Exciting news! June Wilson is bringing her Color Workshop to the MAC! If you are an artist who would like to learn how to use the color wheel as a tool, how to get the most out of your paints and how to mix vibrant colors, this workshop is for you! Whether you are a beginner, or a more seasoned painter, this workshop will help you improve your painting. The two-hour experience will include a lecture, instruction and hands-on practice with shades, tints,and color mixing using the “double primary” theory. All supplies will be included. June has taught painting at the University level for over thirty years at a number of institutions including Monmouth University, Ocean County College and Brookdale Community College. She currently teaches painting on Tuesday nights at the MAC. Pre-registration suggested.
Due to the rain, we’ve moved the Middletown Eggstravaganza to Mon, Mar 25 from 5-7 pm! 🐰 Hop on over for a Spring-filled, family fun day of crafts, activities, flower planting, art-making with Doodle Dude and Miss Fish, photos with the Easter Bunny and more! Event is indoors/outdoors. NO EGG HUNT HERE.
The Middletown Arts Center and Ugly Pancake Productions present Comedy at the MAC, starring New Jersey’s own The Garden State Guyz (Chip Ambrogio, Donna Lloyd, Tim Rager, Andrew Rich) with hosts Joe Borzotta and Angelo Gingerelli.
Monday Night Music Club at the MAC celebrates enduring concert films from the likes of David Bowie, Prince, Led Zeppelin and more. Brookdale Public Radio 90.5 The Night air personalities serve as your hosts, starting the evening off with a brief discussion about that evening’s film.
ABOUT THE LAST WALTZ Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Last Waltz chronicles what was billed as the farewell concert by The Band. Recorded on Thanksgiving Day in 1976 at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom, special guests included Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Paul Butterfield, Van Morrison, Ronnie Wood, Neil Young, and more.
The Last Waltz has been hailed as one of the greatest concert documentaries of all time and was enshrined in the Library of Congress in 2019.
Runtime: 116 minutes | PG |1978 Director: Martin Scorcese Studio: United Artists
NOTE: Tickets are General Admission. Seating is first-come, first-serve. If you require accessible seating, please call the Box Office at 732-706-4100 and we will happily accommodate you and reserve your seat!
Join us for our March singer-songwriters showcase featuring Shotgun Bill Anania, Gwynn Alden, Paul During and Karen Cutinello Kamenetsky. The concert will take place in the MAC’s theater.
SHOTGUN BILL is…Bill Anania, singer-songwriter from Middletown, NJ. You’ll find him playing events and venues in the Monmouth County area. From 2012–17, Shotgun Bill collaborated with Frank Patrouch in Frank and Bill, releasing three CD projects: Frank Patrouch’s “Whiskey and Revenge”, Frank & Bill’s “One Good Line” and Frank & Bill’s “Unplugged and Uncouth”. In 2016, Shotgun Bill released his first solo CD, ” The B-Sides”, and followed this CD with his sophomore release in 2017, “Train Cars, Prison Bars…and a White Guitar”, working with his friend Scott “Tango Kid” Yetka. In April 2019, he released “Shotgun Bill with the Tango Kid- Lonesome Cowboys”, followed by “Quarantined” in the fall of 2020 and “Lack of Luxury” in the summer of 2021. Recently, Shotgun Bill with the Tango Kid was nominated for the 2022 Indie Music Channel Awards for “Best Americana Artist”. All titles are available on Itunes, Amazon, Band Camp, CD Baby and Spotify.
Starting at age six, GWYNNE ALDEN began singing in choir, plays, school and church. Her love for music developed even more strongly when she picked up the guitar at age 14 and began writing songs. Throughout college, her dedication to songwriting grew and recorded two albums. Upon graduating, she took her country music dream to Nashville and spent a year in Music City, writing, performing and growing as a singer, artist and human. Since 2020, she has moved back to NJ and put out an EP recorded in Nashville, “Somewhere Between Nashville and Jersey”. She currently is working on an album and frequently returns to Nashville to record and play gigs. You can find more info on Gwynne at Gwynne Alden Music on Facebook, Gwynne Alden on Instagram and Gwynne Alden on Spotify.
PAUL DURING is an avid music listener and supporter of original music. He began playing guitar at a young age, playing with a few basement bands. Then, in his late 50s, he returned to music, joining in song circles, writing and performing. Some people have classified his musical compositions as a form of Prog Rock. He is a huge fan of the Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin. Much of his influences have come from Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Renaissance, Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull.
KAREN CUTINELLO KAMENETSKY
SPRING 2024 SESSION: MARCH 12 – APRIL 23, 2024 (6 CLASSES) $120
Under the expert instruction of experienced artist and teacher, June Wilson, adult participants in this special EVENING session will be taught to use paints (either oil or acrylic) and will be instructed on color, form, and space. Since this is a WORKSHOP, the instruction is individualized. This workshop is for all levels from the rank beginner to professional artists and teachers who come for feedback in an environment conducive to serious study.
Space is limited and we expect this class to fill up quickly, so REGISTER TODAY!
After the INCREDIBLE response to our inaugural sessions this Fall and Winter, we are THRILLED to be expanding our MAC Dance Academy classes this Spring!
Under the expert instruction of renowned Dancer and instructor Andrea Wachholtz, The MAC Dance Academy offers classes across all genres using a model of “teaching without judgment in a structured environment” that focuses on empowering and enabling students through creative and educational methods… all in our beautiful new state of the art dance studio!
Classical ballet classes structured from a syllabus combining Andrea’s teachings along with those of American Ballet Theatre. Students are placed within age appropriate levels. Evaluations will be conducted twice a year in regards to technique and emotional and physical growth allowing Andrea to make any level adjustments necessary.
NEW! PRIMARY BALLET (ages 5-6)
April 10 – June 12 | WEDNESDAYS 4:30-5:30pm
10 CLASSES: Members: $150, Non-members: $170
BALLET I (ages 7-8)
April 10 – June 12 | WEDNESDAYS 5:45-6:45pm
10 CLASSES: Members: $150, Non-members: $170
BALLET II (ages 9-11)
April 8 – June 10 (No class May 27) | MONDAYS 4:15-5:15pm
9 CLASSES: Members: $135, Non-members: $155
BALLET III (ages 12+)
April 8 – June 10 (No class May 27) | MONDAYS 5:30-6:30pm
9 CLASSES: Members: $135, Non-members: $155
JUST DANCE
(JAZZ / CONTEMPORARY / MUSICAL THEATER)
If your child is a born performer, then this class is for them! Andrea brings to these classes her expertise as a performer, choreographer, teacher, coach and national judge. A routine in either musical theater, jazz or contemporary dance is learned and studied over a few weeks. The students will then attend class as if it were an audition, where they will perform the learned routine and get detailed feedback on their performance quality, artistry, technique, musicality, knowledge of the choreography and more in a positive, nurturing and supportive environment. Afterwards there will be a group discussion to review and understand their strengths and opportunities for improvement. The following week, the process begins all over again with a new routine!
JUST DANCE I (ages 7-10) | April 9 – June 11 | TUESDAYS 4:15-5:15pm
JUST DANCE II (ages 11-14) | April 9 – June 11 | TUESDAYS5:30-6:30pm
LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748
April 6 – June 1 (no class May 25) | Saturdays: 9:00am – 10:00am (8 classes)
This fun and engaging class was specially designed for younger beginning dancers, ages 3-6. Students will be introduced to the fundamental building blocks of movement, rhythm/musicality, as well as begin to create movement of their own. Students will develop understanding of movement concepts, flexibility, balance, and coordination through specific ballet-based movements and creative exploration. Princeton Ballet School (PBS) is known for nurturing developing dancers in a safe and progressive way. As a result, PBS students develop self-esteem, self-discipline, and a strong fitness level that will provide a powerful edge in any future endeavor.
Uniform:
Girls uniform color: Pink Girls ballet slippers and tights: Pink or skin tone Boys uniform color: White shirt, black tights Boys ballet slippers and tights: Black
LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748
April 6 – June 1 (no class May 25) | Saturdays: 10:00am – 11:00 am (8 classes)
This fun and engaging class was specially designed for dancers, ages 7-9. Students will be introduced to the fundamental building blocks of ballet technique and movement. Students will develop understanding of movement concepts, flexibility, balance, and coordination through ballet movements and creative exploration. Princeton Ballet School (PBS) is known for nurturing developing dancers in a safe and progressive way. As a result, PBS students develop self-esteem, self-discipline, and a strong fitness level that will provide a powerful edge in any future endeavor.
Uniform:
Girls uniform color: Black Girls ballet slippers and tights: Pink or skin tone Boys uniform color: White shirt, black tights Boys ballet slippers and tights: Black
“Mommy and Me” Music and Movement Classes with Lisa Zwerin | Ages: 0-4*
*no charge for a second child!
LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748
April 11 – May 30 | Thursdays: 10:00 – 10:45 am (8 classes)
What is Zumbini you ask? An incredible and sweet 45 minute music and movement experience, expertly designed to be developmentally appropriate for children 0-4 years old with a caregiver. Every class includes dancing, singing and playing instruments to create a special bonding experience for all involved: including caregiver to child, child-to-child, and caregiver to caregiver. The class focuses on energy, FUN, and play to contribute towards the natural development of cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills.
with Elizabeth Schettini Sowell, Master Fine Artist | Ages 10+
LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748
This Winter, students of all ages can immerse themselves in a special program taught by Master Artist, Elizabeth Schettini Sowell. The program is designed to take students through the fundamentals of drawing, sculpture, printmaking and painting in such a way that they will graduate the program with the solid foundation needed to be successful at making art, both personally and professionally. The life-changing class will guide students in a progression of skills, building a solid foundation for all art with strong technical skills. Students will draw from life and from their imagination while they progress to Intermediate Drawing then Sculpture, Printmaking and Painting as they develop and hone art skills while learning the language of art.
A great class for students who are serious about their art and want to develop their skills to advance. Led by Master Artist, Elizabeth Schettini Sowell, students begin at their personal level and with individual guidance will advance and perfect the foundational building blocks of art to create work they are proud of. Students will use different media, learn the technique of group and self-critique to build a strong portfolio.
A great class for students who are serious about their art and want to develop their skills and advance. Led by Master Artist, and former college Professor, Elizabeth Schettini Sowell. Students begin at their personal level and with individualized guidance and attention learn and perfect the foundational building blocks of art to create work they are proud of. Students will use different media, learn the technique of group and self-critique to build a strong portfolio.
LOCATION: MAC ANNEX – 121 Kings Highway, Middletown NJ 07748
April 8 – June 3 ( no class May 27) | MONDAYS: (8 classes) CLASS 1: 4:00 – 5:00 pm CLASS 2: 5:15 – 6:15 pm
For those little artists who just LOVE to PAINT and CREATE! Under the loving and expert direction of Miss Fish students will use watercolors to make beautiful paintings and make AMAZING art pieces and craft projects with clay, cray pas, paper and more! Students will love these classes run by legendary art educator, Miss Fish, who will stir the imagination and bring out the creative best in every child! Each week, students will learn new tips for painting and create their own masterpieces! Supplies included.
LOCATION: MAC ANNEX – 121 Kings Highway, Middletown NJ 07748
April 10 – June 5 | Wednesdays: 4:00 – 5:00 pm (9 classes)
For those older artists (ages 8-12)! Under the loving and expert direction of Miss Fish, students study the elements of art and the creative process in this hands on, multi–media class. Learn about art fundamentals such as line, shape, composition, and color. Students will explore a variety of materials including graphite, charcoal, pastel, paint, and more. Students will love these classes run by legendary art educator, Miss Fish, who will stir the imagination and bring out the creative best in every child! Each week, students will learn new tips for painting and create their own masterpieces! Supplies included.
LOCATION: MAC ANNEX – 121 Kings Highway, Middletown NJ 07748
April 8 – June 3 (no class May 27) | Mondays: 4:00 – 5:00 pm (8 classes)
We will have a blast working with clay and creating crazy, cool kawaii and cartoon characters while learning about the greatest cartoonists and clay animators of all time! What you create will AMAZE you! No one art to life like Art Kaney, the Doodle Dude! From the cute and cool, to the crazy, and from the basics to more advanced techniques, the Doodle Dude will educate, entertain and inspire!
LOCATION: MAC ANNEX – 121 Kings Highway, Middletown NJ 07748
April 10 – June 5 | Wednesdays: 4:00 – 5:00 pm (9 classes)
Let’s learn how to draw Roblox, Minecraft and Pokémon characters, but also create and design our own. We will work on character development and work with many different media including paint, clay, Glow in the dark paint, oil pastels and more. Let’s get off the video games and on to the drawing board! Gaming party last day of class! No one brings art and painting to life like Art Kaney, the Doodle Dude! From the cute and cool, to the crazy, and from the basics to more advanced techniques, the Doodle Dude will educate, entertain and inspire!
NEW! Painting-palooza with Doodle Dude! | Ages 5-12
LOCATION: MAC ANNEX – 121 Kings Highway, Middletown NJ 07748
April 11 – June 6 | Thursdays: 4:00 – 5:00 pm (9 classes)
Get creative with the Doodle Dude who will introduce you to the awesome world of painting in his unique way. Let your imagination run wild while you have a blast working with watercolors, acrylics, gouache and even glow in the dark paint! No one brings art and painting to life like Art Kaney, the Doodle Dude! From the cute and cool, to the crazy, and from the basics to more advanced techniques, the Doodle Dude will educate, entertain and inspire!
SPRING BROADWAY SHOWCASE with Kathy Connolly | Ages 9-12
LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748
April 10 – June 12 | Wednesdays: 5:00 – 7:00 pm (10 classes)
Under expert instruction of award-winning director and professional theater teaching artist, Kathy Connolly, students will explore their creativity and develop skills and confidence in a nurturing and fun environment. Using a professional conservatory approach, each week, students will receive individual classes in acting, improvisation, voice and dance, and then apply these lessons to rehearse for a final performance, which will include a showcase of Broadway’s best songs and dances. Parents will receive two free tickets to the performance. Additional tickets are available at $10 each.
Performance Date: Wednesday, June 12 at 7:00 pm
10 CLASSES: Price: Members – $465 | Non-Members – $495
NEW! Spring Mini-Musical Theater Intensive with Kathy Connolly | Ages 6-9
LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748
April 10 – June 12 | Thursdays: 4:00 – 6:00 pm (10 classes)
This exciting class is for younger performers ages 6-9. Using a professional conservatory approach, the students will take individual classes in Acting, Dance, Improv, Scenic Design and Voice. Under the expert instruction of award winning Director and teaching artist, Kathy Connolly and our team of professional theater artists, and visiting Master Class presenters, the students will explore their creativity and develop their confidence and skills in a fun and nurturing environment!
LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748
April 12 – June 14 | Fridays: 4:00 – 5:30 pm (10 classes)
In this fun and exciting 1.5 hour class, students will study the fundamentals of acting technique and theater through theater games, scene work and improvisation. Under the expert instruction of award-winning Director and Teaching Artist, Kathy Connolly, students will work on monologues and scenes in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. While the focus is always on fun, this class also has wonderful additional benefits including; strengthened self-esteem, improved reading comprehension, and the continuing development of positive social skills.
LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748
April 12 – June 14 | Fridays: 4:00 – 5:00 pm (10 classes)
Students will have a blast and build confidence exploring theater games, storytelling, improv & more! Under the nurturing instruction of NJ performer and Teaching Artist, Felicia Russell (a proud MAC alum!), students will learn the fundamentals of acting technique and theater in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Students will also get guest instruction from award-winning Director and Teaching Artist, Kathy Connolly, to work on monologues and scenes and even collaborate to create new short pieces together!
Private In-Person Piano or Voice Lessons with Miss Peggy! | ALL AGES
Voice and Piano teacher Peggy Saxton is offering private in-person lessons at the MAC!
Start playing songs or singing better from your very first lesson! Under Miss Peggy’s nurturing instruction, you’ll learn to read, understand, and create beautiful music from day one!
No matter what your skill level is, in these 30 or 60 minute sessions, students will learn a combination of exercises and approaches to improve confidence, proper technique, and overall musicality.
Miss Peggy makes learning piano or voice accessible and fun for everyone!
LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748
March 21 – May 30 (no class May 16) | Thursdays: 10:30 am – 11:45 am (10 classes)
Would you like to reduce stress? Do you want to grow your creativity? If so, this 75 minute class taught by published author and certified yoga instructor, Mimi Cross, is for you!
We begin Relaxing into Writing with a centering warm up consisting of gentle stretches and attention to breath, followed by a guided 15 to 20-minute deep relaxation meditation. In this state of relaxation and body awareness, we learn how to sense blocks within the body through a technique called scanning. After the body scan, we transition from relaxing to writing, with the intention of transforming blocks into stories.If you write, or want to write, learning how tension, tightness, and holding in your body can translate into this special type of treasure will support you.
When time allows, participants will be invited to share their writing, however, sharing is not required!
Materials needed: 1 full size 8×10 or 8×11 notebook. A favorite pen or pencil.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and feel free to bring a blanket or cushion.
No previous experience with meditation or creative writing necessary!
LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748
April 6 – June 15 (no class Apr 13)I Saturdays: 8:30 am – 9:30 am (10 classes)
This gentle but stimulating Yoga class will allow individuals of all levels and fitness experiences to engage in the practice of Yoga. Yoga is an ancient form of full body exercise that focuses on core strength, balance, control, and breath. Exercises can be modified for injuries and all bodies. No previous experience required. Please bring a mat.
Mimi, a 200+ hour certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor, is an author, songwriter, and Arts educator as well as the creator of Body of Writing, a practice that adds an additional dimension to the traditional mind-body-spirit discipline of yoga: story. She’s been teaching people of all ages yoga and music since 2001, both privately and in various studios in the Two River region of Monmouth County. To learn more, please visit www.mimicross.com.
Mondays 7:00-8:00pm | April 8 – June 10 Wednesdays 7:00-8:00pm | April 10 – June 12
10 CLASSES: Members: $150, Non-members: $170
Combining her extensive classical ballet training and professional teaching experience, Andrea brings us a class filled with detailed and comprehensive movement. MOVE with Andrea Wachholtz is designed to improve your strength, balance, flexibility and joint mobility. This class will also help decrease stress, improve your mood and your sleep. The class will be taught in a mixed level format. Focusing on classical ballet, exercises will also be taken from Pilates, Barre and Yoga bringing together this creative class. The main goal of this class is to help every student individually within the group to feel good inside and out! Beginners are welcomed and advanced students will be challenged.
with Elizabeth Schettini Sowell, Master Fine Artist
LOCATION: MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER – 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748
This Winter, students of all ages can immerse themselves in a special program taught by Master Artist, Elizabeth Schettini Sowell. The program is designed to take students through the fundamentals of drawing, sculpture, printmaking and painting in such a way that they will graduate the program with the solid foundation needed to be successful at making art, both personally and professionally. The life-changing class will guide students in a progression of skills, building a solid foundation for all art with strong technical skills. Students will draw from life and from their imagination while they progress to Intermediate Drawing then Sculpture, Printmaking and Painting as they develop and hone art skills while learning the language of art.
Participate with other artists in a 3 hour art working session dedicated to your artwork in any Visual Fine-Art Medium. You will be welcome in a space made just for art-making and have an opportunity to choose from two different life set-ups (every week) from which to create work. This is a semi-informal work session where instructioal help is available if needed.
Self-Critique and Group Critique are both available, as is portfolio building. Beginners will be supplied with a materials list to start off on Drawing, Sculpture, Printmaking and Painting.
Give yourself the gift of time… Bring your materials, brushes, etc. and use our easels and tables to make your work. If you choose, a monthly challenge will be presented to inspire you to create.
The work sessions will be administered by Master Artist Elizabeth Sowell-Zak.
A great class for students who are serious about their art and want to develop their skills and advance. Led by Master Artist, and former college Professor, Elizabeth Schettini Sowell. Students begin at their personal level and with individualized guidance and attention learn and perfect the foundational building blocks of art to create work they are proud of. Students will use different media, learn the technique of group and self-critique to build a strong portfolio.
Painting workshop participants will be taught to use paints (either oil or acrylic) and will be instructed on color, form, and space. Since this is a WORKSHOP, the instruction is individualized and Grace strongly believes that her job is to teach people “to see” the subtlety and nuances of what makes a good work of art in a fresh and original way.
This workshop is for all levels from the rank beginner to professional artists and teachers who come for feedback in an environment conducive to serious study.
This session will be held indoors.
Space is limited and we expect these classes to fill up quickly, so REGISTER TODAY!
SPRING Painting Workshop | Grace Graupe-Pillard
SPRING 2024 Evening Painting Workshop | June Wilson
Under the expert instruction of experienced artist and teacher, June Wilson, adult participants in this special EVENING session will be taught to use paints (either oil or acrylic) and will be instructed on color, form, and space. Since this is a WORKSHOP, the instruction is individualized. This workshop is for all levels from the rank beginner to professional artists and teachers who come for feedback in an environment conducive to serious study.
Space is limited and we expect this class to fill up quickly, so REGISTER TODAY!
TUESDAYS 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Watch TROLLS Band Together and make crafts! Pizza, drinks and snacks are included at all Club MAC events.
FILLS UP FAST! Ages 4+. Preregistration required, no refunds. Please note this is a drop off event for children only.
Celebrate the Circle of Life in this timeless story of courage, friendship, and destiny.
Based on the 1994 Disney animated feature film of the same name and William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Lion King is the story of Simba, an adventurous and energetic lion cub who is next in line to be king of the Pride Lands, a thriving and beautiful region in the African savanna. When Simba’s father Mufasa is killed by his uncle Scar, though, Simba is led to believe that his father’s death is his fault, and he is encouraged to run away forever. Scar seizes power and with his already unstable mind deteriorating, the Pride Lands experiences a darkness and desolation from which only Simba can save the animals of the kingdom. Featuring classic songs from the film such as “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” The Lion King is a story and a spectacle about identity, family, and responsibility that is enjoyed worldwide by people of all ages.