When you think of pursuing the creative arts, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s perfecting your acting and singing abilities, writing the next award-winning script, becoming the creative director behind the scenes doing costuming and makeup, or learning how to capture the perfect moment through a lens. What you may not have considered is that indulging in the creative arts helps to build character and self-confidence. From social communication and collaboration skills to leadership and public speaking skills, choosing to participate in visual, performing, and digital arts is proven to be beneficial to personal growth. At JDS Studios there is an array of classes that JDS Creative Academy offers to fill a void that may be missing in some youth, teen, and adult lives.
Every semester JDS Creative Academy (JDSCA) launches its new season of visual, performing, and digital arts classes. Their scriptwriting, fashion design, photography, musical theatre, acting, and spooky “Haunted Studio” courses provide not only the opportunity to learn a new talent, skill and/or continue to pursue a passion, but also an opportunity to grow into one’s truest self. The #JDSFamily strives to create a positive outlet and learning environment. In our day-to-day lives, there can often be a lack of opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone.
JDSCA helps by creating a safe place to enjoy that experience. JDSCA’s scriptwriting class provides students with the professional guidance and judge-free environment needed to develop their personal projects and writing skills. While the experience will help students familiarize themselves with topics such as story structure, theme, dialogue, formatting, and other fundamentals, students also gain the tenacity to make their work known.
Students collaborate with their peers while creating an open environment to build confidence in their work. At the conclusion of the class, students share their scripts as actors perform their newly written words at the winter showcase. Scriptwriting classes begin on Monday, August 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aspiring photographers will have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of digital photography with creative hands-on projects from an industry professional. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with the techniques and artistry of digital photography needed to take professional photos to the next level.
Through the class, students will be able to take control of their backstage, and stage and special-effects makeup. Fashion and backstage production provide skills in logistics while giving an artistic outlet for self-expression and boosting self-esteem.
As students learn the ins and outs of working behind the scenes of a stage production, The Haunted Studio, JDSCA’s hands-on haunted house fundraiser, continues to get spookier each year! Students create new bonds and friendships while designing, building, and executing a full-scale haunted house that takes over the entire studio. The collaborative experience helps students gain a better understanding of the arts and themselves. Participants walk away with boosted self-confidence which they can utilize to be more sociable in their traditional school environment. The Haunted Studio is open to the public and takes place on Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Come out to support it since it’s also a fundraiser to raise money for the nonprofit scholarship program. All designers, builders, and haunters join us on Wednesday, September 28 at 5 p.m to be behind the thrills and chills.
The #JDSFamily prides itself on creating an inclusive environment that encourages students from all walks of life and all levels of experience to learn creative arts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, JDS Creative Academy welcomes you! Fall classes are now enrolling. To sign up or learn about scholarships to assist with the cost of classes and enrollment, visit JDSCreativeAcademy.org or call (951) 296–6715.