Creative Classroom

Classes

The Z’s Creative Classroom offers performing arts classes to learners of all ages and abilities in a variety of mediums. It’s a safe and inviting space for all to explore their curiosity and interest in the performing arts. This year, as the theater undergoes renovations, The Z’s Creative Classroom is on the road, offering classes in locations throughout the city. To lead these classes, we’ve selected the top teachers, performers, and artists in the Southcoast.

Friday
Mar
22
6:00 pm
Friday
May
03
6:00 pm
Fri
6:00 pm
Mar
22
Fri
6:00 pm
May
3
Creative Classroom
 presents

Cape Verdean Dance through the Decades 2024

Cape Verdean Dance through the Decades

With Geovanny Sequeira

Want to travel to Cape Verde without paying a dime? Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and movements of Cape Verdean dance culture in this class!

You'll discover the rich heritage of Cape Verde through its unique dance styles, characterized by infectious beats and expressive footwork. We will explore dances like the Funaná, Coladeira, and Batuku, teaching you the steps and body movements of each dance. This class is open to all skill levels and will be a fun and educational experience for all. All ages welcome.

Classes are Fridays on March 22, April 5, April 12, April 19, April 26, May 3. Please note: there is no class on March 29.

6:00-7:30PM

$30 for entire course, which is all six classes.

Monday
Mar
25
2:00 pm
Tuesday
Mar
26
2:00 pm
Mon
2:00 pm
Mar
25
Tue
2:00 pm
Mar
26
Creative Classroom
 presents

Beginner Ukulele at Boa Vista

Beginner Ukulele at Boa Vista

Free for New Bedford Housing Authority residents

Are you interested in learning to play an instrument, but nervous it might be too hard or too late? In this class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of playing the ukulele, one of the easiest stringed instruments to pick up - and you'll get a chance to get to know your neighbors!

No prior musical experience is necessary. Ukuleles will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you have one.

Classes are on Monday, March 25, and Tuesday, March 26, from 2:00-3:00PM.

Drop in to one or both classes! No enrollment required.

Open to residents of all ages/genders (not just women 65+) from any of the New Bedford Housing Authority properties, thanks to ARAW’s trust based philanthropy model.

Monday
Mar
25
6:00 pm
Monday
May
06
6:00 pm
Mon
6:00 pm
Mar
25
Mon
6:00 pm
May
6
Creative Classroom
 presents

Intermediate Salsa 2024

Intermediate "On1" Salsa

With Sue Young

Want to take your salsa dancing to the next level? In this class, we will focus on more intricate steps and patterns in both shines and partner work.

On1 salsa timing, commonly known as L.A. style, often focused on sharp hits in the music and flashy moves. In this class, you will dig in and find out why On1 salsa timings look and feel different.

Prior salsa dance experience is required, but you don't need to bring a partner to participate.

Ages 18+

Classes are Mondays on March 25, April 8, April 15, April 22, April 29, and May 6. Please note: there is no class on April 1.

6:00-7:00PM

$30 for entire course, which is all six classes.

Wednesday
Mar
27
6:00 pm
Wednesday
May
01
6:00 pm
Wed
6:00 pm
Mar
27
Wed
6:00 pm
May
1
Creative Classroom
 presents

Beginner Ukulele 2024

Beginner Ukulele

With Deb Sorgman

Are you interested in learning to play an instrument, but nervous it might be too hard or too late? In this class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of playing the ukulele, one of the easiest stringed instruments to pick up!

No prior musical experience is necessary. Ukuleles will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

Ages 18+

Classes are Wednesdays on March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17, April 24 and May 1.

6:00-7:00PM

$30 for entire course, which is all six classes.

ABout pricing

The arts are a powerful tool that deepen our connection to the world and can reveal new ways to see it, that's why we aim to make Creative Classroom as accessible as possible. We are also committed to paying our teaching artists a living wage. You will find this commitment reflected in the cost of each class.  

Meet your instructors

Emmanuel "Manny"

 

Davis-Escobar

Emmanuel “Manny” Escobar is a dynamic musician and educator, with roots firmly planted in Jazz, R&B and Afro-Latin creative traditions. He is a graduate of the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory at Merit School of Music and Berklee College of Music and studied under Jan Berry Baker at the Chicago College of Performing Arts. Emmanuel has performed and recorded with; Esperanza Spaulding, Reggie Workman, Loren Allred, Mayra Andrade, Pentatonix, Thaddeus Hogarth, Louis Cato, Roberta Miranda, Jermaine Paul, Cesaria Evora Orchestra, Grace Evora, Mika Mendes, Boy Ge Mendes, Tito Paris, former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. Emmanuel is an endorsing educator for Cannonball Musical Instruments, Rigotti Reeds and Syos Mouthpieces, a signed performing artist with Nightshift Entertainment - New England, adjunct faculty at Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, and Music Director at Providence Country Day School.

Garrett

 

Olson

Improv Instructor

Garrett Olson is a professional working actor, director, screenwriter, film maker, and seasoned fight director/stunt coordinator for stage and screen. He is currently the Technical Director and Associate Artistic Director for the WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company, co-founder and one of the managing/creative producers for Danu Pictures, and is the former Technical Director/acting coach for the Boston Zombie Apocalypse.  An accomplished teaching artist and combatant instructor, Garrett’s classes in public speaking, acting, staged violence, and improv are crafted for students of all levels and abilities. Classes include adaptive programs to accommodate all abilities creating a truly immersive and inclusive opportunity for learning and growth.

Candida

 

Rose

she/her

Born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, “Candida Rose” Baptista is a 2nd generation American-born Cape Verdean. She is a vocalist, songwriter, entertainer, music and cultural educator, as well as a mother and grandmother. Her 10-song debut CD entitled “KabuMerikana: The Sum of Me”, combines her Cape Verdean musical roots with her American (primarily jazz) influences, a mixture she calls “KabuJazz”. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, specializing in African-American/World music performance and African-American Studies. She earned her Masters of Science from UMASS Boston in Transnational, Cultural, and Community Studies (now known as Critical Ethnic and Community Studies). Through her company Golden Rose Music, Candida spends her days traveling throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island as a Life Enrichment Entertainer singing for Nursing Homes, Assisted Living and Adult Day Care facilities, as well as for various senior groups and associations.

Geovanny

 

Sequeira

he/him

Geovanny is the Community Relations Specialist for the City of New Bedford, serves on the Board of Directors for the Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford, and was Chair of the 2023 MLK Day Planning Committee. He has taught Cape Verdean dance styles at Our Lady of Assumption Church and The Zeiterion’s Decades Dance Party.

Deb

 

Sorgman

Ukulele Instructor

Deb picked up her first ukulele and instantly fell in love with this small but mighty instrument. Her passion for the ukulele led her to become one of the few New England teachers certified by the prestigious James Hill Ukulele Instructor Institute. A lifelong music lover, she also directs a ukulele band and has studied with musicians both local and international.

Jess

 

Wilson

Improv Instructor

Jess Wilson is a former C-level executive leader with extensive experience as an actor, tech, designer, producer, playwright, and director, and is the Artistic and Managing Director of the WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company. An experienced actor-combatant, she also works as an Intimacy Director, Fight Captain, and Safety Coordinator for stage and film. Jess is an accomplished author, consultant, executive coach, teaching artist, and speaker who conducts classes and workshops on writing, public speaking, leadership skills, and a wide range of theatre disciplines, and frequently speaks across the country on a variety of healthcare, leadership, and humanitarian topics.

Sue

 

Young

Dance Instructor

Sue Young’s passion for dance started at just 6 years old when her mom signed her up for dance classes, laying the groundwork for a lifelong love of dance. She has studied under a diversified group of instructors and is experienced in ballet, jazz, tap, Irish Step, Latin, swing and ballroom. After recuperating from open heart surgery in 2012, she returned to teaching and became The Z’s Salsa instructor in 2016. But Sue doesn’t just stay in the classroom, she’s also a Zeiterion Volunteer Usher!

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding any of our classes please contact our

Director of Education and Community

,

Blair

 

Taylor

.

Blair

 

Taylor

she/her
Director of Education and Community

Have an idea for a creative Class?

We want to hear it! We welcome suggestions for classes or workshops from teaching artists and instructors.

Virtual Class Link

You will be emailed the link to participate as soon as you enroll. To ensure you receive this link, we suggest enrolling in one class at a time. Please use an active email address and be sure to check spam folders.

The virtual classroom will open 30 minutes before the start of class using Zoom. You do not need a Zoom account, but you will need to download the free app prior to the start of class. You can find it in the app store or visit zoom.us to download.

Be at The Z!

Download these free Zoom backdrops
To download. We’d love to see your photos on social media – please tag us! @ZeiterionTheatre on Facebook, @zeiterion on Instagram and Twitter.

The Fine Print

Class Attendance

Class Attendance

Because group classes have multiple attendees, make-ups are not available. Refunds are not available for sessions you are unable to attend.

Class Locations

Class Locations

Unless otherwise noted, classes are held in the Zeiterion lounge, located at the corner of Spring and Purchase Streets in downtown New Bedford.

Class Minimums

Class Minimums

To ensure classes are dynamic and engaging, each class has a minimum number or participants. Classes failing to meet this minimum by the enrollment deadline will not run.

Made Possible with support by

And our Donors & Patrons

Help a student experience a performance that enhances their learning and creates a better tomorrow. Sponsor or donate today!