Here is a compilation of after-school and Saturday youth arts programs in DC, along with their schedule and registration information for the Winter/Spring 2011 semester.
Programs are organized in the following categories: multidisciplinary arts, music, dance, theater, visual arts, and creative writing.
Multidisciplinary Arts
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
545 7th Street, SE (Directions)
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 547-6839
Website: www.chaw.org
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) offers a multidisciplinary curriculum of classes, performance, and exhibition opportunities for preschoolers, youth, and adults.
Types of classes offered this Winter/Spring include:
- Music Together for ages 0 to 5 with caregiver
- Fundamentals of Drawing for ages 8 to 12
- Wild Weaving for ages 8 to 12
- Capitol HIll Youth Chorus for grades 1 to 3 and grades 4 and up
- Beginning Class Guitar for ages 6 and up
Read about the Spring 2011 Youth Arts Program for ages 5 to 12 that runs January 3 to June . The first session of Early Childhood Classes runs January 10 to April 18. Read the Early Childhood Classes for Spring I here.
You can register on-line, in person, on the phone, or by fax. Go here to get all registration details.
Tuition assistance is available and awarded on a rolling basis. Download a tuition assistance form here.
If you are applying for tuition assistance, you must register for your class via mail, fax, or in person. Do not use the on-line registration option. Please attach your completed tuition assistance form to your registration form (download below). Completed registration, tuition assistance applications, and policy agreement forms can be emailed to registration@chaw.org or faxed to (202) 543-1723 or mailed to 545 7th Street, SE Washington, DC 20003.
If you have questions about the program or need help selecting a schedule for your child, contact Youth Education Coordinator Leslie Andus by calling (202) 547-6839 or e-mail landus@chaw.org to schedule a phone or in-person interview.
Latin American Youth Center
Art + Media House
3035 15th Street, NW (Map)
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 319-2293, ext. 1
Website: www.artmediahouse.org
Art + Media House, a division of the Latin American Youth Center, is a space where the creative abilities of youth are developed through hands on training in digital media – radio, photography, beat-making, music/poetry, graphic design; and art – drawing, painting, graffiti, sculpture, stenciling and murals. Through the creative process youth develop leadership skills and learn how to collaborate and manage their own projects. Youth share their ideas with a wider audience through community exhibitions, performances and dialogue.
The Art + Media House provides after-school and summer programming for youth age 11-18; and evening classes for adults. The facility includes an art studio, digital media lab, recording studio and a gallery for exhibitions.
The youth registration fee is $15 per session. The registration covers the cost of classes and supplies. Youth can also complete community service hours in lieu of the registration fee.
Northeast Performing Arts Group
NE Outreach Youth Center
3431 Benning Rd, NE (Map)
Washington, DC 20019
Tel: (202) 388-1274
Website: www.nepag.org
Northeast Performing Arts Group (NEPAG) is a non-profit organization geared towards changing the lives of youth and adolescents in metropolitan DC area, with a focus on East of the River.
NEPAG’s Arts N Education Program is an after-school program for kids ages 6 to 18 designed to strengthen academic performance, stabilize social development, and to introduce the arts for basic awareness and purposeful communication and self-awareness. Classes are at the NEPAG studio as well as River Terrace Elementary School (420 34th Street, NE). NEPAG also has a summer program.
Northeast Performing Arts Group’s main discipline is dance. NEPAG introduces untrained youth to the arts with a goal of moving onto the professional stage.
Sitar Arts Center
1700 Kalorama Rd, NW (Directions)
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 797-2145
Website: www.sitarartscenter.org
Sitar Arts Center provides multidisciplinary arts education to the children and youth of Washington, DC in a nurturing, creative community where young people discover their inherent talents and gifts. Fostering personal and artistic growth through the visual arts, music, drama, dance, digital arts and creative writing, the Center offers after-school, weekend and summer classes to more than 700 students a year, 80 percent of whom come from low-income households.
The Spring semester runs from Monday, January 24 through May 7 offering classes such as early childhood music, individual instrument lessons, percussion ensemble, musical theater, graphic design, as well as classes taught by partner organizations such as Corcoran ArtReach, The Washington Ballet, CityDance. Arena Stage, and The Washington National Opera.
Read the Spring 2011 Schedule of Classes and how to register.
Registration for students ages six and up must be done in person on any of these dates (by appointment):
- Saturday, January 8 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Thursday, January 13 and Friday, January 14 from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm
- Tuesday, January 18, Wednesday, January 19, and Thursday, January 20 from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm
- Late Registration: Saturday, January 29 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
To make a registration appointment, families must either call Sitar Arts Center at (202) 797-2145, send an e-mail to register@sitarartscenter.org, or submit a registration appointment request on-line.
Tuition is on a sliding fee scale and no student will be turned away because of an inability to pay.
Sitar has a strong teen program that not only offers teen intensive courses, but also gives teens the opportunity to participate in Sitar’s Emerging Arts Leaders (S.E.A.L.) Program where students ages 12 to 18 can explore an area of the arts in a more in-depth way, strengthen their artistic skills and prepare for a future in the arts and to interact with peers who have the same interests and goals.
Early Childhood Arts has two sessions week running from the week of January 24 to the week of March 7 and a second session starting the week of March 14 to the week of May 2. Registration for Early Child Arts begins Monday, January 10. To inquire about Early Childhood Arts registration, call (202) 797-2145, ext. 106 or send an e-mail to rebecca@sitarartscenter.org.
Due to space restrictions and Sitar’s mission, priority is given to returning students, students living in Adams Morgan, Mt. Pleasant, and Columbia Heights and students from families earning less than 50% of the Greater Washington area’s median income. Others may be placed on a waiting list for classes upon registration.
THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Center)
1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE (Directions)
Washington, DC 20020
Tel: (202) 889-5901
Website: www.thearcdc.org
THEARC brings together an array of comprehensive programs and services from ten partner agencies and two non-resident partner agencies, providing a home away from home for the many underserved children and adults of East of the River, enabling them to participate in dance classes, music instruction, fine arts, academics, continuing education, mentoring, tutoring, recreation, and medical and dental care and other services at substantially reduced cost or no cost at all.
Below is information about THEARC’s arts programs: Corcoran ArtReach, Levine School of Music, and The Washington School of Ballet
Corcoran ArtReach at THEARC
Corcoran ArtReach at THEARC provides free arts instruction such as family workshops, afterschool and summer art classes based on the Corcoran’s renowned collection. ArtReach makes a special effort to foster visual literacy, critical thinking skills, and creative expression among its participants while encouraging them to develop meaningful connections between art and their lives.
In addition to ArtReach, the Corcoran oversees the Community Gallery at THEARC, which serves as an exhibition venue for program participants, local artists, community organizations, and schools.
For information about Corcoran ArtReach at THEARC, call Sandra Gobar, Corcoran ArtReach Manger/Instructor at (202) 889-5088.
Levine School of Music at THEARC
The Levine School of Music is a nonprofit community music school offering outstanding musical instruction for students of all ages, abilities and economic backgrounds while also encouraging a love of music, fostering creative expression and promoting personal enrichment.
Levine’s programs at THEARC include early childhood classes, Suzuki strings classes, individual instrument classes for strings, winds and brass, piano, guitar, percussion, as well as vocal classes, jazz and improvisation, and music theory.
For information about Levine School of Music at THEARC, call (202) 610-2036 or e-mail LevineSEDC@levineschool.org.
The Washington Ballet at THEARC
Read here (scroll to the bottom) about classes at THEARC such as creative movement, ballet, African Dance, and Hip Hop.
TWSB programs run for a full school year, September through June. The school will re-open registration mid-year based upon class size and availability. Interested students will be registered on a first come first serve basis and should contact the school for more information by phone (202) 274-4533 or e-mail mwroth@washingtonballet.org.
Tuition is based on the information provided on the Income Assessment of one’s registration packet. The Washington Ballet at THEARC uses a sliding scale of household income and family size to determine the payment group. From there, the tuition is calculated based on the number of classes a student enrolls in.
Words Beats & Life
1525 Newton Street, NW (Map)
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 667-1192
Website: www.wblinc.org
Words Beats & Life’s DC Urban Arts Academy offers free hip-hop inspired classes year-round to youth ages 5 to 23 in NW, NE, and SE DC. Classes include b-boying, graffiti arts, DJing, beat production, emceeing, digital photography, slam poetry, and chess.
For more information about how to enroll in any of the classes, call Lauren at (202) 667-1192 or send an e-mail Lauren@wblinc.org.
Music
American Youth Chorus
1333 H Street, NE (Map)
Washington, DC 20002
Tel: (202) 399-7933
Website: www.americanyouthchorus.org
Established in 2008 as an education outreach program of the Congressional Chorus, the American Youth Chorus is an after-school program which serves children ages 8 to 14 and is divided into two divisions. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays (ages 8 to 10) and Thursdays (ages 11 to 14) from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. The curriculum focuses on reading skills and music theory, proper breath support, singing in parts, stage presence and basic choral choreography.
Tuition is based on a sliding scale determined by household income.
New members are still accepted through a short audition process with the artistic director. To schedule an audition time, send an e-mail to Debby_McConnell@congressionalchorus.org or call (202) 399-7993, ext. 182. Potential singers need not prepare a song in advance. The artistic director will run some scales and warm-ups with your child and have him or her sing something familiar such as Happy Birthday.
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
545 7th Street, SE (Directions)
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 547-6839
Website: www.chaw.org
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) offers a multidisciplinary curriculum of classes, performance, and exhibition opportunities for preschoolers, youth, and adults.
Types of music classes offered this Winter/Spring include:
- Music Together for ages 0 to 5 with caregiver
- Capitol Hill Youth Chorus for grades 1 to 3 and grades 4 and up
- Beginning Class Guitar for ages 6 and up
For complete information on music and all arts classes at CHAW, including full schedule and registration information, go to the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop entry under the Multidisciplinary Arts section at the top.
Children’s Chorus of Washington
4626 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Suite 100
Washington, DC 20016
Tel: (202) 237-1005
Website: www.childrenschorus.com
Now in its 15th season, the Children’s Chorus of Washington, comprises three performing ensembles and its 170 singers, ages 9 to 18, represent over 100 public and private schools in the greater Washington, DC area.
Read here about how to audition for the Children’s Chorus of Washington, as well as descriptions of the three choruses and schedule of rehearsals. Call (202) 237-1005 to make an appointment for an audition held in mid-January.
Rehearsals are held at the Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church at 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW.
Tuition details are found here. Scholarships are available to students with financial need.
DC Youth Orchestra Program
Eastern High School
1700 E. Capitol Street, NE (Map)
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 723-1612
Website: www.dcyop.org
The DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) provides music classes and ensemble training to all students who wish to participate. Because of the program’s unique structure and curriculum, no child is turned away and every child is challenged by being placed in a level appropriate to his or her ability. DCYOP accepts all students, regardless of experience or income level.
Students can start as young as 4 1/2 on violin or viola. Check out this list of minimum age required for all instruments. Students participate in one of six orchestras, three wind ensembles, two string orchestras, one jazz ensemble and/or multiple class ensembles. In addition to playing in an ensemble, students also take classes for their individual instrument or section.
Students new to an instrument do not audition, but here is information for others who do audition.
Tuesday classes start on January 18 and Saturday classes start on January 22 and the program runs through May.
The 2010-2011 schedule and registration information are available here. All students with no prior experience must register by January 3. The early bird registration deadline for others is also January 3.
DCYOP offers tuition discounts based on family income and size. Download a financial aid application here.
Latin American Youth Center
Art + Media House
3035 15th Street, NW (Map)
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 319-2293, ext. 1
Website: www.artmediahouse.org
Art + Media House, a division of the Latin American Youth Center, is a space where the creative abilities of youth are developed through hands on training in digital media – radio, photography, beat-making, music/poetry, graphic design; and art – drawing, painting, graffiti, sculpture, stenciling and murals. Through the creative process youth develop leadership skills and learn how to collaborate and manage their own projects. Youth share their ideas with a wider audience through community exhibitions, performances and dialogue.
The Art + Media House provides after-school and summer programming for youth age 11-18; and evening classes for adults. The facility includes an art studio, digital media lab, recording studio and a gallery for exhibitions.
The youth registration fee is $15 per session. The registration covers the cost of classes and supplies. Youth can also complete community service hours in lieu of the registration fee.
Levine School of Music
Two DC Locations:
2801 Upton Street, NW (Directions)
Washington, DC 20008
Tel: (202) 686-8000
Website: levineschool.org
THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus)
1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE (Directions)
Washington, DC 20020
(202) 889-5901
Website: levineschool.org and www.thearcdc.org
Levine School of Music is a welcoming community where children and adults find lifelong inspiration and joy through learning, performing, listening to, and participating with others in music. Programs include Early Childhood and Elementary Music, instrument lessons, chamber music, jazz, voice, and recording arts.
Read the 2010-2011 course catalog and registration information.
Levine strives to make programs available to everyone. Hundreds of students receive substantial scholarship assistance; many hundreds more receive free instruction through outreach programs. Note that the deadline for tuition assistance for 2010-2011 has passed.
Levine at THEARC
Levine’s programs at THEARC include early childhood classes, Suzuki strings classes, individual instrument classes for strings, winds and brass, piano, guitar, percussion, as well as vocal classes, jazz and improvisation, and music theory.
For information about Levine School of Music at THEARC, call (202) 610-2036 or e-mail LevineSEDC@levineschool.org.
Sitar Arts Center
1700 Kalorama Rd, NW (Directions)
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 797-2145
Website: sitarartscenter.org
Sitar Arts Center provides multidisciplinary arts education to the children and youth of Washington, DC in a nurturing, creative community where young people discover their inherent talents and gifts. In addition to offering classes in music, Sitar also classes in the visual arts, drama, dance, digital arts and creative writing.
Instrumental and vocal music at Sitar Arts Center provides an outlet for individual and ensemble performance. Students learn to collaborate while playing and singing with others, as well as learning music theory and developing critical thinking skills as they master their individual instruments.
The Spring semester runs from January 24 through May 7 offering classes such as individual instrument lessons, early childhood music, youth choir, opera, musical theater, and music ensembles. Read the Spring 2011 schedule of classes here.
Sitar’s music partners include the National Symphony Orchestra, Cathedral Choral Society, the DC Jazz Festival, and the Washington Performing Arts Society.
For details on Sitar’s programs, the registration process, and tuition, see the Sitar Arts Center listing above in the Multidisciplinary Arts section.
Dance
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
545 7th Street, SE (Directions)
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 547-6839
Website: www.chaw.org
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) offers a multidisciplinary curriculum of classes, performance, and exhibition opportunities for preschoolers, youth, and adults.
Types of dance classes offered this Winter/Spring include:
- So You Think You Can Dance ages 5 to 7
- Beginning Tap ages 5 to 7
- King of Pop! Hip-hop to Jazz ages 5 to 12
For complete information on dance and all arts classes at CHAW, including full schedule and registration information, go to the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop entry under the Multidisciplinary Arts section at the top.
CityDance
In addition to CityDance‘s flagship CityDance Ensemble, one of the few full-time professional dance companies in the DC area that is in residence at the Music Center at Strathmore, CityDance has excellent dance education programs that include classes for youth at CityDance Center at Strathmore and CityDance Center at DC Dance Collective.
CityDance Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD (Directions)
Tel: (301) 581-5204
Website: www.citydance.net/strathmore.cfm
CityDance Center at Strathmore provides dance classes for children, youth, adults, plus a pre-professional program for advanced dancers ages 12 to 19. Classes include African/Asian Fusion, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Indian, Jazz, and Modern. Check out the CityDance Center at Strathmore Spring 2011 schedule here.
You can register for classes at CityDance at Strathmore on-line, by mail by sending a registration form to 5301 Tuckerman Lane, N. Bethesda MD 20852, via phone at (301) 581-5204, or in person at the CityDance Center at Strathmore.
CityDance at DC Dance Collective
4908 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC (Directions)
Tel: (202) 293-1165
Website: www.citydance.net/tenleytown.cfm
CityDance at DC Dance Collective (Tenleytown) offers classes for children and youth ages 3 to 18. Classes offered this Spring are Creative Movement, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Sri Lankan. View the CityDance Center at DC Dance Collective Spring 2011 schedule here.
Register for classes at CityDance at DC Dance Collective on-line or call (202) 293-1165.
Dance Institute of Washington
3400 14th Street, NW (Map)
Washington, DC 20010
Tel: (202) 371-9686
Website: www.danceinstitute.org
Dance Institute of Washington (DIW) is a dance education institute committed to providing children and youth the opportunity to develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, and artistically through the discipline of dance.
Spring classes run January 10 through May 18.
DIW’s pre-professional program for ages six to eighteen audition-based program employs a curriculum grounded in classical ballet technique, with emphasis on modern, jazz, and African dance.
For those who want the same dance disciplines as the pre-professional program, but are not ready to commit to the intense schedule, DIW’s Community Program could be the right fit. This program for six to eighteen year olds offer a fun, enriching, and nurturing environment for the exploration of dance as an art form. Students of all skill levels are welcome ages 6 to 18. Read the Spring 2011 schedule that includes Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Mexican/Latin American, and Tap. For the very youngest ones, read here about Family & Me and Pre-Dance Creative Movement for three- to five-year olds. Check out the Spring 2011 pre-dance schedule here.
Register for all classes on-line here. For additional information and/or assistance, call the Dance Institute’s registrar at (202) 371-9656.
Dance Place
3225 8th Street, NE (Directions)
Washington, DC 20017
Tel: (202) 269-1600
Website: www.danceplace.org
The mission of Dance Place is to transform lives through performing arts and creative education programs that inspire personal growth, professional success, physical wellness and community engagement. Through truly affordable and free programs, Dance Place serves diverse audiences, artists, students, families, adults and children in the greater DC metropolitan area.
The Kids on the Move classes run January 10 to May 14. Read the schedule of classes that include Creative Movement (ages 3 to 5), Ballet/Tap (ages 5 to 9), Hip-Hop (ages 8 to teens), Contemporary Jamaican Folk Dance (ages 10 to teens), and Belly Dance (ages 10 to teens).
This two-page PDF is handy as a registration form as well as a concise listing and the schedule and descriptions of the Winter/Spring 2011 classes.
Dance Place offers a select number of partial scholarships to children ages 3 to 13, with a special preference given to children living in Ward 5. To apply for a partial scholarship, mail a letter stating the need for scholarship to Director of NEXTgeneration Youth, 3225 8th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017. Include in the letter why your child needs a scholarship. A few full scholarships are available to children with an adult family member able to participate in Dance Place’s Work/Study program.
DC Dance Collective
4908 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (Directions)
Washington, DC 20016
Tel: (202) 362-7244
Website: www.dcdancecollective.com
The Mission of DC Dance Collective is to make dance available to everyone, regardless of social or economic status, age, gender, or artistic or cultural background, and to establish a studio atmosphere in which students and instructors have artistic choices, share in the artistic process, and learn the value of artistic expression.
Spring 2011 classes are not yet posted, but here is the Fall 2010 classes that include tap, hip hop, ballet, and break dance.
Joy of Motion
Two Locations in DC:
1333 H Street NE (Map)
Washington, DC 20002
Tel: (202) 399-6763
E-mail: atlas@joyofmotion.org
Website: www.joyofmotion.org
5207 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (Map)
Washington, DC 20016
Tel: (202) 362-3042
E-mail: friendshipheights@joyofmotion.org
Website: www.joyofmotion.org
Joy of Motion’s Winter/Spring semester runs January 3 to May 29. Go here for links to youth programs, schedule and registration information. Here is a PDF with the Winter/Spring 2011 Schedule and you can read about tuition here.
Northeast Performing Arts Group
See above in the Multdisciplinary Arts section.
Sitar Arts Center
1700 Kalorama Rd, NW (Directions)
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 797-2145
Website: sitarartscenter.org
Sitar Arts Center provides multidisciplinary arts education to the children and youth of Washington, DC in a nurturing, creative community where young people discover their inherent talents and gifts. In addition to offering classes in dance, Sitar also classes in the visual arts, music, drama, digital arts and creative writing.
Sitar Arts Center’s dance program offers classes in both classical and contemporary dance, ranging from ballet to hip hop. Students can also explore the dance of many cultures, such as Belly dance, Indian dance and African dance.
Sitar’s partners the Washington Ballet and CityDance Ensemble teach many of the ballet and modern dance classes.
The Spring semester runs from January 24 through May 7 and you can read the Spring 2011 schedule of classes here.
For details on Sitar’s programs, the registration process, and tuition, see the Sitar Arts Center listing above in the Multidisciplinary Arts section.
The Washington Ballet
Two Locations in DC:
3515 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (Directions)
Washington, DC 20016
Tel: (202) 362-3606
Website: www.washingtonballet.org
THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus)
1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE (Directions)
Washington, DC 20020
(202) 889-5901
Website: www.washingtonballet.org and www.thearcdc.org
The Washington School of Ballet (TWSB) is recognized nationally and internationally for its classical training and dedication to excellence in dance and dance education.
The school trains more than 500 students each year at its studios on Wisconsin Avenue, Northwest and an additional 300 students at its campus in Southeast Washington, housed at THEARC. The Athenaeum in Alexandria, Virginia, provides a third campus for the school, serving 50 more young students.
This brochure gives an overview to The Washington School of Ballet. Read here for classes at all TWSB studios.
The Washington Ballet at THEARC
The Washington School of Ballet (TWSB) at THEARC curriculum includes creative movement, pre-ballet, boys’ classes, and a graded program for children through young adulthood, many of whom wish to pursue dance as a career.
TWSB’s state-of-the-art facility at THEARC includes two studios, dressing and locker rooms, and a 365-seat theatre, where The Washington Ballet performs its famed Nutcracker with select students from The Washington School of Ballet in the production.
Read here (scroll to the bottom) about classes such as creative movement, ballet, African dance and hip hop.
TWSB programs run for a full school year, September through June. The school will re-open registration mid-year based upon class size and availability. Interested students will be registered on a first come first serve basis and should contact the school for more information by phone (202) 274-4533 or e-mail mwroth@washingtonballet.org.
Tuition is based on the information provided on the Income Assessment of one’s registration packet. The Washington Ballet at THEARC uses a sliding scale of household income and family size to determine the payment group. From there, the tuition is calculated based on the number of classes a student enrolls in.
Theater
Arena Stage
1101 Sixth Street, SW (Directions)
Washington, DC 20024
Tel: 202-554-9066
Website: www.arenastage.org
The Voices of Now Mead Ensemble at Arena Stage is a prestigious program for dedicated, driven students in grades 7 to 10. Acceptance into the ensemble is not based on artistic talent. Rather, it is based on students’ energy, listening skills and ability to work well with peers. Students are expected to approach the program with discipline, focus and commitment.
Participants meet at Arena Stage to form an ensemble of student artists where they create and perform an original one-act play.
The program is on Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm and runs January 15 to May 28.
Tuition is $530 and financial aid is not available at this time.
Register on-line here. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is due at registration and the balance is due January 8.
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
545 7th Street, SE (Directions)
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 547-6839
Website: www.chaw.org
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) offers a multidisciplinary curriculum of classes, performance, and exhibition opportunities for preschoolers, youth, and adults.
Types of theater classes offered this Winter/Spring include:
- Story Drama for ages 5 to 7
- Theater Performance Lab for ages 8 to 12
- Costumes and Storytelling for ages 5 to 12
For complete information on theater and all arts classes at CHAW, including full schedule and registration information, go to the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop entry under the Multidisciplinary Arts section at the top.
The Children’s Theatre Workshop
6925 Willow St., NW (Map)
Washington, DC 20012
Tel: (202) 321-0779
Website: www.thechildrenstheatreworkshop.com
The Children’s Theatre Workshop (TCTW) Performing Arts Training Institute offers acting, musical theatre, dramatic writing and directing classes for youth ages 6 to 16 at its Takoma DC location. TCTW’s philosophy emphasizes process, creativity, discovery, leadership and fun while not forsaking the value of performance.
Classes for students ages 6 to 16 are held on Saturdays and run from January 15 to March 19 (the Spring semester runs April 2 to June 4). Through theatre games, monologues, and ensemble work the students will strengthen skills in confidence, observation, vocal range, physical control, concentration, public speaking, reading comprehension and play analysis.
Register by Saturday, December 18 to get the early bird tuition rate of $165. After then, tuition is $185 for a 10-week session. Register for classes on-line here.
If you have any questions, e-mail TCTW Executive Director Denise J. Hart at thechildrenstheatreworkshop@yahoo.com or give her a call at (202) 321-0779.
City at Peace DC
1333 H Street, NE (Directions)
Washington, DC 20002
Tel: (202) 319-2200
Website: www.cityatpeacedc.org
City at Peace DC uses the performing arts to develop the skills, talents, and confidence of young people to promote cross-cultural understanding, conflict resolution, and violence prevention.
About 50 to 70 young people ages 13 to 19 work with a diverse group of peers an average of 15 hours per week September through June to examine the issues, topics and concerns that keep people divided. By writing and performing an original musical based on their lives, they create effective solutions and help to change the lives of people they know.
No previous acting experience is necessary–only a passion to tell the truth, face tough issues, and be willing to learn. Participants are chosen through a non-competitive audition process.
Rehearsals are held every Wednesday from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. There is no charge to participate in the program. This fall, City at Peace moved to the Atlas Performing Arts Center at 1333 H Street, NE.
GALA Theatre’s Paso Nuevo
3333 14th Street, NW (Directions)
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 234-7174
Website: www.galatheatre.org/pasonuevo-mission.php
Paso Nuevo is GALA’s unique after-school performance workshop for youth ranging from age 15 to 20 years old. While incorporating aspects of acting technique (including voice and movement), the focus is on individual creative expression and performance in a safe, collaborative environment. Theater is used as a tool for enhancing self-esteem, developing language and communication skills, strengthening cultural identity, increasing academic and vocational skill sets, and promoting literacy in both English and Spanish. The workshop runs in cycles that culminate in a public presentation.
Paso Nuevo is a part of GALA’s Creando en Comunidad (Creating in Community) program designed to introduce youth and families to the power of art, enhancing communication across generations and building a stronger neighborhood.
For more information, e-mail pasonuevo@galatheatre.org.
The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts
733 8th Street, NW (Map)
Washington, DC 20001
Tel: (202) 824-0458
Website: www.theatrelab.org
The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts is the Washington area’s most comprehensive theatre training center, providing theatre education to more than 1,000 adults, teens and children in the DC area each year.
Courses and programs, all taught by professional theatre artists, include year-round classes for adults in acting, playwriting, directing, musical theatre, and drama criticism, as well as summer acting and musical theatre camps for youth.
Go here to see the schedule and register for Winter 2011 classes that take place in January and February and go here for Early Spring 2011 classes that are in March and April.
The Theatre Lab offers numerous scholarship awards for disadvantaged youth. Get financial assistance information here.
Young Playwrights’ Theater
2437 15th Street, NW (Directions)
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 387-9173
Website: www.yptdc.org
Young Playwrights’ Theater (YPT) conducts the After-School Playwriting Program at partner schools and community centers. The program develops students’ creative expression and collaboration by exploring theater as an ensemble.
Recent partner sites for the After-School Playwriting Program include Kelly Miller Middle School, Lincoln Multicultural Middle School and MacFarland Middle School through the Project My Time Program.
If you are interested in bringing the In-School or After-School Programs to your school or center, contact YPT’s Program Manager Nicole Jost, at (202) 387-9173 or njost@yptdc.org.
Visual Arts
ARTLAB+
Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum
7th Street and Independence Ave, SW (Map)
Washington, DC 20560
Website: artlabplus.si.edu
ARTLAB+ at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum is a digital media studio that gives local teens the opportunity to become integral members of a design team. They create new visitor experiences at the Hirshhorn, taking their inspiration from its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. ARTLAB+ designers hone crucial twenty-first century skills as they make videos, animations, wikis, games, podcasts, and more. By the end of every project session, the design team has created a unique product that enriches the museum experiences of other visitors and showcases each teen’s creative growth.
After-school, weekend, and weeklong ARTLAB+ workshops are held year-round to accommodate a wide variety of schedules.
Classes for ages 13 and up, regardless of experience, are free and this PDF flyer gives an overview of the programs and dates of the sessions. Go here to register for classes.
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
545 7th Street, SE (Directions)
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 547-6839
Website: www.chaw.org
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) offers a multidisciplinary curriculum of classes, performance, and exhibition opportunities for preschoolers, youth, and adults.
Types of visual arts classes offered this Winter/Spring include:
- Fun With Color: 2D Drawing and Painting ages 8 to 12
- Introduction to Digital and Darkroom Photography ages 8 to 12
- Murals by Kids for Kids ages 5 to 7 and ages 8 to 12
For complete information on visual arts and all arts classes at CHAW, including full schedule and registration information, go to the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop entry under the Multidisciplinary Arts section at the top.
Corcoran ArtReach
THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus)
1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE (Directions)
Washington, DC 20020
(202) 889-5901
Website: www.thearcdc.org
Corcocan ArtReach at THEARC provides free arts instruction such as family workshops, afterschool and summer art classes based on the Corcoran’s renowned collection. ArtReach makes a special effort to foster visual literacy, critical thinking skills, and creative expression among its participants while encouraging them to develop meaningful connections between art and their lives.
In addition to ArtReach, the Corcoran oversees the Community Gallery at THEARC, which serves as an exhibition venue for program participants, local artists, community organizations, and schools.
For information about Corcoran ArtReach at THEARC, call Sandra Gobar, Corcoran ArtReach Manger/Instructor at (202) 889-5088.
Corcoran ArtReach also provides art classes at Sitar Arts Center (see below).
Latin American Youth Center
Art + Media House
3035 15th Street, NW (Map)
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 319-2293, ext. 1
Website: www.artmediahouse.org
Art + Media House, a division of the Latin American Youth Center, is a space where the creative abilities of youth are developed through hands on training in digital media – radio, photography, beat-making, music/poetry, graphic design; and art – drawing, painting, graffiti, sculpture, stenciling and murals. Through the creative process youth develop leadership skills and learn how to collaborate and manage their own projects. Youth share their ideas with a wider audience through community exhibitions, performances and dialogue.
The Art + Media House provides after-school and summer programming for youth age 11-18; and evening classes for adults. The facility includes an art studio, digital media lab, recording studio and a gallery for exhibitions.
The youth registration fee is $15 per session. The registration covers the cost of classes and supplies. Youth can also complete community service hours in lieu of the registration fee.
Sitar Arts Center
1700 Kalorama Rd, NW (Directions)
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 797-2145
Website: www.sitarartscenter.org
Sitar Arts Center provides multidisciplinary arts education to the children and youth of Washington, DC in a nurturing, creative community where young people discover their inherent talents and gifts. In addition to offering classes in visual arts and digital arts, Sitar also classes in the music, dance, drama, and creative writing.
The visual arts at Sitar Arts Center provide students with an opportunity to gain technical skills while learning to express their feelings through a number of diverse media, including painting, sculpture, drawing and fashion design. Students learn to view their surroundings differently and are exposed to the work of great artists for technique and inspiration. The Corcoran ArtReach is a partner that teaches art classes at Sitar.
Sitar Arts Center’s goal is to offer a technological component to its main art forms. Students at Sitar Arts Center have access to a state-of-the-art computer lab, where they explore classes and individual study in music production, graphic design, web design, and video.
The Spring semester runs from January 24 through May 7 and you can read the Spring 2011 schedule of classes here.
For details on Sitar’s programs, the registration process, and tuition, see the Sitar Arts Center listing above in the Multidisciplinary Arts section.
Creative Writing
Arena Stage
See above in the Theater section.
City at Peace
See above in the Theater section.
Sitar Arts Center
See above in the Multidisciplinary Arts section.
Writopia Lab
Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church
3920 Alton Place, NW (Map)
Washington, DC 20016
Tel: (202) 629-9510
Website: http://writopialab.org/writopia-washington-dc.html
Writopia Lab runs creative writing workshops for young people ages 8 to 18. All workshops have a maximum of six students and are led by a published writer who has been fully trained in Writopia Lab’s time-tested methodology.
Writopia Lab offers after-school and Saturday 90-minute workshops, as well as spring break and summer intensive classes. In addition to the Tenleytown location in the District, Writopia also has workshops in Alexandria.
Workshops are now in session, but enrollment is ongoing. Writiopia Lab prorates payment for those who sign up after the session have started. Families who cannot pay the full tuition can pay based on a sliding scale.
Young Playwrights’ Theater
See above in the Theater section
