A new session of arts education classes presented by ArtPlay will kick off Sept. 2, and registration is open now. From ballet to hip-hop dance, math art to musical theater, and fabric arts to do-it-yourself studio recording, ArtPlay offers classes for all ages each fall and spring.
ArtPlay is the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center’s home for arts education and outreach, on the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus. In addition to arts education classes and summer camps, ArtPlay also presents shows especially for local schoolchildren featuring artists engaged by the ASC. ArtPlay presents free community learning events, including discussions, lectures, demonstrations, master classes, workshops and clinics, with world-renowned artists of all genres. Learn more by calling 205-975-4769.
For fall 2014, classes for young children include primary ballet for ages 4-6, music making for parent and child, the math art class See Me Try Symmetry and More, Wiggle Giggle Dance and Sing for discovering song and dance, Me and You and Paint and Glue, and more.
For older children, ArtPlay will offer Acting Out Theatre workshops, Musical Theatre II for ages 12-16 with Red Mountain Theatre Company, and classes in visual arts, cartooning, choir, math art, and hip-hop dance for ages 10-14.
| ArtPlay offers private instruction in a variety of instruments and artistic disciplines through partnerships with local instructors and music organizations. |
For teens and adults, explore creative new forms of expression through movement with Contemporary Movement, a class for dancers and nondancers alike, taught by ArtPlay teaching artist Amanda Miller-Fasshauer. Teens can engage in creative, nonfiction writing with the class The Absolutely True Story of My Life So Far, taught by Desert Island Supply Company. UAB Theatre Professor Dennis McLernon will teach acting students a process that allows them to reveal self through trust and ensemble building in The Courageous Performer. In fabric art, Creating with Textiles will show how to tell a story through color, texture, pattern and technique to create a fabric collage. The Acting Studios for younger actors, visual arts exploration, and sculpture and art installation are also available. Classes for adults range from knitting and drawing to playwriting, mixed media, movement, dance, and comedy improvisation, along with acting for adults and The Actor’s Studio with Susan McCain.
ArtPlay offers private instruction in a variety of instruments and artistic disciplines through partnerships with local instructors and music organizations. Lessons range from 30-60 minutes depending on the age and preference of the student. Each instructor is available at varying times throughout the week. The current teaching artist roster includes Carlos Pino, guitar; Patricia Billups, piano; Diane McNaron, voice; Susan McCain, acting; David Roby, acting; and Emanual Ellinas, percussion. Through a partnership with the UAB Department of Music, ArtPlay is able to offer additional private instruction in trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute, saxophone, euphonium, French horn, piano, guitar and voice.
Auditions for ArtPlay’s Make It Happen Performing Ensemble, for students in grades four-12, will be held Saturday, Aug. 23. The program, which requires a yearlong commitment, will culminate in February with an original performance at the ASC to celebrate Black History Month. Interested students can reserve an audition time at 205-975-4769.
For the fourth year, ArtPlay and the ASC will offer arts education programs that travel to schools free. Two engaging and enlightening artists will visit area schools: local poet and performance artist Sharrif Simmons and singer-songwriter and educator Charles Tortorici.