Western Arts Preparatory Academy for Youth, Ages 2-13, fall offerings

Western Washington University’s College of Fine and Performing Arts will begin a new quarter of its youth enrichment program, Western Arts Preparatory Academy (WAPA), during fall 2011. The WAPA programs focus on providing life-enhancing skills and broadening the perspectives of youth in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. Whether participating in dance, theatre, or violin, young learners (ages 2-13) will develop social and educational experience that transfers to other areas of life including confidence, awareness, discipline, communication and organizational skills. The dance program features an open and stimulating environment to build new skills and work toward the goals of dance technique, performance quality, and most of all the joy of expression. Several levels of ballet and creative dance are available this fall, as well as a modern dance class. Walking toddlers, along with mothers or caregivers, can also develop foundations for coordination and cultivate a familiarity of the arts in the dance class, “Mommy and Me”. WAPA dance classes begin the week of Sept. 26. Combining the benefits of private and group lessons, the 12-week music session is an opportunity for youth ages 4 to 7, to experience the rewarding process of learning to play violin. Striving to create a nurturing atmosphere that involves the parent and instructor in the learning process, the program employs the Suzuki method, breaking lessons into achievable chunks that give children a sense of accomplishment. WAPA Violin classes begin Sept. 24. This fall, there will also be a Saturday Youth Theatre Offering. This acting class and play production will teach a variety of valuable skills by taking participants through the entire theatrical process from auditions to a fully costumed performance. The performance will be of an original script titled “A Hippo Ate My Homework.” WAPA Theatre classes begin Oct. 1. A new Theatre Improvisation class, “Kick Off,” will be offered for middle school students from 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays, beginning Oct. 9 and continuing for six weeks through Nov. 13. Classes will take place on the WWU campus and in the community. Registration is open now and prompt enrollment is encouraged to reserve your space in the class. For more information please visit the WAPA website, email eesp@wwu.edu or call (360) 650-3308.