District 214 Community Education

You can play at any age! Have you ever wanted to think quicker on your feet, connect more deeply with others, or simply laugh more while learning? In this welcoming course, you'll explore the foundations of improv theater: agreement (yes, and), active listening, spontaneity and ensemble collaboration. Through games, exercises, and short-form scenes, you'll unlock your creativity and build confidence both on and off the stage. Led by The Theater Lab Producer Patrick Zielinski--an improvisor, actor, director and writer with over 25 years of experience--this class is designed for absolute beginners and returning performers alike. No script, no pressure, just a supportive space to take risks, share laughs and discover the joy of improvisation. At The Theater Lab we believe in collaboration, inclusion and most importantly, fun!

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. At The Theater Lab, we believe in collaboration, inclusion and most importantly, fun. Join a supportive community of fellow creatives and rediscover the joy of acting.

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.

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.

Learn to play piano using chords in this relaxed online class designed for both beginners and aspiring musicians. From the comfort of their own piano or keyboard at home, students will explore how chords work in songs, simplify sheet music, play in different keys and time signatures and develop rhythm naturally without heavy counting. This course includes live Zoom instruction, hands-on practice, an online book, follow-up video lessons, optional Q&A sessions, and a class recording for continued learning and review.

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 introductory class will focus on observation, representation, creativity, and personal expression. Students will develop skills in line, value, composition , and spatial illusion using a variety of tools and media. You will be provided with a list of basic drawing supplies to purchase before class begins.

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.

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.

Open sewing is moving to Monday evenings this fall! This class is for anyone with prior sewing experience. All types of sewing projects are welcomed. Individual sewing, construction, and patterning guidance will be given to help students start and complete projects of their choosing, including alterations of existing garments or accessories. You can bring your own sewing machine or use the Janome machines that are in the classroom.

This course offers a hands-on introduction to digital photography, focusing on both technical camera skills and creative image-making. Students will learn how to confidently operate a DSLR camera while exploring the fundamentals of composition, lighting and visual storytelling. Students will gain practical experience both in the field and through post-production editing to strengthen their photographic style and technical ability. Students must provide their own DSLR camera/lenses and memory cards, and a laptop computer with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom is recommended.

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.

Come join us in creating a variety of useful, quilted crafts while enjoying time with fellow makers. Projects will include tote bags, zippered pouches, tablet and phone cases and more. This class will not take place int he sewing room, so participants must bring their own sewing machine, as well as a list of basic quilting supplies provided before the start of class. Some basic sewing experience is required.

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.

Discover the beauty of sculptural painting and create your own three-dimensional floral artwork using a palette knife. Designed especially for beginners, this hands-on workshop requires no previous artistic experience. You’ll begin with simple practice exercises to learn essential palette knife techniques and how to build texture and dimension, and by the end of the workshop you will leave with a finished piece of art ready to display in your home. All materials are provided.

Choose from two 6-week sewing classes for beginners, or take them both! Simplicity pattern S9202 will be used in both classes. The first session will focus on making a pair of polar fleece knit pajama/lounge pants and the second session will focus on making the top. Students will be asked to bring some basic sewing supplies, fabric and thread for the projects. Patterns will be available to use in the classroom, or students can purchase the pattern to have for themselves. You can bring your own sewing machine or use the Janome machines that are in the classroom.