Class Descriptions
Art & Design
Architecture: Making & Meaning
Ages 6-8, 9-12
This class explores the architectural design process, including form, line, shape, colour, space, texture, balance, and composition. Students explore the crucial relationship between architectural drawings and model making, and explore the fundamental aspects of architecture, including the function of space and how to use creative problem-solving when designing spaces.
Cartooning
Ages 6-8, 9-12
Children explore their creativity, bringing stories to life with hand-drawn cartoons and a cast of favourite characters. At the foundation level, this class covers basic forms and shapes, and explores how facial expressions help tell a bigger story. As students progress, they will learn to further develop characters with expression and emotion, and give them a voice.
Clay Sculpture
Ages 5-6, 6-8, 9-12
Get inspired and create with clay! In this two-week program, students ages 9-12 will explore the fundamentals of ceramics and develop their skills in hand-building, including modeling, pinch pot, coil, and glazing, as well as learn to critique work through group discussion and self-reflection.
Drawing, Painting, & Printmaking
Ages 5-6, 6-8, 9-12
Get inspired by abstract concepts, still life, and celebrated artists. Participants hone their visual perception through the study of composition, colour, and art history, then apply their ideas to the page using a variety of materials.
Kid Tech
Ages 6-8
Children are introduced to the computer by exploring their ideas using different software in this class. Students create digital art using original photos, Photo Booth shots, and digital downloads. Kids will also record sound and explore their new understanding of animation.
Mixed Media
Ages 5-6, 6-8, 9-12
Go beyond traditional materials to study various art forms and explore design through experimental methods. Students work with a variety of materials such as wood, paint, and found objects to create unique 2D and 3D artworks.
Theatre, Music & Film
Creative Drama
Ages 5-6
The world of theatre is revealed to children in this exciting, interactive, and expressive acting class. Young actors will develop imagination, creativity, and self-confidence through fun theatre exercises that explore the relationship between the physical body and storytelling, discovering ways of relating to one another and the world.
Acting
Ages 6-8
Be curious, be bold, and be yourself. Students will explore a variety of age-appropriate acting tools and techniques such as the relationship between the physical body and character. Students develop imagination, creativity, self-confidence, and empathy in a fun and expressive way.
Musical Theatre
Ages 6-8, 9-12
Sing, dance, act – you can do it all! Students learn to work as a team learning one or more ensemble pieces from Broadway musicals. Let your inner star shine as you explore vocal training, choreography, and improvisation. Class is held indoors in a very large studio and all provincial guidelines for safe social distancing will be observed. Singing segments will take place with masks, extra distancing, and ventilation breaks to ensure staff and student safety.
Film Acting & Making Immersion
Ages 6-8, 9-12
Develop on-camera acting skills through exercises, readings, and improvisation. Young actors build confidence and self-awareness both on- and off-camera. Students also learn how to prepare as an actor and tackle creative projects like how to develop a dynamic character. The immersion with the Film and Video Art class will allow students to gain an understanding of how all of these art forms work together and how each contains its own integral form of artistic expression.
Voiceover & Animation Immersion
Ages 6-8, 9-12
From cartoons to commercials and radio to video games, voiceover is an integral part of an actor’s tool belt. In this class, students learn microphone technique and studio etiquette, and play with character voices as they explore the world of voice acting and see how to bring a script to life. Together with the Stop Motion Animation class (Week 1) and the Computer Animation class (Week 2), students will experience both sides of the creation process.
Stagecraft
Ages 6-8, 9-12, 12-16
Learn the secrets of what goes on behind the scenes; how costumes, scenery, lighting and sound all work together with the actors to tell a story. Using age appropriate exercises, hands-on play and experimentation, students will develop their understanding of the relationship between materials, design principles, story, and collaboration. Older students will also learn some specific techniques in stagecraft using theatrical equipment and materials. And everyone will learn a few secret tricks of the trade!
Immersions
Film Acting & Making Immersion
Ages 6-8, 9-12
Develop skills for both in front and behind-the-camera through this interdisciplinary Spring Break Immersion package that contains both Film: Acting and Filmmaking classes. In Film: Acting, students learn skills through exercises, readings, and improvisation where young actors build the confidence and self-awareness to prepare as an actor and tackle creative projects such as how to develop a dynamic character. Offered in tandem with Filmmaking and Video Art, students will also learn how to excel behind-the-camera and in the editing suite to gain such skills as storyboarding, scriptwriting, lighting, sound design, and editing.
Voiceover & Animation Immersion
Ages 6-8, 9-12
Create original animations with personal voiceover in this interdisciplinary Spring Break Immersion package that contains both Voiceover and Animation classes. In Voiceover, students learn microphone technique and studio etiquette, and will also play with character voices as they explore the world of voice acting and see how to bring a script to life. Together with Stop Motion Animation class (Week 1) or Computer Animation (Week 2), students will learn all of the essentials of the animation process including character design, movement, pace, storyboarding, use of props, background, and more. From commercials to animations, radio to video games, voiceover is an integral part of a creator’s tool belt.
Intensives
Acting Intensive
Ages 9-12
Hone your acting instincts. In this class, students will improve their performance skills through a variety of theatre exercises, character studies, and script work, and learn acting techniques and styles including Laban, improv, and character creation. Participants experiment with emotional and physical character portrayals while collaborating with a class of like-minded young performers.
Theatre Intensive
Ages 12+
Take to the stage and trust your instincts! In this one-week program, you’ll hone your acting chops, and improve your rehearsal and performance skills. Through theatre exercises, character study, and voice work, you’ll learn to make strong, consistent choices about your roles on stage. It’s the best way to feel confident in front of an audience.
Musical Theatre Intensives
Ages 6-10, 10-14, 12+
Join us for two full weeks in singing, dancing and acting, and experience the thrill of staging and performing a musical. Working with our director, choreographer, and musical director, students will be cast, rehearse, and create a live musical to share with parents and friends. Students will bring their own props and costumes from home to keep things safe. Younger students will perform a 20-30 minute show, and older students will perform a 40-50 minute show. Some musical theatre experience recommended. Class is held indoors in a very large studio and all provincial guidelines for safe social distancing will be observed. Singing segments will take place with masks, extra distancing, and air-cleaning breaks to ensure staff and student safety.
Sketch Comedy Intensive
Ages 9-12, 12+
Be bold and take your comedic and improv skills to the next level with the Sketch Comedy and Improv Intensive. Through a mixture of improvisation and writing, young actors will gain creative thinking, team building, and communication skills that will benefit them on the stage and in everyday life. Industry professionals will help you develop your technique, discipline and artistry. Work with other creative minds to explore, devise, and create sketches that will have them rolling in the aisles.
Film Making Intensive
Ages 13-19
Take a deep breath and dive into the interdisciplinary and collaborative art of Filmmaking. For those yearning to work with other dedicated young filmmakers, actors and industry professionals, this intensive two week offering covers everything in front of and behind the camera that goes into the making of a film. From casting, acting, and directing to sound, lights, cinematography and editing, you will gain an understanding of how all of these art forms work together and how each contains its own integral form of artistic expression. Expand your awareness of the different aspects of filmmaking and gain the tools that will help you hone your artistry as a filmmaker.
Architecture Intensive
Ages 13-19
The Spring Break Architecture Intensive is a two-week program for teens ages 13-19 who are interested in the unique opportunity to work with leading architects in the industry to explore the architectural design process and develop their portfolio and applied art practice. Participants will learn about creative approaches in building public spaces and new ways of seeing the built environment as they explore the links between architecture and urban design. In an intensive studio environment, students will engage in research and critique on a variety of topics such as energy conservation, water management, sustainable landscapes, car-culture critique, and sustainability as they work both individually and in groups to plan, sketch and build architectural models that bring their ideas to life.
Clay Sculpture Intensive
Ages 13-19
The Spring Break Clay Sculpture Intensive is a two-week program for teens ages 13-19 who are interested in advancing their 3D clay sculpture skills while being inspired by both traditional and contemporary artists working in ceramic arts. In a purpose-built ceramic studio environment, students will engage in the research and practice of advanced materials, equipment, techniques and processes integral to the art of sculptural ceramics. Students also learn how to critique and appreciate one another’s work through group discussion, presentation, and self-reflection.
Graphic Novel Intensive
Ages 13-19
The Spring Break Graphic Novel Intensive is a two-week program for teens ages 13-19 who are dedicated and passionate about the art of Graphic Novel and wish to dive deep into the process of turning idea and character into printed graphic novel. From character design to scriptwriting, storyboarding to composition, students will gain advanced instruction and critique on all the tools needed to hone their skills as a passionate emerging graphic novelist. Advanced techniques in illustration and design will be covered whether that’s using pen and ink, pencil and paper, or graphic tablet and computer.
Drawing & Painting Intensive
Ages 13-19
Create original work with technique and passion. In the Spring Break Dawing & Painting Intensive students will be guided through independent research and practice by looking at both contemporary and historical artists by our educational team of practicing artists. From that, inspiration and instruction informs the creation of original works. Investigate the ideas of your work, all while refining fundamental skills in your visual art practice, including composition, design, and colour theory. In conversation with your peers, the art of constructive critique is also explored and practiced.
Teen Dance Intensive
Grade 8+
March 14-18, 8:45AM-4:00PM
Junior Dance Intensive
Grades 3-7
March 21-25, 9:30AM-3:45PM
Dancers are invited to join us for a fun week of ballet technique classes, contemporary and jazz workshops, and choreographic explorations with exciting guest artists. This year’s intensive will feature a mix of Special Guest Instructors and our excellent Arts Umbrella Dance Faculty. The Junior and Teen Spring Break Dance Intensives will take place at our Arts Umbrella facilities on Granville Island (1400 Johnston Street), Monday to Friday. Students from Arts Umbrella and from outside of Arts Umbrella are welcome. Dancers should have at least 1-2 years of ballet experience.
Pricing
Half-Day Programs: $325
Full-Day Programs: $650
Two-Week Intensives: $650
More about Spring Break programs
COVID-19:
The health and safety of our students, families and staff is our top priority. Our COVID-19 Safety & Response Protocols adhere to all current recommended measures, while our Health & Safety Plan includes rigorous cleaning measures, physical distance guidelines, mandatory masks for those aged 6+, and strict health declarations. Read the latest on our measures here.
Please review our Policies page for information on cancellations, refunds, and withdrawals.
Good to know:
- Projects in Week 1 classes are different than in Week 2 classes. Join us for both!
- Students are responsible for their own nut-, egg-, and shellfish-free lunches and snacks.
- Participants ages 13 and older are able to arrive and leave camp unaccompanied by an adult.
- Students ages 9 and up may leave camp only if their parents sign the Authorized Release Waiver.
How to register for Spring Break:
- Create an account or sign in to your Arts Umbrella account. Need help? Give us a call at 604-681-5268 (Granville Island) or 604-535-1127 (South Surrey).
- Select a week: Programs run Mar 14-18 (Week 1) and Mar 21-25 (Week 2).
- Select your child’s age: Classes are sorted by age. Let us know how old your child will be when the program begins to filter the search results.
- Mix and match: Choose a morning program, an afternoon program, or both.
- A helping hand: Finances shouldn’t prevent any child from participating. We have a bursary fund that’s open to all applications for full or partial subsidy.