Overview

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Youth Arts Program is a dynamic curriculum of classes, performance, and exhibition opportunities emphasizing arts as a way of life for a lifetime. Students in the Youth Arts Program (YAP) develop a unique artistic voice as they explore and create dance and art in community with their peers.

Program Dates

Winter/Spring Semester: January 6 — June12, 2025

Final Showcase: Saturday, June 14, 2025

No classes on: January 20, February 17, April 14-17, and May 26, 2025

Class Pricing

Pricing is per semester and is prorated for holidays.

Mondays: $800

Tuesdays: $880

Wednesdays: $880

Thursdays: $880

CHAW never turns a child away for inability to pay. Sliding scale registration and payment plans are available for all registrants. Please contact Brian Washington at brian@chaw.org for more information. Request forms may be picked up at the front desk or online.

Studios

Each studio teaching artist tailors lessons and projects to student age and skill level. Returning students build on previous concepts and knowledge. All classes teach and reinforce arts fundamentals while nurturing personal artistic growth through foundational skills building, creative exploration, critique demonstration and performance history, independent projects and community building

Village Time

When a student enters CHAW for the after school arts program, they are welcomed into a community of artful thinking, creativity, and collaboration.  When not in class, students are invited to participate in village activities ranging from games to homework help to drop-in art projects. Village time offers an opportunity for students to engage with peers who are not in their classes at school, allowing for new connections, friendships, and perspectives to be formed in a safe and nurturing environment where every voice matters and every child is celebrated for his or her unique creative contributions.

COVID Safety

If you haven’t been in our building in the past year you’ll notice some updates when you walk in the door. Hand sanitizers are located in each room and entrance. Social distancing is observed where possible. Frequent hand washing is encouraged. Masks are optional in the building at this time and cleaning and disinfecting are done on a regular basis. Learn more about our COVID-19 resources here. 

Van Service

CHAW van service is operating to various local schools in and around Capitol Hill. Sign up is available on the following page. $150 for each sign up day for the semester. For example: Monday and Tuesdays for Fall semester will total $300. 

Teaching Artist – Elise Richardson

07/10/2025 – 07/24/2025

Thursdays, 5:00-7:00pm

Tuition – $125.00

Dive into the world of three-dimensional art in this hands-on class designed for young artists aged 11-16. Students will explore creating art using a variety of materials, including everyday objects like kitchen utensils, cardboard, and fabric, as well as unconventional finds such as recycled electronics, books, and even game board pieces. Through techniques like sculpting, assembling, and altering these materials, students will bring their artistic visions to life. This class challenges students to think outside the box and develop skills in creating dynamic, textured artworks. All materials are included.

Teaching Artist – Elza Hofeld

03/24/2025 – 06/09/2025

Thursdays, 6:00-7:00pm

Tuition – $150.00

Teen Scene Study will focus on equipping young performers with skills on how to quickly assess new material, memorize lines, make strong choices in deciding a characters motivation, and work with another partner in a way that is empowering and fun while employing their imagination and taking direction.

NOTE: students will be working with scripts, so strong reading/reading comprehension skills are necessary to this class.

No class on July 3

Teaching Artist – Louisa Mejeur

03/24/2025 – 06/09/2025

Mondays, 4:00-4:50pm

Tuition – $230.00

Pre-K Ballet: An introduction to expressive movement and a ballet dance vocabulary for CHAW’s youngest dancers. Students will be exposed to music, dance games, and imaginative play in addition to foundational ballet steps and positions.

Please ensure dancers have ballet shoes, hair pulled up, and are wearing leotards (WITHOUT tights) for girls or a tight shirt and bike shorts for boys.

In order to aid students focus, we ask that all parents wait outside of the classroom. If your child will need help using the bathroom please remain at CHAW during their class time. Please also remain if your student may experience separation anxiety (which usually subsides within a month).

No class on April 14 or May 26.

Teaching Artist – Louisa Mejeur

03/24/2025 – 06/09/2025

Mondays, 5:00-6:00pm

Tuition – $230.00

This class furthers children’s expressive movement skills and deepens their ballet vocabulary and capabilities. Class will be tailored to the level of enrolled children but will include dance coordination and musicality skills, imaginative expression, and foundational ballet steps and vocabulary.

Please ensure dancers have ballet shoes, hair pulled up, and are wearing leotards (skirt and tights optional) for girls or a tight shirt and bike shorts for boys.

No class on April 14 or May 26.

Teaching Artist – Brynn Bodair

05/06/2025 – 06/10/2025

Tuesdays, 6:15-7:05pm

Tuition – $120.00

This class provides a creative and expressive environment for students to learn and practice the fundamentals of hip hop dance. Each week, students will learn and practice hip hop movement vocabulary. The movement will culminate in a variety of combinations, changing throughout the class session. This class will help students develop confidence, coordination, self-esteem, body awareness, and individuality. All experience levels and bodies are welcome as modifications and adjustments will be offered as necessary.

No class June 3.