Fun, affordable training
and instruction! Now registering for summer and fall 2010!
Held in Seattle on
the University of Washington campus.
Classes and workshops in drawing and painting, writing, acting,
filmmaking and more
Acting
classes ~
Art
classes ~
Film
classes ~
Photoshop
classes ~
Writing
classes ~
Private
instruction

Welcome to Classesandworkshops.com!
This web page
has information about several Seattle-area classes and workshops,
which are sponsored by the UW's ASUW
Experimental College
and the Wonder
School, and are
held on the U.W campus in Seattle.
To sign up, click the course title or call. Questions? Call
206-420-1309 or drop us an email
This page was updated
on 7/25/10.
To be added to our email list, just drop an email and let us know.
SEATTLE
ART CLASSES
~ Drawing
for beginners
~ How
to Draw People
~ Acrylic
painting ~ Cartooning ~ Artist's
Way
SEATTLE
FILM CLASSES
~ Filmmaking
101 ~ Let's
make a movie ~
It's
time to write your screenplay
SEATTLE
WRITING CLASSES
~ It's
time to write your screenplay ~ Writing
fiction & short stories
SEATTLE
ACTING CLASSES
~ Beginning
acting ~ Beginning
Acting 2 ~ Let's
make a movie
SEATTLE
COMPUTER CLASSES
~ Photoshop
for Beginners
~ Final
Cut Pro for Beginners
Private
lessons ~ Team-building
classes ~ FAQ ~ Policies ~ Sign
up ~ Contact
Upcoming
Classes!
For more
information, or to sign up, click the course titles below
Acting classes!
Beginning
acting
Acting is fun! In this class, you'll learn how to create characters,
memorize dialogue, use your voice, body and emotions as acting
tools, and perform short scenes onstage. Plus: warmups,
theater games, improvisational acting, scenework and monologues,
tips for auditioning, and information about Seattle's theater
scene. Great for total beginners! Instructor has directed stageplays,
shorts and feature films. His movies have played at international
film festivals. Now
registering for fall quarter! Mondays, 7-9:30 pm, October 18-November
15 (five meetings) Tuition: $150 More info/sign
up now
Beginning acting 2
A follow up class
for those who've taken beginning acting, and would like to learn
more. A fun day of acting and performing, long and short form
improv games, and more. Now
registering for fall quarter! Saturday August 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
(one meeting) Tuition: $99 More
info/sign up now
Let's
make a movie
In this class we'll create
and film a short independent movie from scratch. Students
are free to act in it, help write or choose a script, and help
out on crew. (You can choose how you want to participate.)
Everyone is welcome no previous acting or filmmaking experience
is necessary. Now
registering for fall quarter! Tuesdays, 7-9:30 pm, October 13-November
10 (five meetings) Tuition: $150 More
info/sign up now
Art classes!
Drawing
for absolute beginners
Anyone can draw... this means
you! In this class, we'll work through a number of exercises designed
to train your eye, hand and imagination to work together.
It's fun, easy, interesting, is guaranteed to improve your drawing,
and may change the way you see the world around you. Nothing to
buy; all materials provided. Most students notice striking
improvement in their artwork by the second or third meeting. Now registering for fall quarter!
Saturdays, October 16-November 6, 9-10:45 am (four meetings) Tuition:
$99 More
info/sign up now
How
to Draw People
In class, you'll learn how
to draw realistic, recognizable faces and figures, using an easy
step by step method, even if you've never drawn before. We'll
start out by drawing some figures based on simple underlying shapes,
then add details and shading. Plus: action, proportions,
how to draw realistic, recognizable faces, facial expressions,
and techniques for getting a good resemblance when drawing from
life or photos. (This course combines our popular classes, "Figure
Drawing" and "How to Draw Faces," into one streamlined
four-week course.) "Absolute beginners" welcome. Now registering for fall quarter!
Saturdays, October 16-November 6, 11 am-12:45 pm (4 meetings)
Tuition: $99 More
info/sign up now
Acrylic painting for beginners
In this enjoyable introductory
class, aimed at folks who've never painted before, you'll learn
how to mix and blend colors, use brushes, and paint some simple
objects. You'll learn a few basics about color theory and
composition, and how to paint using acrylics. We'll then move
on to paint things like trees, mountains, clouds, rocks, and still
lifes, using an easy step-by-step method. Even if you don't know
an artist's brush from a toothbrush, you'll have fun, learn a
lot, and get off to a good start. Now registering for fall quarter! Sundays, October
17 through November 7, 12:30 pm-2:30 pm (4 meetings) Tuition:
$99 More
info/sign up now
Cartooning
Cartooning is fun! In this
class, you'll learn how to create your own cartoon characters,
and draw them from different angles. Whether you're interested
in drawing Manga comics, superheroes, or characters like Garfield,
Cathy or Doonebury, this class will help. Plus: comic books, newspaper
strips, and how to make money as a cartoonist. Now registering for fall quarter!
Sunday, October 17 through November 7, 10 am-11:45 am - (4 meetings)
Tuition: $99 More
info/sign up now
The
Artist's Way
This class, based on the
life-changing book by Julie Cameron, is for anyone looking for
ways to overcome a creative block and free up his or her creativity.
It's not just for visual artists; the concepts and exercises are
also helpful to writers, musicians, people considering career
changes, folks who "wish they were artists," and those
who are looking to reconnect with their intuition and spend their
lives in a more meaningful and creative way. Now registering for fall quarter!
Sundays, 10/17-11/7, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. (four meetings) Tuition: $99
More
info/sign up now
Film and video classes!
Filmmaking
101: All the basics
Want to learn the basics of filmmaking, but not ready to spend
$30,000 for film school? This class can teach you what you need
to know. You'll learn how movies are made (the three stages of
production, and what needs to be done during each stage); the
differences between standard and high def camcorders, consumer,
prosumer and pro models, and how to find a camcorder that has
the features you need, at a price you can afford; how to use camera
angles, including closeups, medium shots, to tell your story;
how to record high quality audio; how to set up lighting to give
your movie a more professional look; how to get your movies into
film festivals; and more. Now
registering for fall quarter! Saturdays, October 16 through November
6, from 2 pm-4 p.m. (four meetings) Tuition: $150 More
info/sign up now
Let's
make a movie
In this class we'll create
and film a short independent movie from scratch. Students
are free to act in it, help write or choose a script, and help
out on crew. (You can choose how you want to participate.)
Everyone is welcome no previous acting or filmmaking experience
is necessary. Now
registering for fall quarter! Tuesdays, 7-9:30 pm, October 13-November
10 (five meetings) Tuition: $150 More
info/sign up now
Documentary
filmmaking
You don't need a fancy camera or a lot of money to make a documentary.
You just need a camcorder, a microphone and some lights, and knowledge
of how to go about it. In this class you'll learn how to
plan and organize your documentary; how to set up and film interviews;
how to get good audio and lighting under field conditions; how
to record video and audio in the field. Plus, tips about
film festivals and distribution. Now registering for summer quarter! Sunday August
22 only, 10 am-5 pm (1 meeting) Tuition: $125 More
info/sign up now
Computer
classes!
Photoshop
for Beginners
Photoshop is fun! In
this easy introductory class, you'll learn the key elements of
the program, including layers, filters, cropping and rotating
photos. Plus: copying and pasting, coloring artwork, and
more. Class includes several hours of group instruction (demonstration,
not handson), PLUS one FREE hour of handson private
instruction (a $75 value). Now
registering for fall quarter! Fridays, 7 p.m.-9:15 p.m. October
22-November 5 (three meetings) Tuition: $125 More
info/sign up now
Final
Cut Pro for Beginners
How to use the popular software
program Final Cut Pro to scan in video footage from a camcorder
and assemble it into professional-looking movies. Now registering for summer quarter!
Fridays, 7 p.m.-9:15 p.m. - August 13-August 27 (3 meetings) Tuition:
$125 More
info/sign up now
Writing classes!
It's
time to write your screenplay
In this class you'll learn
how to write screenplays that are grounded in the traditional
elements of storytelling, yet express something personal and unique
without relying on simplistic formulas. We'll focus on plot, genre,
story structure, and developing a style of writing that works
for screenplays. Plus: pitching your screenplays, getting an agent,
and script formatting. Now
registering for fall quarter! Thursdays, 7-9 pm, October 12-November
2 (four meetings) Tuition: $125 More
info/sign up now
Writing
fiction & short stories
In this class, students will
get some practice writing short stories, learn about the elements
of the craft, and have opportunities to get honest feedback
about their writings. The focus will be on developing our skills
and learning to let the process happen easily and spontaneously.
Also, tips for those who are interested in making an income from
their writing.
Now registering
for fall quarter! Wednesdays, October 14-November 4, 7 pm-9 pm
(5 meetings) Tuition: $125 More
info/sign up now
Private
lessons
Private instruction is available in many of the topics on this
page, as well as a few topics that aren't offered as classes:
Audio for filmmakers; Lighting for filmmakers; Drawing comics
and graphic novels; and Drawing storyboards. More info/set
up now
Team-building classes!
If you own or manage a business in Washington state, and are looking
for an enjoyable team-building or morale event for your employees,
or instruction and training in one of the topics on this web page,
we can help. Call 206-420-1309 or email for rates and information.
How to
sign up
To sign up by phone, call 206-420-1309 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
To sign up online, click on the course title in the class lists above. This will take you to the CLASS PAGE. At the top of the class page, you'll see an Add to Cart button. The add to cart button will take you to a Paypal link, but you do NOT have to use Paypal for your payment; you can pay using credit card, debit card, or Paypal.
To pay using a credit or debit card: 1) Go to the class home page and click the Add to Cart button near the top of the page. 2) Click "proceed to checkout." 3) Click at the bottom where it says, "Use your Credit Card or Bank account"and enter your credit card information. Or if you'd rather use Paypal, just click the Add to Cart button then choose Paypal as your payment option.
To pay by check,
download
the registration form below, print it out, and mail it to
the address on the form along with your check or money order.
You may need to right click or option-click to download it. (Trouble
downloading the form? Call us at 206-420-1309 with your address,
and we'll mail you one.)

Questions or problems registering? Call 206-420-1309 or email Nilsosmar@gmail.com
Policies and procedures
Frequently
asked questions
Course descriptions:
Acting
classes
Beginning Acting
Acting is fun! In this
enjoyable class, held in Seattle (and open to everyone), you'll
learn how to create characters, memorize dialogue, and use your
voice, body and emotions as acting tools and perform short scenes
onstage in front of other students. Plus: warm-ups, theater
games, improvisational acting, information about the Seattle theater
scene, how to audition. Great for beginners, and for those
wanting to get back into acting after a break from it. Instructor
has participated in live theater for over twenty years as an actor,
playwright, producer and director, and has taught acting classes
in Seattle since 1996. He is the creator of an award-winning television
series, The Edge. His films have played at international
film festivals. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click
on the course title to use the registration links on the class
page. Dates,
times & tuition
- Go
to class page
Let's Make a Movie!
In this class we'll create
and film a short independent movie from scratch. Students
are free to act in it, help write or choose a script, help out
on crew. It's a fun way to find out what it feels like to
be in front of the camera (or behind it), great for people thinking
about producing movies of their own. (No previous acting
or filmmaking experience necessary.) To sign up now,
call 206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration
links on the class page. Dates,
times & tuition
- Go to Let's
make a movie class page
Acrylic Painting for Beginners
Looking for a beginning
painting class in Seattle? In this enjoyable introductory class,
aimed at absolute beginners, you'll learn how to mix and blend
colors, use brushes, explore forms and textures, and paint some
familiar objects. Even if you don't know an artist's brush from
a toothbrush, you'll have fun, learn a lot, and get off to a good
start. We'll be painting with pro quality Golden brand acrylics,
because they're easy to paint with, easy to learn, and are a great
medium for beginners and professionals alike. (Note: You can either
bring your own materials, or buy a $35 supply kit in class that
includes everything you'll need.) To sign up now, call 206-420-1309
or click on the course title to use the registration links on
the class page. Dates,
times & tuition
- Go
to Acrylic painting class page
Cartooning
In this workshop, you'll
learn how to create your own cartoon characters, even if you've
never drawn before. We'll draw humorous, simplified faces
and figures, cartoon animals and more. Plus: tips for drawing
comic books, graphic novels, inking, coloring, copyrighting your
artwork and getting published. The instructor's artwork
has been published in the U.S. and Europe. Nothing to bring
or buy; all materials are provided. To sign up now, call
206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration
links on the class page. Dates,
times & tuition
- Go
to Cartooning class page
Drawing for absolute beginners
Anyone can draw ... this
means you! In this class we'll work our way through a number
of exercises designed to train the eye, hand and imagination to
work as a unit or a team. You'll learn about shapes, shading,
contour drawing, negative space and more. This class provides
a thorough, enjoyable, step-by-step introduction to drawing.
For people who have not drawn before or would like a refresher
in the basics. Instructor is a professional artist.
Nothing to bring or buy; all materials are provided.To sign
up now, call 206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use
the registration links on the class page. Dates,
times & tuition
- Go
to Drawing for Beginners class page
How to draw people
Anyone can learn how to draw
people! In this class you'll learn how to draw faces and
figures, using an easy step-by-step method. We'll start
by sketching some figures based on simple, underlying shapes,
then add in the details. You'll learn about proportions
and foreshortening, motion and action and how to use shading to
make the figure look real and three-dimensional. Plus, an
easy method of drawing faces, and tips for getting a resemblance
when drawing from a model or photo. No need to buy or bring any
art materials; they're all provided. To sign up now,
call 206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration
links on the class page. Dates,
times & tuition
- Go
to Figure Drawing class page
Photoshop for Beginners
Photoshop is fun! Whether
you're a total beginner, a home user or a graphics professional
using Photoshop on the job, this class will help. You'll
learn the key elements of the program, including scanning, layers,
channels, filters, color correction and more. Class includes
six hours of group instruction (demonstration, not hands-on),
PLUS one FREE hour of hands-on private instruction (a $75 value)
for each student, in which the instructor will meet individually
with students outside of class to help with problems or individual
projects. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click on the
course title to use the registration links on the class page.
Dates,
times & tuition
- Go
to Photoshop class page
Beginning Acting (not technically a
filmmaking class, but a useful one for filmmakers to take)
Acting is fun! In this
enjoyable class, held in Seattle (and open to everyone), you'll
learn how to create characters, memorize dialogue, and use your
voice, body and emotions as acting tools and perform short scenes
onstage in front of other students. Plus: warm-ups, theater
games, improvisational acting, information about the Seattle theater
scene, how to audition. Great for beginners, and for those
wanting to get back into acting after a break from it. Instructor
has participated in live theater for over twenty years as an actor,
playwright, producer and director, and has taught acting classes
in Seattle since 1996. He is the creator of an award-winning television
series, The Edge. His films have played at international
film festivals. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click
on the course title to use the registration links on the class
page. Dates,
times & tuition
- Go
to class page
Documentary filmmaking
You don't need a fancy camera
or a lot of money to make a documentary. You just need an idea,
a good camcorder, a microphone and some lights, and knowledge
of how to go about it. In this class you'll learn how to
plan and organize your documentary; how to set up and film interviews;
how to get good audio and lighting under field conditions; how
to buy or rent the equipment you need, at the best price; how
to record video and audio in the field. Plus, tips about
film festivals and distribution. To sign up now, call
206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration
links on the class page. Dates,
times & tuition
- Go to Documentary
filmmaking class page
Filmmaking 101: All the basics
Want to learn the basics of filmmaking, but can't afford to spend
$30,000 for film school? This class can teach you what you need
to know, at a price that won't break the bank. Whether you're
interested in making home movies for the fun of it, making shorts
or features for film festivals, or making commercials, web videos,
or promotional materials for your business.... whether you're
aiming for a career as a filmmaker, or just learning about filmmaking
as a hobby ... this enjoyable, information-packed course will
get you off to a great start. You'll learn about:
- how movies are made (the three stages of production, and what
needs to be done during each stage)
- cameras and camcorders (you'll learn the differences between
standard and high def camcorders, consumer, prosumer and pro models,
and how to find a camcorder that has the features you need, at
a price you can afford)
- camera angles, including closeups, medium shots, and more, and
how to use them to tell your stories
- how to record high quality audio, and avoid common audio problems
- all about lighting: how to use inexpensive lighting effects
to dramatically improve your movies
Plus: how to hold auditions; where to find actors; how to get
your movie screened and distributed; and some key information
about copyright issues, release forms and more. To sign
up now, call 206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use
the registration links on the class page. Dates,
times & tuition
- Go
to Filmmaking 101 class pagege
It's Time to Write Your Screenplay
In this class, you'll learn
how to write a screenplay that is grounded in the traditional
elements of storytelling, yet expresses something personal and
unique without relying on simplistic formulas. We'll focus
on plot, genre and character development, identifying and writing
for your target audience and more. Plus, you'll learn how
to find an agent and how to pitch your screenplay to buyers and
producers. We'll wrap up with a demonstration of script
formatting using Final Draft. The instructor has written
and produced over thirty screenplays and teleplays, including
three full-length feature films. To sign up now, call
206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration
links on the class page. Dates,
times & tuition
- Go to It's
time to write your Screenplay class page
Let's Make a Movie!
In this class we'll create
and film a short independent movie from scratch. Students
are free to act in it, help write or choose a script, help out
on crew. It's a fun way to find out what it feels like to
be in front of the camera (or behind it), great for people thinking
about producing movies of their own. (No previous acting
or filmmaking experience necessary.) To sign up now,
call 206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration
links on the class page. Dates,
times & tuition
- Go to Let's
make a movie class page
Photoshop for Beginners
Photoshop is fun! Whether
you're a total beginner, a home user or a graphics professional
using Photoshop on the job, this class will help. You'll
learn the key elements of the program, including scanning, layers,
channels, filters, color correction and more. Class includes
six hours of group instruction (demonstration, not hands-on),
PLUS one FREE hour of hands-on private instruction (a $75 value)
for each student, in which the instructor will meet individually
with students outside of class to help with problems or individual
projects. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click on the
course title to use the registration links on the class page.
Dates,
times & tuition
- Go
to Photoshop class page
Storyboarding
Thinking about making a movie,
independent film, or even a home video? It helps to start out
with a storyboard (a series of rough drawings showing what you
plan to film.) You don't need to be a great artist to draw a storyboard,
you just need to be able to sketch well enough to get your ideas
across. In this class you'll learn how storyboards work, how to
use one to tell your story visually, and get some practice drawing
them. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click on the
course title to use the registration links on the class page.
Dates,
times & tuition - Go to storyboarding for beginners class
page
Video editing using Final Cut Pro
In this basic introductory
class, aimed at beginners, you'll learn how to use the popular
software program Final Cut Pro to scan in video footage from a
camcorder and assemble it into professional-looking movies. Course
covers basic principles, filters and effects, titles, audio, split-screen
and other special effects, and exporting the finished video as
a Quicktime movie. Important notes:1) Final Cut Pro runs only
on Macintosh computers. If you own a P.C., I'd suggest looking
for a class in Adobe Premiere instead. 2) This class is demonstration,
not hands-on. That is, it's held in a regular classroom, not a
computer lab. The instructor will demonstrate features of the
program using a laptop hooked up to a projector. (Students with
Macintosh laptops are welcome to bring them and work along with
the exercises if they like) To sign up now, call 206-420-1309
or click on the course title to use the registration links on
the class page. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click
on the course title to use the registration links on the class
page. Dates,
times & tuition
- go to Video
editing in Final Cut Pro class page
Photoshop for Beginners
Photoshop is fun! Whether
you're a total beginner, a home user or a graphics professional
using Photoshop on the job, this class will help. You'll
learn the key elements of the program, including scanning, layers,
channels, filters, color correction and more. Class includes
six hours of group instruction (demonstration, not hands-on),
PLUS one FREE hour of hands-on private instruction (a $75 value)
for each student, in which the instructor will meet individually
with students outside of class to help with problems or individual
projects. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click on the
course title to use the registration links on the class page.
Dates,
times & tuition
- Go
to Photoshop class page
Video editing using Final Cut Pro
In this basic introductory
class, aimed at beginners, you'll learn how to use the popular
software program Final Cut Pro to scan in video footage from a
camcorder and assemble it into professional-looking movies. Course
covers basic principles, filters and effects, titles, audio, split-screen
and other special effects, and exporting the finished video as
a Quicktime movie. Important notes:1) Final Cut Pro runs only
on Macintosh computers. If you own a P.C., I'd suggest looking
for a class in Adobe Premiere instead. 2) This class is demonstration,
not hands-on. That is, it's held in a regular classroom, not a
computer lab. The instructor will demonstrate features of the
program using a laptop hooked up to a projector. (Students with
Macintosh laptops are welcome to bring them and work along with
the exercises if they like) To sign up now, call 206-420-1309
or click on the course title to use the registration links on
the class page. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click
on the course title to use the registration links on the class
page. Dates,
times & tuition
- go to Video
editing in Final Cut Pro class page
It's Time to Write Your Screenplay
In this class, you'll learn
how to write a screenplay that is grounded in the traditional
elements of storytelling, yet expresses something personal and
unique without relying on simplistic formulas. We'll focus
on plot, genre and character development, identifying and writing
for your target audience and more. Plus, you'll learn how
to find an agent and how to pitch your screenplay to buyers and
producers. We'll wrap up with a demonstration of script
formatting using Final Draft. The instructor has written
and produced over thirty screenplays and teleplays, including
three full-length feature films. To sign up now, call
206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration
links on the class page. Dates,
times & tuition
- Go to It's
time to write your Screenplay class page
Writing Fiction and Short Stories
Writing is a natural skill
that everyone can develop. In this Seattle writing class,
students will write short stories and other word pieces and get
feedback from the instructor and others in the class. The
focus will be on developing our writing skills, finding our genuine
voices, learning to let the process happen effortlessly and spontaneously.
Also: information about copyrighting and getting published.
Instructor is the author of a short story collection, The Hungry
Time, and has also written stage plays, screenplays and magazine
articles. All levels welcome. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309
or click on the course title to use the registration links on
the class page. Dates,
times & tuition
- go to Writing
fiction & short stories class page
Seattle art classes
Seattle
film classes
Seattle
acting classes
Seattle
writing classes
Seattle
software classes
Dates, times & tuition
Policies
& procedures
Frequently
asked questions
How
to sign up
Questions or problems
registering? Call or email 206-420-1309 Nilsosmar@gmail.com
Links,
notes and homework for current students