A programme of classes, clubs and one-off workshops to help you get some Art into your life!
Scroll down for weekend workshopsBooking Your Get SmArt Workshop
With the exception of some children’s workshops, all courses, weekend workshop and half-term project places must be booked and paid for in advance. Places are limited and, in some cases, demand is very high. Furthermore, we reserve the right to cancel under-subscribed workshops.
It is with regret that we have increased prices across our Get SmArt programme this season as a significant cut to our revenue funding means that we can no longer subsidise activities. If you wish to enrol for a class but are unable to pay your full fee up-front, please contact Administration on 01278 422700 before the term starts to discuss alternative arrangements.Autumn 2008 Season...
| Saturdays... |
Sat 10am–12 noon
GADABOUTS
Fun with drama for ages 8-12. Gadabouts is run by Kerrie Seymour, director of our community panto, in which Gadabouts will feature! Please note that there will be extra rehearsals for the pantomime in December.
Weekly: 13 Sept – 13 Dec. Half-term: 25 Oct & 1 Nov.
£40 / £5 weekly
No class on 18 Oct (Jude Crawford Celebration Day) but there is the chance for Gadabouts to take part in a Circus Workshop from 10am to 12 noon at an additional cost of £5.
| Tuesdays... |
Tue 4.30-6pm
MAKE IT!
An after-school club for ages 8-12, now at the later time of 4.30pm. Create funky art and crafts with Clare Harding-Jones, including collage, mask making, card making, 3D figures and much, much more.
Weekly: 16 Sep – 9 Dec. Half-term: 28 Oct.
£50 / £5.50 weekly (Includes all materials)
Tue 6-7pm
BOLLYWOOD DANCE
A six-session taster course for ages 12+ with Ceri Plested, a young Bollywood dancer who lives in Sedgemoor! All comers welcome, have fun trying this exciting and exotic dance!
Weekly: 16 Sep – 21 Oct.
£30; £24 members
Tue 7.30-9.30pm
PANTO - CHARLIE AND THE ARTS FACTORY
Yes, it's that time again! This year's Community pantomime, directed by Kerrie Seymour, is set to be yet another spellbinding show packed with music, song, stories and lots of laughs. If you are aged over 12 and would like a part in the show come along to the first open workshop on Tue 16 Sep 7.30-9.30pm. Full cast rehearsals every Tuesday with selected calls on Wednesdays. You’ll need to attend extra rehearsals as the show date approaches (oh yes you will!) Full rehearsal schedule will be available at the first workshop. You need to be available for performances on Sat 20 (2pm & 7.30pm), Sun 21 (2pm) and Mon 22 Dec (7.30pm). You don’t need previous singing / dancing / acting experience, everyone is welcome. If you do have any special talents let Kerrie know and we’ll see if we can incorporate it! The show will be devised by the cast from scratch, what it will be depends on you!!!
£50; £5 weekly
Tue 7.30-9.30pm
JAZZ WORKSHOP
With Bob Hitchings of CL Jazz. Open to musicians of all abilities and instruments, but please contact us if you’ve not been before to check there is space for you. Play arrangements of jazz standards, with help and advice on interpretation and improvisation techniques. An ability to read music is an advantage, but not essential.
Fortnightly: 23 Sep, 7 & 21 Oct, 4 & 18 Nov, 2 & 16 Dec.
£49; £42 members
Tuesday 7.30-9.30pm
CREATIVE WRITING
With Genista Wheatley. For writers of poetry, fiction, non-fiction or plays. This class offers a supportive environment in which to generate new work, gain feedback and exchange views on the various aspects of writing. Suitable for all levels of experience.
Fortnightly: 30 Sep, 14 & 28 Oct, 11 & 25 Nov, 9 Dec.
£49; £42 members
Tue 8pm
BOOK CLUB
Run by its members, the Book Club now meets on the first Tuesday in the month (except Jan, when it will be on the second Tue) to share their thoughts on a variety of books selected by the group. An informal, friendly and lively group, new members are welcome to come along – see the programme below to find details of each month’s selected reading!
2 Sept “The Golden Notebook” by Doris May Lessing
7 Oct “Dissolution” by C.J.Sansom
4 Nov “Disgrace” by J.M.Coetzee
2 Dec “Engleby” by Sebastian Faulks
| Wednesdays... |
Wed 10am–12 noon
WATERCOLOURS
With Carole Watson. A course for the beginner and those with little experience. The basics of drawing and watercolour will be explained, with a variety of techniques introduced over the course.
Weekly: 17 Sep – 10 Dec. Half-term: 29 Oct.
£84; £72 members
10.30am-12 noon
MOVING TALES
With Kerrie Seymour. A creative dance class for the active over 50s. Share stories and photographs of events in your life to inspire movement and dance. No dance experience necessary, you just need to be willing to have a go! Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in.
Weekly: 17 Sep – 10 Dec. Half-term: 29 Oct.
£42 term; £3.50 weekly. (Includes tea and biscuits afterwards)
Wed 7.30-9.30pm
PANTO
See details above. Selected calls.
£50; £5 weekly
Wed 7.30-9.30pm
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Community Choir with Yvette Staelens of Roots Quartet. Explore songs, rounds and chants from around the globe, with suggestions from the group welcome. New members of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the fun, but this choir is almost bursting at the seams so book your place early!
Fortnightly: 1, 15 & 29 Oct, 12 & 26 Nov, 10 Dec.
£42; £36 members
Wed 4.45-5.45pm (ages 8-11)Wed 6-7pm (ages 11-16)
STREET STEPS
Ideal for beginners and those who want to improve, learn funky dance routines that mix pop and street dance steps. Combining fitness and fun, dance to the latest tunes, create your own street steps and try some of the freshest dance grooves around. Taught by an experienced tutor from Pretty Good Girl Dance Theatre, Somerset's leading dance company. Wear loose clothes and trainers or dance shoes.
Weekly: 17 Sep – 12 Nov. No half-term.
£4
| Thursdays... |
Thu 10am–12 noon
WATERCOLOURS
With Carole Watson. For those who have attended previous classes or who have learned the basics of drawing and handling watercolours. Advice and encouragement will be given to help you gain confidence and develop your own style. A variety of subjects will be set to inspire and encourage you to try new techniques.
Weekly: 18 Sep – 11 Dec. No class: 30 Oct.
£84; £72 members
Thu 2-4pm
KNITTING
Ever thought about learning to knit or taking the time to complete a knitting project? Then this is your chance! A very informal knitting course run by experienced tutor Joanne Mulholland. All levels can be catered for & there will be an opportunity to make a variety of items or you can concentrate on a more involved project. Think about the beautiful gifts you could create, wouldn’t they make great Christmas presents!
A limited range of wool & needles will be available to purchase. Alternatively you may purchase your own pattern & wool, etc prior to the workshop or phone the tutor to discuss your requirements / ideas.
Weekly: 18 Sep – 11 Dec. Half-term: 30 Oct.
£31.50; £28 members
Once a month…
BAC - Bridgwater Acoustic Club!
All musicians and audience are welcome to join us in the theatre, mic and PA supplied, for an informal acoustic evening hosted by Gary French and Steve Kenniston. All styles welcome, beginner to accomplished, let’s hear your stuff! Arrive early or call Gary to book your spot on 01823 698626. No charge – pass the hat. The club will continue into the Spring on a regular Thursday night slot, but in the meantime check out one of the dates below!
Dates: 24 July, 18 Sep, 16 Oct.
Fridays... Fri 11.30am-12.30pm
FITNESS PILATES
With Sian Cocks. A controlled, gentle workout, to improve mobility and posture and develop core strength. Bring a mat and a small towel if you feel your neck might need support. Limited to 7 places, early booking essential. Priority is given to those who book for the course but, should space be available, it is possible to pay per session.
Weekly: 19 Sep – 12 Dec. No class: 31 Oct.
£60; £54 members. £5.50 per session
| Weekend and Holiday Projects |
29, 30 & 31 Oct 10.30am-4pm
HALLOWE’EN HALF TERM
3 days of music madness and artistic mayhem for ages 13-18. Want to be in a band? A great opportunity for you to develop your guitar skills, percussion skills, voice skills and perform at The Arts Centre’s Halloween Party on Friday 31st October.
Want to be a set/stage designer? Be part of a Creative Team designing and creating images, projecting images and lights, transforming the theatre into a spectacular Halloween Party space!
£21. Includes a ticket to the Party.
This project is to be confirmed, subject to funding.
Sat 11 Oct 3-5pm
LOOP THE LOOP
With Askew and Avis
On the afternoon of their concert Askew and Avis invite you to their amazing “Loop the Loop” vocal workshop.
Starting with their entertaining warm-up you will soon find yourself inside the magical world of live vocal-looping as Robin, their lap-topping DJ, samples your voices and plays them back to you. As a group you will then make more vocal layers on top of your first loop as you learn a brand new Askew and Avis piece to sing together at tonight’s performance!
Bring your friends in the evening to hear you do something truly vocally cutting-edge. All abilities welcome.
£15. Includes a ticket for the evening performance.