Education

SPRING CLASSES 2025

SUMMER CLASS UPDATES!

This spring, Karamu House is reimagining arts education. In June, the 2025 Summer Arts Program returns for youth grades 6 – 12. Classes resume for all ages this September. Stay tuned for more details!

SUMMER ARTS @ KARAMU
JUNE 2025 – JULY 2025: 5 week arts intensive program with a final production
Monday through Friday; 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Choose a Track	Performance	UPStage Technical Theatre
What Students Will Learn	Drama, dance, vocal music training and performance. Learn technique and performance fundamentals.	Introduction to technical theatre with hands-on training in carpentry, costuming, and stage management. Work backstage on the final production.
For	Grades 6 – 12	Grades 8 – 12
Audition Required	Yes! Auditions held in May 2025	No audition required
Notes	Lunch + snacks included; Scholarships available

Registration opens April 1, 2025!

UPstage students, Khloe (left), Nia (center), and Riley (right), work on pieces of the set in set construction class.

UPSTAGE Technical Program

The purpose of the UpStage program is to provide on- the- job training, develop job skills, exposure, and networking opportunities for theatre technicians and stage managers. We aim to include participants at any experience level with a passion for learning how the magic of theatre happens.

Stage Carpentry & Construction – Participants will join Karamu’s scenic department for on-the-job training and learn the skills and techniques used to construct sets for our mainstage productions. Participants will have to opportunity to work as backstage crew for productions throughout the season.

Participants will meet M-W-F 3:00-6:00 pm

Requirements: Participants must have the ability to lift, push & pull objects up to 50 pounds using appropriate tools. Must be comfortable with heights and the typical physical activity associated with carpentry work.

Wardrobe/Costume Coordination – Learn the skills and techniques used to prepare costumes, wigs, and makeup for a production. Participants will have the opportunity to work as dressers backstage for productions throughout the season.

Participants will meet T-TH- 3:00-6:00 pm

Stage Management – Participants will work with the Assistant Stage Manager throughout the rehearsal and performance process gaining a basic knowledge of terminology, fundamentals of tracking blocking, props, scenery, and costumes for a production. Understanding Stage Management paperwork and how to run backstage during a production.

Participants will meet M-TH 6:30-10:30 pm

Production Administrative Assistant – Participants will work with the Director of Production and Production Manager to learn the skills and techniques associated with the administrative work necessary to produce a production.

Participants will meet T-W-TH 3:00-6:00 pm.

Karamu Education

Karamu House offers a variety of arts education programming in facilitated and on-demand virtual course offerings. Course offerings include voice, drama, dance, and more. Additionally, Karamu offers online corporate training programs for diversity, racial and equity inclusion programming..

SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS

For decades, Karamu House has created long-lasted partnerships with local school districts from around the Northeast Ohio area to enhance the schools’ arts programming—through field trips to workshops to customized arts education programs.

Karamu House also partners with other arts schools – including private dance academies and schools of music – to create unique partnerships that enhance Karamu’s mission to […]provide arts education, and present programs for all people while honoring the African American experience.

ARTS ACADEMY (PRE-K - ADULT)

CORPORATE TRAINING

SCHOOL TOURS

Hosted on Tuesdays and Thursday schools and organizations receive a tour and workshop on the history of Karamu.

ARTS INTENSIVE

ADULT PROGRAMMING

YOUTH PROGRAMMING