Christopher Paragone, Executive Director of the new center, is no stranger to Mobile’s arts community. As owner and director of Sunnyside Theater, Chris brought exciting new stage productions and innovative theater to the Mobile area. Thanks to his foresight, parents can now enroll their children and themselves in a variety of arts classes under one roof! If you've been playing the running-between-activities game, this is your opportunity to catch your breath, even take a class yourself.
My writing classes are for adults, children, and teens. The classes are for those who love to write, those who hate to write, and those who want to improve their writing. Below is a brief outline of each. Classes last are $45 a month unless marked differently. Monday/Wednesday classes are limited to 10 students each and last one hour.
Imagination Writing 3rd - 5th grades Mon. - 3:30
Imagination Writing 6th - 8th grades Mon. - 4:45
I Lost My Noun! 9th - 12th grades Mon. - 6:00
I Hate Writing! 3rd - 5th grades Wed. - 3:30
I Hate Writing! 6th - 8th grades Wed. - 4:45
Jet Pets 9th - 12th grades Wed. - 6:00
Adult Creative Writing Fri. - 12:00 (brown bag: 45 minutes)
ACT/SAT Bootcamp 9th - 12th grades Sat. 10:00 - 12:00 $70 per month
Creative Writing for Adults (18+) Sat. 1:00 - 3:00 $70 per month This is the first in a series.
Imagination Writing: Classes foster the healthy use of imagination through both independent and collaborative writing projects. The program incorporates the parts of speech in a fun way, assisting participants to improve written schoolwork, enhance reading comprehension, understand sentence structure, and build vocabulary in a relaxed environment. The curriculum includes creative activities specific to the grade levels. Speed is not the goal. Having fun with words is!
I Hate Writing! Through word games and collaborative writing projects, this class explores writing as it relates to the creation of animated movies, television, and games. Children participate in hands-on activities, discovering their potential to express themselves through the written word. In a safe environment—where innovation fosters a love of learning—children build their writing skills.
I Lost My Noun! This class is for students who want to strengthen their writing skills and improve their grades at school (not just in English.) An emphasis on the importance of good writing skills in relationship to their high school experience and future careers is the focus. Activities build the skills needed for the ACT/SAT exams. In a no-pressure environment, they work both independently and in collaborative projects to have fun with words and explore the possibilities.
Jet Pets: If passing English and writing classes is a struggle for your child, they will enjoy mastering a few techniques to make life easier. If they love writing and breeze through English and writing classes, they will have a ton of fun stretching their creativity to write on the subjects of their choice. The class focuses on how to write a cohesive piece of creative fiction and a short piece of non-fiction.
ACT/SAT Boot Camp: Prepares students to take the writing and reading comprehension portions of the ACT and SAT tests. Differences between the two tests are addressed. Emphasis is on specific styles of writing. Realistic test questions are part of the curriculum. Feedback on writing skills is designed to build the student’s confidence. 9th and 10th graders benefit by improving their written schoolwork in addition to early preparation for the ACT and SAT exams.
Adult Classes: (age 18 & up) To learn the craft of writing, one needs to do two things frequently: read and write. Just as artists and musicians learn their craft by studying the work of the masters, accomplished writers do the same. This series of creative writing classes begins with a look at the genres of fiction and the conventions that define them. Students will read a mix of classic and contemporary work, including short stories and begin to identify characterization, point of view, setting, and plot. Writing exercises will include a few surprises. Beginners are welcome. Textbook: Creating Fiction: Edited by Julie Checkoway, 1st Edition
Please contact me with any questions. I welcome your comments. Mahala
