*NO CLASS MONDAY 9/21*

Explore the political, social, and cultural forces that gave rise to the radical 19th-century art movement Impressionism. From revolution and nationalism to the changing role of artists and writers, discover the history behind one of the world's most enduring artistic movements. 

Presenter: Steve Pollack lectures on culture, history, music and art in area schools, libraries, and community & continuing education groups.

*NO CLASS MONDAY 9/21*

Study the importance of shape, value, and composition, and learn to draw from studio setups and photographs. Open to all skill levels. Required supplies: drawing pencils and 9" × 12" drawing paper. 

Presenter: Jackie Drewes is a former art school recruiter who has studied with various oils, pastels and watercolor artists.

Discover the exciting world of Big Bands—large jazz ensembles featuring saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section. Explore their evolution while listening to legendary bands led by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, and more. Bring your dancing shoes—or just tap along to the beat!

Presenter: Jeff Thomas grew up in a home filled with Big Band music, played trombone in jazz bands, and remains a devoted fan of Maynard Ferguson. He has written and led numerous music and entertainment courses and looks forward to sharing this musical journey with you.

Through readings and class discussions, this survey of Wallace Stevens' poetry will confirm his place as one of the 20th century's most important American poets of the Modernist era.

Presenter: Jerry Burnsteel (BA, English, Penn State; MA & PhD, Bowling Green State University) is a former assistant professor of English who taught composition and honors courses. He has taught at community colleges and undergraduate institutions in Michigan and Pennsylvania (including Penn State Abington) and served as a Lecturer in Management Communication at Harvard Business School.

An energetic, evocative journey through the history of disco from its roots in 1940s Paris and the clubs of Europe and the United States through its 21st-century revival and lasting global influence. Along the way, enjoy music, videos, and images that bring the era to life, highlighting the fashion, iconic dance styles, and cultural climate that defined the disco age.

Presenter: Mike Kaufman is a Temple University graduate in Radio-TV-Film with a lifelong passion for music and dance trends. He worked as a mobile disc jockey in the Delaware Valley, on WKTK-FM in Catonsville, MD, and programmed music for Maryland’s Dimples Disco. His background in club and radio music informs his enduring interest in disco and dance culture.

Explore acting techniques as well as develop essential skills that include focus, confidence, creativity, and critical thinking. Participants will have the opportunity to work on acting techniques through monologue and scene study. Special attention will be given to text analysis, character development, and delivery skills to gain applicable skills for audition, rehearsal, and performance processes. ALL LEVELS WELCOME.

Presenter: Retired UDSD theater teacher Debbie Thompson was a professional actress and cabaret performer, and is a founding member of the Upper Dublin Adult Community Players and Everybody’s Theater Company (ETC).

Jazz draws on African musical traditions and developed in the United States, especially in places like New Orleans, as a uniquely American art form. Today, it is performed around the world, with musicians building on its roots while adding their own local styles and influences. In this course, we’ll listen to jazz from different countries and explore how the music continues to evolve globally.

Presenter: John Banger has taught jazz classes in the Delaware Valley area for more than 10 years, on topics including “Jazz Vocalists”, “Masters of Jazz”, “Understanding and Listening to Jazz”, “Jazz and The Great American Songbook”, “From Bessie to Bebop, Brazil and Beyond", Active Jazz Listening for the Non-Musician” and “Jazz Around the World”.

Improvisation is more than just games—it’s a fun way to boost creativity, adaptability, and connection. Through engaging games, you'll sharpen your thinking, enhance collaboration, and rediscover the joy of play in everyday life.

Presenter: Jess Carpenter is passionate about improv, which he explored for fun and comedy. He created the award-winning “Comedian Deconstruction” format. As an instructor, he fosters a fun safe environment. Jess helps people embrace unpredictability, better communication, enhance personal relationships and learn to have fun again!