Class Descriptions WA 2019

Morning – 1st Period

Four-day classes

Folk Dancing with Patricia Williams 

Experience the magic of folk dances from all over the world. Come for fun, exercise, the connection to other cultures, great music, a sense of community, an antidote for stress. Or all of the above! All are welcome, from new dancers to experts, as well as those who want to practice teaching a favorite dance. (ages 11+ - practice teaching opportunities available)

NEW Crank It Up: An Introduction to the Cranky with Teri Wilkinson and Julie Siftar

A "Cranky" is a folk art form sometimes described as a "primitive miniature theater" in an illuminated box, or a "hand cranked paper movie".  A scroll of scenery is turned by hand to create slow moving picture stories. The creator often provides narration or music to accompany the passing illustrations.  We will open the floodgates of creative ingenuity as we endeavor to create low-tech crankies using paper tubes, small cardboard boxes, scrolls of thin paper, ink, paint and cut outs.  Crankies may be made by one individual, or together in small groups. Join us in this crafting adventure. (Age 12 and up - class size limited to 16)

Children's Program with Tim Siftar

Why should the grown ups have all the fun? Kids 5-11 get their own space to play cooperative games, sing, dance, and craft together. They might even take a field trip to one of the kid-friendly classes. Tim is a master at engaging the younger set, and like all ECRS classes, the nature of the group will determine the specifics of the class.

Two-day minis

NEW Conscious Communication with Howard Moody 

Inspire the best in yourself and deepen connection with others!  Learn the basic principles of communicating your feelings and needs, in an environment of acceptance and empathy. You'll explore the skills necessary to have difficult conversations and to deal with conflicts in your life.  The emphasis is on supportive deep listening. "To listen is to lean in, softly, with a willingness to be changed by what we hear. " (Age 16 and up - class size limit 20)

NEW Laughter Wellness with Trevor Smith

Come and see just how hard you can laugh, without any comedy or jokes, in this performance-based, structured health and wellness mini. Using a series of interactive exercises and games, we’ll explore laughter for stress management, community-building, promoting positive thoughts and feelings, and strengthening the immune system. An emphasis on creating a supportive non-judgmental environment  encourages creativity and enjoyment for all. The workshop builds on segments that highlight breathing, stretching, spontaneous vocalizing, child-like laughter, and use of props, and ends in a debriefing that focuses on giving participants the tools to employ laughter and breathing techniques as self-care strategies.

Informal Dramatics with Lane Neubauer 

Have you ever wanted to try out being someone other than yourself? Perhaps an animal or even an inanimate object?  In this class you’ll use your imagination to bring whatever you choose to life. What does a table think when a flower is put on its top?  How does a lion react when a rabbit tries to become its friend? How would the story go if your favorite fairy tale or fable had a different outcome?  Expect creative dramatic warm ups, exercises and games - and to top it off, we’ll create some small group skits to be performed for the rest of the group. (Age 11 and up) 

NEW Joy of Singing with Mark Schwartz (also second period) 

This course is for anyone who loves to sing.  We will pull from a wide variety of material… some folk and folk/rock standards, rounds, doo-wop/a capella, blues, humor, Broadway/show tunes, and more.  Each mini may be different – depending on class size and general interest of attendees. Those who wish to practice lead a song will have an opportunity to do so, with (or without) feedback. We will also briefly explore song leading techniques and leadership considerations for creating a positive group singing experience. (Age 9 and up) 

Morning – 2nd Period

Four-day classes

Small Scenes with Glenn Lebwohl-Steiner 

Have you ever wanted to be on stage or to be a different character different than you are? Now’s your chance to do so in front of a supportive group. We will read actual scenes (from plays and from the screen), rehearse, put them on for the class, and discuss them afterwards. No prior experience necessary. (Age 15 and up - class size limited to 16)

Children's Cooperative Program - a volunteer effort

Parents of young children and other ECRS adults can sign up for a class period or two to nurture and play with ECRS-members-in-development. They have a dedicated space, and can also take field trips to kid-friendly adult classes (like active games).

Two-day minis

Active Games with Howard Moody (two 2-day minis)

New Games, energizers, tag games, circle games, team building games. trust activities, and more  - all with an emphasis on building community and having fun with everyone. (Ages 10 and up - no size limit)

NEW Story Theater with Robin Bady

This workshop has it all - stories, improv, and you!  Get ready to work individually and together, to learn about story theater and improvisation, and practice with warmups and exercises. Then choose (or create) a fairy or folk tale to develop in small groups and present to everyone. Bring any costume pieces you might want to play with!  (Ages 9 and up)

NEW Joy of Singing with Mark Schwartz (also first period)

This course is for anyone who loves to sing.  We will pull from a wide variety of material…some folk and folk/rock standards, rounds, doo-wop/a capella, blues, humor, Broadway/show tunes and more.  Each mini may be different – depending on class size and general interest of attendees. Those who wish to practice lead a song will have an opportunity to do so, with (or without) feedback. We will also briefly explore song leading techniques and leadership considerations for creating a positive group singing experience. (Age 9 and up)

NEW Building Better Groups:  Understanding Group Dynamics with Lane Neubauer

Effective leadership happens best when the leader understands the mechanisms of how groups operate. This theory course helps participants develop a working knowledge of group dynamic theory.  Using a combination of experiential exercises, structured fun activities, and discussions, participants will learn why groups function as they do, and identify leadership strategies for building and maintaining a cohesive productive group. The ECRS group experience will become our laboratory sample in exploring group dynamic principles in action. ‘Group dynamic’ skills, both observation and facilitation, are applicable to any situation that involves interpersonal interactions and are valuable life skills for productive relationships. (Age 15 and up)

NEW Artful Affirmations Cards with Teri Wilkinson

Using letters & words cut from magazines, as well as small pictures to add  to backgrounds, we will create postcard size (4 1/4”x6”) cards that express supportive empowering statements of one’s worth, purpose, and place in the universe.  Non-toxic glue sticks will be used. Come & play! (Age 8 and up - class size limited to 16) 

 

Afternoon Period

Four-day classes

Woodcarving: Discover your Hidden Potential with Stephen Kaye

You’ll learn the basics of carving - what tools go best at each stage - with a focus on small instruments carved from wood -  spoons, magic wands, drum sticks, small totems etc. Everyone will be working on similar (but unique and personal) projects and we will bring mindfulness to the fore. Carvers’ skills develop at their own pace; those more proficient may lead by example, assisting those around them. As participants become confident in their abilities, we will explore connections between techniques, concentration, and appreciation. These can serve as metaphors for life skills, meditation, and self-reflection and help you find the beauty that lies within. (Age 12 and up - class size limited to 12)

NEW An Improv Adventure with Debra Robert & Heather Klemanski

Join us as we embrace improv (making things up), games, story building, and learning to work as a team... with a dash of mindfulness for good measure. No experience needed to  "Choose Your Own Adventure." Come with an open mind and participate at your own level of comfort. Say yes and ...! 

Two-day minis

Art and Mindfulness with Catherine Woods

Experience creativity in a quiet and introspective environment, where we will not only explore new mediums, but also our own thoughts about the creative process. (Age 12 and up)

NEW Food, Glorious Food! with Donna and Frank Miller-Small

This learning adventure explores the joys and challenges of food. We jumpstart our conversations about memories, diet, the environment, and more,  through film clips and read-aloud stories. We enliven our experience through music, art, experiential, and creative activities. (Age 15 and up - class size limited to 15)        

Late Night Dance with David Sherman 

 From late night dancing to the New Year’s Eve after-party. Come learn some of the dances that everyone else seems to know and enjoy so much. Dances will include a variety of circle, couple, and line dances that are all part of that repertoire.  This two day mini is open to all. No prior dance experience required. (Age 11 and up)                                                                                          

Percussion Circle with Dan Nicholson

A percussion circle expands a drum circle beyond just drums! You’ll experience a micro-community - an improvisational conversation in which everyone has a voice and a chance to listen. We'll start with simple beats and grow as a group. No experience necessary. Share a favorite drum of any size, a can with rocks in it, a cowbell, or nothing. We'll find things to jam with! (Age 12 and up)

Personal Stories with Robin Bady

Experience the skills and the confidence to craft ordinary life experiences into compelling narratives. By the end of the workshop, you will have at least two fabulous and unique stories, and a process to keep on telling the stories people will want to hear, and that you want to tell.  (Appropriate for ages 9 and up and families)

Children's Program with Tim Siftar

Why should the grown ups have all the fun? Kids 5-11 get their own space to play cooperative games, sing, dance, and craft together. They might even take a field trip to one of the kid-friendly classes. Tim is a master at engaging the younger set, and like all ECRS classes, the nature of the group will determine the specifics of the class.