This immersion-style class is designed for students who already have a good foundation in spoken Russian and are ready to strengthen their reading, writing, and speaking skills. The instructor communicates EXCLUSIVELY in Russian, and students are encouraged to do the same, creating a rich and authentic language environment. Through interactive lessons, reading practice, writing activities, short discussions, and Montessori-inspired exercises, students will expand their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of the Russian language. Students will also memorize simple Bible verses in Russian, combining language learning with meaningful spiritual content. Taught by a native Russian speaker, this class provides an uplifting and encouraging environment where Russian Language learners can fall even more in love with this beautiful language. Come join us! Добро пожаловать! :)
Requirements:
Students should be able to understand spoken Russian and feel comfortable responding, know the Russian alphabet, be able to read simple words in Russian and be excited :) to grow and explore their Russian skills.
This class will explore the different forms of improv and focus on developing skills as an improv actor. Students will develop their skills through various games and creating scenes. If you love acting and you love comedy, this class is for you!
About the Teacher:
Jay is a local arts teacher, actor, and music director based out of Vancouver, WA. He has been the musical director for Beauty and the Beast Jr., Scrooge, Peter Pan Jr., and Tarzan at a local youth theater. Jay has also taught classes in music, acting, and dance. As an actor, Jay has performed in Persephone at Bedrock Theatre and in Once at Broadway Rose Theatre, along with various local commercial projects. Jay’s background is in Music Performance, with a Bachelors of Music degree from BIOLA University.
Learn to create scenes on the spot! In this class we will be diving into short form and long form improv. Short form improv is a series of games we play where actors create a scene based on given circumstances. Long form improv is where actors create a scene completely from nothing using only one prompt word. Whether you are new to acting or well versed, improv is a necessity for all actors. Watch your acting skills improve as you learn to set yourself free in the area of improv!
Insect Intellect: An Adventure into God’s Tiny World is an engaging, hands-on entomology course designed to introduce students to the diverse and purposeful world of insects and arachnids through the lens of Biblical truth. Students will explore insect anatomy, classification (taxonomy), lifecycles, habitats, and ecological roles, all while recognizing that these creatures were created with intention and precision by God.
Discovery and observation will be encouraged through hands-on exploration with insects. Each class we will continue learning new things about bugs as well as get to see and handle some. Students will create their own field journals, learn to use identification tools, and even present their own research project on a species of their choice. Whether it’s the strength of an ant, the metamorphosis of a butterfly, or the web-spinning of a spider, every lesson reveals a Creator of order, wisdom, and beauty.
Step behind the scenes of a nationally recognized podcast and discover what it takes to create media that informs, inspires, and makes an impact.
Inside the Studio: Podcast Production & Digital Media is a semester-long, hands-on class that gives students the unique opportunity to learn inside a real working podcast studio while developing practical skills in storytelling, communication, interviewing, recording, production, branding, and digital media. Rather than simply learning about podcasting, students become part of the creative process through interactive lessons, collaborative projects, and guided studio experiences.
Led by Bonnie Ruiz, Producer of The Heidi St. John Podcast, and River Ginn-Forsberg, Studio Engineer, students will learn directly from professionals actively producing weekly content. Throughout the semester, guest instructors Heidi St. John, Host and Skylar St. John, Post Production Producer, will provide exclusive insight into building a successful podcast, communicating with purpose, and the post-production process that transforms recordings into polished episodes.
Students will gain experience in content planning, storytelling, interviewing, microphone technique, studio etiquette, recording, branding, social media, teamwork, and the production workflow that brings an episode from concept to publication. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills that extend far beyond the studio.
Working collaboratively, students will create and produce their own podcast project from start to finish. At the conclusion of the semester, family and friends will be invited to a special showcase event, where students’ completed productions will be premiered and celebrated, giving them the opportunity to share what they’ve learned and see their hard work come to life.
Whether students are interested in broadcasting, journalism, filmmaking, ministry, marketing, or simply becoming more effective communicators, this class offers a unique opportunity to learn in a collaborative, professional environment while creating meaningful media.
By the end of the semester, students won’t just understand how podcasts are made—they’ll have experienced the process firsthand and produced a show they can proudly share.
Requirements:
Inside the Studio: Podcast Production & Digital Media is open to students ages 14 and older. No prior experience in podcasting or media production is required.
Students should have basic reading, writing, and computer skills, be willing to participate in discussions and team projects, and be able to follow directions in a professional studio environment. Regular attendance, punctuality, and a positive attitude are expected. A brief interview and signed participation agreement are required before enrollment.
In this class we will explore character development through asking the 5 “W” questions, Who, What, When, Where, and Why. All story telling must address these questions. We will also learn various warm ups, techniques, exercises, and tools that actors use to portray a character. This class will be a “hands on” learning class, which means we will focus on the craft of Acting. There is not a set schedule as actors will need to incorporate different tools and techniques at any given moment to create the scene. Each week we will take turns performing and slowly getting comfortable with our scenes. This being said, it is imperative that students in this class memorize their scripts as fast as possible. Scenes will be recorded and posted to the class Google Drive Folder so students can watch them. We learn much from watching ourselves!
Requirements:
Must have had at least 1 main role in a production
Students will build on foundational hand-building skills while creating functional pottery, sculpture, tiles, and more. Projects encourage creativity and personal expression while also teaching students to follow process, develop craftsmanship, and value thoughtful design. Functional wares such as cups, bowls, and plates are made from dishwasher and microwave-safe materials designed to become lasting keepsakes for years to come. Each term introduces fresh projects, with favorite projects only occasionally returning every few years.
Requirements:
This class is a good fit for students who work well in a multi-sensory environment as the studio is alive with sights, smells, and sounds, sometimes simultaneously; all while having their hands in lots of clay and water. All supplies, consumable and shared are provided with the supply fee for this class.
Students will build on foundational hand-building skills while creating functional pottery, sculpture, tiles, and more. Projects encourage creativity and personal expression while also teaching students to follow process, develop craftsmanship, and value thoughtful design. Functional wares such as cups, bowls, and plates are made from dishwasher- and microwave-safe materials designed to become lasting keepsakes for years to come. Each term introduces fresh new projects, with favorite projects only occasionally returning every few years.
Requirements:
This class is a good fit for students who work well in a multi-sensory environment as the studio is alive with sights, smells and sounds, sometimes simultaneously; all while having their hands in lots of clay and water. All supplies, consumable and shared are provided with the supply fee for this class.
Students will build on foundational hand-building skills while creating functional pottery, sculpture, tiles, and more. Projects encourage creativity and personal expression while also teaching students to follow process, develop craftsmanship, and value thoughtful design. Functional wares such as cups, bowls, and plates are made from dishwasher- and microwave-safe materials designed to become lasting keepsakes for years to come. Each term introduces fresh new projects, with favorite projects only occasionally returning every few years.
Requirements:
This class is a good fit for students who work well in a multi-sensory environment as the studio is alive with sights, smells and sounds, sometimes simultaneously; all while having their hands in lots of clay and water. All supplies, consumable and shared are provided with the supply fee for this class.
Students will build on foundational hand-building skills while creating functional pottery, sculpture, tiles, and more. Projects encourage creativity and personal expression while also teaching students to follow process, develop craftsmanship, and value thoughtful design. Functional wares such as cups, bowls, and plates are made from dishwasher and microwave-safe materials designed to become lasting keepsakes for years to come. Each term introduces fresh projects, with favorite projects only occasionally returning every few years.
Requirements:
This class is a good fit for students who work well in a multi-sensory environment as the studio is alive with sights, smells, and sounds, sometimes simultaneously; all while having their hands in lots of clay and water. All supplies, consumable and shared are provided with the supply fee for this class.