New arts classes for all ages and fun workshops have just been announced for this fall at ArtPlay, including pre-K creativity, acting, nature as art, a musical theater series and more.
ArtPlay, part of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 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. Workshop fees begin at $20, and class fees begin at $130, with a UAB discount available when registering by phone. Explore ArtPlay’s offerings online at www.alysstephens.org/classes or call 205-975-4769. Private instruction is also available in a variety of instruments, as well as group classes provided by local teaching artists.
Workshops this fall include Candle Making on Oct. 6, Hip Hop Recording for Adults on Oct. 20, and Coffee Tasting and Painting on Nov. 10.
Classes on offer for the fall 2018 session are:
Pre-K
Me & You & Paint & Glue for ages 2-3 years with guardian, with teaching artist Alley Bulka. Class meets Saturdays from 10-10:45 a.m. Oct. 13-Nov. 17. Join Birmingham’s favorite “Wacky Nanny” and create new masterpieces through simple visual arts projects. Cost is $130 for one child and guardian.
Creative Movement for ages 3-5, with teaching artist Alessia Lovreglio. Class meets Tuesdays from 10-10:45 a.m. Oct. 2-Nov. 13. In this class, students will use their imaginations to bring stories and characters to life through movement to live music and rhythms. Activities in this class will promote body and sensory awareness, physical fitness, and self-esteem. Cost is $130.
Creative Wacky Wonders for ages 4-6, with teaching artist Alley Bulka. Class meets Saturdays from 11-11:45 a.m. Oct. 13-Nov. 17. This mixed-media art class with Bulka, known as the “Wacky Nanny,” focuses on imagination and creation. Children will be led through fun visual arts projects that will open their creative minds and allow their ideas to come to life. Cost is $130.
Elementary/middle
ArtPlay Kids Acting, for ages 7-12, with teaching artist Darrell Revel. Class meets Saturdays from 10-11 a.m. Oct. 6-Dec. 8. Actor and educator Revel will guide participants through the basics of theater games, improvisation, monologues, scene work, stage makeup application, and voice and diction. Cost is $140.
Intro to Musical Theater, for ages 7-12, with Red Mountain Theatre Company. Class meets Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. Oct. 4-Dec. 6. Sing and dance in Broadway-style numbers while discovering the rich history of the American musical theater tradition. Learn to become a triple threat by honing skills in acting, singing and dancing. Cost is $140.
Dance for Musical Theater – Section A, for ages 7-12, with teaching artist Reid Watson. Class meets Tuesdays from 5-6:15 p.m. Oct. 2-Dec. 4. 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 how 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 dancing an extension of the story, and have fun. Cost is $150.
Musical Theater Workshop Series: Scene Work, for ages 10-18, with teaching artist LaShanna Tripp. Class meets Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Join Tripp as participants delve deep into scene work. This workshop, which is the second of four in this series, will address cold reads, working with scene partners and acting for auditions. Tripp has been a staple in the Birmingham theater community for years, and her training and work on stage will astound students. Register for all four musical theater workshops to receive $25 off the package. Cost is $75.
- Students who wish to take part in the New York City Spring Break Trip from March 26-30 must take the vocal workshop with Valerie Accetta unless special arrangements are made. The Showcase is in May.
Valerie AccettaMusical Theater Workshop Series: Choreography, for ages 10-18. Class meets Saturday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dance, in the world of musical theater, is very important. Imagine some of your favorite shows without the soul-stirring dance numbers. This workshop, which is the third of four in this series, will address choreography auditions, learning combinations and dance in relation to character development. Register for all four musical theater workshops to receive $25 off the package. Cost is $75.
- Students who wish to take part in the New York City Spring Break Trip from March 26-30 must take the vocal workshop with Valerie Accetta unless special arrangements are made. The Showcase is in May.
Musical Theater Workshop Series: Headshots, for ages 10-18. Class meets Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. First impressions are important. In this workshop have headshots done by photographer Tammy Stringfellow to attach to your resume. Register for all four musical theater workshops to receive $25 off the package. Cost is $50.
- Students who wish to take part in the New York City Spring Break Trip from March 26-30 must take the vocal workshop with Valerie Accetta unless special arrangements are made. The Showcase is in May.
Musical Theater Workshop Series: Vocal Audition and Song Interpretation, for ages 10-18, with teaching artist Valeria Accetta, of the UAB College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Theatre. Class meets Saturdays, Sept. 22, Sept. 29, Jan. 26, 2019, and in March 2019, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Join Theatre UAB’s Accetta and ArtPlay to explore the world of musical theater through vocal auditions. Build your audition book, develop a character and learn to showcase your talent through 16-32 bars of music. This workshop, which is one of four in this series, will cover a lot of ground. Register for all four musical theater workshops to receive $25 off the package. Cost is $200. This workshop will culminate with a trip to New York City from March 26-30, 2019; New York City trip costs are not included in registration. There will also be a showcase for friends and family in May 2019 at the Alys Stephens Center.
Nature as Art, for ages 10-14, teaching artist Nina Willis. Class meets Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. Oct. 4-Nov 15. This class will help participants find ways to create art, including paper making, print making and dyes, using what can be found simply by stepping outside into your yard, local park or around the city. Cost is $140.
If These Masks Could Talk, for ages 10-14, with teaching artist Rubie Moore. Class meets Saturdays from 10-11 a.m. Oct. 6-Nov 17. This class is designed to promote a greater understanding of six masks of antiquity. The students will be given historical backgrounds about specific masks and the people associated with the culture. Throughout the course, the students will have time to create similar masks that emulate characteristics of the masks depicted. Cost is $140.
High school and adult
Dance for Musical Theater – Section B, for ages 13-18, with teaching artist Reid Watson. Class meets Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 2-Dec. 4. 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 how 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 dancing an extension of the story, and have fun. Cost is $150.
The Acting Studios, for age 16-adult, with teaching artist Susan McCain. Class meets Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 3-Dec. 5. McCain follows legendary Lee Strasberg’s design, beginning with sensory work and focusing on nailing that tricky audition piece. Cost is $170.
Writing in the Middle: Flash Poetry and Micro-Memoir, age 16-adult, with teaching artist Tina Braziel. Class meets Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 2-Nov. 6. Use style and structure to relate stories quickly and with pizazz. Participants will read some example poems and memoirs, but most of class time will be spent generating and crafting your own work. This class is perfect for those who already have some stories in mind and for those who are seeking inspiration. Cost is $140.
Visual Arts Sampler, for age 16-adult, with teaching artist Bo Hughins. Class meets Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 3-Nov. 14. Join local artist Hughins and explore the vast world of visual arts. Students will delve into the basics of watercolor, drawing, and calligraphy/lettering and find a new artistic passion. Cost is $150 plus materials.