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)

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

Join us for a two-part journaling experience designed to encourage creativity, reflection, and intentional self-connection!

During the first hour, participants will decorate their own journals using simple art materials, creating a personal space that invites reflection and self-expression.

In the second hour, you will transition into a guided journaling session with thoughtful prompts that encourage self-awareness and gentle nervous system regulation.

Participants are welcome to attend the full workshop or join us for the second hour of guided reflection using a journal they already have. No writing experience is necessary, just come as you are and allow yourself the space to pause and reconnect.

Ages 12+ (Students under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)

Wednesday, April 1st  

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Registration Fee: Free!!

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

Jumpstart your drawing skills in just five hours!

Ready to finally feel confident with your drawing? This 5-hour intensive workshop is designed to give you a strong foundation in the essentials: composition, proportion, and accuracy. You’ll learn to see like an artist, simplify complex forms, and capture not just “a dog,” but JoJo the dog—unique and true to life.

Through guided demonstrations and hands-on exercises, you’ll sharpen your eye, build control, and complete a finished still-life drawing using all the techniques covered. Whether you’re a total beginner or a painter looking to strengthen your drawing skills, this crash course will give you tools you can use right away.

All materials provided. Just bring your sketchbook and a set of pencils—everything else is ready for you.

Saturday, April 4th

11:30 am - 4:30 pm

Registration Fee: $150

Join artist Michele Frantz for a 5 lesson session in acrylic painting! 

Versatile and forgiving, acrylic paints may be manipulated with a wide array of techniques, applied to many different surfaces, and modified with various additives.

Students new to acrylics will learn introductory basics; experienced students will improve their skills and explore new directions. Class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented in each session.

Click here for a list of supplies. Canvases and boards will be provided by the instructor.

Ages 15+

Tuesdays 10:30-12:30

April 7th - May 5th

Tuition: $190 Canvas Fee: $5

Looking to shake up your approach to watercolors? This class will show you how to elevate your paintings with ink accents that help your subjects pop!

In this multi-media class, instructor Mike Flynn will guide students through four different projects using ink pen and watercolor paint.

Students will conquer a new project each week, and learn the fundamentals of using both pen and paint to create beautiful art. Some watercolor experience is helpful, but no required, for this class!

Canvases and pens will be provided via the supply fee, paint supplies will need to be purchased. You can find supply lists here.

Ages 16+

Wednesdays 10:30 am - 1 pm

April 8-29

Registration Fee: $190                Paper Fee: $10

Explore the beautiful fluidity and transparency of watercolor. Beginners will learn basic tools and techniques.

Experienced students will explore new methods, materials, and styles.

This class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented in each session. 

A list of supplies can be found on the Classes and Camps page, or by clicking here. Watercolor paper will be provided by the instructor.

Fridays 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

April 10th - May 8th

For ages 15 & up.

Tuition: $190  Supply Fee: $5

The Art of Writing: Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem is a four-week writing workshop focused on writing mysteries. In the words of the great Sherlock Holmes, “The game’s afoot!”

As writers, the mystery genre is one of the most challenging, because it is a game you play with your reader, doing your best to keep them from solving the case until the very end while still having the solution make perfect sense in hindsight.

Throughout this writing course, we’ll explore the great detectives and the kinds of mysteries from classic to noir to cozy and how to construct one that will keep your readers guessing.

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

April 10th - May 1st

Class Fee: $152

Have fun exploring the many different techniques one can use with watercolor pencils!

Watercolor pencils are a versatile medium because they can be used dry for colored-pencil effects, partially diluted, or completely diluted. These pencils are fun to use and can create smooth or textured artwork, and they’re a great way to become more comfortable with watercolor as a painting medium!

Accomplished artist Valerie Larson will be presenting examples of her own watercolor-pencil paintings, showcasing various techniques she uses. These techniques include mixing colors, creating paper palettes, and much more.

Students can bring their own photo for painting inspiration or follow along with the one provided in the workshop. You will also be working on Aquabord, a clay-like surface made for watercolors. 

ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED VIA THE SUPPLY FEE!!

Ages 15+

Saturday, April 11th

1-3:30 pm

Registration Fee: $47.50        Supply Fee: $7