District 214 Community Education

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.

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.

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.

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.

Come sew with us: This 12-week class is for anyone with prior sewing experience that wants to work on individual projects. Do you have something that you want to make, alter or finish sewing? This class will provide individual sewing and construction guidance as needed. Do you want help altering a pattern for a better fit, or help making a pattern from an existing garment, bring it in! Sewing, construction and patterning techniques will be taught and shared with the entire group based on the projects people are working on. Bernina sewing machines are available in he classroom or you are welcome to bring your own.

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.