Of course, auditions can be scary and stressful - but all too often actors commit preventable mistakes that keep them from displaying their full potential. This session is designed to help actors of all ages prepare for auditions and avoid these setbacks.

Session participants will discuss a comprehensive list of "what to do" and "what NOT to dos" when auditioning for a theatre production. Things like: the difference between "good confidence" and "bad confidence," how to introduce yourself, interacting with accompanists, choosing literature, etc.

In the end, the more an actor understands the director's expectations and point of view, the more successful they will likely be.

The class will end with volunteers performing their "cuts" for the class for feedback! Interested students should email their cuts to alex@virginiaartfactory.org.

Ages 15+

Saturday, December 12

5-7 pm

Registration Fee: $38

Learn to Paint your beloved pet (dog, cat, rabbit, horse?) Students will bring in a few photos to choose to use as their reference to paint from. You will learn the basics of oils, learning to mix, drawing your pet, and blocking in shapes and values, adding color, textures and details.

Each week you will progress and build up the paint layers to make a complete painting.

All supplies will be provided via the supply fee!

Ages 18+

Wednesdays, 6 -8 pm

January 6 - February 10

Class Fee: $228     Supplies Fee: $10

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!

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

Ages 16+

Thursdays 10:30 am - 1 pm

January 7-28

Registration Fee: $190                Paper Fee: $5

The crucial role of composition in art is to establish balance and harmony in one’s artwork, while at the same time effectively using contrast to provide interest. In this series of classes, students will explore a variety of compositional formats, and learn how to use visual elements to make these formats work.

In "Alphabet Soup" we will be exploring compositions described as letters of the alphabet, such as the S-curve, the V-shape, the L-arrangement, and others. These shapes can be applied to a variety of styles and subject matter.Some previous experience with your chosen media is recommended, since the emphasis will be on design rather than technique.

The instructor will supply reference photos, but students are also welcome to bring their own. Students may work in any medium, but no supplies will be provided!!

Ages 15+

Thursdays 3-4:30 pm

January 7-28

Registration Fee: $114

This class will offer an introduction to the history and techniques of painting murals. Taking a look at the cultural and commercial significance of murals, the various applications will be explained and demonstrated.

Over the course of this eight week intensive class, you will get hands on experience painting on ARTfactory walls! This course is designed to cater to any and all levels of skill, so beginners are not only welcome but encouraged to sign up.

All materials provided via the supplies fee.

Ages 15+

Thursdays 7-9 pm

January 7 - February 25

Class Fee: $304     Supplies Fee: $42

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.

Ages 15+

Fridays 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

January 8 - February 5

Tuition: $190  Supply 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 10 am - 1 pm

January 9-16

Registration Fee: $114     Supply Fee: $5

Have you ever wished that you could more smoothly translate musical notation into actual sound? The ability to see a musical line 'on the page' and bring it to life as sound is a wonderful skill that could be in reach for you.

This ability will enable you to learn new melodies and harmony parts without having to rely on recordings. This course is designed to help students build music literacy skills that will enable them to accurately read a piece of music as they could a book or news article.

By understanding the fundamentals of music notation, new worlds of sound will be unlocked for each participant.

Ages 15+

Sundays 2-3 pm

January 10 - February 14

Registration Fee: $114