The West Virginia University Community Arts Program is offering a number of new classes this fall at the Creative Arts Center. The program is registering students for classes in music, art, theater and dance through Friday, Aug. 22.

Some fun art classes for both children and adults include:

  • Origami-Making&Chinese Paper-Cutting(ages 7 to adult). Create your world by folding and cutting paper, napkins or dollar bills into toys, puzzles, animals, boxes and gifts. Learn basic folding techniques and complete simple projects of different themes for each week. Through hands-on experiences making crafts, students develop vital skills such as intuitive thought, spatial sense, patience and self-esteem.
  • Calligraphy for Adults. With the growing use of the computer and the Internet, people are dismissing the old-fashioned use of hand lettering and note writing. Through individual instruction from a professional calligrapher, this course shows students how to transform their own handwriting into beautiful calligraphic design.
  • Introduction to Web DesignAdobe Dreamweaver(ages 21 and up). Adobe Dreamweaver allows the design, development, creation and maintenance of Web sites. This class will cover the basics of developing Web sites from the ground up.
  • Introduction to Digital AnimationAdobe Flash(ages 21 and up). Adobe Flash (formerly Macromedia Flash) allows the frame-by-frame creation of digital animation and complex interactive Web sites. This course will focus on the basics of creating both simple and complex digital animations.
  • Introduction to Advertising DesignAdobe Illustrator(ages 21 and up). Adobe Illustrator is one of the leading programs in digital drawing. It provides professional tools, excellent color control and type manipulation. This class will cover basic shape creation, organization, manipulation and finalization. Students should be able to create basic page layouts and better visualization of their artistic ideas.

The Creative Arts Theatre Program will present two new plays this year. They are:

  • Alice in Wonderland(ages 7-15). Students in this two-semester course will appear in public performances of the play, to be staged March 6-8 at the Metropolitan Theatre in downtown Morgantown. Join the theater troupe of talented youth who will perform this delightful tale of the young girl who falls into an enchanted world.
  • The Three Ws(ages 16 to adult). Students in this course will appear in public performances of the musicalThe Three Ws,which is an adaptation of L. Frank BaumsThe Wizard of Oz,Barbara KarlinsCinderellaand William ShakespearesMacbeth.Performances will be Nov. 14-16 at the Creative Arts Center. Enchantment abounds as Jenny begins her wondrous journey to the Land of Oz. Good Witch Glenda and the Munchkins point Jenny in the right directiona magical path to Cinderellas Castleand were off to see the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and save Cinderella from her captors, Georgina and Gertrude, the wicked witches. All your favorite characters are here: the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.

Students interested in dance will find the following new classes for both children and adults:

  • Chinese Folkdance Ensemble (ages 8-17) provides a positive and fun learning experience for those who enjoy dancing and love the beautiful style of Chinese dance. This rhythmic dance helps develop childrens motor coordination and spatial and rhythmic awareness. In addition to learning the dances, students will be introduced to Chinese music, instruments, history and culture.
  • Adult Rhythm and Dance. Are you rhythmically challenged on the dance floor? Do you wish you could move to the beat like those other dancers on the floor? This class is designed to help adults find the beat and feel the rhythm so they can move with ease in any social dance setting. In this class, the instructor will help students leave their fear of dancing behind and get out on the floor with confidence.

New classes in music include:

  • Introduction to Standard Piano Literature (ages 12 to adult). This class will introduce standard piano repertoire of significant composers from different periods. Activities will include learning easy piano pieces, listening to recordings, learning about composers, watching videos of live recitals and performing in a final informal recital (optional).
  • Introduction to Recording Technology(ages 15 and up).This class will teach the basic technology of recording and producing audio for broadcast and/or media release. Students will also learn the basics of acoustic sound and technology.
  • Adult Voice Class (ages 18 and up). Enjoy singing favorite songs from various genres, including musical theater, pop, jazz and classical.
  • Piano for Fun (adults of all ages). This class is designed for beginners or for those who had lessons at one time but need a refresher.

The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities has funding available to sponsor children with disabilities who are interested in participating in classes and meet age and eligibility requirements. For more information, contact Helen Panzironi, fine arts coordinator, at 304-293-4692 ext. 1154 or ” hpanzironi@hsc.wvu.edu rel=nofollow> hpanzironi@hsc.wvu.edu .

The Community Arts Program also offers outreach programs throughout the region and is available to set up an appropriate program to suit the needs of community organizations. In addition, the Community Arts Volunteer Program is a great way for kids to earn community service hours or for those who have a little extra time on their hands to help out. To inquire about possible outreach programs or to become a volunteer, contact Jeanne Frieben, director, at the Community Arts Program office.

For more information about classes, contact the WVU Community Arts Program Office at 304-293-4841 ext. 3168 or visit the Web site at http://communityarts.wvu.edu/ . Office hours are 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. weekdays in 401A Creative Arts Center. Students may register for classes after the official registration period ends, but a late fee will be in effect at that time.