Cabaret or quilting, get creative in ArtPlay’s new fall classes

Awaken the artist inside as UAB’s ArtPlay presents new arts classes this fall, from bookbinding to ballet, hip hop dance to acting.

On any given day the sounds of music, dancing, acting, singing and happy laughter echo through the halls in ArtPlay, the Alys Stephens Center’s historic arts and education house on Birmingham’s Southside.

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One class often is all it takes to hook someone on a new passion, whether it be painting, playing an instrument, musical theater or the art of hand sewing, as student Theresa Rumore discovered. She was hesitant to take the class at first, but wanted a creative outlet.

“This class turned out to be so much fun. As a beginner to sewing, I was intimidated that I might not fit in, but every class I learned something new, gained confidence and left with such great energy that I know I've gained a hobby for life. Taking this class was absolutely worth it,” Rumore said. 

ArtPlay’s fall 2012 session will offer classes carefully crafted to engage every member of the community, from babies to adults. Registration now is open for classes that begin in August and later.

One new exciting new class is the Cabaret Performance Workshop for adults. Join local musical theater favorite and cabaret performer Jan D. Hunter and music director extraordinaire Debbie Mielke, for a six-week class, which will focus on choosing musical material, refining phrasing and lyric interpretation, overcoming stage fright, microphone technique and vocal coaching. The class will culminate in a thrilling live performance in front of an audience.

Other classes this session will include creative movement for ages 3-5; ballet, acting and visual art for children; musical theater, improvisation, ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop dance for tweens and teens; and bookbinding, knitting, quilting, modern dance, ballet, drawing, painting, acting, comedy and creative storytelling for adults. Private instruction also is available.

For a full listing of classes and dates, visit www.alysstephens.org/connect/ or call 205-975-4769.