NOW REGISTERING for SUMMER 2009 CLASSES!
Scroll down for class dates and times. This page was updated on 5/19/09

SEATTLE ART CLASSES
SEATTLE FILM CLASSES
SEATTLE ACTING CLASSES
SEATTLE WRITING CLASSES
SEATTLE PHOTOSHOP CLASSES

Fun, affordable classes in the arts!
Welcome to Classesandworkshops.com

SEATTLE ART CLASSES
Cartooning
Figure Drawing
Exploring Color
Learn to Draw Faces
Perspective Drawing
Acrylic Painting for Beginners
Drawing for absolute beginners
Adobe Photoshop

SEATTLE WRITING CLASSES
It's Time to Write Your Screenplay
Writing Fiction and Short Stories

SEATTLE FILMMAKING CLASSES
Filmmaking for Beginners
Documentary Filmmaking

SEATTLE ACTING CLASSES
Beginning Acting
Let's Make a Movie

SUMMER 2009 CLASSES - STARTING IN JULY & AUGUST

Art classes in Seattle
Drawing for absolute beginners ___ SATURDAYS 9 am-10:45 am ___7/11-8/1 (four meetings) *
Learn to Draw Faces ___________ SATURDAYS 11 am-12:45 pm___7/11-8/1 (four meetings) *
Figure Drawing __________________ SATURDAYS 1 pm-2:45 pm___7/11-8/1 (four meetings) *
Cartooning 101 __________________SUNDAYS 11 am-12:45 pm___7/19-8/9 (four meetings) *
Perspective Drawing for Beginners____SUNDAYS 1 pm-2:45 pm___7/19-8/9 (four meetings) **
Acrylic Painting for Beginners ____________SUNDAYS 3 pm-5 pm__7/19-8/9 (four meetings) **
Exploring Color _________________SUNDAY 10 am-5 pm___ 7/12 only (one-day workshop) **

Writing classes in Seattle
Writing Fiction and Short Stories ______WEDNESDAYS 7/15-8/12, 7 pm-9 pm (five meetings) *
It's Time to Write Your Screenplay_THURSDAYS, 7/16-8/13, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (five meetings) *

Photoshop classes in Seattle
Adobe Photoshop __________FRIDAYS 7/10-7/24___7 pm-9:15 pm___ (three meetings) *

Acting & Filmmaking classes in Seattle
Let's Make a Movie _________________________ TUESDAYS 7/14-8/18 (six meetings) *
Beginning Acting __________MONDAYS 7/13-8/10, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (five meetings) ****
Filmmaking for Beginners _________FRIDAYS 7/31-8/21, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (four meetings) **
Documentary Filmmaking__________________SUNDAY 8/16 only (one-day workshop) **

* sponsored by the ASUW (Associated students University of Washington) Experimental College
* Held on the U.W. campus in Seattle **** held at the Seattle Center (TPS/Theater Puget Sound location)

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS!

Are the classes sponsored by a school?
Most of them are sponsored by the ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College. (The ASUW is the student government at the University of Washington; the Experimental College is a noncredit program which has been in operation since 1968). However, you do NOT have to be a UW student to sign up. They are non-credit classes for personal enrichment, open to both UW students and to the general public. Some are also sponsored by the Wonder School, a separate program not affilated with the ASUW, which has been in operation since 1994.

Where can I read the full class descriptions?
To read more about the classes, including comments from former students, click the course titles. Or for more succinct desctiptions, just scroll down this page.

Where are the classes held?
Most classes are held on the University of Wasihington campus in Seattle. The one exception this summer is Beginning Acting, which will be held (in summer quarter) at the Theater Puget Sound space in the Center House, at the Seattle Center. The exact locatoins and driving directions will be emailed to you when you sign up.

How do I sign up?
To register, call 206-420-1309, or use the Add to Cart buttons above. Online registrations will be handled securely by Paypal Merchant Services.

Does that mean I need to have a Paypal account to sign up?
No. You can use Paypal if you want, or pay using any Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express.

How do I pay using a credit card?
Start by clicking the Add to Cart button, then click "proceed to checkout." You'll be taken to a page where you can choose how to pay. If you want to use your credit card just click at the bottom where it says "Use your Credit Card or Bank account," then enter your credit card information. (Or just call 206-420-1309 and we can take your credit card information over the phone.)

Can I pay by check?
Yes. If you'd like to pay by check, just download this form, print it, and mail it in with your check or money order. If you have trouble downloading or printing out the form, email Seattleworkshops@aol.com and we'll mail you a copy. Download as .pdf - Download as .html

How soon will I receive a confirmation email when I sign up?
You should receive a confirming email within a few hours of registering (usually sooner). If you don't get a confirming email, call or email Nils Osmar, instructor at 206-420-1309 or Nilsosmar@gmail.com

What is your refund policy?
1) If you sign up for a class, and then it is cancelled, or if the date or location are changed in a way that prevents you from attending, you will receive your choice of either a full refund, or a tuition voucher for the full amount paid. 2) If you sign up for a class, then change your mind or are unable to attend, and notify the instructor before the first meeting, you will receive your choice of either a refund of 2/3 of the course fee, or a tuition voucher for the full amount paid. 3) If you notify the instructor after the first class meeting, but before the second meeting, that you have decided not to attend you will receive your choice of either a refund of 1/3 of the course fee or a tuition voucher in the amount of 2/3 of the amount paid. 4) If you attend some meetings of a class but miss some meetings, you can make up the meetings you missed the following quarter at no charge.

Questions? Call 206-420-1309 or email Nilsosmar@gmail.com

ART CLASSES in SEATTLE

Drawing for absolute beginners
Sponsored by: Associated Students University of Washington Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
SUMMER QUARTER DATES & TIMES: SATURDAYS 9 am-10:45 am ___7/11-8/1 (four meetings)
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle ~ Course fee: $99

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 the link below.

Tuition (1002 Drawing for Beginners class)

Learn to Draw Faces
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
SUMMER QUARTER DATES & TIMES: SATURDAYS 11 am-12:45 pm___7/11-8/1 (four meetings)
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle ~ Course fee: $99

In this class you'll learn to draw faces and portraits using an easy step-by-step method, even if you've never drawn before.  We'll begin by sketching some faces based on simple underlying shapes, then add details.  You'll learn about features, proportions, shading, and expressions, and how to use surprisingly easy "right brain" methods to make your sketch look more like the person you're drawing.  Beginners and experienced welcome.  Nothing to bring or buy; all materials are provided.  To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.
Tuition (1005 faces class winter 2009)

Figure Drawing for beginners
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
SUMMER QUARTER DATES & TIMES: SATURDAYS 1 pm-2:45 pm___7/11-8/1 (four meetings)
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle ~ Course fee: $99

Anyone can learn how to draw people!  In this class you'll learn how to draw the human figure, 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.  No need to buy or bring any art materials; they're all provided.  To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.
Tuition (EC FIGURE DRAWING CLASS)

Cartooning 101
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
SUMMER QUARTER DATES & TIMES: SUNDAYS 11 am-12:45 pm___7/19-8/9 (four meetings)
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle ~ Course fee: $99

In this workshop, you'll learn how to create your own cartoon characters, working in a humorous "Sunday Funnies" style, even if you've never drawn before.  We'll draw humorous, simplified faces and figures, cartoon animals and more.  Plus: 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 the link below.
Tuition (1007 Cartooning class winter 2009)

Perspective Drawing for Beginners
Sponsored by: Wonder School of the Arts ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $99
SUMMER QUARTER DATES & TIMES: SUNDAYS 1 pm-2:45 pm___7/19-8/9 (four meetings) Where: University district in Seattle

Perspective can be fun!  In this enjoyable one-day workshop, you'll learn the basics of perspective, including vanishing points and horizon lines and how to use them to make your drawings look real and three-dimensional.  We'll cover 1, 2 and 3-point perspective, and ten easy ways to add a sense of depth to your artwork when you don't want to use formal perspective. Beginning artists welcome!  All materials are provided. Nils Osmar, instructor. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.

How to Draw Clothing
Sponsored by: Wonder School of the Arts ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $99
Coming up next on: Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 5/23 only (1 meeting) ~ Where: University district in Seattle

Like drawing people, but unsure what to do when it comes time to draw clothing on them? In this class, you'll learn about tension lines, support points, types of folds, and other easy tips and secrets of making clothing in your drawings look real. Great for artists, wanna-be-artists, costume designers, fashion illustrators and doodlers.  Absolute beginners welcome! To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.

Exploring Color
Sponsored by: Wonder School of the Arts ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $55
SUMMER QUARTER DATES & TIMES: SUNDAY 10 am-5 pm___ 7/12 only (one-day workshop) ~ Where: University district in Seattle

Spend the day painting and playing with color, even if you've never painted before.  In this relaxing, enjoyable class, you'll learn about color theory, color wheels, warm and cool colors, tints, shades and color mixing.  It's a fun class based around exercises that will make the information clearer.  All levels are welcome.  Nothing to bring or buy; all materials are provided. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.

Acrylic Painting for Beginners
Sponsored by: Wonder School of the Arts ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $99
SUMMER QUARTER DATES & TIMES: SUNDAYS 3 pm-5 pm__7/19-8/9 (four meetings) Where: University district in Seattle

Acrylics are fun! They're easy to paint with, easy to learn to use, and are a great medium for beginners. Acrylics are rich, vibrant, and expressive..... more forgiving than watercolors .... fast-drying.... and unlike oil paints, they don't fill up the room with toxic fumes. In this enjoyable introductory class, aimed at absolute beginners, you'll learn how to mix and blend colors, use brushes, play with color, paint forms that have depth and dimension, 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 in learning how to paint with acrylics. (Note: there is a $35 optional supply fee for your class, due in the first class meeting. It covers the cost of professional quality paints, as well as brushes and canvas paper. You do not have to pay it if you bring your own materials) To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.

Tuition (ACRYLIC PAINTING CLASS) (option to include materials)

ACTING & FILMMAKING CLASSES IN SEATTLE

Beginning Acting
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
SUMMER QUARTER DATES & TIMES: MONDAYS 7/13-8/10, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (five meetings)
Where: Summer quarter only, this class will be held at the Seattle Center. ~ Course fee: $150

Acting is fun!  In this enjoyable class you'll learn how to create characters, memorize dialogue, 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, info about the Seattle theater scene, how to audition.  Great for beginners!  Instructor has participated in live theater for over ten years as an actor, playwright, producer and director, and is the creator of an award-winning television series (THE EDGE).  His feature film, XEROS, premiered to sold out audiences in the Seattle True Independence Film Festival. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.

Let's Make a Movie
Sponsored by: ASUW Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $150
SUMMER QUARTER DATES & TIMES: TUESDAYS 7/14-8/18 (five meetings) Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle

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 the link below.

Tuition (EC ACTING IN A MOVIE CLASS)

Documentary Filmmaking

Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
Documentary Filmmaking (SUMMER SESSION) ___SUNDAY 8/16 only (one-day workshop) **
Where: University District in Seattle,Wa. ~ Course fee: $125 ~ To sign up, click the "Add to Cart" link below or call 206-420-1309

Course Description: 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. 

This class is offered every quarter by the Wonder School of the Arts in Seattle, Washington. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below. If you don't see a link, to to http://www.classesandworkshops.com

Filmmaking basics

Sponsored by the ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College
Location: University of Washington campus in Seattle ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
Fridays, 7/31-8/21, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (four meetings)~ Course fee: $99
See also: Let's Make a Movie

Filmmaking is fun! In this enjoyable, information-packed class, you'll learn about:
- HOW MOVIES ARE MADE, step by step
- CAMERAS AND CAMCORDERS (you'll learn the differences between standard def and high def camcorders; consumer, prosumer and pro cmodels; and how to find a camera that has the features you need, but fits your budget)
- MICROPHONES and audio (you'll learn how to record high quality sound for your film)
- how to set up LIGHTING, and use it to create fun visual effects;
- CAMERA ANGLES: when to use closeups, medium shots and other angles to tell your story;
- how to find and work with ACTORS and CREW;
- how to enter your movie in FILM FESTIVALS, and get it distributed;
- a demonstration of EDITING using Final Cut Pro;
- and more. 

Whether you're making a comedy or an action movie, or just making a home movie just for fun.... whether you have a high end camcorder, or an inexpensive one... whether you're making a movie as a hobby, or planning onb a career as a filmmaker... this class will answer your questions and get you off to a good start. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.

WRITING CLASSES IN SEATTLE

Writing Fiction and Short Stories
Sponsored by: ASUW Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $125
SUMMER QUARTER DATES & TIMES: WEDNESDAYS 7/15-8/12, 7 pm-9 pm (five meetings) ~ Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle

Writing is a natural skill that everyone can develop.  In this 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 the link below.

Tuition (Writing Fiction)

It's Time to Write Your Screenplay
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
It's Time to Write Your Screenplay___(SPRING SESSION) THURSDAYS, 5/7-6/4, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (five meetings) *
It's Time to Write Your Screenplay_(SUMMER SESSION) THURSDAYS, 7/16-8/13, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (five meetings)

Where: U.W. campus in Seattle

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 the link below.

PHOTOSHOP CLASSES IN SEATTLE

Adobe Photoshop for Beginners
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $150
SUMMER QUARTER DATES & TIMES: FRIDAYS 7/10-7/24___7 pm-9:15 pm___ (three meetings) ~ (University of Washington campus)

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 the link below.

PHOTOSHOP class tuition

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
How to sign up!
To sign up online at any time, scroll down to find your class, then click on the Add to Cart link under the class title.
To sign up by phone, call 206-420-1309. Questions? Email Nilsosmar@gmail.com or call 206-420-1309

About the instructor

The classes on this web page are taught by Nils Osmar, and are sponsored by the ASUW Experimental College and the Wonder School of the Arts.
(There is no connection between the two schools.) Some are held on the U.W. campus. Others are held at the Center House at the Seattle Center.
(The location for each course is listed in the class information just under the title, on this page)

Nils has made his living in the arts for over ten years, and has taught both accredited and non-accredited classes.
He has worked as a writer (short stories, stageplays & screenplays), illustrator (traditional and modern media), and filmmaker.
His artwork has been published in the United States and Europe, and featured in national magazines.
His stageplays have have been produced at the Seattle Fringe Festival and other venues.
His films and movies have played at local and international film festivals.
He is also the creator of an award-winning televison show (The Edge), and author of a short story collection, The Hungry Time.

Questions? Problems registering? Or to sign up now by phone
Call or email Nils Osmar, instructor 206-420-1309
Nilsosmar@gmail.com