You may have learned how to use some of these mediums on their own, but how do they interact together?

In this mixed media class artist and instructor Mike Flynn will help you create unique, vital interpretations of subjects. Your pieces will feature a strong sense of design, light, and vibrant color. 

Come explore what happens when you mix watercolor with charcoal and pen marks and lines, adding gouache for colorful accents. 

Please see the supplies list here - other than watercolor paper, no supplies will be provided.

Ages 15+

Thursdays 10:30 am - 1 pm

March 5-26

Registration fee: $190              Supplies fee: $8

Do you have a young actor yearning to explore the world of theatre? In this class, instructor Shelby Mejia will guide students through theatre basics and techniques that they can either carry with them as they advance in the craft, or even use in their day to day lives.

This exploration will be done using theatre games, scene work, improvisation practice, character development, and storytelling techniques.

Ages 8-12

Thursdays 5:30-7pm

March 5-26

Tuition: $114

This class is designed for younger students ages 5-8 to begin to learn the fundamentals of acting such as storytelling, creative movement, vocalization, and confidence in front of a group.

The goal of this class is for students to learn these skills in a way that is fun and enjoyable, while also creating a safe environment for students to feel like they can explore. In order to accomplish this, the class is designed with emphasis on different activities and games as opposed to a singular performance.

We will utilize familiar and classic children’s stories, such as Peter Rabbit, The Rainbow Fish, The Three Little Pigs, etc. to build on these skills. Using known stories allows the children to learn how to be creative while still offering a framework for them to follow. For example, if the story we were looking at that day was The Three Little Pigs, we might explore how to act as a pig vs wolf by changing how we move and use our voices, talk about breath support by “blowing down the houses”, and of course act out the story using all of those elements.

In addition to stories we will also play games that encourage creativity and teamwork.  These help students grow an awareness of different ways they can move their bodies, as well as strengthens their listening skills. By the end of the class your youngster is guaranteed to have a new appreciation for theatre, and will be ready for more!

Mondays 4:30-5:30

March 6 - 27

Class Fee: $76

The Art of Writing: Springtime Sci-Fi Fantasy is a four-week SFF themed writing course.

Springtime is a time of rebirth, of seeing the world anew…and a perfect time to create your own world, using magic, technology, or a fun combination of both!

In this course, we’ll explore the different types of science fiction and fantasy, from hard sci-fi to soft and from high fantasy to urban, not just through writing but also discussing our favorite pop cultural examples.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a collection of fresh writing, peer feedback, and practical tools to continue your writing journey beyond the workshop.

Come ready to write, share, and grow.

This workshop is open to writers of all levels and genres.

Ages 15+

Fridays 6-8 pm

March 6th - 27th 

Class Fee: $152

2026 is the year to focus on yourself, and there is no better way than through some art therapy!

Students will doodle and color on different papers, and the cut them up and make a "quilt". You can open your mind by trading papers with other students, and creating a mesh of ideas and inspiration that will revive your spirit.

All materials will be provided, including paper, drawing materials, paints, scissors, and quilting patterns. 

Ages 15+

Saturday, March 7th

1-3 pm

Registration fee: Free!

This free wellness workshop is brought to you in partnership with UVA Health.

John will present a two hour class where he leads students in painting an original piece of art based on his signature strange and wonderful style using acrylic paints. Students will paint along and be encouraged to create their own original work.

He will address the following :

- Composition

- Finding shapes

- Lines of action

- Color theory

- Working with a color palette

- Stop thinking and start creating

Wednesday, March 11th 4-6 pm

Class Fee: $38   Canvas Fee: $5

Making unique and tailored jewelry has never been this easy!

In this 3 hour workshop you will learn the fundamentals of polymer clay jewelry and create your own unique pair of stud earrings. From using the best materials and conditioning clay properly to working with a myriad of polymer clay tools, you will be guided through the process of creating a unique pair of studs, from design to execution, to finishing.

You will leave the workshop with your own, uniquely designed piece of wearable art as well as a polymer clay kit to continue practicing and exploring on your own.Enjoy an afternoon tapping into your creativity in a fun and encouraging setting.

Great for a girls' day or mommy/daughter/son day. All genders welcome! All materials (clay, tools, cutters, jewelry findings, etc) will be provided.

Ages 12+

Saturday, March 14th

1-4 pm

Registration Fee: $57        Supplies Fee: $15

Join us for Pied Piper Theatre's 2026 Devised Intensive - Medusa & Circe:  an Odyssey

Medusa & Circe:  An Odyssey is this year's devised piece directed once again, by Alex Mills and Ashton Schaffer.  This production will bring the wonders and trials of Greek mythology to life through the imaginations of its young performers.  Filled with creativity, humor and heart, this collaborative adventure invites audiences to experience timeless myths reimagined through the voices of a new generation.

Rehearsals will be Tuesdays and Thursday's from 5:30-7:30 pm beginning March 17.  There will be no rehearsals on Marich 31 or April 2.

Tech week will begin on Monday, May 11 and run May 11, May 12, May 13 and 14.

There will be three ticketed performances on May 15, 16 and 17 in the Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory.

(Ages 8 - 16)

What is a devised theatrical piece?  Devising theatre is a powerful and engaging genre that encourages young students to take active role in the creative process.  Our students will use the description above as inspiration to create an original production from the ground up.

Class members will receive two complimentary tickets to be used on the performance of their choice.

Instructors: Alex Mills and Ashton Shaffer.

Tuition: $375 Register, Members Tuition $318.75 (Enrollment is limited)