Fall 2022 Course Descriptions

Contact Info

Leigh Anne Riley
Director of Performing Arts Outreach & Development
Office: 304-333-3655
Lbolyard1@fairmontstate.edu
 

Pre-registration begins August 29th! 

Opening Act: An Intro to Acting and Dance for the Stage

Grades K- 2nd
Mondays 4:30-5:45 p.m.
Cost: $180
(minimum 6- max 16)
Instructor: Desiree Sowards

For our younger actors, this class is an exciting springboard to the musical theatre stage! Focusing on both acting and dance, students will grow in skill, confidence and experience working as an ensemble. Using the actor’s primary tools of imagination, body, voice, concentration and cooperation, this 10 week class will culminate with a final performance for an audience of family and friends!

Academy Musical Theatre Intensive

Grades 3-12
September 12 — October 31 (8 weeks)
Mondays 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $235
Instructors: Elizabeth Wotring-Nelson & Desiree Sowards

Take your performance skills to the next level!

This class is an intermediate/advanced musical theatre class specifically for students who have participated in our main stage Academy for the Arts Youth Theatre Company or Town and Gown company shows, or at least 1 high school theatre production!

This class will take you to the next level to help you feel confident in auditioning and performing anywhere. You will practice learning “dance call” material quickly, practice audition etiquette, deep dive into character development, and learn how to use your unique performance talents as part of an ensemble, all leading up to an end of semester performance!

Sweet Child of Mine
My “Grown-Up and Me” Music and Movement Class

Ages 6 weeks — 4 years old with Caregiver
September 12 — November 14 (10 weeks)
Mondays 5:00-5:45 p.m.
Cost: $130 (+$50 materials fee paid directly to instructor)
Instructor: Elizabeth Wotring-Nelson

Young children’s developing brains need socialization, stimulation, and exposure to new experiences in order to create neural connections that will support their important developmental milestones.  Music and movement are the best tool out there for facilitating brain development!

Join us for a 45 minute class that gives you a special time with your little one while helping their brain learn at the same time. We will learn music, find ways to move our bodies, and meet new friends (including other parents)!

Ms. Lizzie is educated in early childhood development and has taught music and movement for young children for over a decade.

Kid-Prov Jr

Grades 3-6
Thursdays: 5:00-5:55 p.m.
Cost: $180
Instructor: Christian Cox

Improvisation Theatre.  Utilizing improv games will help students with their creative side and how to utilize spontaneity as performers.  This class is open to students who have had a previous Improv camp or class as well as open to new members. A Kid-Prov Jr team will be formed during this term that will feature a performance at the end of the term. 

Kid Prov Senior

Grade 7-12
Tuesdays 5:00-5:55 p.m.
Cost: $180
Instructor: Christian Cox

Improvisation Theatre.  Utilizing improv games will help students with their creative side and how to utilize spontaneity as performers.  This class is open to students who have had a previous Improv camp or class as well as open to new members. A Kid-Prov Senior team will be formed during this term that will feature a performance at the end of the term.            

Let’s Get Ready to Act!

Grades K-2
Fridays 5:00-5:55 p.m.
Cost: $180
Instructor: Christian Cox

Creative play and basics for the stage. Warm up games and more to explore what it takes to put on a show. Will feature a short performance of sketch or monologues.

Pantastic! Steel Drum Ensemble

Grades 9-Adults
September 11 — November 13 (10 weeks)
Sundays 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $200
Instructors: Shawn and Kathy Dunn

Steel drum ensemble is a 10-week hands-on experience during which you’ll get the opportunity to learn about these magical instruments as well as playing technique. You will learn several fun steel drum pieces which we will perform in two public performances near the end of the term. No prior experience is necessary. Music reading is a plus, but not required. Open to all ages from 9th grade to adults!

Shuffle, Hop, Step! Beginner Tap

Grades K-2
September 5 — October 24 (8 weeks)
Tuesdays 5:00-5:40 p.m.
Cost: $150
Instructor: Ashley Fink
Requirements: Comfortable clothing for full movement, Tap Shoes

Let’s dance! This course is for younger dancers wanting to learn the first basic skills and terminology of tap. At the end of the course, we will perform a dance showcasing what we have learned. The perfect class to take to try out tap dancing! No prerequisites necessary.

If your child continues to dance/theatre, I recommend shoes from Discount Dance or Dancewear Solutions. Example links are below:

Time Steps, Buffalos, and More! Intermediate Tap

Grades 3-5
September 5 — October 24 (8 weeks)
Tuesdays 5:50-6:35 p.m.
Instructor: Ashley Fink
Cost: $165
Requirements: Comfortable clothing for full movement, Tap Shoes

Let’s dance! This course is for young dancers wanting to continue their tap. At the end of the course, we will perform a dance showcasing what we have learned! The perfect class to take to try out tap dancing. No prerequisites necessary.

If your child continues to dance/theatre, I recommend shoes from Discount Dance or Dancewear Solutions. Example links are below:

To Tap or Not to Tap! Adult Tap

18-year-olds — Adults 
September 10-24 (Missing October 1st) October 8-22 (6 weeks)
Saturdays 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Instructor: Ashley Fink
Cost: $165
Requirements: Comfortable clothing for full movement, Tap Shoes

Break out those tap shoes and join me Saturday mornings for a little bit of tap! We’ll add new tap steps and skills each week. At the end of the course, we will perform a dance routine for our friends and families! No previous experience is necessary.

*Please note we will be NOT have class Saturday, October 1st due to a personal conflict.

Character Design and Digital Art

Grade 3 and above
Starting September 6th (10 weeks)
Tuesday 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Instructor: Holley Morrison
Cost: $200

In this class, we will explore the boundaries of illustration, character design, comic strips, digital art, and more. We will discuss what/who inspires us and use it to drive our pieces forward.

Introduction To Watercolor Painting

Grade 9 — Adults
Starting Wednesday, September 7 (5 weeks)
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Instructor: Joel Dugan
Cost: $150
Max Enrollment-15 
Location: Wallman Hall 318

This Introduction to Watercolor Painting course is designed for beginners who have never picked up a brush before, through to intermediate level artists who are looking to try out watercolor painting techniques taught with easy-to-follow instruction. Within the five-session course outline we will discuss and review the basics of water color washes and color theory dynamics particular to transparent painting methods. By the end of the course each student should have a clear idea of the process and procedure needed to make their own watercolor paintings.

The course covers some of the key things you need to know about watercolor painting including:

  • The characteristics of Watercolor Painting
  • The equipment needed for starting Watercolor Painting
  • How to mix your watercolor paints
  • How to use Watercolor washes to best effect
  • The basic primary color palette to use for watercolor painting
  • The key to painting effective looking watercolor painting landscapes
  • The three stages of completing a watercolor painting
  • Techniques for improving your watercolor painting

All supplies for this course are available on the BlickU site.