District 214 Community Education

Have you ever said, "I used to love doing theater in high school," or "I miss acting but life got in the way"? Whether you're brand new, returning after a break, or looking to sharpen you skills, this welcoming 8-week class is for you. Led by The Theater Lab Producer, Patrick Zielinski - an actor, director and writer with over 25 years of esperience - This course explores monologues, scene work, subtext, improvisation, and ensemble techniques. All levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. A The Theater Lab, we believe in collaboration, inclusion and most importantly, fun. Join a supportive community of felllow creatives and rediscover the joy of acting.

The Artistic Director of The Theater Lab will provide a comprehensive overview of the life and works of William Shakespeare. This class takes a 'Workingman's Shakespeare' approach to the subject that is designed to be entertaining and accessible to anyone who is curious. Key texts such as 'Macbeth', 'Hamlet', and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' as well as the historical and cultural forces that produced them; will be discussed. We will also address any misunderstandings about the controversy of his authorship. The course will run concurrently with the rehearsal process of the Theater Lan's production of 'Romeo & Juliet', so participants will have an opportunity to observe firsthand how the play comes to life.

Be ready to dance at your next special occasion! This class covers the fox trot, waltz, jitterbug, cha-cha, polka, Latin dance and swing. Singles, couples and teens welcome.

The guitar is one of the most versatile and popular instruments around, and our beginning guitar class is the perfect way to get started! In this introduction to guitar playing, we will cover basic chord shapes, strumming patterns and simple lead lines, and apply what we’ve learned to popular and well-known songs. No prior experience is necessary, students must provide their own guitars.

The ukulele is quickly becoming one of the most popular string instruments. Join our beginner class and learn all the basics you need to start your musical journey! In this class, we will cover basic chords, strumming patterns, and simple lead lines, as well as learn how to read tablature while applying these skills to learning popular and well-known songs. No prior experience required, students must provide their own ukulele.

Students will explore the acoustic side of the classic rock era, from Clapton and the Eagles to the Beatles and Rolling Stones. We will learn chords, riffs, arrangements, and jam together-forming our own unplugged ensemble. Students of all levels are welcome; basic chord knowledge recommended. Must provide own instrument.

The basics of crochet and knitting will be taught to beginners, while experienced artisans will receive advice and instruction to create projects of their choice. All beginners should bring a skein of 5-8 oz. light-colored worsted weight yarn (#4), a pair of small scissors, a three-ring binder notebook to hold letter size handouts and a pen. Crochet beginners bring an I-9 crochet hook; knitting beginners bring short number 9 knitting needles. Experienced artisans bring their own projects to work on.

Did you ever want to learn how to play Fingerstyle/Classical guitar? Students will learn the fundamentals of playing without a pick, exploring beginning classical/fingerstyle guitar pieces and learning how to apply this technique into your song repertoire. Students of all levels are welcome; basic chord knowledge recommended. Must provide your own instrument.

Have you taken a beginner ukulele class and you want to continue to grow your skills? In this class you will build on the chords and strumming patters learned in Beginner Ukulele. Students must provide their own instruments.

This class is for adults who are interested in learning Latin dance styles including salsa, merengue, bachata, cha-cha, and rumba. Beginners as well as experienced dancers will benefit from this variety of Latin dance moves. Singles and couples are welcome.

This class is for adults who have a basic knowledge of social Latin dances such as Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cha-cha, or Rumba, or have taken Latin Dance Beginning. Participants will enjoy a variety of Latin dance moves, with the focus on footwork and partners work, connection and turn technique. All this can be applied as social dancing with different partners. Singles and couples are welcome.

Line dancing is a great way to meet new people, get some fun exercise, and just have a great time! In this class, we'll cover a number of different well known line dances based on country and pop songs. No prior experience required, singles and couples both welcome.

In this intermediate level class, we’ll build upon what we’ve already learned in the beginning Line Dancing class and take our skills to the next level. Open only to students who have already taken Line Dancing. Singles and couples both welcome.

Unlock the beauty of watercolor painting in this hands-on class for beginners. You will get familiar with watercolor tools and basic principles, and learn how to sketch a light pencil underdrawing. While exploring several essential watercolor techniques, you will discover how to create light, volume and subtle transitions in color. After completing a series of short studies, the class will culminate withe the creation of one final piece. The cost of the class includes high quality brushes and paints for you to keep, as well as specialty paper and supplies to be used in class.

Quilting is creative, rewarding, relaxing and fun. Less experienced quilters will work on basic quilting patterns, measuring and cutting fabric and piecing (must have basic sewing skills and knowledge of using a sewing machine). Experienced quilters will work on current projects, any unfinished projects or start a new one. Our class creates a space for sharing ideas, fun facts, and new and old methods and tips. Bernina machines are available or bring your own if desired.

This class is for any sewer with experience using a commercial pattern and a sewing machine. Participants are asked to come to the first day of class with the following: sewing supplies, their choice of a commercial pattern, either fabric ready to cut (pre-wash fabric) or a garment that they have already cut and /or started constructing. Individual guidance will be provided as needed. Sewing and construction techniques will be taught and shared with the entire group based on the projects people are working on. Bernina machines are available.

Do you have clothes that need some alterations, or something old that you want to make new? This 6-week class is for you. Bring what you have and let's transform it to what you want. The possibilities are endless, be it a garment, accessory or home decorating item that you've been meaning to sew, bring it to class. Garments can be fit to your liking, and alterations, sewing and finishing techniques will be discussed. Some prior machine sewing experience is recommended. Benina sewing machines are available in the classroom or you are welcome to bring your own.

This is a true beginner class introducing sewing supplies, the sewing machine, the fabric store, fabric types and the use of a commercial pattern. The basic projects will include two pairs of pajama pants. Pattern layout, fabric cutting and construction techniques will be taught. The first pair of pants will be made from polar fleece fabric with an elastic waist; the second pair will be made from a woven fabric with optional pockets and a drawstring waist. In addition to basic sewing supplies, students will be asked to bring their own fabric and thread for the projects. A specific patter will be used which will be made available in the classroom, or students can purchase their own.