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.

This course offers more conversational practice for students who have completed the equivalent of beginning and intermediate Spanish. Everyday vocabulary is emphasized through many types of practice.

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.

Mahjong is a Chinese tile game of luck, skill, and strategy that is gaining popularity in the US. Are you looking for something fun to do? Come on your own, or bring your friends and learn how to play American Mah-Jongg! In the beginner class you will learn the basic rules and strategies, and play the game in a casual and friendly environment. Beginners will be provided with primer cards to play and will transition to the NMJL cards.

Apple galette is a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance that captures the essence of autumn. This rustic French dessert features buttery, flaky pastry enveloping tender, spiced apples, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. Our class will guide you through the process of crafting this delectable treat with ease, using straightforward techniques and seasonal ingredients.

Good physical health, mental well-being, and personal safety are of the utmost importance. A wonderful way to achieve all three is through the Korean self-defense system known as “Hapkido.” This ancient martial art utilizes a wide variety of tactics to help ensure one’s safety and to avoid conflicts and violence, including joint locks, pressure point techniques, strikes, kicks, “ki” energy breathing, and traditional weapons. Hapkido is therefore suitable for everyone of all fitness levels, be they young or young at heart, and is a lot of fun as well. No equipment or previous martial arts experience is required.

The internet is an incredible resource, but is also has its dangers. Predators often exploit the internet to trick individuals into revealing sensitive and confidential information, which they then can use to compromise bank accounts, credit cards, and more. Join us for an insightful discussion on internet safety. Learn how to identify online scams and discover the steps to take if you find yourself a victim.

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.

Discover the comforting embrace of our beefy American goulash class, a timeless classic that brings warmth to your table this fall. Tender beef, savory tomatoes and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a symphony of flavors. This class offers an opportunity to learn how to create a satisfying meal that's both easy to prepare and a hit with the whole family.

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.

Unlock a world of creative possibilities with Canva, the ideal digital tool for beginners and novices! This class will teach you how to harness the power of Canva, the easiest design website available, all for free. You'll learn to create stunning designs form scratch or use templates with step-by-step guidance for any digital image you need. Whether it's online documents, business cards, email signatures, or more, you'll leave this class with the confidence and skills to use Canva effectively and creatively.

This engaging session will help you navigate the challenges of your child's digital world and provide helpful tools for your parenting toolbox. Learn practical strategies for social media/friendships, setting boundaries, ensuring online safety, and fostering healthy screen habits. Empower yourself with the tools to help raise a teen with a smart technology foundation they will use into adulthood.

This engaging session will help you navigate the challenges of your child's digital world and provide helpful tools for your parenting toolbox. Learn practical strategies for social media/friendships, setting boundaries, ensuring online safety, and fostering healthy screen habits. Empower yourself with the tools to help raise a teen with a smart technology foundation they will use into adulthood.

Chair Yoga is for those who would like to access the benefits of yoga without having to sit, kneel or lie on the floor. This class is done seated in a chair and standing by a chair that can be used for support. Participants may also choose to remain seated for the entire class. We will practice gentle, fluid movements to promote circulation, alignment, flexibility, balance, overall strength and deeper, smoother breathing. Mental effects include mind-body awareness, improved concentration and a sense of well-being. Use of light weights is optional.

Warm up your fall evenings with our heartwarming chili bread bowl recipe, perfect for those who love a touch of comfort in their meals. Join our upcoming cooking class to learn how to craft this delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of a hearty chili with the rustic charm of a freshly baked bread bowl. With easy-to-follow steps and accessible ingredients, you'll master the art of creating this delicious, crowd-pleasing dish just in time for the cooler months.

Brighten up your autumn evening at this incredible lights festival that has become a Milwaukee area tradition! China Lights is an event that celebrates the art, skill, and beauty of traditional Chinese lantern festivals that have been celebrated across Asia for over 400 years! Held each fall in suburban Milwaukee at the lovely Boerner Botanical Gardens in Whitnall Park, this after-sundown celebration of Asian life and culture, transforms the Gardens into a magical paradise of dazzling illuminated displays. Dragons, glowing pagodas and iridescent pinwheels are just some of the stunning illuminated sculptures you will see on a ¾ walking path at the gardens. China Lights also features amazing stage performances highlighting Asian folk-culture performances. Cultural display cases in Boerner’s historic Garden House feature replicas of historic Chinese artifacts and a video viewing area showcasing China’s beauty. Before our visit to China Lights enjoy a dinner at the Steakout Restaurant Restaurant in nearby Greendale, WI

Come explore Chicago’s rich Holiday traditions with CET! After a late morning departure our first stop is to see a tradition dating back to 1942 as we visit the Museum of Science & Industry’s “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.” See the museum's grand 45-foot tree which graces the Museum rotunda covered with more than 30,000 twinkling lights and surrounded by more than 50 smaller Christmas trees carefully decorated to represent countries and cultures from around the world. This sparkling display and festival of trees is a true immersion into Christmas! Each tree has a description about the decorations and the customs of that country. Next we enjoy a late lunch/early dinner at the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, the highly acclaimed fine dining restaurant originally a Romanesque Revival firehouse built in 1905. Afterward, we stop at the colorful Christkindlmarket, Chicago’s enchanting and inviting holiday village where you can shop for holiday gifts and crafts at the large open-air Christmas Festival. Top off the evening with a Christmas Lights drive see the Magnificent Mile, the holiday window displays at Macy’s and Millennium Park to see Chicago’s official Christmas Tree!