AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The East Bay Center for the Performing Arts has brought performing arts and new media classes to after-school programs in the West Contra Costa Unified School District, the Berkeley Unified School District and area charter schools since 1985. Drawing on the Center's diverse resources; our professional arts faculty and experienced educational staff; our multi-cultural offerings, both traditional and contemporary; and partnerships with other arts and social organizations; we have served thousands of students in twenty-six schools.

The goals of our after school program activities are to:

1. Give interested students access to training in culturally distinct Performing Art forms which reflect the ethnic makeup of their community.
2. Provide ample opportunities for students to share their work with their community and peers through performances and showings.
3. Develop an appreciation for the arts in the schools and the community.
4. Encourage and/or improve communication and involvement between parents and school activities.
5. Provide a positive environment through the arts which encourages cross cultural understanding and pride.
6. Provide rich arts activities during hour after school hours helping to keep children and communities safe.

DANCE

Hip Hop Dance (All grades, 20 students maximum per class)

One of our most popular classes, students learn styles of Hip Hop.  They also learn to identify different rhythms and styles of music, including R&B, Rap, Funk, and Jazz.  Students refine their sense of rhythm, expand their knowledge of repertoire and gain enhanced control of their movements.

Mexican Folkorico Dance (All grades, 20 students maximum per class)

Students explore the rich tradition of Mexican folklorico, a folk dance tradition found throughout Mexico. The dances are characterized by a basic set of steps called zapateados which involve percussive heel-stomping.  Students must wear hard-soled shoes.  [se habla espanol]

West African Dance (All grades, 20 students maximum per class)

This class teaches skills and techniques in performing authentic, traditional dances from the West African countries of Senegal, Guinea, and the Congo, as well as Haiti and Brazil.

Capoeira (Grades 4 and up, 20 students per class)

A vigorous art form that originated in Brazil, Capoeira has elements of ritualized combat, dance, music and song. It is practiced as a means of self-defense, personal development, social integration, and cultural awareness.

MUSIC

Music and Dance Exploration  (Grades K–3, 20 students maximum per class )

Children experience the joy of singing (and moving!) while discovering fundamental musical concepts through traditional American (North and South) singing games, ring plays, rhymes and folk songs. Instruments provided. [se habla espanol]

 Intro to Percussion (Grades 1 and up, 15 students maximum per class)

In this class students will learn both basic concepts of rhythm from a variety of cultural sources. The students will learn about the cultural significance that music and particular instruments have within certain cultures. Instruments provided.

 Beginning Instrumental Music (Grades 2 and up, 15 students maximum per class) 

Students can take classes in brass instruments, wind instruments, stringed instruments, or guitars.  Parents are responsible for renting or purchasing instruments.  Students will be taught how to read music as well as play the instrument.  This class is a great augmentation to any existing instrumental classes you offer or it can be an introductory class.  This class works best if students are grouped by experience - beginning or intermediate.  This class is offered with a 10% discount off of the listed prices.

 Chorus (All Grades, 18 students per class)

Students learn the joy of singing together while exploring different genres from jazz to blues, R&B, soul, funk, hip hop and reggae. Older students are invited to try out their song writing and rhyme writing skills as well as the art of stage presence and delivery.

MCs (rappers), songwriters and instrumentalists, (must already know how to play an instrument) are welcome!

THEATRE

Youth Theater Workshop (Grades 1 and up, 2 50-minute back to back classes or 1 2-hour class, 15 students/class)

Students will begin by learning the basic elements of theater performance through improvisation and classic theater games.  Depending on what your students want, this class can lead to a full-blown performance or a series of scenes for performance.  (Additional costs may be added.)

Drama Basics (Grades 1 and up, 2 50-minute back to back classes or 1 2-hour class, 15 students/class)

Learn the basics of acting, story telling and improvisation! Students will use theater techniques to explore issues they face in their every day lives.  This class allows students to find their inner voice and develop their confidence, communication and teamwork skills.

Urban Theater/Spoken Word (Grades 1 and up, 2 50-minute back to back classes, 15 students/class)

Urban Theater is a class that fuses the art of spoken word, poetry, and drama together. This class gives students an understanding of what it takes to work together as a group.  It gives them a love of language increasing their oral fluency and helps their writing and memorization skills as they have to write and perform their own original pieces.

NEW MEDIA

Community Mural Project (Grades 1 and up, 2-hour class, 20 students/class)

Got wall?  Students learn to work together to create a community mural for your school.  Students learn collaboration skills; communication skills; and painting, drawing, and design skills as they create a unique site-specific mural.  The entire process takes them from initial brainstorming, gathering community input, sketching and design, revision, planning, and painting.  (The mural can also be done on canvas if you don’t have a wall.)

 Digital Photography (Grades 3 and up, 2 50-minute back to back classes or 1 2-hour class, 15 students/class)

This workshop provides a space for students to creatively explore their thoughts, feelings and perspectives and offers inspiration on new and unique ways to capture it all. Demonstrations in Location Photography and Studio Photography are held providing students with a real-life experience of a professional studio.

 Video Production (Grades 3 and up, 2 50-minute back to back classes or 1 2-hour class, 15 students/class)

Intensive workshops in digital video production for small and very dedicated crews. In hands-on projects, students learn the fundamental skills at the heart of film making covering the entire process of storytelling from conception to post production. Students work in various genres including drama, comedy, action, and documentary. Cameras provided.

PRICING
The cost is $2,100 per class for the fall session (10-12 weeks) and $3,200 per class for the winter/spring session (20-22 weeks).  Discounts for multiple classes or classes in both school semesters are available.   Instrumental music classes are offered with a 10% discount.  Classes cannot be held outside and must be in a large enough space to allow students to move freely.

To book your class call Michelle Flynn at (510) 323-2493 or email michelle.flynn@eastbaycenter.org