of writing creative nonfiction, be inspired by writing prompts, learn from giving and receiving constructive feedback, and enjoy in-class writing time and Q-and-A sessions. Attendees should bring their writing materials (laptop, tablet, pen and paper) to each class. Cost is $90.
Introduction to Improv Comedy
, age 18 and up, 6-8 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 4-Dec. 6, with teaching artist Chris Davis. This class will teach the fundamentals of long-form improvisation, including how to create strong characters, play at the top of one’s intelligence and build strong comedic scenes together out of thin air. Class will be held onstage at the Alys Stephens Center and includes a final performance for friends and family. Cost is $125.
Sew Special: Beginner Hand Quilting, age 18 and up, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 7-28, with teaching artist Jackie Kim of Say Luv Studio. This is a beginner’s improv hand-stitching quilting workshop. In this class, students will learn the tools of the trade, piecing techniques, quilting and binding by hand and come away with a finished quilted wall hanging. Cost is $65 plus materials.
Think Ink! Ink Art Painting, ages 18 and up, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 6-27, with teaching artist Tammy Hayes. Dive into an experiment with all things abstract. This beginner’s class is about learning how to play with colors, relaxing and getting outside your comfort zone. Class will use different tools and techniques to explore participants’ imaginations. Perfect class for the perfectionist who needs to unwind and have some fun. Cost is $90.
Hip-Hop 101, age 18 and up, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 6-Nov. 10, with teaching artist C.J. Wade. What began as street dancing, hip-hop dancing turned into a cultural phenomenon, and can now be found on stages and screens all over the world. This form of dance consists of various types of dances rooted in African culture and is filled with energy, precision and flair. In this class, students will learn a brief history of the dance form and basic hip-hop movements, then learn a customized piece that is perfect for beginners with room for the advanced to grow in their skills. Are you ready to move? Then join Wade for this exciting class designed to empower and inspire the rhythm in you. Cost is $65.