CATA Studio Workshops

Browse our full list of CATA Studio Workshops below, or use the links to jump to a specific art form.

• Music
• Theater & Acting
• Dance, Juggling, & Yoga
• Visual Arts & Creative Writing
• ABOUT: Accessibility in CATA Programs

MUSIC

Joy of Drumming with Aimee Gelinas

Mondays | 1pm-2pm

Find your beat in this fun drumming class for all abilities! Together, we will explore the joy of drumming and singing with music from West Africa, the Caribbean, and around the world. Drumming builds community, self-confidence, hand-eye coordination, and boosts memory skills. Participants will learn percussion techniques, fun instrument exercises, songs in several languages and styles, and the culture and history behind the music. Traditional instruments such as the Conga, Djembe, Djun Djun, Clave, Bell, Shekere, Kata and Maraca will be provided. Participants will have the opportunity to perform for fellow CATA artists during a fun, informal “sharing.”

PERFORMANCE FOCUSED: 

The CATA Beat with Aimee Gelinas

Mondays | 2:15pm-3:15pm

In this performance-focused drumming class, participants will build upon their musical talents, learn new songs, and hone their skills as performers. Through fun and challenging songs and musical exercises, we’ll explore a range of traditional instruments such as the Conga, Djembe, Djun Djun, Clave, Bell, Shekere, Kata, and Maraca. Participants will boost their memory skills and hone their hand-eye coordination by learning songs in many languages. We recommend that participants first take “Joy of Drumming” before signing up for The CATA Beat. Drummers in The CATA Beat will prepare a piece to perform in the CATA Annual Performance at Shakespeare & Company in May 2025.

Making Music & Movement with Wes Buckley & Beth Liebowitz 

(Also listed under “DANCE”)

Tuesdays | 11:15am-12:15pm

In this fun and collaborative workshop, you’ll be both a dancer and a music-maker! No experience necessary, everyone can participate. Participants will explore fun games that spark our creativity while building skills in improvisation and active listening. Over the course of the workshop, we’ll compose a music and movement “score” together— and participants will play a lead role in shaping the piece from beginning to end. Participants will have the opportunity to perform with the class for fellow CATA artists during a fun, informal “sharing.”

PERFORMANCE FOCUSED: 

CATA Serenaders with Wes Buckley

Thursdays | 10am-11am

In this performance-focused singing class, participants will build on their musical talents by learning an exciting range of songs—from folk music to epic rock and everything in between— while learning about vocal music and practicing our singing and performance skills. All singers will have a creative role in writing lyrics and melodies to sing and perform together. Participants will prepare a group performance for the CATA Annual Performance at Shakespeare & Company in May 2025.

Sing It Out! with Wes Buckley

Thursdays | 11:15am-12:15pm

Let’s make music—together! In this workshop, we’ll learn popular songs from the classics through to today and explore the elements that make up the music and sounds we love. This workshop also includes opportunities to experiment and play a selection of unique percussion and stringed instruments, while connecting and having fun making music. Join us in this creative, joyful space where you can let your musical imagination fly!

Exploring Sounds, Making Music with Wes Buckley

Starting January 2015 | Day & Time TBA

Do you enjoy music? Have you ever wanted to try making your own music, with friends? In this workshop, we’ll create original music together. Participants will take inspiration from the sounds around us, try new instruments to bring our musical ideas to life, and learn how a single idea or sound can transform into a song. Throughout the workshop, we’ll compose and record our original work together and you’ll get a copy to take home. Adaptive instruments and technology (including accessible music-making apps!) will be provided. No experience necessary, just a love of music!

THEATER & ACTING

NEW!

Curtains Up: Behind the Scenes of Making a Performance with Kelly Galvin and other awesome CATA faculty (stay tuned!)

Tuesdays | 1pm-2pm

Join us for this exciting workshop and explore how the magic of theater comes to life! Participants will go behind the scenes to see how performances come together and experience how it feels to be a director, stage manager, choreographer, and more. Guest Artists will join us throughout the workshop to explore lighting, sound, costume, and set design— and we’ll visit local theaters to see how sets, props, and costumes are made. We’ll also learn how to make performance more accessible with captions, audio description, and more! Participants will have the opportunity to try out all of these exciting theater roles in this interactive, hands-on workshop.

PERFORMANCE FOCUSED: 

Shakespeare’s Players with Diane Prusha and other fabulous theater faculty

Wednesdays | 10am-11am (Session 1) • 11:15am – 12:15pm (Session 2)

Storytelling has been part of our human experience since the dawn of time—and Shakespeare’s Players is keeping this tradition alive! Participants will explore the emotions, ideas, characters, and stories in Shakespeare’s beloved plays and connect them to our own experiences. Together, we’ll learn the meaning behind Shakespeare’s most famous lines and perform our favorite scenes and monologues. Actors in Shakespeare’s Players will prepare a group performance for the CATA Annual Performance at Shakespeare & Company in May 2025.

Theater Games – with awesome CATA faculty (stay tuned!) (Spring only)

Thursdays | 12:30pm-1:30pm

In this fun and playful workshop, we will use our voices, bodies, and imagination to tell stories and express our creativity. Participants will build skills in active listening, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration— all while playing exciting theater games and letting our creativity fly. Join us for this joyful theater class, and let’s have fun together!

NEW!

PERFORMANCE FOCUSED: 

Theater Deep Dive with Kelly Galvin and other awesome CATA theater faculty (stay tuned!)

Fridays | 10am-11am

Stretch your acting skills in this lively and imaginative workshop! This program offers an exciting deep dive into theater-making for theater lovers who want to explore different styles of acting and storytelling. Together, we’ll learn about improv, scene study, commedia and clowning, physical storytelling, and much more. Actors in Theater Deep Dive will prepare a group performance for the CATA Annual Performance at Shakespeare & Company in May 2025.

DANCE, JUGGLING, & YOGA

Tap Dance with Stefanie Weber

Mondays | 10am-11am

Come move with us in this one-of-a-kind dance class! Tap Dancing is a great way to express yourself while building confidence, coordination, and community. We’ll use patterns, sound, movement, emotion, and dance history to explore the wonderful world of Rhythm Tap Dance. Get percussive with your whole body! This workshop is open to everyone with an interest in music and dance. Movements will be adapted for every individual, including participants with limited mobility. Tap shoes will be provided. No experience is necessary! Participants will have the opportunity to perform for fellow CATA artists during a fun, informal “sharing.”

PERFORMANCE FOCUSED: 

People’s Tap Dance Theater with Stefanie Weber

Mondays | 11:15am-12:15pm

The People’s Tap Dance Theater is an eclectic dance company that explores the history and art of tap dance to create our own exciting tap performances. Our company of imaginative dancers creates original performance pieces that burst with creativity and wonder. Participants will discover their unique voice as a tap dancer while also working together as part of a group. Dancers in this workshop will prepare a group performance for the CATA Annual Performance at Shakespeare & Company in May 2025.

NEW!

Inclusive Dance Floor with Beth Liebowitz and amazing guest artists!

Tuesdays | 10-11am

Find your inner beat in this lively and fun dance class! We’ll explore an exciting range of dance styles, from hip-hop and contemporary, to line-dance, salsa, and more. Faculty Artist Beth Liebowitz will take us through the world of dance, with talented Guest Artists who will visit throughout the year to share their experience and teach us new techniques and movements (including Katie Drablos from the Radio City Rockettes, and many more!). Throughout the workshop, we’ll incorporate all we learn into our own dance practice.

Making Music & Movement with Wes Buckley & Beth Liebowitz 

(Also listed under “MUSIC”)

Tuesdays | 11:15am-12:15pm

In this fun and collaborative workshop, you’ll be both a dancer and a music-maker! No experience necessary, everyone can participate. Participants will explore fun games that spark our creativity while building skills in improvisation and active listening. Over the course of the workshop, we’ll compose a music and movement “score” together— and participants will play a lead role in shaping the piece from beginning to end. Participants will have the opportunity to perform with the class for fellow CATA artists during a fun, informal “sharing.”

Adventures in Juggling with Roger Reed

Tuesdays | 1pm-2pm (Fall only)

Everyone can juggle! In this fun and welcoming class, participants explore the joy and endless possibilities of juggling. Each class is a new experience, where jugglers learn muscle memory, develop coordination and fine motor skills, and experiment with props like juggling balls, rings, scarves, and more. Juggling is not just something you do alone—it’s collaborative, too! Join us for this fun, upbeat, and inclusive workshop—and let’s get juggling, together! 

Juggling, Movement, and Circus Arts with Jill Fleming

Tuesdays | 1pm-2pm (Starting January 2025)

Join us for a playful and upbeat class exploring the world of juggling and circus arts! In each class, we’ll learn fun routines that boost self-confidence and tap into our creativity. Participants will experiment with props like soft frisbees, balance boards, juggling balls, rings, and more— while honing our fine motor skills, muscle memory, hand-eye coordination, and balance. Come discover your inner circus artist in this joyful and supportive class!

PERFORMANCE FOCUSED: 

Juggling Connection – with awesome CATA faculty (stay tuned!)

Tuesdays | 2:15pm-3:15pm (Starting January 2025)

The Juggling Connection is a fun and inclusive group that creates out-of-this-world juggling performances! Together, we’ll hone our performance skills— and learn imaginative routines that radiate with joy and creativity. Jugglers will learn new muscle memory patterns and strengthen fine motor skills using balls, rings, scarves, and more. Juggling techniques will be adapted for every ability. Props and adaptive tools will be provided. We recommend that participants first take Adventures in Juggling in the fall before signing up for The Juggling Connection. Participants in The Juggling Connection will prepare a group piece to be performed in the CATA Annual Performance at Shakespeare & Company in May 2025.

Sensory-Friendly Dance with Beth Liebowitz

Wednesdays | 1pm-2pm

This dance workshop offers an inclusive and flexible space for those who prefer a more sensory-friendly environment, with shifts in lighting, music volume, and a wide range of movement options. A quiet space is also available for those who wish to take breaks during the workshop. The workshop begins with stretching and warm-ups, followed by solo and group dances with soft scarves and buddy bands to maintain personal space. We’ll close each workshop with a calming ritual to cool down our minds and bodies. (Please note: This workshop is limited to 10 CATA artists).

PERFORMANCE FOCUSED: 

Groove Collective with Beth Liebowitz

Wednesdays | 2:15pm-3:15pm

Groove Collective is an inclusive dance company that celebrates each dancer’s unique style of moving. Together, we create dance pieces that express the joy and freedom of movement— and inspire audiences to groove along with us! Throughout the year, we will create our own movement warm-ups, explore dance styles and techniques, and create original choreography. No previous experience is required, just a love of dance! This workshop will include repeating and memorizing choreography. Please let us know if you are interested in joining the Groove Collective. Dancers in this workshop will prepare a group performance for the CATA Annual Performance at Shakespeare & Company in May 2025.

Yoga with Paula Boyajian

Thursdays | 2pm-3pm

In this inclusive and gentle yoga class, we’ll tap into our breathing, learn poses to release tension, strengthen our bodies and postures, build confidence, and boost our spirits. Each workshop begins with a calming exercise focusing on our breath, then we’ll learn fun, restorative yoga poses designed to relieve stress and promote wellbeing. Postures will be adapted for all abilities and those using chairs. Join us for uplifting and judgment-free yoga!

PERFORMANCE FOCUSED: 

The Moving Company with Olivia Martin

Fridays | 11:15am-12:15pm

The Moving Company is a mixed-ability dance company that creates exciting and expressive performances. The Moving Company offers a deep dive into dance-making for those with a passion for performing and creating original choreography. The Moving Company builds on skills introduced in CATA’s non-performing dance workshops, such as memorization, repetition of choreography, and dancing collaboratively as part of a group. Please let us know if you are interested in joining The Moving Company. Dancers in The Moving Company will prepare a group performance in the CATA Annual Performance at Shakespeare & Company in May 2025.

Dance to the Beat with Olivia Martin

Fridays | 1pm-2pm

A fun and inclusive dance workshop that will get your body moving! Faculty artist Olivia Martin will guide movement exercises to wake up, strengthen, and stretch different parts of the body. Participants will learn new dance styles, build social and communication skills, and have fun in a welcoming, judgment-free zone.

NEW!

Global Rhythms and Movement with Noel Staples-Freeman

Fridays | 2:15pm-3:15pm 

Join us for this fun and lively workshop to explore dance styles from around the world! Participants will journey through an exciting array of rhythms and movement, including Afro-Cuban Fusion, African Dance (traditional and modern), and Afro-Caribbean Dance. We’ll focus on spatial awareness, rhythm alignment, and explore the freedom of movement— all while expressing ourselves and building confidence and community through dance. We’ll learn about the cultural background of each dance, learn rhythm patterns and expressive movements, and celebrate the joy and diversity of dance and music!

VISUAL ARTS & CREATIVE WRITING

Sculpture with Clay, Wood, Wire, and More! with Janice Shields

Mondays | 10am-11am

Let your creativity flow in this hands-on sculpture workshop. Participants will create exciting art projects, working with a variety of materials while strengthening fine motor skills. Projects include building with wood, modeling with clay, creating collage and sculpture with felt, fabric, and natural materials—and more! We’ll visit sculpture exhibits in the Berkshires to get inspiration for our own original works of art. Adaptive tools will be available to meet the needs of all participants. Adaptive techniques will be implemented for artists who are blind or have low vision. Participants will have the opportunity to have their artwork included in one of CATA’s art shows.

NEW!

Costumes, Props & More with awesome CATA faculty (stay tuned!) (Starting January 2025)

Mondays | 1-2pm

Use your creativity to design vibrant costumes and props that bring CATA performances to life on stage! Together, we’ll learn how theater design can create imaginative worlds onstage and transform performers into fantastic characters. Participants will play a hands-on role in developing and creating the costumes, props, and set elements for CATA’s Annual Performance. Throughout the workshop series, we’ll be joined by guest artists including scenic, costume, and lighting designers to learn how they bring the magic of theater to life!

CATAdirect Craft Cooperative

Tuesdays | 10am-11am (Session 1) | 11:15am-12:15pm (Session 2)

A community-centered craft cooperative where artists with disabilities work side-by-side with community members to create beautiful, hand-made products. Participants learn skills in collaboration, as well as product design and packaging. CATA artists have a hand in designing and packaging each product, including greeting cards and magnets, housewares like tea towels, napkins, dryer balls, and coasters, and wearable items like tie-dyed bandanas, jewelry, and more. Products are sold online and in local stores, sharing CATA’s mission of inclusion with the community. 

ARTiculations with Marlene Marshall (fall), CATA faculty TBA (winter) and Janice Shields (spring)

Wednesdays | 11:15am-12:15pm

Create your own one-of-a-kind works of art, from watercolor and acrylic paintings, to printmaking, drawings, collage, sculpture, and more! Together, we’ll learn how to express our ideas through art and bring our creativity to life. Along the way, we’ll learn about artists from around the world and explore a variety of styles of art making. This year-long series is divided into three blocks—Fall, Winter, and Spring—which are each led by a different Visual Arts faculty member. Participants will have the opportunity to have their artwork included in one of CATA’s art shows.

Writers’ Workshop with Janet Reich Elsbach

Wednesdays | 1:00-2:00pm

Everyone has a story to tell! Join us in the CATA Writers’ Workshop and let’s share our stories together. Participants will tap into their creative voice and explore a range of writing forms including poetry, prose, short story, interviews, and more. We’ll use a variety of art forms and media to inspire our writing—including painting, sculpture, music, video, and more. Participants do not need to physically write. Volunteer scribes are available to work one-on-one with CATA writers to help put their ideas on paper. Guest artists will also visit the workshop throughout the year. CATA writers will have the opportunity to have their writing featured in a CATA Reading or Sharing.

Creating Comics with Adam Gudeon

Thursdays | 10am-11am

Everyone can create comics! Together, we’ll design our own characters and explore storytelling through illustration. Participants will make original comics using traditional comic-making art supplies and experiment with other media such as painting, collage—and even sculpture and stop-motion animation! At the end of the class, participants will have made individual comics which will be included in an all-class “zine” for everyone to take home! Activities will be adapted for all abilities— all are welcome.

NEW!

Through the Lens: Photography, Video, and More with awesome CATA faculty (stay tuned!)

Starting January 2025 | Day & Time TBA

Lights, camera, action! Join us for this interactive workshop where we’ll learn all about using the camera on an iPad (provided by CATA), explore the world of digital photography, and learn how to use photos and video to express your creativity. Throughout the class, we’ll take trips to nearby nature preserves and other landmarks where we’ll put our photography skills into practice. CATA artists will also have the opportunity to visit the CTSB-TV studios, learn about film and video editing, and help film and edit CATA’s Annual Performance at Shakespeare & Company in May. iPads will be provided. Participants will have the opportunity to have their photography included in one of CATA’s art shows.

NEW!

Making an Art Show from the Ground Up with Jeff Gagnon, Kara Smith and Courtney Maxwell

Thursdays | 1-2pm

Join us for this hands-on workshop to learn the in’s- and out’s- of creating an art show. Participants will go behind the scenes of how art exhibits come together, from paint brush to art opening! Explore how artwork is framed, photographed, and hung in a gallery. Learn how art shows are “curated”— using our imagination to select artwork and create themes and groupings that tell a story— and be part of the process to bring one of CATA’s art exhibits to life. Along the way, we’ll visit local museums and exhibit spaces to meet curators and preparators, and we’ll create our own artwork to be included in one of CATA’s art exhibits!

Creative Art Projects with Kara Smith, Courtney Maxwell, and friends

Fridays | 10am-11am

Get ready to create your own one-of-a-kind works of art! CATA artists in this workshop will learn a variety of painting, drawing, and collage techniques and explore a wide array of printmaking styles. Participants will experiment with a wide variety of materials, explore how we can use our body and senses to make incredible art, and learn about important art and artists from around the world. We’ll also visit public gardens, nature preserves, and cultural organizations to create artwork onsite. In the Spring, we’ll be joined by a guest artist to create props and set designs for CATA’s Annual Performance! Participants will have the opportunity to have their artwork included in one of CATA’s art shows.

Adaptive Painting: Artistic Realization Technologies

Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.) is an adaptive painting workshop designed for people with significant physical disabilities who may not be able to hold or manipulate a paint brush. Participants work one-on-one with a faculty artist, using a laser pointer and other methods to direct the movement of the paintbrush on the canvas. This technique, developed by artist Tim Lefens, allows CATA artists to make every decision and bring their creativity to life on canvas. No experience necessary! Please let us know if you are interested in this opportunity and we will work with you on scheduling.

NEW!

Supported Studio

CATA’s Supported Studio program is designed for CATA artists who are ready to take the next step forward in their growth as painters and visual artists— and have a desire to work independently on their own self-directed projects with the support of a CATA Faculty Mentor. Artists in the Supported Studio will develop personal goals for their work in the studio, explore new media and techniques, have the opportunity to research art, artists, and topics of interest, and work on a series, commission, or other project at their own pace. Artists will have access to high-quality art materials and faculty mentorship to assist them in creating their own body of work. Please let us know if you are interested in this opportunity and we will work with you on scheduling.