Enroll in SMARTS Public Classes
SMARTS Fall 2025 Class Enrollment Open Now!
We are pleased to be announcing 33 classes to be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays this Fall at SMARTS. All classes are free, open to the public, and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. This semester offers a little something for everybody! Make a rattle or a bell with your family members in SMARTS from Mud to Music; or strengthen your Audition Skills so you can get a spot in the show with SMARTS Triple Threat Clinic. Regardless of what you choose, we promise fun, learning, and opportunities to grow your ART!
Enrollment for Fall will open on Thursday, August 28 @ 1pm, on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call SMARTS at 330.574.2787 Ext. 2 with any questions.
We look forward to seeing you!
In the meantime, feel free to follow us on Facebook (SMARTSartschool) or Instagram (@smarts_art_school) for program updates and special event information!
Learn More about our Fall Classes and Enroll Below!
SMARTS Visual Art Classes
SMARTS: Print, Press, and Play! Grades K–3 (Malorie Martin)
Stamp it, squish it, roll it, press it—let’s make some art magic!
Calling all mini-makers and pint-sized Picassos! Get ready to dive hands-first into the super-fun, squishy world of printmaking—where art gets messy, colorful, and totally awesome.
In this playful, action-packed class, we’ll explore all kinds of cool ways to press and print our own designs. We'll stamp with leaves, roll out ink, smoosh shapes, make our own custom stamps, and maybe even try magical monoprints that only exist once—just like YOU!
We’ll turn everyday things (think sponges, veggies, string, and more!) into tools for creating wild and wonderful art. Along the way, we’ll learn about patterns, textures, colors, and how to make a picture over and over again with a single stamp—how cool is that?
No need to color inside the lines here—this class is all about exploring, experimenting, and having a blast.
Just remember to wear your “messy clothes,” because we’re going to get inky, sticky, and super creative!
Tuesdays @ 4:10-4:55 pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
The Art of Action, Grades 6–12 (Robert Kerr)
In comics and animation, your characters don’t just pose—they leap, morph, fight, fly, and transform. In
this high-energy class, you’ll learn how to make your characters move with clarity, purpose, and style.
Whether you're designing superheroes, magical creatures, or animated fighters, you'll explore how to
bring dynamic storytelling into every frame.
We’ll study how professional comic artists and animators show movement, use exaggeration, and visually
express power, speed, and transformation. You’ll practice techniques like squash and stretch, motion
lines, action staging, and expressive poses to make your work feel alive.
If you've ever struggled to show what your character does—not just what they look like—this is the class
for you.
Tuesdays @ 5:00-5:45pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS Animation – The Breakdown, Grades 4-8 (Robert Kerr)
If you want to produce amazing cartoons and animations, there are 12 principles/concepts that animators consider the law. We will teach you all 12 and complete exercises to help you work through them all. This will allow you to practice and create your own animations. Whether you use a computer or prefer hand- drawn animations, these are the principles/concepts that will make you a great animator.
- Squash and Stretch
An object’s volume does not change when squashed or stretched - Anticipation
Attention/Details must be applied to prepare for the actions to occur (i.e. bent knees before the jump) - Staging
Focus on what is important to avoid clutter and the unnecessary - Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose
- Straight ahead action poses create a fluid illusion of movement for realistic action sequences
- Pose to Pose is about building strong emotional or dramatic scenes
- Follow through and Overlapping Action
- Characters need to appear to follow the laws of physics and principles of inertia
- Parts of a character are sensitive to different timing needs and move differently
- Slow in and Slow out
Character movements need to be realistic and everything needs time to accelerate and to slow down - Arc
Animations must consider speed, momentum, fluidity, and flow - Secondary Actions
Attention/Details and Actions should enhance the main action - Timing
Addressing the movements of the character’s actions, reactions, and moods and their relation to each other - Exaggeration
All about the style/appearance of the scenes and/or personality of the characters (i.e. realistic, dreamlike, dark) - Solid Drawing
Animations must be understood and illustrated three dimensionally - Appeal
Characters must be interesting, real, and connect to the audience.
Tuesdays @ 6:00-6:45pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS: The Dreamy World of Art Nouveau, Grades 4–8 (Mia Mondora)
Get ready to make your art flow like a waterfall and flourish like a garden! In this fun, hands-on class, you’ll step into the magical world of Art Nouveau—an art style bursting with twisting vines, beautiful flowers, swirly lines, and nature-inspired patterns.
We’ll explore the work of amazing artists like Alphonse Mucha and Gustav Klimt, who turned posters, furniture, and everyday objects into dreamy masterpieces over a century ago. Then, you’ll get to create your own Art Nouveau-inspired artwork using drawing, painting, and creative decoration.
You’ll learn cool art techniques, discover how to make your designs flow beautifully, and even see how art can be both pretty and practical—just like the artists of the past!
Perfect for anyone who loves nature, imagination, and a touch of fancy flair. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and get ready to let your art grow and glow!
Wednesday@ 4:10-4:55pm
Sept 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS: The Dreamy World of Art Nouveau
SMARTS Humanoids, Animals, and Beyond: A Drawing Adventure, Grades 4–12 (Rachel Hritz)
Calling all artists who love to draw people, animals, and creatures from imagination! In SMARTS Humanoids, Animals, and Beyond, students will embark on a creative drawing journey where they’ll design expressive characters, lifelike animals, and fantastical hybrids—while building strong foundational art skills.
Whether you're into comics, animation, video games, or simply enjoy sketching wild ideas, this class helps young artists develop both technical skills and creative confidence. Students will explore how to draw human and animal anatomy, understand proportion and gesture, experiment with texture and stylized forms, and blend realism with imagination. They'll also be encouraged to think about visual storytelling and world-building as they bring their original ideas to life.
Students will set achievable goals, track their progress, and build a portfolio of original work that reflects their unique voice. From foundational exercises to advanced challenges, this class meets each artist where they are—and helps them grow.
This course is perfect for artists of all experience levels who want to improve their drawing skills and expand their creative range through character and creature design.
Wednesdays @ 5:10-5:55pm
Sept 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Humanoids, Animals, and Beyond: A Drawing Adventure
SMARTS Sentiments & Salutations, Grades 6-8 (Miracle Nolan)
A Graphic Design Card-Making Class
Design with heart. Send with soul.
Get ready to mix art, tech, and creativity in a card-making class like no other! In this class students will learn how to design one-of-a-kind greeting cards using fun design tools and their own imagination.
From birthday cards to thank-you notes to "just because" messages, students will discover how to combine colors, fonts, images, and powerful words to create cards that really mean something. Along the way, they'll explore cool design concepts like typography, layout, and color theory—and use tools like Canva and more to bring their ideas to life.
Each session is hands-on, creative, and fun. Plus, guest artists, partners, and designers will visit the class to share their favorite tips, show off their styles, and inspire students to think outside the card.
By the end, students will not only have their custom-designed card, but also the skills and confidence to keep creating and sharing. Card designs may be used to help promote SMARTS.
Wednesdays @ 6:00-7:00pm
Sept 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS Family Ceramics: From Mud to Music, Grades K-12 & Adults (Sarah Fenton)
Get ready to squish, shape, and make some noise! From Mud to Music is a playful ceramics class where kids and grown-ups create side by side. Together, you’ll build clay rattles, bells, and whistles, then work your way up to a collaborative relief sculpture—all while learning fun hand-building techniques like pinch pots, coil building, and more.
You'll also explore surface design with techniques like sgraffito, stamping, and under glazing to add color, pattern, and texture to your creations. Whether you're making a rattle that sings or a sculpture that tells a story, this class is all about creativity, connection, sound, and fun.
No experience needed—just come ready to get a little muddy!
Saturdays @11:00-1:00pm
Sept 20, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Family Ceramics: From Mud to Music
SMARTS Music Classes
Unlike most SMARTS classes, piano, violin, ukulele, and guitar are full-year classes. Students who have completed one semester (fall or spring) will be placed first due to the full year requirement. Remaining spaces will be filled using the waitlist. Each student in these classes is provided an opportunity to complete a full 18-weeks (9 weeks in the fall, and 9 weeks in the spring) at each level.
If you are interested in piano, violin, ukulele, or guitar classes, you must complete a waitlist form, and await a placement notification. When a spot becomes available, we will reach out to you with a class that fits your skill level.
SMARTS Steel Band, Grades 4–12 (Daniel Shiller)
Originating in Trinidad and Tobago, the steelpan was born from musicians playing instruments such as bamboo, biscuit tins, dustbins, and oil drums. While beating the oil drum, the musicians began to cause dents in the metal. Finding the dents, they created had different pitches, they started to dent the oil drums on purpose, and these dents allowed them to play melodies. The steelpan, or steel drum, is handmade by a tuner, who hammers the steel into shape. Steelpans are not standardized and are created in different sizes such as bass pans, rhythm pans, and lead pans. These different sizes make up the steel band, giving it a range similar to an orchestra. Steel bands are made up of steelpans, playing everything from Calypso, Reggae, Motown, and even Classical music. Steel bands also consist of a percussion section called an engine room, which keeps the band moving by providing a rhythmic backbone. The engine room consists of drum set, congas, shakers, scratchers, cowbells, and the iron. This class will further explore more advanced steelpan and percussion techniques. Students can expect to gain experience on a variety of both pitched and non-pitched percussion. Because of the volume of the instruments, students are
encouraged to bring ear protection such as earbuds or earplugs to ensure hearing safety during rehearsals. Students should already have a basic understanding of music and rhythm reading before enrolling in the course.
Tuesdays @ 4:10-4:55pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Steel Band Tuesdays @4:10-4:55pm
Tuesdays @ 5:00-5:45pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Join the waitlist for SMARTS Steel Band Tuesdays @5:00-5:45pm
SMARTS Guitar Lesson/Studio (1A & 1B), Grades 5-12 (Simon Kenneally)
With guitar, you can learn to play all the songs you love and even write your own music! In this class, you will learn how to tune and hold your guitar, strum basic rhythm patterns, and learn beginner chord progressions that will get you playing songs quickly. We have everything from finger training exercises to play-along videos to help you build confidence as you learn at your own pace. When you meet with your SMARTS Teacher, learning goals will be personalized to your interests and how you are progressing on the instrument. SMARTS has a limited number of guitars available for students who do not own a guitar. There will be SMARTS Guitar Practice Cards issued and each student must practice a minimum of 4 days a week, 20 minutes each day.
All music students in lessons are scheduled and placed manually by SMARTS staff according to ability level and availability. Enrollment prioritizes students currently taking lessons at SMARTS, then students on the waitlist, and finally new students.
Wednesdays @ 4:00-4:50pm
Sept 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS Advanced Guitar, Grades 5-12 (Simon Kenneally)
The guitar is one of the most popular instruments in the world. The iconic guitar sound can be heard in most music genres including rock, jazz, funk, soul, metal, pop, bluegrass, country, and many more. This class will build on the basics taught in Guitar 1A & 1B, to help you build the skills to play unique riffs and more challenging songs. We will work through music theory, advanced chord progressions, inversions, compound and irregular time signatures, scale patterns, and improvisation. The learning goals will be personalized to the needs of the class and the individual students. SMARTS has a limited number of guitars available for students who do not own a guitar. There will be SMARTS Guitar Practice Cards issued and each student must practice a minimum of 4 days a week, 20 minutes each day. All music students in lessons are scheduled and placed manually by SMARTS staff according to ability level and availability. Enrollment prioritizes students currently taking lessons at SMARTS, then students on the waitlist, and finally new students.
Wednesdays @ 5:00-5:50pm
Sept 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS Rock Band, Grades 4-12 (Simon Kenneally)
Want to be a rock star but not too keen on starting a band in your parent’s garage? Join this gig! We’re looking for guitarists, drummers, singers, bassists, keyboardists – you name it. In this class the students will be working together to write original songs. Throughout the process, students will get a hands-on experience of being "in the band” from the initial stages of collaborating with each other to complete their own songs, to rehearsing together and finally recording their songs! Students of this class will get a fuller appreciation of music creation, teamwork and what it takes to actually record a hit song and perform a live show as a real band! The SMARTS Rock Band will showcase their original song(s) at the SMARTS Family Dinner. Students must be proficient with their instrument and comfortable reading rhythms and notes to enroll.
Wednesdays @ 6:00-7:00pm
Sept 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS Adventures in Piano 1, Grades K-2 (Rasa Ahmadi)
This is the first beginner-level piano class in a series offered at SMARTS for grades K-2. Adventures in Piano will teach you the basic rhythm, music reading, and listening skills needed to take piano later in the SMARTS Piano Lab. Explore the piano using all your senses with colors, videos, soundtracks, and movement games. You’ll get to make your own songs, and you might even get to try other instruments, too! Register for this adventure to discover if piano is the instrument for you!
Saturdays @ 10:40-11:30am
Sept 20, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS Adventures in Piano 2, Grades K-2 (Rasa Ahmadi)
This is the second beginner-level piano class in a series offered at SMARTS for grades K-2. Adventures in Piano will teach you the basic rhythm, music reading, and listening skills needed to take piano later in the SMARTS Piano Lab. Explore the piano using all your senses with colors, videos, soundtracks, and movement games. You’ll get to make your own songs, and you might even get to try other instruments, too! Register for this adventure to discover if piano is the instrument for you!
Saturdays @ 11:40-12:30pm
Sept 20, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS Piano Lab 1A, Grades 3-12 (James Harris)
This is the first beginner-level piano lab class in a series offered at SMARTS for grades 3-12. This class is a prerequisite for all other piano lab classes.
Tuesdays @ 6:00-6:45pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Saturdays @ 10:10-10:55am
Sept 20, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Saturdays @ 11:00-11:45am
Sept 20, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Saturdays @ 12:00-12:45pm
Sept 20, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS Piano Lab 1B, Grades 3-12 (Alex Miller)
This is the second beginner-level piano lab class in a series offered at SMARTS for grades 3-12. Piano Lab 1A is a prerequisite for this class. If a student has prior piano skills, they may opt to take a skills assessment with a SMARTS Instructor by appointment to place into a higher class. This class is a hybrid class that combines video instruction on Virtual SMARTS and live instruction in-person or virtually.
Tuesdays @ 4:10-4:55pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Tuesdays @ 5:00-5:45pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Wednesdays @ 6:00-6:50pm
Sept 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS Piano Lab 1C, Grades 3-12 (Alex Miller)
This is the third level of the beginner piano lab series offered at SMARTS, following Piano Lab 1A and Piano Lab 1B. This class continues to build on the foundational piano skills, helping students in grades 3- 12 further develop their technical abilities and understanding of music theory.
Wednesdays @ 5:00-5:50pm
Sept 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS Piano 2A and Beyond, Grades 3-12 (Alex Miller)
This is the third-leveled piano class offered by SMARTS for grades 4-12. This class covers more advanced piano techniques and skills. Students will be placed in this course based on completion of Piano 1A and 1B. Students that have prior experience may opt to take a skills assessment with a SMARTS Instructor by appointment to place into this class.
This class will have a strong focus on applying music theory to music-making and song creation.
Additionally, we will work through playing more challenging pieces while experimenting with emotion and style. Students in this class will develop an advanced understanding of simple and compound time signatures, intervallic relationships, chords, and syncopated rhythms.
Wednesdays @ 4:00-4:55pm
Sept 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS String Program Violin 1, Grades 3-12
This is the first violin class offered in the SMARTS String Program for students who are either just starting violin or students who are still in Suzuki book 1. Students will build a foundation that includes identifying the parts of the violin, proper violin posture, form for holding the bow, and basic bowing and finger plucking techniques on open strings. Students will learn how to listen and play with a group in unison.
Learning violin takes patience, concentration, and attention to detail, but it is a lovely and rewarding instrument to play. Students will play exercises and warm ups that will prepare them to play through Suzuki book 1 by the end of this class. Students will be required to journal their practice time on a practice card. Practice requirements for this course: Minimum of 4 days a week, 20 minutes each day.
Class will be structured within a 2-hour time frame that will consist of one 1-hour group lesson, and one 45-minute ensemble class. Students will be expected to attend both portions of this class weekly.
Wednesdays @ To Be Announced Separately
SMARTS String Program Cello, Grades 4-12
This is the first cello class offered in the SMARTS String Program for students who are either just starting cello or students who are still in Suzuki book 1. Students will build a foundation that includes identifying the parts of the cello, proper cello posture, form for holding the bow, and basic bowing and finger plucking techniques on open strings. Students will learn how to listen and play with a group in unison during the ensemble portion of the class. Learning cello takes patience, concentration, and attention to detail, but it is a lovely and rewarding instrument to play. Students will play exercises and warm ups that will prepare them to play through Suzuki book 1 by the end of this class. Students will be required to journal their practice time on a practice card. Practice requirements for this course: Minimum of 4 days a week, 20 minutes each day.
Class will be structured within a 2-hour time frame that will consist of one 1-hour group lesson, and one 45-minute ensemble class. Students will be expected to attend both portions of this class weekly.
Wednesdays @ To Be Announced Separately
SMARTS Music Lab Series, Grades 5-12 (Simon Kenneally)
Find the right key to unlock & grow your inner musician. SMARTS Music Lab is designed for advanced students who are already comfortable with an instrument (or more) and are eager to take their musicality to the next level. This program is centered around helping young musicians discover their unique style, improve their musicality, and guide them through the process of becoming a professional musician. The course will empower students to experiment with different genres, develop a deep understanding of music production, and gain the skills necessary to present themselves professionally in the music
industry. SMARTS students are expected to maintain an attendance rate of at least 80%. SMARTS Students must register for each semester in order to complete the full series. This semester’s focus is Rock | Pop | Singer-Songwriter | Folk | Bluegrass
SMARTS Music Lab Series Breakdown:
Fall 2025 Semester 3: Rock | Pop | Singer-Songwriter | Folk | Bluegrass
- Rock | Pop: Study how to create infectious melodies, hooks, and powerful band arrangements, mastering both electric and acoustic instrumentation.
- Singer-Songwriter: Focus on lyricism, storytelling, and acoustic performance, developing a personal songwriting voice.
- Folk | Bluegrass: Explore traditional and contemporary folk music, learning the nuances of acoustic instrumentation, fingerpicking, and storytelling.
Spring 2026 Semester 4: Classical | Atmospheric | Thematic
- Classical: Understand orchestration, harmony, and form as students learn the foundations of classical music composition.
- Atmospheric | Thematic: Dive into cinematic and ambient music creation, learning how to build emotional soundscapes and thematic music.
Key Program Components:
- Experimenting with Music Creation and Recording:
Students will have the chance to compose their own pieces, whether in traditional notation or modern digital formats, and record them using professional studio techniques. - Introduction to Music Production:
Students will explore the tools and techniques used in music production, learning how to record, mix, and master their music in a professional environment. This will include training on digital audio workstations (DAWs) and other recording software. - Building Your Artist Profile:
In addition to learning how to create music, students will also develop the skills to present and promote their sound. The course will guide students on how to establish their personal brand, perform live, and start developing a social media presence and digital portfolio. - Professional Recording Portfolio:
Throughout the course, students will build a professional recording portfolio that showcases their growth, creativity, and the culmination of their work in various genres. This portfolio will serve as an essential tool for entering the music industry.
Program Benefits:
- Discover Your Musical Identity:
By exploring different genres, students will better understand their musical influences and preferences, developing their own unique sound and style. - Hands-On Experience:
The program emphasizes practical learning, giving students the opportunity to experiment with creating and recording their music, just like professional musicians. - Skills for the Music Industry:
Students will gain a solid foundation in music production and performance, helping them prepare for a career in the music industry, whether as a solo artist, band member, or producer. - Creative Confidence:
As students experiment with their music and present it in various professional formats, they will build the confidence needed to pursue their passion in the arts.
End Result:
By the end of the program, students will:
- Have a deeper understanding of musical genres and their historical significance.
- Be equipped with the skills to create, record, and produce their own music.
- Build a professional portfolio that showcases their artistic abilities and prepares them for the music industry.
SMARTS Music Lab is more than just a music course—it’s a journey of self-discovery, artistic growth, and preparation for a future in the ever-evolving music industry. Join us to refine your craft and step into the world of music as a true artist!
SMARTS Students must register for each semester in order to complete the full series. This semesters focus is Rock | Pop | Singer-Songwriter | Folk | Bluegrass **Special incentive for students who have perfect attendance **
Semester 3: Rock | Pop | Singer-Songwriter | Folk | Bluegrass
Tuesdays @ 4:00-7:00pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS Dance Classes
SMARTS: I Like to Move it - Move it! Grades K–3 (Dulcinea Ramirez- Abercrombie)
Do you love to wiggle, jump, twirl, and dance? In this super fun and energetic class, kids get to move their bodies in all kinds of ways while exploring music, rhythm, and imagination! You’ll try out different dance moves—some smooth and flowing, some fast and bouncy—while having fun and being creative.
Each class is filled with games and activities like making shapes, copying each other’s moves, acting out stories with your body, and dancing to all kinds of music. You’ll learn how to move with others, dance on your own, and express big feelings through movement.
We’ll explore fun themes like animals, nature, and emotions—and there’s no right or wrong way to dance. Just bring your energy, imagination, and love for moving—it’s going to be a blast!
Saturdays @11:00-11:45am
Sept 20, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
SMARTS Theater Classes
SMARTS Triple Threat Clinic: Acting, Singing & Dancing, Grades 4–12 (Jeremiah Kibler & Rotating Faculty of Theater Professionals)
Step into the spotlight and build your skills in all three areas of performance—acting, singing, and dancing—in this high-energy Triple Threat Clinic! Perfect for performers of all levels, this clinic focuses on developing well-rounded stage presence through targeted training with a team of expert instructors.
Students will strengthen their acting through cold readings, character work, and monologue performance, refine their vocal technique with exercises in breath control, pitch, and tone, and sharpen their dance skills through choreography that builds confidence, coordination, and expression.
Whether you’re preparing for auditions, boosting your stage experience, or just love to perform, this clinic is designed to help young artists grow in all areas of musical theater.
Saturdays @12:00-1:00pm
Sept 20, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Triple Threat Clinic: Acting, Singing & Dancing
SMARTS Creative Writing Classes
SMARTS Encounters with the Unknowable: Cosmic Writing, Grades 4-12 (Dominic Adams)
We will venture far beyond the familiar stars and deep into the shadowed corners of the cosmos—places where human language falters and our understanding breaks down. Through writing exercises, guided prompts, and imaginative world-building, you'll craft a story that explores the vastness of the universe— not just in size, but in mystery.
You will develop narratives that confront the limits of human perception and reason, focusing on entities that operate according to systems we cannot comprehend and can never control. These beings may not communicate, move, or even exist in ways we recognize. They may rewrite time, consume thought, or exist in dimensions we can't describe.
Together, we'll ask:
- What does it mean to encounter something truly alien?
- How does a story change when we remove the comfort of understanding?
- Can we write wonder and terror without relying on clichés?
This class will combine elements of cosmic horror, science fiction, and philosophical fiction. You'll learn to write stories that embrace the unknown, challenge the boundaries of narrative structure, and leave your readers with a lingering sense of awe—or dread.
By the end of the class, you’ll have a complete short story (or the beginning of a longer work) that peers into the infinite, and maybe even touches what stares back.
Tuesdays @ 6:00-6:45pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Early SMARTS Classes (18 Months- 5 Years)
Early SMARTS Classes are designed for children 18 months to 5 years old, who have not yet entered Kindergarten. All Early SMARTS students must be accompanied by one adult (parent, guardian, grandparent, or approved adult).
Early SMARTS Color My World, Ages 18months - 5yrs & 1Adult (Chloe Dzikowski)
Get ready to splash, squish, swirl, and smile! We promise every week brings a new adventure and color.
One week it’s bright yellow sunshine made with painted handprints, the next week it’s a cool blue ocean filled with glittery fish. From bold reds to gentle greens, your little artist will explore the rainbow through fun, hands-on art projects made just for their growing minds and busy little hands.
Each class is packed with creativity, discovery, and a whole lot of color! Your little creative will learn how colors mix, what they’re called, and how to turn paint, paper, and imagination into something amazing.
We’ll also sing songs, read colorful stories, and even move our bodies like dancing rainbows — because learning is more fun when it’s full of joy and movement!
No experience needed — just curiosity, creativity, and clothes that can get messy!
Saturdays @11:00-11:40am
Sept 20, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Early SMARTS: All Around the Mulberry Bush, Ages 18months - 5yrs & 1 Adult (Rasa Ahmandi)
Join us for a musical adventure where little ones sing, move, and play their way through a world of delightful tunes! In All Around the Mulberry Bush, children explore classic and new songs from around the world—learning melodies, rhythms, and playful movements along the way.
Each week, we’ll sing together, play simple instruments like shakers and drums, and use scarves, props, and creative games to bring music to life. The focus is on musical exploration, active listening, and joyful participation—and of course fun.
Perfect for young children who love to sing, wiggle, and make music with friends. Grown-up participation
encouraged—because music is more fun together!
Saturdays @ 12:30-1:00pm
Sept 20, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Join the Waitlist for Early SMARTS: All Around the Mulberry Bush
Early SMARTS: I Like to Move it - Move it! Ages 18mos - 5yrs & 1Adult (Dulcinea Ramirez- Abercrombie)
Do you love to wiggle, jump, twirl, and dance? In this super fun and energetic class, kids get to move their bodies in all kinds of ways while exploring music, rhythm, and imagination! You’ll try out different dance moves—some smooth and flowing, some fast and bouncy—while having fun and being creative.
Each class is filled with games and activities like making shapes, copying each other’s moves, acting out stories with your body, and dancing to all kinds of music. You’ll learn how to move with others, dance on your own, and express big feelings through movement.
We’ll explore fun themes like animals, nature, and emotions—and there’s no right or wrong way to dance. Just bring your energy, imagination, and love for moving—it’s going to be a blast!
Saturdays @12:00-12:30pm
Sept 20, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 19
Join the Waitlist for Early SMARTS: I Like to Move it - Move it!
Become a SMARTS Student Today!
To take SMARTS free classes and to receive communication about SMARTS class offerings, complete a new student application.
About Us
SMARTS, Students Motivated by the Arts, is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art school.
Address: 25 East Boardman Street, First Floor, Youngstown, Ohio 44503
Phone: 330-574-2787
Email: info@smartsartschool.org
Our Classes
SMARTS classes have been free and open to the public since 1997. To become a SMARTS student and receive regular communication about our class offerings, complete a new student application. Classes are filled on a first-come, first serve basis.