Over the next two months, the Stroum Jewish Community Center is hosting classes to introduce teenagers to different kinds of performance art. Never performed before? Not a problem! Each class is open to beginners, and it will be tailored to your skill level.
Try something new — maybe you’ll find your life’s calling! The workshops are taught by working professionals in the world of Seattle theatre, and if nothing else you’ll learn what it’s like to be a part of our city’s theatre community.
All classes will be held on Sundays from 3–5 p.m. at the Stroum JCC, 3801 E Mercer Way on Mercer Island. Contact Natasha at natashar@sjcc.org or 206-232-7115 to register and for pricing information.

Jan. 15 — Acting for the Camera
Learn the skills and techniques used by professional film and television actors! Experience the difference between acting for the stage and acting for the camera. Class will focus on building relationship in cold reads, and how to audition for film and television.
Jan. 22 — Set Design
Learn how a set transforms from an idea in someone’s imagination into a full-scale constructed world. Take your own ideas and put them on paper in a clear and creative way.
Jan. 29 — Stage Makeup
Learn how to transform your physical appearance into a character you never thought possible! Students will learn basic techniques for designing makeup for specific characters, and how to apply it. Class includes a personal stage makeup kit that students can take home.
Feb. 5 — Musical Theatre Dance
Learn basic moves in the repertoire of all musical theatre performers. This class will focus on learning the popular musical theatre dance styles used on Broadway today. A series of exercises will build one upon another to warm up and condition the entire body. Open to all levels of experience. Students should wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable and easy to dance in.
Feb. 12 — Jazz Dance
Learn basic moves from jazz, the most iconic of dance styles. The class will focus on the basics: Posture, style, and choreography. A series of exercises will build one upon another to warm up and condition the entire body. Open to all levels of experience. Students should wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable and easy to dance in.
Feb. 19 — Introduction to Ballet
Students will be introduced to the structure of a ballet class, basic ballet vocabulary, alignment and posture. This class will focus on building balance, strength, coordination and poise. Students will execute a series of exercises that build upon one another to thoroughly warm up and condition the entire body. As the foundation of many other dance forms, ballet is an essential supplement to modern dance, jazz, and hip-hop training. Open to all levels of experience. Students should wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable and easy to dance in.
Feb. 26 — Hip Hop Dance
Learn your favorite modern hip hop moves! This class will develop skills in rhythm, coordination, balance, and musicality, and will teach easy and fun hip hop choreography. Class will involve a warm up, concentrating on basic body isolations, across-the-floor movement, and group routines. 
March 4 — Improv
Through games, exercises, and scene work students will learn to trust their instincts, think on their feet, and create new characters and stories on the spot. Work on the same skills as performers from “Saturday Night Live,” “Lonely Planet,” “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” Second City and more!
March 11 — Sketch Comedy
Have you ever wanted to be a writer for “Saturday Night Live”? In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of writing sketch comedy and how to create a voice that is distinctly yours.
March 18 — Costume Design
Learn how a costume transforms from an idea in someone’s imagination into a real-life piece of art. Take your own ideas and put them on paper in a clear and creative way. Students will leave with their very own designs laid out in sketches.