ADULT PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION
Classes may be canceled by the Arts Center if minimum enrollment is not met. In this case, participants will be notified at least 24 hours in advance and issued a full refund. Participant cancellations require at least 48 hours’ notice to receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance or for no-shows.
List of Services
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From Nervous to Natural: The Stage Confidence Workshop | Ages 15+
Monday, May 18th | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Instructor: Skyler Matthias
This class is designed to help you develop the confidence and presence needed to stand tall and articulate your ideas effectively in front of any audience. Skyler Matthias, owner of Gunnison Valley Entertainment, a wedding DJ company based out of Gunnison will teach practical techniques to overcome stage fright, engage listeners, and communicate with impact. Whether you're a beginner, a leader, or a seasoned public speaker, you'll leave with actionable skills to make your voice heard and inspire others.
Location: GAC Blue Box Theatre
$25 | Non-Member
$21 | Member
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The Art of Burlesque | Ages 18+
8 Wednesdays, June 17th - August 5th | 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Step into a fun, empowering burlesque class designed to build confidence, creativity, and stage presence in a supportive, welcoming space. Open to all experience levels, this class explores classic burlesque movement, playful choreography, and the art of the tease while encouraging you to find your own unique style. Whether you’re here to try something new or refine your performance skills, you’ll leave feeling bold, expressive, and inspired.
Participants who are interested will also have the opportunity to perform in the GAC’s first-ever Burlesque show in August 2026—an exciting chance to take the stage and celebrate your growth!
Location: GAC Dance Studio
Instructor: Audrey Zahradka
$170 - Member | $200 - Non-Member
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Write On! | Ages 14+
4 Tuesdays, July 28th - August 8th | 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Write On! is a fun, welcoming creative writing class designed to spark imagination and build confidence on the page. Open to all experience levels, this class explores prompts, storytelling techniques, and creative exercises to help you find your voice and develop your ideas. Whether you’re interested in fiction, poetry, or personal writing, you’ll enjoy a supportive space to experiment, share (if you’d like), and keep the words flowing.
Location: GAC Art Classroom
Instructor: Ally Levise
$55.25 - Member | $65 - Non-Member
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Introduction to Clowning | Ages 15+
2 Separate Sessions - Thursdays, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
August 6th OR August 27th
Step into the playful, unpredictable world of clowning with instructor Skyler Matthias. This introductory class explores the fundamentals of clown—physical comedy, presence, and finding your unique sense of humor—in a supportive, low-pressure environment. This is not an audition. Truly—anyone is welcome in the Valley of Fools Clown Troupe. This class is simply a chance to see if clowning sparks something for you, and if you might want to be part of future creations. If you’ve seen Valley of Fools before, think of this as a way to step a little closer. We’re planning another show in Spring 2027, and this is one path to getting involved—no pressure, no expectations. Clowning is about being yourself. So come as you are, ready to play, be a little vulnerable, and maybe surprise yourself.
Location: GAC Blue Box Theatre
Instructor: Skyler Matthias
$21.25 - Member | $25/class - Non-Member
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Mapping Your Story | Ages 15+
Friday - Sunday, August 21st - 23rd | 10:00 - 3:00 PM
Enjoy a three-day summer writing workshop at the Gunnison Arts Center exploring the connection between story and place. Through writing, discussion, a visit to the Pioneer Museum, and a guided walking tour of Gunnison, you’ll find inspiration everywhere. Open to writers of all genres, this workshop is perfect for developing new ideas—just bring writing materials, sunscreen, and walking shoes for Saturday.
Led by Paul Edwards, Professor Emeritus at Western Colorado University and an accomplished playwright whose work has been performed across Colorado’s Central Rockies.
Please bring snack/packed lunch!
Location: GAC Art Classroom
Instructor: Paul Edwards
$97.75 - Member | $115 - Non-Member
