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ArtPlay’s new arts classes: cabaret, stained glass, acting studio

  • November 16, 2012
UAB’s ArtPlay is offering a new session for winter/spring 2013, with a variety of arts classes for all ages, from toddler to adult.

From acting studio and stained-glass making to machine sewing, textile design and cabaret performance, ArtPlay has a bevy of brand-new classes on offer for the 2013 winter/spring session.

artplay_spring13_sArtPlay is the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center’s home for arts education and outreach. With classes for every age group plus educational events for the whole family to enjoy, ArtPlay aims to connect the community to the arts with classes, workshops and performances.

Returning for the new ArtPlay session are the foundation classes of the arts, including ballet, acting, musical theater and jazz dance, along with drawing and visual arts for all ages. Classes will begin in January, and registration is open now. A full listing of ArtPlay classes is online at www.ArtPlayASC.org or call ArtPlay at 205-975-4769. The $25 registration fee is waived for UAB students, staff and faculty who register by phone.

Parents and their wee ones can participate in early arts for toddlers, or first steps in music. Young children can enjoy brushless painting, creative movement and beginning ballet. Older children can act out in theater workshops, musical theater or ballet. Tweens and teens can jump into hip-hop dance, improvisation through sound, machine sewing for fun and garden design and planting. Teens and adults can learn visual arts appreciation with visits to local galleries, mixed media for the 21st century, beginning sculpture, digital textile design and modern dance. Many of these classes are available for other age groups as well.

A full listing of ArtPlay classes is online at www.ArtPlayASC.org or call ArtPlay at 205-975-4769

The acting studio class for ages 14-18 follows the legendary Lee Strasberg’s design, beginning with sensory work — the heart of the “The Method” — followed by scene and character development to empower the actor. Stained-glass making for the same age group will teach young artists copper foil techniques for stained glass, and they’ll create two sun catchers. “Sew Much Fun,” also for ages 10-14, will teach the basics of machine sewing in a kid-friendly way that keeps the process fun. Participants can create pillows, bags, lap quilts and scarves.

One-day workshops include mosaic masterpieces for ages 7-12 and ages 13-adult, and the fine art of VJ’ing, for ages 12-18, where students can learn the art of creation or manipulation of imagery through real-time editing using video jockey software. Participants can use their new skills to VJ at the Alys Stephens Center’s digital projection festival, “Light Dreams,” on May 3, 2013.

ArtPlay also offers private instruction in a variety of instruments and artistic disciplines, including guitar, piano, voice, acting, drums and percussion, ballet and modern dance. Through a partnership with the UAB Department of Music, students can receive private music instruction for trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute, saxophone, euphonium, French horn, piano, guitar and voice from UAB Music faculty.