Lifelong Learning

Fall classes teach everything from art to sewing

TheatreSquared is known for its professional theater productions and groundbreaking new play festival — but did you know the organization also offers a plethora of acting classes, taught by professional actors?

“When we talk about growing a theater company, it’s about growing a love of theater, and it’s about engaging with the community,” says Morgan Hicks, T2 co-founder and director of education and program development. “We don’t want to be the arbiters of ‘This is good; this is bad.’ We want people to be engaged in the art form and to be exploring it and to be something beyond just an observer. We want to interact with the community and, rather than them leaning back, we want them leaning forward, getting on their feet and on the stage.”

What that engagement looks like

at T2: a slate of seven acting classes, taught by industry professionals, that run throughout the year. Teachers include professional actors such as University of Arkansas instructor Steven Marzolf and Jordan Haynes, learning programs and company manager at T2.

Though there are several classes tailored specifically for those who might seek to become working actors — an audition class and Shakespeare instruction, for example — Hicks points out that there are several offerings ideal for people with varying backgrounds and career goals.

“We have one student who keeps taking classes who has no interest in being an actor,” says Hicks. “She says one thing that she challenges herself to do is get outside her comfort zone once or twice a month. It’s a great way to meet new people in the community and make new friends. We also have some specific skill-building classes, like public speaking for non-actors, for people who have a business brain but don’t necessarily have a background in speaking in front of people. That can be a major fear, and this class can help them get a confidence boost when they’re making presentations in a boardroom or in front of their classes.”

The Rest Of The Best

If the sight of school supplies on the shelves is making you nostalgic for your own school days, never fear — whether your interests tend toward the artistic, academic or recreational, there’s a class in Northwest Arkansas with your name on it. We’ve listed a few of the options for both adults and children; now all you have to do is sign up, grab your No. 2 pencils, and hit the books! Fayetteville Arts Live Theatre 818 N. Sang Ave. 521-4932 info@artslivetheatre.com The After School Acting Academy at Arts Live starts on Sept. 23 and runs through Nov. 19. Classes are available for kindergarten through 12th grade. Local Color Studio Gallery

275 S. Archibald Yell Blvd. 461-8761

Group and private art lessons for kids (ages 7-18) and adults. Studio Leilani

254 N. Olive Ave. 442-4396 Classes for children and adults start in the fall.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

211 E. Dickson St.

575-4545

OLLI at the University of Arkansas describes itself as a local service organization providing learning opportunities, cultural programs and social activities for adults. Classes, hikes, games, walking tours, field trips, book clubs and special interest groups serve some 600 members.

Terra Studios

12103 Hazel Valley Road 643-3185 Mini-workshops for kids and adults are offered year-round.

Community Creative Center

505 W. Spring St. 571-2706

Art and pottery classes for kids and adults.

Rick’s Bakery

1220 N. College Ave. 442-2166

The popular bakery offers cake decorating workshops for kids and adults.

Pilot Arts Theatre

4500 S. School Ave. 879-1034

Pilot Arts’ theater classes, says the website, are open to “first timers or seasoned veterans” alike.

Paper and Thread Studio

paperandthread.me 463-0105 Classes for ages 5 and up focus on simple sewing, journaling and paper crafts.

American Legion, Post 27

1195 S. Curtis St.

Free two-step dance lessons are held most Wednesdays at 6 p.m., followed by an evening of a live country band.

University of Arkansas Community Music School

171 Moody Music Building 205-348-6741

Group classes and private lessons for non-degree seeking students of all ages.

Fayetteville Public Schools Adult & Community Education

612 S. College Ave. 444-3041 Opportunities for adults include GED, ESL, workplace and citizenship classes.

Springdale The Jones Center

922 E. Emma Ave., Springdale 756-8090

The Jones Center always has something going on. Check the event schedule for classes in ice skating, cooking, self defense and dance.

Arkansas Arts and Fashion Forum

203 E. Emma Ave., Springdale 422-7305

Basic sewing skills class starts Sept. 5; check the website (arkansasfashion. org) for updates about more class offerings.

Lowell

Flip Side Ninja Park

213 Grant Place 927-6070 Classes for adults and children in ninja skills, obstacle race courses and aerial yoga.

Students have a unique opportunity to take classes from professional theater artists at TheatreSquared, like this improv class, taught by T2 staff member and former Second City student Jordan Haynes.

File Photo Learn some heavy-duty art skills by taking a class at the Eureka Springs School of the Arts.

File Photo Learn the art of cupcake and cake decorating by attending a one-day workshop at Fayetteville’s Rick’s Bakery.