Youth Classes

Youth Fall Classes

09/28/2022 - 12/22/2022
Middletown Arts Center Classes 36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748 | MAC Annex Classes (at Middletown Reformed Church) 121 Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ 07748

Join us this FALL for these GREAT classes in Theater, Dance, Art, and Music! 

Registration now open!

ART

NEW! Fine Artist Academy Program “Become an Artist” | Ages: 8-20

For serious art students of all ages, we are proud to introduce this academy-style, progressive visual arts program, led by Master artist Elizabeth Schettini Sowell-Zak, MFA. This class will teach students from a Fine Arts perspective giving them the foundations of Fine Art principals, technique, and language, so they have a solid foundation of creative skills and the language of Art so they may speak with confidence about their work and develop their individual creative choices. Within each age group, skill level and challenges will increase.

The program is intended as one of accumulated knowledge building upon prior sessions. Each class will include: the new information to focus on as a skill, lesson of the day, discussion, and demonstration, ending with a class critique (and practice suggestions.)

YOUNG ARTISTS AGES 8 – 11

Mondays 4 – 5:15 pm

Session 1: September 26, October 3, 10, 17

Session 2: October 24, November 7, 14, 21 (No Class on 10/31)

Session 3: November 28, December 5, 12, 19

Session 4: January 9, 16, 23, 30

Members: $160 per 4-week session* Non-members $175*

*includes materials

YOUNG INTERMEDIATE ARTISTS AGES 12 – 16

Mondays 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Session 1: September 26, October 3, 10, 17

Session 2: October 24, November 7, 14, 21 (No Class on 10/31)

Session 3: November 28, December 5, 12, 19

Session 4: January 9, 16, 23, 30

Members: $165 per 4-week session* Non-members $180 *

*includes materials

YOUNG ADULT STUDENTS AGES 17 – 20

Wednesdays 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Session 1: September 28, October 5, 12, 19

Session 2: October 26, November 9, 16, 23

Session 3: November 30, December 7, 14, 21

Session 4: January 4, 11, 18, 25

Members $170 per 4-week session, Non-members $185*

*includes materials

NEW! Private and Semi-Private Portfolio Mentoring | High School Juniors and Seniors

This class does more than just review your art portfolio. It allows you to connect with professional artist, Elizabeth Schettini Sowell-Zak, MFA, to receive a portfolio assessment and direction plan to bring your portfolio from ho-hum to one that will get noticed. Two one-hour sessions per month. Students can continue for as long as they need. Sessions are scheduled after registration at a mutually convenient day and time.

Members: $175 per month Non members: $185 per month

Call 732-706-4100 to schedule

Watercolors and MORE with Miss Fish! | Ages 4-8

LOCATION: MAC ANNEX – 121 Kings Highway, Middletown NJ 07748

October 3 – December 19 (No class October 10, October 31, or November 7) | MONDAYS: (9 weeks)

CLASS 1: 4:00 – 5:00pm 

CLASS 2: 5:15 – 6:15pm 

For those little artists who just LOVE to PAINT and CREATE! Under the loving and expert direction of Miss Fish students will use watercolors to make beautiful paintings and make AMAZING art pieces and craft projects with clay, cray pas, paper and more! Students will love these classes run by legendary art educator, Miss Fish, who will stir the imagination and bring out the creative best in every child! Each week, students will learn new tips for painting and create their own masterpieces! Supplies included.

9 WEEKS: Members: $135, Non-members: $155

NEW! FABULOUS Art for FANTASTIC Artists with Miss Fish! | Ages 8-12

LOCATION: MAC ANNEX – 121 Kings Highway, Middletown NJ 07748

September 28 – December 14 (No class October 5, November 9 OR November 23) | Wednesdays:  4:00 – 5:00pm (9 weeks)

For those older artists (ages 8-12)! Under the loving and expert direction of Miss Fish, students study the elements of art and the creative process in this hands on, multi–media class. Learn about art fundamentals such as line, shape, composition, and color. Students will explore a variety of materials including graphite, charcoal, pastel, paint, and more. Students will love these classes run by legendary art educator, Miss Fish, who will stir the imagination and bring out the creative best in every child! Each week, students will learn new tips for painting and create their own masterpieces! Supplies included.

9 WEEKS: Members: $135, Non-members: $155

NEW! Amazing Artists with Doodle Dude | Ages 5-12

LOCATION: MAC ANNEX – 121 Kings Highway, Middletown NJ 07748

October 3 – December 12 (No class October 10, October 31 OR November 7 | MONDAYS: 4:00 – 5:00pm (8 weeks)

Let’s learn about the world’s best artists of all time! We will have a blast painting , drawing and working with clay, while learning about famous artists at the same time! We will learn about many artists including Dali, Warhol, Basquiat, Keith Haring, Georgia O’keefe , Picasso and more!   What you create will AMAZE you! No one art to life like Art Kaney, the Doodle Dude! From the cute and cool, to the crazy, and from the basics to more advanced techniques, the Doodle Dude will educate, entertain and inspire!

8 WEEKS: Members: $120, Non-members: $135

NEW! Painting-palooza with Doodle Dude! | Ages 5-12

LOCATION: MAC ANNEX – 121 Kings Highway, Middletown NJ 07748

September 29th – December 1 (No class November 10 or November 24 | THURSDAYS: 4:00 – 5:00pm (8 weeks)

Get creative with the Doodle Dude who will introduce you to the awesome world of painting in his unique way. Let your imagination run wild while you have a blast working with watercolors, acrylics, gouache and even glow in the dark paint!  No one brings art and painting to life like Art Kaney, the Doodle Dude! From the cute and cool, to the crazy, and from the basics to more advanced techniques, the Doodle Dude will educate, entertain and inspire!

8 WEEKS: Members: $120, Non-members: $135

NEW! The Art of Roblox, Minecraft and Pokémon with Doodle Dude | Ages 5-12

LOCATION: MAC ANNEX – 121 Kings Highway, Middletown NJ 07748

September 28 – December 7 (No class October 5, November 9 OR November 23) | WEDNESDAYS: 4:00 – 5:00pm (8 weeks)

Let’s learn how to draw Roblox, Minecraft and Pokémon characters, but also create and design our own. We will work on character development and work with many different media including paint , clay, Glow in the dark paint, oil pastels and more. Let’s get off the video games and on to the drawing board! Gaming party last day of class!  No one brings art and painting to life like Art Kaney, the Doodle Dude! From the cute and cool, to the crazy, and from the basics to more advanced techniques, the Doodle Dude will educate, entertain and inspire!

8 WEEKS: Members: $120, Non-members: $135

THEATRICAL SOCIALIZATION CLASSES

for Adult Individuals of All Abilities | AGES: 18+

MAC Theatre Horizons with Dawn Ferro | Ages 18+ 

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

September 28 – December 10 (No Class November 9 OR 23) | Wednesdays: 6:00 – 7:00pm (10 weeks)

A specialized drama  program introducing a variety of theatrical techniques, inspiring creativity and imagination. Dawn Ferro is a special education teacher in Monmouth County and has taught for over 30 years. When she isn’t in the classroom with her LLD students, she is directing plays and teaching a variety of dance classes throughout New Jersey. She loves to share her passion for the theatre arts and dance with others.

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170 (scholarships available!)

MAC Dance Horizons with Dawn Ferro | Ages 18+ 

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

September 28 – December 10 (No Class November 9 OR 23) | Wednesdays: 7:00 – 8:00pm (10 weeks)

A specialized dance program introducing a variety of dance genres, motivating self expression and movement. Dawn Ferro is a special education teacher in Monmouth County and has taught for over 30 years. When she isn’t in the classroom with her LLD students, she is directing plays and teaching a variety of dance classes throughout New Jersey. She loves to share her passion for the theatre arts and dance with others.

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170 (scholarships available!)

DANCE

NEW! ZUMBINI with Lisa Zwerin | Ages: 0-4

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

September 28 – December 14 (No class November 9 OR November 23)| Wednesdays: 10:00 – 10:45am (10 weeks)

A child-focused journey into the world of music, movement, and dance, and the natural response music provokes in both children and adults. A Zumbini class is a celebration of the power of music to enhance our lives, stimulate learning, inspire dance movement, and strengthen the bond between parent and child. What is Zumbini you ask? A 45 minute music and movement experience, which is developmentally appropriate for the age range of the class. Every class, designed for children 0-4 years old with a caregiver and includes dancing, singing and playing instruments. A bonding experience for all is involved, including caregiver to child, child-to-child, and caregiver to caregiver. Focuses on energy, fun, and play to contribute toward the natural development of cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills.

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170

NEW! Tap with Dawn Ferro | Ages 9-12

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

September 28 – December 14 (No class November 9 OR November 23)| NEW TIME! Wednesdays: 5:00 – 6:00 pm (10 weeks)

A highly energetic class in the timeless art of Tap. Under the nurturing and skilled instruction of Dawn Ferro, beginning and intermediate students will have a blast while learning and improving foundational rhythms and classic combinations, in a variety of tap styles from Broadway to Rhythm and Contemporary Tap. Develop coordination, speed, clarity, dynamics, and the ability to execute complex rhythmic combinations. Dawn has over 30 years of experience teaching dance and theater to students of all ages and is the former studio director/owner of Miss Dawn’s Studio of Dance in Metuchen.

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170

NEW! Intro to Hip Hop and Creative Movement with Samantha Amaral | Ages: 5-8

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 4 – December 13 (No class November 8) | Tuesdays 4:00 –5:00pm (10 weeks)

This class is a great opportunity for students to learn the basics of this popular and innovative dance genre including freestyle, popping, and locking in a fun and welcoming environment. Dancers will learn the fundamentals of freestyle, choreography, and have a blast learning about hip-hop culture. Miss Sam received her Bachelor of Arts from Hofstra University and has over 15 years of experience teaching dance to students of all ages and choreographing award winning musicals in NY and NJ.

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170

NEW! Beginning Hip Hop with Samantha Amaral | Ages: 9-12

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 4 – December 13 (No class November 8) | Tuesdays: 5:00-6:00 (10 weeks)

This class is a great opportunity for students to build on and improve their hip-hop dance skills. Dancers will focus on the fundamentals of freestyle, choreography, and the whole hip-hop scene. This class is for students who have taken the Intro to Hip-Hop Series or have some experience with hip-hop dance. Students will learn to master those basic grooves, and then how to make those moves their own! Miss Sam received her Bachelor of Arts from Hofstra University and has over 15 years of experience teaching dance to students of all ages and choreographing award winning musicals in NY and NJ.

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170

NEW! Pre-Ballet and Creative Movement | Ages 3-6


LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 8 – December 17 (No Class November 26)| Saturdays: 9:00am – 10:00am  (10 weeks)


This fun and engaging class was specially designed for younger beginning dancers, ages 3-6.  Under the caring, expert instruction of our dance staff, students will be introduced to the fundamental building blocks of movement, rhythm/musicality, as well as begin to create movement of their own.  Students will develop understanding of movement concepts, flexibility, balance, and coordination through specific ballet-based movements and creative exploration.  Our instructors always seeks to create an environment where people can grow and feel empowered to believe in themselves, their body, and the power of the arts.  Ballet shoes not required.

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170

NEW! Ballet | Ages 7-9


LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 8 – December 17 (No Class November 26)| Saturdays: 9:00am – 10:00am  (10 weeks)


This fun and engaging class was specially designed for dancers, ages 7-9.  Under the caring, expert instruction of our dance staff, students will be introduced to the fundamental building blocks of ballet technique and movement.  Students will develop understanding of movement concepts, flexibility, balance, and coordination through ballet movements and creative exploration.  Our instructors always seeks to create an environment where people can grow and feel empowered to believe in themselves, their body, and the power of the arts.  Ballet shoes not required.

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170

NEW! Modern Dance | Ages 7-9


LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 4 – December 13 (No class November 8) | Tuesdays: 5:30pm – 6:30pm  (10 weeks)


This fun and exploratory class is an opportunity to engage in the art of modern dance and movement. Under the caring, expert instruction of our dance staff, students will be introduced to the fundamental building blocks of modern dance technique and movement concepts. Students will grow their technical ability as well as discover improvisation and choreography experiences, also placing emphasis on flexibility, balance, and coordination. Students will develop their own individuality and style through movement as well as work collaboratively with one another. Our instructors always seeks to create an environment where people can grow and feel empowered to believe in themselves, their body, and the power of the arts.  

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170

NEW! Modern Dance | Ages 10-14


LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 4 – December 13 (No class November 8) | Tuesdays: 6:30pm – 7:30pm  (10 weeks)


This fun and exploratory class is an opportunity to engage in the art of modern dance and movement.  Under the caring, expert instruction of Kimberlee Gerstheimer, students will be introduced and continue to build upon the fundamental building blocks of modern dance technique and movement concepts.  Students will grow their technical ability as well as discover improvisation and choreography experiences, also placing emphasis on flexibility, balance, and coordination.  Students will develop their own individuality and style through movement as well as work collaboratively with one another.  Our instructors always seeks to create an environment where people can grow and feel empowered to believe in themselves, their body, and the power of the arts.  

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $165

MUSICAL THEATER

ELF THE MUSICAL, JR. with Kathy Connolly-Oliver | Ages 10+

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

September 28 – December 10 (No class November 9 | Wednesdays: 6:00 – 8:00 pm (10 weeks)

First class September 28!

Start the school year right with this high-energy musical theater class.  Students will have voice, acting and dance training culminating in our traditional annual production of Elf, Jr.   Although students will audition for roles, every student will receive a part.  Students will receive two complimentary tickets for the show.

Auditions: Wednesday, September 21st from 5-7pm.  

Tech Rehearsals (mandatory): Students must be available during the week of December 5-8 when class will meet every night from 5-7pm for tech rehearsals. 

Show Dates:  December 9 at 7:00 pm,  December 10 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

10 WEEKS: Price: Members – $545 | Non-Members – $585

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROGRAM HAS A CLASS LIMIT OF 25

NEW! Fall Mini-Musical Theater Intensive with Kathy Connolly | Ages 6-9

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

September 28 – December 7 (No Class November 9 OR 23) | Wednesdays: 4:00 – 6:00pm (10 weeks)

This exciting class is for older performers ages 6-9. Using a professional conservatory approach, the students will take individual classes in Acting, Dance, Improv, and Voice. Under the expert instruction of award winning Director and teaching artist, Kathy Connolly with experienced dance instructor and choreographer, Dawn Ferro and and our team of professional theater artists, and visiting Master Class presenters, the students will explore their creativity and develop their confidence and skills in a fun and nurturing environment!

10 WEEKS: Members: $350, Non-members: $385

THEATER

Acting with Kathy Connolly | Ages 13+

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 6 – December 15 (No class November 10 OR November 24) | Thursdays: 4:30 – 6:00pm (9 weeks)

In this fun and dynamic class, older students will deepen and build upon their understanding of acting technique through theater games, scene work and improvisation. Under the expert instruction of award-winning Director and Teaching Artist, Kathy Connolly, students will work on monologues and scenes and even collaborate to create new short pieces together in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

9 WEEKS: Members: $205, Non-members: $230

Acting with Kathy Connolly | Ages 9-12

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 7 – December 16 (No class November 11 OR November 25) | Fridays: 4:00 – 5:30pm (9 weeks)

In this fun and exciting class, students will study the fundamentals of acting technique and theater through theater games, scene work and improvisation. Under the expert instruction of award-winning Director and Teaching Artist, Kathy Connolly, students will work on monologues and scenes in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. While the focus is always on fun, this class also has wonderful additional benefits including; strengthened self-esteem, improved reading comprehension, and the continuing development of positive social skills.

9 WEEKS: Members: $205, Non-members: $230

Beginning Acting with Felicia Russell (& Kathy Connolly) | Ages 6-8

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 21 – December 16 (No class November 11 OR November 25) | Fridays: 4:00 – 5:00pm (7 weeks)

Students will have a blast and build confidence exploring theater games, storytelling, improv & more! Under the nurturing instruction of NJ performer and Teaching Artist, Felicia Russell (a proud MAC alum!), students will learn the fundamentals of acting technique and theater in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Students will also get guest instruction from award-winning Director and Teaching Artist, Kathy Connolly, to work on monologues and scenes and even collaborate to create new short pieces together!

7 WEEKS: Members: $105, Non-members: $120

MUSIC

NEW! ZUMBINI with Lisa Zwerin | Ages: 0-4

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

September 28 – December 14 (No class November 9 OR November 23)| Wednesdays: 9:00 – 9:45am OR 10:00 – 10:45am (10 weeks)

A child-focused journey into the world of music, movement, and dance, and the natural response music provokes in both children and adults. A Zumbini class is a celebration of the power of music to enhance our lives, stimulate learning, inspire dance movement, and strengthen the bond between parent and child. What is Zumbini you ask? A 45 minute music and movement experience, which is developmentally appropriate for the age range of the class. Every class, designed for children 0-4 years old with a caregiver and includes dancing, singing and playing instruments. A bonding experience for all is involved, including caregiver to child, child-to-child, and caregiver to caregiver. Focuses on energy, fun, and play to contribute toward the natural development of cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills.

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170


Private In-Person Piano or Voice Lessons with Miss Peggy!
| ALL AGES

Voice and Piano teacher Peggy Saxton is offering private in-person lessons at the MAC!

Start playing songs or singing better from your very first lesson! Under Miss Peggy’s nurturing instruction, you’ll learn to read, understand, and create beautiful music from day one!

No matter what your skill level is, in these 30 or 60 minute sessions, students will learn a combination of exercises and approaches to improve confidence, proper technique, and overall musicality.

Miss Peggy makes learning piano or voice accessible and fun for everyone!

NEW STUDENTS: Please email artscenter@middletownnj.org for more details or to schedule a lesson.

La Petite Group Piano Classes with Lori Hofman (Children 4-7 with adult)

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 17 – December 19 (No class October 31 or November 7) | Mondays: 5:00 – 5:45 (8 weeks)

Children, along with their parents, are introduced to the keyboards in a fun, educational environment that motivates the child to persevere while internalizing the basics of music.

Lori is a long time musician and theatre director, who has displayed a passion and love for teaching young children over the past 25 years. From as young as 4 years old, Lori started teaching herself piano and developed an intuitive sense of learning, playing, and developing her style. Lori began her career teaching private lessons but soon realized she could reach younger students and provide even greater social benefits by also teaching group classes. Lori has a rich history of directing theatre in local productions, as well as providing student recitals and orchestrating other amusing and student focused events.

Max 8 students

8 WEEKS: Members: $185, Non-members: $200

ADULT CLASSES

NEW! Adult Yoga


LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 8 – December 17 (No Class November 26) I Saturdays: 8:00 am – 9:00 am (10 weeks) 


This gentle but stimulating Yoga class will allow individuals of all levels and fitness experiences to engage in the practice of Yoga.  Yoga is an ancient form of full body exercise that focuses on core strength, balance, control, and breath.  Exercises can be modified for injuries and all bodies.  No previous experience required.  Please bring a mat.  

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170


NEW! Adult Ballet


LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 4 – December 13 (No class November 8) | Tuesdays: 7:30pm – 8:30pm  (10 weeks)


This adult Ballet class will allow individuals of all levels and prior experience to engage in the art of ballet.  Geared for the adult ballet student, this class will explore the art of ballet through ballet barre, center floor, and across the floor exercises, placing emphasis on alignment, breath, centering, and balance.   Our dance staff always seeks to create an environment where people can grow and feel empowered to believe in themselves, their body, and the power of the arts. 

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170

NEW! Beginning ADULT Tap with Dawn Ferro | 16+

LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

October 4 – December 13 (No class November 8) | NEW TIME! Tuesdays: 6:00 – 7:00pm (10 weeks)

A highly energetic ADULT class in the timeless art of Tap. Under the nurturing and skilled instruction of Dawn Ferro, , beginning and intermediate adults students will have a blast while learning and improving foundational rhythms and classic combinations, in a variety of tap styles from Broadway to Rhythm and Contemporary Tap. Develop coordination, speed, clarity, dynamics, and the ability to execute complex rhythmic combinations. Dawn has over 30 years of experience teaching dance and theater to students of all ages and is the former studio director/owner of Miss Dawn’s Studio of Dance in Metuchen.

10 WEEKS: Members: $150, Non-members: $170

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