Performing Arts Education
Fostering creative growth
Auburn Public Theater partners with Auburn Public Schools & community centers to provide free performing arts classes for ages 12-18 and adults. We also offer ongoing, dynamic and affordable classes & summer camps right here at the theater in film, theater & music. Our youth programs challenge and educate our community’s children and foster creative growth through shared artistic experiences. Tuition assistance and full scholarships available!
Vision & Mission
Our classes offer an accessible, safe and inclusive space that fosters talented and motivated students to do their best and pursue their dreams. We value diversity and respect each community member and their contributions equally. Click HERE to read more about our Vision & Mission for all of our education programs.
Fall 2021 Youth Programs
2021 EXCHANGE STREET RECORDS Fall Program
Write, collaborate, & Perform in a Band!
Our fall music program offers an opportunity for young people to develop the skills needed explore the world of popular music. Whether a student in interested in playing guitar, drums, bass, ukulele, keyboards, or singing, they will learn today’s favorite songs to play with a group. Students will also study successful techniques in the areas of improvisation, stage presence and live sound. Songwriting techniques and song structure will be developed with the goal of composing our own songs for performance and future recording. Each week, the class can choose to perform as the opening act at APT’s weekly Open Mic Nite. Many students continue on with our winter/spring music program and join Perform For Purpose, a local youth music performance group that plays live concerts to raise funds for worthy causes.
Ages: 12 – 18
When: Tuesday Nights 5:30-7:00pm
September 14-December 14th (no class Thanksgiving Week)
Live performance each week at 7:30pm at APT’s Open Mic Nite
Teachers: Jim Van Arsdale and Sameth Delfavero
Cost: PAY WHAT YOU CAN (Regularly $240)
The mission of Auburn Public Theater has always been to provide affordable access to arts education for all. With many people struggling to recover from the pandemic, this year Auburn Public Theater is offering our fall programs for “PAY WHAT YOU CAN” tuition (normally $240). This tuition assistance is available thanks to the generous support of this year’s foundation partners, The United Way of Cayuga County, The John Ben Snow Foundation, The M&T Charitable Trust, The Mimi Fishman Foundation and Lyons National Bank.
*Skill and Equipment Requirements:
For guitar, students should be familiar with open chords (with barre chords preferred) and be able to read basic chord charts. Bring your own electric guitar, tuner and cable. Amplifiers are provided.
For bass, students should be familiar with basic tablature and techniques and be able to read basic song charts. Bring your own electric bass, tuner and cable. Amplifiers are provided.
For drums, students should be familiar with basic techniques and be able to understand basic song charts. Just bring your sticks!
For keyboards and vocals, students should be familiar with basic techniques and be able to understand basic song charts. Just bring yourself!
SPACE IS LIMITED! Fill out our registration form HERE and email to janie@auburnpublictheater.org!
2021 Fall After School Programs
We are proud to partner with Auburn Public Schools & community centers to provide free arts programs for all ages in grades K-12. Programs this year include a “music club” version of our Exchange Street Records class, video production (including TikTok and YouTube!), yoga, free film screenings at APT & more. APT currently runs free programs in partnership with Booker T. Washington Community Center, Auburn High School, Auburn Junior High School, Casey Park Elementary, Seward Elementary and Genesee Elementary.
For more information, contact Brandon Wakeham at xbrandrumx@gmail.com.
Cost: Free
*Equipment Provided
Fall 2021 Adult Programs
Jim Van Arsdale Guitar School’s Downtown Sessions at Auburn Public Theater
Our fall music program offers an opportunity for adults of all ages to develop guitar skills. The program will focus on learning chord structures of popular music and developing an understanding of the relationship between the fretboard and the Circle of 5ths. Students will also gain confidence and skills they can elect to employ at APT’s weekly Open Mic Nite.
Ages: 18+
When: Monday Nights 6:00-7:00*
*Classes will not be held on the first Monday of each month; only 9 sessions on September 13, 20, and 27; October 11, 18, and 15; November 8, 15, and 22
Optional live performance each week at 7:30pm at APT’s Open Mic Nite
Teacher: Jim Van Arsdale https://www.jimvanarsdale.com/bio
Cost: $180
Skill and Equipment Requirements:
Students of all levels from absolute beginner to advanced players welcome. Participants should bring their own acoustic guitar, or an electric guitar and amp.
SPACE IS LIMITED! REGISTER TODAY!
Winter/Spring 2022 Youth Programs
2022 Winter/Spring Film Production Program
Our spring young adult program in filmmaking gives aspiring filmmakers a hands-on education in how to make their own film/video. We cover how to create a script, the basics of directing and digital filmmaking, non-linear editing, lighting, directing and storytelling. Participants work under the direction of media professionals at Auburn Public Theater. With their newfound skills, students leave the program knowing the steps to create films independently. No previous film or video making experience needed! Final Projects will be screened at the APT cinema and posted on our YouTube channnel.
Ages: 14 – 18
When: Wednesdays; Time TBD
January 19th- May 18th
Teachers: Carey Eidel and guests
Cost: PAY WHAT YOU CAN ( Regularly $240 )
The mission of Auburn Public Theater has always been to provide affordable access to arts education for all. With many people struggling to recover from the pandemic, this year Auburn Public Theater is offering our fall programs for “PAY WHAT YOU CAN” tuition (normally $240 ). This tuition assistance is available thanks to the generous support of this year’s foundation partners, The United Way of Cayuga County, The John Ben Snow Foundation, The M&T Charitable Trust, The Mimi Fishman Foundation and Lyons National Bank.
SPACE IS LIMITED! REGISTER TODAY!
2022 Exchange Street Records Winter/Spring Program
Write, collaborate, & Perform in a Band!
Our winter/spring music program offers an opportunity for young people to develop the skills needed explore the world of popular music. Whether a student in interested in playing guitar, drums, bass, ukulele, keyboards, or singing, they will learn today’s favorite songs to play with a group. Students will also study successful techniques in the areas of improvisation, stage presence and live sound. Songwriting techniques and song structure will be developed with the goal of composing our own songs for performance and future recording. Each week, the class can choose to perform as the opening act at APT’s weekly Open Mic Nite. Many students continue on with our summer music program and join Perform For Purpose, a local youth music performance group that plays live concerts to raise funds for worthy causes.
Ages: 12 – 18
When: Tuesday Nights 5:30-7:00pm
January 18th-May 17th
Live performance each week at 7:30pm at APT’s Open Mic Nite
Teachers: Jim Van Arsdale and Sameth Delfavero
Cost: PAY WHAT YOU CAN (Regularly $240)
The mission of Auburn Public Theater has always been to provide affordable access to arts education for all. With many people struggling to recover from the pandemic, this year Auburn Public Theater is offering our fall programs for “PAY WHAT YOU CAN” tuition (normally $240). This tuition assistance is available thanks to the generous support of this year’s foundation partners, The United Way of Cayuga County, The John Ben Snow Foundation, The M&T Charitable Trust, The Mimi Fishman Foundation and Lyons National Bank.
*Skill and Equipment Requirements:
For guitar, students should be familiar with open chords (with barre chords preferred) and be able to read basic chord charts. Bring your own electric guitar, tuner and cable. Amplifiers are provided.
For bass, students should be familiar with basic tablature and techniques and be able to read basic song charts. Bring your own electric bass, tuner and cable. Amplifiers are provided.
For drums, students should be familiar with basic techniques and be able to understand basic song charts. Just bring your sticks!
For keyboards and vocals, students should be familiar with basic techniques and be able to understand basic song charts. Just bring yourself!
SPACE IS LIMITED! REGISTER TODAY!
Please scan the QR code or click the PayPal button to pay for classes->
APT educational programs are made possible through the generous support of:
The Cayuga Community Fund, The Central NY Community Foundation, The Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation, The John Ben Snow Foundation, The Kiwanis Club of Auburn, The Nelson B. Delavan Foundation, Lyons National Bank, J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc., The Mimi Fishman Foundation, The M&T Charitable Trust, NYSCA, The Guido and Ellen Palma Foundation, SKARTS Skaneateles Area Arts Council, and The United Way of Cayuga County.
