Art & Design
3D Modeling & Animation
Ages 9-12, 13-17
Character design, storytelling, and world-building combine for students to learn the basics of digital sculpting and animation. They will be introduced to software such as Blendr and Unity to gain fundamental skills and see their stories come to life.
Architecture
Ages 6-8, 9-12
Students learn the fundamentals of architectural design, from sketching to model making, developing their creative problem-solving sills as they lay out floor plans and build 3D structures using cardboard and mixed media. Classes for older students focus on developing more conceptually rigorous designs, through projects based on real-life urban design and architecture case studies.
Cartooning & Illustration
Ages 5-6, 6-8, 9-12
Students learn how to tell visual stories and draw distinctive and dynamic characters through comics, cartoons, and illustrations. Working with pen, pencil, marker, and ink, students learn to communicate sequential action, movement, story, and sound through the graphic conventions of cartooning and illustration. Students also learn panel layout, character sheets, speech bubbles, and hand-lettering.
Clay Sculpture
5-6, 6-8, 9-12
Students learn the entire process of clay sculpting from idea design to fired and glazed three-dimensional object, focusing on the use of essential hand-building techniques such as pinch-pot, coiling, and slab work to create experimental creative objects with a focus on texture, form and expression using glazing, hand-painting and mixed media to decorate and finish. As they build, students develop focus, recognizing self and others, and listening skills. In Parent & Me classes, caregivers and students work together to build, paint, and decorate 2D and 3D fired ceramic pieces.
Claymation
Ages 6-8, 9-12
Students learn to sculpt characters and props with plasticine, developing the model making and animation skills that are unique to this particular form of stop motion animation. Working at our camera stations to compose and photograph frame after frame, students develop an intuition for the principles of animation, from timing and spacing to squash and stretch. Students work with DSLR cameras and the industry-standard software, DragonFrame.
Darkroom Photography
Ages 9-12, 13-17
The basics of film photography and photo developing are introduced to budding photographers, using a 35mm camera to shoot and a fully appointed darkroom to develop images in black and white. Students will learn the principles of lens selection, lighting, composition through a variety of shooting scenarios including street and studio photography. They will also learn the fundamentals of image editing through analog techniques such as burning, dodging and blending and be introduced to more experimental darkroom processes and cameras.
Digital Media
Ages 6-8, 9-12
Students build media and computer literacy through expressive creative projects, working with various software in our Mac Lab. Students learn to edit, manipulate, and create digital artwork using their own drawings and photographs as well as downloaded media, practicing internet safety. As students gain an understanding of the tools, techniques, and workflows of digital art and design they will move from using software such as Kid Pix, Photoshop and GDevelop to more in-depth tools such as Illustrator, Premiere Rush, and GarageBand.
Drawing & Painting
Ages 5-6, 6-8, 9-12, 13-17
Students explore methods of visual image-making, using a variety of drawing, sketching, and painting techniques inspired by reference, observation, and imagination. Purposeful play is used with the youngest students to develop the use of tools such as pencil, marker, pastel, paint, and ink, as well as life-skills such as confident self-expression, understanding feelings, and effective listening skills. As students progress, understanding is deepened through increased self-direction, discussion of artists, art history and the use of symbols, abstraction, and representation. More advanced technique, tools, and materials (such as acrylic) are introduced in teen classes.
Game Design
Ages 9-12, 13-17
Using PC laptops, students learn the theory and practice of game design, from world building, level design and theme development to the details of individual game mechanics. Students design graphic assets for their own games, and then add interactivity using software such as GDevelop.
Graphic Design
Ages 9-12
Students learn how to creatively combine text and image to communicate a message and convey ideas, feelings, and attitudes. They are introduced to fundamental design elements such as shape, line, space, balance and typography as they develop technical skills with industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign. Through logos, posters, book covers, labels and more, students learn to produce strong visual designs that share messages and bring ideas to life.
Sculpture & Mixed Media
Ages 5-6, 6-8, 9-12
Students create 3D works (or bring 2D pieces to life with added 3D elements) by transforming and combining different materials including wood, textiles, paper, paint, thread, and more. Students are taught and encouraged to use fundamental design elements such as space, texture, and line and develop building skills such as cutting, sculpting, and gluing.
Stop Motion Animation
Ages 6-8, 9-12
Students learn how to create posable paper puppets, and how to bring them to life on screen by arranging and photographing them frame after frame. This technique invites material exploration, and students work with a wide variety of materials, from hand-drawn characters and props to readymade objects, textiles, collage, and even special-effects animation of students themselves. Students work with DSLR cameras and the industry-standard software, DragonFrame.
Dance
Dance Intensive
Ages 7-9, 10-14
This program is one of the few intensive programs for younger dancers in Metro Vancouver including classes such as Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz with Arts Umbrella core faculty. No dance experience is needed for the Half Day Dance Intensive. A minimum of 1-2 years of dance experience is required for Full Day. No audition is required.
Theatre, Music & Film
Acting: Film
Ages 6-8
Acting for film requires a slightly different skillset than acting for theatre. In this class, students study the fundamentals of acting, such as goals, tactics, beats, and character journey, and then apply them to performing on camera, adding in considerations for angles, frames, and marks. Students also learn how to film a self-tape for auditions, both in front of and behind the camera.
Acting: Film Intensive
Ages 9-12
Discover what it’s like to be on set and what it takes to get there! Students explore techniques on how to be in the moment, how to surprise themselves in their work, and how to audition for film and television.
Acting: Stage & Screen
Ages 9-12
Students will study character creation, staging, and story structure, using theatre games and exercises to develop vocal control, awareness of breath and body, and more. Students also study the fundamentals of acting, such as goals, tactics, beats, and character journey, and then apply them to performing on camera, adding in considerations for angles, frames, and marks.
Acting: Theatre
Ages 6-8, 9-12
Students will study character creation, staging, and story structure, using theatre games and exercises to develop vocal control, awareness of breath and body, and more.
Acting: Theatre Intensive
Ages 9-12
Young actors learn how to improve rehearsal and performance skills through focused theatre exercises, script work, and character studies that encourage mindfulness and self-awareness. Students experiment with emotional and physical character portrayals, learning a variety of theatrical techniques and styles such as Laban, mime, and mask, and breath work to help connect to and access different emotions.
Creative Design
Ages 3-5, 5-6
Through play and imagination, students are introduced to the “behind the scenes” world of theatre and the role of costumes, sets, props, and more. Using different stories as inspiration, students build pieces that help bring that world to life. Students learn elements of design thinking and problem solving, and the balance of safety and play in a building environment is emphasized.
Creative Drama
Ages 3-5, 5-6
Little ones develop imagination, creativity, and self-confidence through games and theatre exercises, planting the seed for future theatre classes. Students explore storytelling and using their body to convey a story, discovering ways of relating to self, one another, and the world around them.
Creative Music
Ages 3-5, 5-6
Students will explore the voice and basic instruments, and are introduced to music terminology, tempo, rhythm, and scales. Using voice work and hand-held instruments such as drums and shakers, exercises encourage students to use their imagination, start to work with others, and build self-awareness. By Ages 4-6, students will be singing in rounds and are able to recognize the sound each instrument makes.
Musical Theatre
Ages 6-8, 9-12
Students train as a “triple threat” in dance, music, and acting, building technique and complexity over time. Curriculum encourages students to make connections between their physical self, music, and story, and students develop their sense of self through communication and expression via song and dance. As they progress, students understand how elements of musical theatre come together to tell a story, understand stage directions, and build strong objectives and characters.
Musical Theatre Intensive
Ages 8-12, 13-19
Students eager to see their skills and confidence grow in Musical Theatre will learn acting techniques, dance and choreography, singing and musicianship, and more. Students build connection, safety, and community, while creating dynamic ensemble and solo performances.
Stagecraft
Ages 6-8
Learn the secrets of what goes on behind the scenes; how costumes, scenery, lighting and sound all work together with the actors create a production on the stage or the screen. Using age appropriate exercises, hands-on play and experimentation, students develop their understanding of the relationship between materials, design principles, and storytelling.
Sketch Comedy & Improv
Ages 6-8, 9-12
Through classic improv games and exercises, students develop comedic scenes and scripts as well as skills for life such as teamwork, problem-solving, confidence, and accepting feedback. Curriculum is guided by the principles of Viola Spolin’s “Improvisation for the Theatre” and Del Close’s “Harold” format. Long form, theatre sports, and comedy-based improv are explored at higher levels, once foundations in Spolin-style improvisation are firm.
Sketch Comedy & Improv Intensive
Ages 9-12
Through a mixture of improvisation and writing, young actors gain creative thinking, team building, and communication skills that benefit them on the stage and in everyday life. Industry professionals help students develop technique, discipline and artistry. Curriculum is guided by the principles of Viola Spolin’s “Improvisation for the Theatre” and Del Close’s “Harold” format. Long form, theatre sports, and comedy-based improv are explored at higher levels, once foundations in Spolin-style improvisation are firm.
Stagecraft Intensive
Ages 13-19
Students blend creativity with technical skill, learning design elements of how productions come to life and how to work safely in a scene shop and backstage.
Lunchtime Transitions
We’re pleased to be again offering lunchtime transition packages this Spring Break. Supervision is included free of charge for students ages 6-12 registered for full-day programs at South Surrey and Granville Island. Caregivers can also add on transition packages for an additional fee for students registered in half-day programs.