SNOW UPDATE: CATA Studio Programs cancelled Monday 2/23
SNOW UPDATE: CATA Studio Programs cancelled Monday 2/23
Get Involved
Explore our roster of weekly arts workshops for 2026-2027 taking place at the CATA Studios in Great Barrington. Advance registration is required for all programs listed below.
Sign up for workshops: Contact Kara Smith, CATA Program Director, at Kara@CATAarts.org or (413) 528-5485. Our friendly Program staff will be happy to talk with you about your interests and sign you up for workshops.
Rhythm & Percussion with Katie Herbst
Mondays | 10am-11am
This sensory-friendly workshop offers a welcoming and relaxed space to explore music and rhythm, using percussion and adaptive instruments, as well as our own bodies and voices. We will focus on musical expression and social connection while creating and improvising our own songs, rhythms, and melodies. Throughout the year, we may be joined by guest artists who will lead us in exciting musical games and exercises.
CATA Beat with Aimée Gelinas
In the CATA Beat drumming ensemble, we’ll build skills and grow our confidence as performers. We’ll learn new songs and more advanced rhythms, and explore traditional percussion instruments including the Conga, Djembe, Djun Djun, Shekere, and Maraca. Through engaging musical exercises and songs, we’ll strengthen memory, improve hand-eye coordination, and develop skills to perform songs in different languages. The workshop emphasizes playing as a group and practicing performance techniques to build confidence and a strong sense of accomplishment! Drummers in the CATA Beat will perform in the CATA Annual Performance Weekend at Shakespeare & Company (May 2027). We recommend taking “Joy of Drumming” before signing up for the CATA Beat.
Making Music & Movement with Wes Buckley & Beth Liebowitz
Tuesdays | 11:15am-12:15pm
Let your talents soar in this highly creative workshop, where we’ll compose original pieces of music and movement together. We will play adaptive instruments, explore singing and vocalizing, and create movement and choreography using fun group improvisation exercises. We will take turns trying out the roles of dancer, musician, and conductor, while building listening and observational skills and developing confidence as leaders. Participants will have the chance to perform in a fun and informal in-studio “CATA Sharing.”
Making a Soundtrack with Wes Buckley
Tuesdays | 1pm-2pm
Learn how the music in your favorite movies is created! Together, we’ll make our own soundtracks inspired by films, artwork, dance, poetry, and more. Using musical instruments and adaptive music-making tools, we’ll experiment with sounds, improvise together, and compose original soundtracks in fun, accessible ways. As we ignite our creativity, we’ll strengthen our listening, teamwork, and communication skills. This workshop is for anyone who is curious about making music, even if it’s your first time playing an instrument! Participants will have the opportunity to perform in the CATA Annual Performance Weekend at Shakespeare & Company (May 2027).
Watch a short stop-motion video with music by CATA artists—a sample of the music we’ll create in this workshop!
CATA Serenaders with Wes Buckley & Katie Herbst
Thursdays | 10am-11am
In the CATA Serenaders ensemble, we’ll build on our musical talents, sing favorite tunes, and compose and perform our own songs. Throughout the year, we’ll write an original song based on our own ideas and experiences. As we sing and write music, we’ll strengthen vocal and performance skills, build confidence through collaboration, and experience the joy of sharing our own musical creations with others. Participants will perform in the CATA Annual Performance Weekend at Shakespeare & Company (May 2027) and may have opportunities to perform at other events during the year.
Sing It Out! with Katie Herbst
Thursdays | 11:15am-12:15pm
Discover the joy of singing in this fun, welcoming workshop for all abilities and experience levels. Through playful musical games, group activities, and songs, we’ll explore rhythm and melody in a supportive, inclusive environment where all vocal expression is celebrated. Experience the uplifting benefits of group singing—including less stress, a better mood, and more self-esteem—while having fun. We’ll build confidence as we express ourselves and form meaningful connections with others. Participants will have the chance to perform in a fun, informal “CATA Sharing.”
Curtains Up: Making a Performance with Caroline Calkins
Tuesdays | 12:30pm-1:30pm
Try out exciting theater roles like costume and lighting designer—and work behind-the-scenes on CATA performances in this fun, hands-on workshop. Learn all about creating sets and props, running lighting and sound, and even directing a performance. We’ll take field trips to local theaters and work with guest artists (like Broadway set designers!) to learn how the magic of theater comes to life. We’ll also learn about theater accessibility with captions, audio description, and more. Open to anyone with an interest in theater! Participants are invited to take on a backstage role in CATA’s Annual Performance weekend at Shakespeare & Company (May 2027)—running lights, stage crew, and more.
Act It Out! Acting, Improv, and More with Caroline Calkins
Tuesdays | 2:15pm-3:15pm
Act it Out! is a fun, sensory-friendly workshop for anyone who is curious about theater. Through acting exercises and improv games, we’ll explore storytelling using all our senses as we create original scenes and characters and bring them to life! We’ll build our confidence as actors and performers, while honing our skills in collaboration, active listening, and problem solving. Open to all levels of experience—great for those who are totally new to theater as well as those who love the stage! Participants will have the chance to perform in a fun, informal “CATA Sharing.”
CATA Shakespeare’s Players
with Caroline Calkins, Maddy Maggio, & Diane Prusha
Wednesdays | 10am-11am
In CATA’s Shakespeare’s Players ensemble, we’ll explore the emotions, characters, and timeless stories in Shakespeare’s beloved plays. Together, we’ll learn the meanings behind the Bard’s most famous lines and perform our favorite scenes and monologues. Actors will build communication and coordination skills as they take on iconic roles like Hamlet, Juliet, Oberon, and more. Participants will perform at a “Shakespeare Sharing” in the spring and at the CATA Annual Performance weekend at Shakespeare & Company (May 2027).
Theater Deep Dive with Caroline Calkins & Kelly Galvin
Fridays | 10am-11am
Stretch your acting skills in this lively and imaginative workshop! In CATA’s Theater Deep Dive ensemble, we’ll explore different styles of acting and storytelling, create our own characters, and bring original stories to life through acting and improvisation. We’ll use our voices, bodies, and imaginations to invent new stories, write our own scripts, and create original theater pieces. Develop your confidence and communication skills while working with others to tell exciting stories through theater! Participants will perform in the CATA Annual Performance weekend at Shakespeare & Company (May 2027).
Inclusive Dance Floor with Beth Liebowitz & amazing guest artists!
Tuesdays | 10am-11am
Join us for CATA’s most eclectic dance class! Led by Resident Dance Faculty Beth Liebowitz, we’ll be joined throughout the year by guest artists who will teach us new dance styles—from hip-hop to salsa and Broadway choreography. Experiment with your own movements and grow your dance skills by exploring new patterns and rhythms in a fun, lively environment. Past guest artists have included Katie Drablos from the Radio City Rockettes and more.
Making Music & Movement with Wes Buckley & Beth Liebowitz
Tuesdays | 11:15am-12:15pm
Let your talents soar in this highly creative workshop, where we’ll compose original pieces of music and movement together. We will play adaptive instruments, explore singing and vocalizing, and create movement and choreography using fun group improvisation exercises. We will take turns trying out the roles of dancer, musician, and conductor, while building listening and observational skills and developing confidence as leaders. Participants will have the chance to perform in a a fun and informal in-studio “CATA Sharing.”
CATA Juggling Connection with Jules Skloot, Gregory Boover, & Ryan Winkles
Wednesdays | 11:15am-12:15pm
In CATA’s Juggling Connection ensemble, we’ll create fun and imaginative juggling routines together! This is an upbeat, playful workshop where we’ll learn muscle memory patterns and strengthen fine motor skills using balls, rings, scarves, and more. Juggling techniques will be adapted for all abilities. Props and adaptive tools will be provided. Participants will have the opportunity to perform in the CATA Annual Performance Weekend at Shakespeare & Company (May 2027).
Sensory-Friendly Dance Flow with Jules Skloot
Wednesdays | 1pm-2pm
CATA Groove Collective with Beth Liebowitz, Jules Skloot, & Frankie Baron
Wednesdays | 2:15pm-3:15pm
The CATA Groove Collective is an inclusive dance ensemble that celebrates each dancer’s unique style of moving. Together, we create and perform dance pieces that express the joy and freedom of movement—and inspire audiences to groove along with us! We’ll design our own movement warm-ups, explore dance styles and techniques, and choreograph original group pieces. Artists in this workshop will repeat and memorize choreography. No experience necessary, just a love for dance! Participants will perform in the CATA Annual Performance Weekend at Shakespeare & Company (May 2027).
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, and boost our spirits. Each workshop will begin with a calming exercise focusing on our breath. Then we’ll practice fun, restorative yoga poses to relieve stress, promote wellbeing, and boost our moods and confidence—in and out of class. Postures will be adapted for all abilities and those using chairs or wheelchairs. Join us for uplifting and inclusive yoga!
CATA Moving Company with Jules Skloot, Frankie Baron, & Pilobolus
Join the CATA Moving Company where you’ll create exciting and expressive performances—led by CATA Faculty and dancers from the world renowned Pilobolus dance company! We’ll draw on our passion for performing, create original dance pieces, and build skills in memorization, repetition of choreography, and dancing as part of a group. Participants will perform in the CATA Annual Performance Weekend at Shakespeare & Company (May 2027).
Dance to the Beat with Jules Skloot
Fridays | 1pm-2pm
Join us for an energizing and inclusive dance workshop that will get your body moving! Each class starts with warm-up exercises to strengthen and stretch different parts of the body. Participants will be invited to improvise their own movements as well as try out the movements of other dancers. We’ll take turns dancing solos and duets, and then turn up our favorite tunes for a fun and energizing group dance. Together we will explore exciting new dance styles, dance to different genres of music, build social and communication skills, and have fun in a welcoming, judgment-free zone.
Through the Lens: Photography, Video, & More with Lucie Castaldo
Mondays | 10-11am
Lights, camera, action! In this interactive workshop, we’ll learn all about photography, how to take and edit our own photos, make videos, and more. We’ll take field trips to nearby nature sites and historic landmarks where we’ll put our photography skills into practice. We’ll also visit the CTSB-TV studios to learn about professional film and video editing, and even make our own TV show! All photography equipment including iPads will be provided. Participants will have the opportunity to include their work in a CATA art show—as well as the chance to help film CATA’s Annual Performance at Shakespeare & Company (May 2027)
Making an Art Show with Jeff Gagnon, Kara Smith, & Courtney Maxwell
Mondays | 11:15AM-12:15pm
Learn the ins and outs of putting on an art show! We’ll go behind-the-scenes to learn how art shows are “curated,” using our imagination to select artwork and create themes and groupings that tell a story in a gallery. You’ll help curate CATA art exhibits at Berkshire Botanical Garden, the Clark Art Institute, and more—and even write and record audio tours for CATA’s digital exhibit guide! We’ll visit local museums and galleries to meet professional curators, and create our own art to be included in a CATA exhibit. Participants will have the opportunity to serve as Ambassadors at CATA art exhibits, sharing your experience as curators with guests.
Designing for the Stage with Lucie Castaldo & Adam Gudeon
Mondays | 1-2pm
Use your creativity to design vibrant sets and costumes for the CATA Annual Performance! We’ll explore a variety of art materials and use our imaginations to create sets and costumes for CATA’s public performances. 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! Participants will help create sets and costumes for CATA’s Annual Performance at Shakespeare & Company (May 2027).
CATAdirect Craft Cooperative with Renée Far
Tuesdays | 10am-11am
CATAdirect is a craft cooperative where artists with disabilities work side-by-side with volunteers to create beautiful hand-made products. CATA artists assist with the design, creation, and packaging of each product, like tea towels, napkins, dryer balls, dyed bandanas, and more. The crafts we make together will be sold online and in local stores, sharing CATA’s mission of inclusion with the community. Anyone with a love for crafts is welcome to join! Have fun, make new friends, and express your creativity in this social, community-centered workshop.
Sculpture with Clay, Wood, Wire, & More! with Camille Roos
Wednesdays | 10am-11am
Let your creativity flow in this hands-on sculpture workshop! Participants will create one-of-a-kind art projects with a variety of materials including wood, clay, wire, fabric, natural materials, silicone, plaster, and more. We’ll take field trips to cultural and scenic destinations to get inspiration for our own works of art. Adaptive tools and techniques will be available to meet the needs of all participants. Practice fine motor skills, dig into your imagination, and bring your creative ideas to life! Participants will have the opportunity to include their work in a CATA art show.
Painting and Drawing with Camille Roos
Wednesdays | 11:30am-12:30pm
Create your own original drawings and paintings with pencils, watercolor, acrylic, tempera, and more. We’ll bring our creative visions to life as we express who we are and how we view the world through portrait, still life, and landscape paintings. Throughout the year, we’ll take field trips to cultural and scenic destinations to get inspiration for our art. We’ll also learn about artists from around the world and explore new formats in painting. Participants will have the opportunity to include their work in a CATA art show.
Writers’ Workshop with Janet Reich Elsbach and Special Guests
Wednesdays | 1pm-2pm
Creating Comics, Illustrations, & Animations with Adam Gudeon
Thursdays | 10am-11am
KAPOW! Dive into the exciting world of comics, illustration, and animation in this hands-on workshop. We’ll use painting, collage, and sculpture to invent original characters and imaginative worlds on paper and on film. We’ll also write and illustrate our own stories, learn how to create storyboards—a technique for visual storytelling—and bring our ideas to life through stop-motion animation. Everyone will have the chance to work on their own projects as well as collaborate with others. Activities will be adapted for all abilities. Participants will have the opportunity to include their work in a CATA art show.
Great Impressions: Projects in Printmaking with Lucie Castaldo
Fridays | 10am-11am
Make your mark with inks, paints, stamps, and more! Discover the colorful world of printmaking where we’ll create our own unique prints using a variety of techniques. With simple and adaptive tools, we’ll explore patterns, textures, shapes, and designs, as we build confidence in our own artistic ideas. We’ll print cardboard collages to make “collagraphs” (fun prints using 3D materials!), cut foam to make block print patterns, and explore overlapping colors with Gelli plates. No experience needed! Participants will have the opportunity to include their work in a CATA art show.
Adaptive Painting & Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.)
This one-on-one adaptive workshop is designed for artists with a broad range of disabilities, including those who may not be able to hold or move a paintbrush. In this program, you’ll work with a CATA Faculty Artist and use adaptive tools to create stunning works of art. We tailor this workshop to your needs, using techniques inspired by “Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.)”— a program developed by the artist Tim Lefens where artists direct the movement of the paintbrush using a laser pointer. CATA has expanded this technique to make painting accessible for anyone with an interest in painting. Please let us know if you are interested in this program and we will work with you on scheduling.
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 program and we will work with you on scheduling.
Did you know?
CATA also partners with day programs, schools, community centers, and nursing homes to offer year-round, inclusive arts programs all across the community.
Call us at (413) 528-5485 or email Kara@CATAarts.org for info.
CATA’s studio workshop schedule may change. Please contact our office for an up-to-date schedule.
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