Join us for Pied Piper Theatre's 2026 Holiday Intensive - The Day Before Christmas

The Day Before Christmas is a 60‑minute holiday musical written by Ken Jones (story/book), with Jamey Strawn on music and Christine Jones on lyrics Heuer Publishing+1. It is designed as a comedy‑themed Christmas musical suitable for both children and adults, blending festive cheer with lighthearted chaos.

The show takes place at the North Pole just before Christmas Day. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves, reindeer, forest animals, and even the toys themselves are busy preparing for the biggest night of the year. The team works hard to get the sleigh ready and deliver gifts worldwide — but their plans are disrupted when Jack Frost decides to stop the festivities with a bit of comical chaos and calamity.

(Ages 8 - 16)

Rehearsals will be Tuesdays and Thursdays at Metz Middle School from 6:30-8 pm beginning October 6 and ending at Metz on December 10.  We will be off for Thanksgiving.  

Tuesday and Thursday, December 1 and 3 rehearsals will be at the ARTfactory.

Tech week will begin on Monday, December 7 and continue through Tuesday, December 8, Wednesday, December 9 and Thursday, December 10.

There will be four ticketed performances on December 11 at 7, December 12 at 10 am and 2 pm and December 13 at 2 pm

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

Instructors: Melanie Terrazas, Director; Savannah Lagana, Music Director and Julianna Gedney, Assistant Director and Stage Manager

Tuition:  $400 ($340 for members)

What does snow in watercolor look like? It’s far more than just the white of the paper!

In this four week course, students will learn how washes of color can transform your image and create wonderful landscapes. 

Please note that paper will be provided via the paper fee, but no other supplies will be provided!! A list of suggested supplies can be found here. 

Ages 16+

Saturdays 10:30 am - 1 pm

November 7-28

Registration Fee: $190     Paper Fee: $5

Develop your observational painting skills by working directly from a live figure model!

Students will learn to accurately observe proportion, anatomy, value, color, and edge relationships while exploring traditional oil painting techniques.

Through demonstrations and individualized instruction, participants will strengthen their understanding of painting the human form from life.

Some prior oil painting experience is recommended.

Please note that side from a canvas, supplies will not be provided for this class!! A list of suggested supplies can be found here.

Ages 15+

Saturdays 2-5 pm

November 7-28

Registration Fee: $228     Canvas Fee: $5

Quilling, or Paper Filigree, is the ancient art of creating designs by cutting and coiling thin strips of paper. In this intensive two-day workshop, you will learn the basic techniques and come away with a unique piece of paper art!

The first three-hour session on Saturday will introduce you to the history and basic tools and methods of this unique art form. Reading glasses are recommended for those with limited vision.

The second session on Sunday will be a concentration on techniques and more advanced tools of Quilling, Paper Filigree. We will explore techniques of different paper artists to expand your skills and understanding of this exciting art form.

Artists of any level are not only welcome but encouraged to attend!

Ages 15+

Saturdays 5:30-8:30 pm

November 7-14

Registration Fee: $114     Supply Fee: $5

This fall drawing class combines observation, composition, and shading as students work from a small pumpkin image repeated across the page.

Through a mini pumpkin study, students will explore how shading can change the look and feel of a drawing while creating a seasonal composition that is playful and complete.

All supplies will be provided via the supply fee!

Ages 15+

Monday, November 9

6-8 pm

Registration Fee: $38     Supply Fee: $15

2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there's no better place to start than this free installment in our ARTful Wellness series!

Winter time is approaching, so why not prepare by painting a beautiful figure on a simple ornament?

Come paint a cardinal (Virginia's state AND official holiday bird!) perched on a holly branch, with a round wooden ornament as your canvas. Professional artist and instructor Emily Thomson will show you how to paint step by step to make your ornament your own! Whether for yourself or someone special in your life, express yourself through the paints and explore the feelings surrounding this magical time of year through art. 

Ages 15+

Friday, November 13

6:30-8:30 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!!

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

Join us for this beginners class all about the digital art application "Procreate". 

In this 2-day course, students will go over things from the beginning such as brushes, erasers, smudging, canvas size, how resolution works with digital art, all the way up through how to use layers and why they are important.

Professional digital artist and streamer Jon Flanders will work you through a guided project using their gained knowledge to let them become more comfortable with making art of your own at home digitally.

Please note that students will need to bring their own iPad and digital pencil, and will need to have Procreate downloaded prior to the start of class!

Ages 15+

Sundays 12:30-3:30

November 15-22

Registration Fee: $114

2026 is the year to give back to yourself, and there's no better place to start than this free wellness class!

Discover the process of scratching, inking, and hand-printing your own stylized tree-inspired artwork.

In this beginner-friendly wellness printmaking class, you’ll be introduced to simple relief carving and hand-printing techniques.

As you create, pause and consider: What helps me stay rooted during a changing season? Create a simple black-and-white tree print that reflects your own sense of growth, rest, strength, or change.No detailed drawing or extensive carving is required - just a willingness to make marks, get inky, and enjoy the reveal of your design on paper.

No experience is needed, and all materials are provided.Please note: We will be using beginner-friendly carving tools. Safe tool use will be demonstrated at the start of class.

Participants should feel comfortable using small, sharp tools and following safety guidance throughout the workshop.

Ages 15+

Monday, November 16

6-8 pm

Registration Fee: FREE!