Community Education Courses for Fall 2024
Fall 2024 Classes
Rise and Shine Yoga
Non-judgmental, safe and fun, Gentle Hatha Yoga is a non- intimidating, relaxing practice, applying moderate stress to connective tissues (tendons, fascia, and ligaments), increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility and posture. This class does gentle sequences and guided meditation to increase awareness of the mind and body. Yoga meets us where we are in our bodies and minds. You will let go and discover a sense of wholeness.
Mon & Wed beginning 9/18 7-8am
$15 per session/ $120 10 sessions
Marci Stonehenge Bell Center Community Room (Room 225 on Sept. 25)
Book individual sessions here:
September 18 September 23 September 25 September 30
October 2 October 7 October 9 October 14 October 16
Exploration of Computer aided Drafting and Design
This course will focus on developing and refreshing Computer Aided Drafting skills and Problem-Solving strategies for two and three dimensional models and conceptual designs. In addition, we will do a cursory survey of free and open source software solutions and compare and contrast them with AutoCAD. Each class will take the students on through a series of simple hands-on in class projects exposing them to new software tools and model creation techniques. Topics will follow the interests of the students in the class.
Sat beginning 9/21 1-2pm
$20 per session/$150 10 sessions
Marci Stonehenge Room 219
Book individual sessions here:
September 21 September 28 October 5 October 12 October 19
October 26 November 2 November 9 November 16 November 23
Dance and Movement
In this 10-week course, students are guided to move their bodies from stillness into low-impact hip hop and modern dance routines. Emphasis on applying deep listening and emotions to moving with music. Students will be exposed to the process of choreography and learn how to apply gestures and variations they’ve created into improvisational mechanics. Each class will end with a yoga cool down stretch.
madame harlequin emerged in 2020 devoted to sharing love through entertainment, art, teaching and healing. she began studying and performing in the arts at age three. local to joshua tree, ca, madame harlequin often performs in the hi-desert area as a musician (singer, poetic lyricist and bassist), actress and dancer. she also creates as a visual artist and scriptwriter.
she has led her own music groups, toured solo, and played bass for bands and djs in nyc and joshua tree, and she is currently working on an exciting project about janis joplin. along with creating a live band, janis from beyond (featuring robbi rob), she is writing a fantasy biopic about janis’ imagined
healing in her afterlife.
recent performances include joshua tree music festival (may 2024), where she played original music, and her royal ball (june 2024) where she debuted a full set with janis from beyond. last year, she performed in excerpt scenes as puck from a midsummer night’s dream and cordelia from king lear. the show was produced by joshua tree shakespeare festival (dir. charlie parker) and performed at mon petit mojave.
from 2021-2023, she studied with pearlman acting academy (joseph pearlman and annie chang). last year, she completed summer watson’s vocal academy course for professionals. madame harlequin holds a ba in film from north carolina state university, and she is co-director of youth arts programming at the hi-desert cultural center where she collaborates with anne sholtz to provide arts and wellness classes, workshops, homeschooler programs, and summer camp to youth ages 5-17.
Wed beginning 9/18 9-10am
$150 10 sessions
Madame Harlequin Bell Center Community Room (9/18 – Public Safety Training Center Room 655, 9/25 – Room 225)
Vocal Technique
In this 10-week course, students are given the basic techniques of developing their singing voice. Madame Harlequin instructs the class on posture, use of diaphragm, accessing different ways to use the voice, weekly warm up practice, matching pitch, breath work, and performance tips. Students will use easy songs like familiar nursery rhymes or campfire tunes to practice new vocal methods and enhance their performance skills.
Wed beginning 9/18 10-11am
$150 10 sessions
Madame Harlequin Bell Center Community room
MotherSpeak: Tell me Your Story
Learn interviewing techniques used for Documenting the lives of Elders. Discover the art of interviewing techniques tailored for documenting the rich lives of elders. Immerse yourself in a transformative learning experience where you’ll gain valuable insights and skills to preserve and honor the stories of our elders. Book your spot now and embark on a journey of storytelling and cultural preservation.
JANE JARLSBERG IS A GRANDMOTHER, VIDEOGRAPHER, DOCUMENTARIAN AND GERONTOLOGIST WHO HAS BEEN INSPIRED BY PEOPLE SHE HAS INTERVIEWED OVER THE YEARS, WHEN THEY OPENED UP TO HER TELLING THEIR LIFE STORIES. JANE BELIEVES OUR LIVES ARE ENRICHED WHEN WE KNOW MORE ABOUT WHERE WE COME FROM AND OUR FAMILY ANCESTRY. INTERGENERATIONAL INTERACTION ALSO ENHANCES OUR LIFE EXPERIENCE. INTERVIEWING FAMILY MEMBERS OR OTHER INTERESTING PEOPLE IS A SKILL IMPROVED BY PRACTICE. “MOTHERSPEAK” WILL HELP STUDENTS BECOME MORE EFFECTIVE INTERVIEWERS AND CREATE SATISFYING DOCUMENTATION FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
Fri beginning 9/20 6-8pm $100 5 sessions
Jane Jarlsberg Room 102
Acting
In this 10-week course, students are offered the basic techniques of acting, including how to audition for stage or screen, stage and screen terminology, line memorization tools, character development, improvisation skills, and professional industry tips. Students are expected to learn a monologue or scene for a last class casual showcase.
Wed beginning 9/18 11am-12pm
$150 10 sessions
Madame Harlequin Bell Center Community Room
Beginning Film Acting
Welcome to Beginning Film Acting! This course is designed for aspiring actors who want to develop their craft and learn the essentials of acting for film. Whether you are new to acting or have some stage experience, this class will provide you with the foundational skills needed to perform confidently and convincingly on camera.
M/W beginning 9/18 6-8pm
$150 8 sessions
Book the eight session package
Mercedes Garcia Room 217
Beginning Film Directing
Welcome to Beginning Film Directing! This intensive two- month course is designed for aspiring filmmakers passionate about bringing stories to life through the art of directing.
Whether you are a novice or have some experience in film, this class will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to direct compelling films.
W beginning 9/18 8-9:30pm
$150 8 sessions
Book the eight session package
Mercedes Garcia Room 225
Screenwriting Basics Online
Step into the world of feature film screenwriting with our immersive course! Dive deep into the fundamental theory and artistry behind crafting captivating stories for the big screen. From mastering story structure to honing character development, conflict creation, scene crafting, and dialogue magic, this course covers it all. But we don’t stop at theory – you will be introduced to the screenwriting journey, from conception to completion. Learn how to breathe life into your ideas, from the initial premise to character exploration, treatments, step-outlines, preparing you for your first draft.
With collaborative workshops and expert guidance, you’ll not only grasp the essentials of screenwriting but emerge with the skills and confidence to embark on your own cinematic adventures. Unleash your creativity and script your way to success with our feature film screenwriting course!
Simon is an Instructor on the UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting, and Advanced Screenwriting at Hollins University MFA Program. He was a Senior Story Analyst for Amazon Studios, an Editorial Consultant at Netflix and is currently a reader for the Nicholl Fellowships.
His first feature film (that he co-wrote, produced and directed) SAVAGELAND won nine “Best Feature” awards from festivals including the Independent Filmmakers Showcase, Morbido Film Fest and Genre Blast. SAVAGELAND is currently distributed internationally via Terror Films, and is available on multiple platforms including Amazon Prime, Tubi, Shudder and Roku.
Simon is the recipient of the Harmony Gold Award in Excellence (2007) and the Jay Grossman Comedy Writing Award (2006).
His approach to teaching Screenwriting depends on the context; and in his new work with Copper Mountain College, he will be approaching foundational basics of the craft – three-act structure, character development, dialogue, theme – presented in an accessible (and gentle) manner. Much of the class time will be spent in open discussion and collaboration on specific pre-set assignments.
Mon beginning 9/23 6-8pm $99 5 sessions Simon Herbert
Screenwriting Basics ll Online
Mon beginning 10/28 6-8pm $99 5 sessions Simon Herbert
Intro to Screenwriting
Welcome to Intro to Screenwriting! This course is designed for aspiring writers who want to explore the fundamentals of screenwriting. Whether you have a passion for storytelling or are looking to break into the film industry, this class will provide you with the essential tools and techniques to craft compelling screenplays.
T beginning 9/17 8-9:30pm $150 8 sessions
Book the eight session package
Mercedes Garcia Room 101
from head to toe: What does my body say about my health ? English
This course offers an overview of key general concepts about human health and disease prevention. You will learn to communicate with your body and develop a better understanding is what your body needs and doesn’t need. The main objective is to develop awareness and increase your knowledge of how to help your body. Early detection of diseases is key to an early diagnosis and treatment. After the session you will have the option to have your blood pressure and vital signs checked.
Irma Bajit Room 102
Nombre del curso: De la cabeza a los pies – ¿Que dice mi cuerpo de mi salud? Spanish
Este curso ofrece una descripción general de conceptos claves acerca de la salud humanay la prevención de enfermedades. aprenderás a comunicarte con tu cuerpo y a desarrollarun mejor entendimiento acerca de lo que tu cuerpo necesita y de lo que no necesita. Elobjetivo principal es desarrollar conciencia e incrementar tu conocimiento sobre como ayudar a tu cuerpo. La detección temprana de enfermedades es clave para un diagnósticoy tratamiento temprano. Después de la sesión, tendrás la opción de un chequeo de tu presión arterial y tus signos vitales.
Irma Bajit Room 102
Trauma-releasing breathwork workshop
Yuna offers a session that can lead to profound self-care practice for inner transformation. The session will start with a brief grounding meditation and self-reflective journaling, sharing individual intentions to prepare for the guided group breathwork. She will then provide participants with a brief demonstration of the breathing technique, which involves inhaling through the mouth with one long breath, one short breath, and exhaling through the mouth. After that, participants will lie down and listen to a specially designed audio/musical compilation. During the session, Yuna will guide participants in releasing negative energies and pains through deep breathing, yelling, repeating affirmations, and laughing with the help of essential oils, sage, palo santo, and her light touch (only with consent)
9/19, 10/3, 11/7 5-6:30pm $55
Yuna Lee Room 101
September 19 October 17 November 14 November 21 December 19
Building Resiliency: Self Care for Cycle Breakers
You will learn practical coping skills, nervous system regulation strategies, and mindset shifts to navigate life’s ups and downs from Certified Trauma Recovery Coach, Priscilla María. This is an interactive healing circle for cycle breakers to inspire, support, and uplift one another. Priscilla María will lead group mental health exercises and hold a safe space for questions and shares.
Priscilla María Gutiérrez, J.D. empowers others to heal from trauma, overcome limiting beliefs, and create their ideal lives through her work as a certified trauma recovery coach. She heals out loud to combat stigma and adds Latinx representation to mental health initiatives on college campuses nationwide.
Wed beginning 9/18 6:30-7:30pm $10 per class
Priscilla Maria Gutierrez Online
September 18 October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30 November 6 November 13 November 20
Tarot card reading
Tarot cards and playing cards will be gifted to participants as part of the class experience. Begin an adventure to uncover the secrets of card divination. Explore the realms of intuitive and symbolic readings, where the interplay of energies reveals deep insights for both you and those around you. Throughout the seven enchanting sessions, allow the cards to lead you through mystical dimensions, offering glimpses into the cosmic fabric of the Akashic records. Embrace this transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening with an open heart and spirit.
Mon/ Wed beginning 9/23 6-7pm $125 7 sessions Nicole Virtue Room 217
Book the seven session package
Intro to Generative AI
In this class, students can expect to learn about generative AI and how it can be used as a teacher, researcher, assistant and much more. Learn to inexpensively or freely access generative AI Learn to draw, Learn to learn with it, Learn to improve what they write, Learn to expand concepts .Learn how to use it to save or compress their time.
Wed beginning 9/18 8-10am $25 sessions
September 25 October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30 November 6 November 13 November 20
Richard Lee Room 218
I-Write
“I Write” is an inclusive and dynamic space designed for writers of all levels and genres to come together and share their work. This course provides a supportive community for writers to explore their creativity, refine their craft, and gain confidence in their unique voice. Whether you are a poet, novelist, songwriter, or scriptwriter, our goal is to Build connections with other writers, fostering a network of encouragement and inspiration.
Starting 9/18 6-7pm No charge Mariana Wright Room 225
September 18 October 16 November 13 December 4
Information & Communication Technology for Small Business
This course provides small business owners with a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance their business operations, efficiency, and competitiveness.
Participants will explore various ICT tools and strategies, focusing on practical applications that are cost-effective and easy to implement in a small business context. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on activities, and case studies, students will gain the skills needed to select, utilize, and manage ICT resources effectively.
Wed beginning 9/18 6-8pm $35 4 sessions
Terence Latimer Room 219
Beginning Film Producing
Welcome to Beginning Film Producing! This intensive eight- week course is designed for aspiring producers who want to learn the essential skills and knowledge required to bring a film project from concept to completion. Whether you are new to the field or looking to deepen your understanding of film production, this class will provide you with the foundational tools to succeed as a film producer.
Thur Starting 9/19 8-9:30pm $150 8 sessions
Book the eight session package
Mercedes Garcia Room 102
Infinite Dreams: AI Art Course
This course is designed to provide students with ample time in each session to create art using AI tools. Students will have the freedom to choose the genre or subject matter of their in- class artwork, and they will learn the techniques and creative applications of AI art while developing their unique style.
REQUIREMENTS
Previous art experience in any genre is highly recommended. Individual creativity is the key.
Active MidJourney subscription $10 per month Signup at https://www.midjourney.com/home
During the week students will be encouraged to work on projects of their choosing but this is not compulsory.
Personal laptop for session work is allowed but not compulsory. Google Chrome or any other browser is all that is required. College computers are available for students that do not want to bring a laptop.
5:30 – 7:30 pm with time available at the end of each class for discussion.
Phil Bosua, a visionary in AI integration, brings four years of intensive AI experience to this transformative course. With multiple successful art projects, including $4.5M in art sales, his unique insights and practical knowledge will guide you through the complexities of AI tools, ethics, and collaborative potential. Phil’s expertise ensures you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of AI’s applications across diverse art styles, equipping you to harness
your unique creative power.
Fridays beginning 9/20 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. $60 6 Sessions
Phil Bosua Room 219
Murder, Mayhem and the Mojave: A Night on the Old Spanish Trail Steve Brown
Join desert journalist/historian Steve Brown on a Mojave Monday for a journey down the Old Spanish Trail, from Santa Fe to Los Angeles, where we’ll learn about the Mexican city of LA in the early and mid-1800s, trade on the trail (including the slave trade), and the historical American figures who played a part in its use – and abuse. We’ll meet up with the Native chief and legendary horse thief, Walkara, New Mexico trader Antonio Armijo, John Fremont, Kit Carson, Jedidiah Smith, and others, with a special focus on the Old Spanish Trail from Mountain Springs, Nevada, through the Mojave Desert. The documentary Brown has written and produced for public broadcasting and the FNX (First Nations Experience) network, History and Change on the Old Spanish Trail: Mountain Springs to Salt Creek, will be screened as part of the presentation.
Steve Brown Room 101
Hump Day History: The History of Hi Jolly and the Great Camel Experiment in the Southwest Steve Brown
Spend your hump day evening on a fast-paced romp through 19th century American history, the Ottoman Empire, Crimean War, Critical Race Theory, Manifest Destiny, slavery, the Civil War, and, of course, camels, and their legendary camel driver, Hi Jolly. Desert journalist/historian Steve Brown takes us back to the 1850s and spins the true story of legendary camel driver Hi Jolly and the “camel corps” of the U.S. Army during the years leading up to the Civil War and beyond, in a fast-paced tale of the Middle East meets the American West, and learn the truth of who – or what – is buried in Hi Jolly’s tomb!
This presentation is a Paul and Jane Smith Desert History Lecture, part of CMC’s Mojave Month 2024, a month of desert-focused cultural programs.
Steve Brown Room 225