Discover Your Inner Artist
Hart House is located on the downtown University of Toronto campus, but our classes are open to everyone—no prerequisite and no exams.
Hart House offers creative and skill-building classes, as another opportunity for personal development and artistic pursuits, professional skill building – and they are a great way to meet new people! Filmmaking, theatre arts, photography and public-speaking courses are available throughout the year.
Significant discounts for students and Hart House members. For more information, browse classes online or call 416-978-2452.Fall 2019
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Arts — Film
From screenwriting and lighting to editing and sound, classes are taught by film industry professionals with real-world experience.
100% Hands-On Filmmaking for Beginners
Instructor:
This three-week class is designed for absolute beginners needing a comprehensive hands-on experience. Each week students will work in small groups to shoot and cut simple exercises designed to teach the fundamental building blocks required by all filmmakers.
Equipment: The cameras used in this class are very simple: It's not about the camera; it's about what is happening in front of the camera. Each exercise has a hands-on digital editing component using Adobe Premiere. Please bring a USB memory stick with at least 500MB of free space to class each day to facilitate taking your work home.
Program Duration: 3 sessions
Program Offerings: 2
Day of Week Dates TimeWednesdays Sep 27–Oct 11 6:00 pm–10:00 pmWednesdays Oct 25–Nov 8 6:00 pm–10:00 pm-
U of T Students / HH Members$45
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Under 29 and Seniors$75
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General$150
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U of T Students / HH Members
3D Modeling With Blender – Introduction
Instructor:
This one-day workshop teaches students the basics of 3D modeling in Blender. Blender is a free 3D computer graphics software toolset used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D-printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, virtual reality, and, formerly, video games. This workshop focuses on creating simple models, positioning, coloring/texturing, lighting, capturing with a virtual camera, and rendering. This workshop is for students who have no experience with Blender but are interested in 3D modeling.
Equipment: If you do not already have it, please pre-install Blender on your laptop in advance of the workshop, and of course bring your laptop to class. You are also strongly advised to bring a mouse (wired or wireless) to the class as it will allow you to perform more operations more efficiently.
Program Duration: 1 day
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeSaturday Oct 21 10:00 am–4:00 pm-
U of T Students / HH Members$18
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Under 29 and Over 65$30
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General$60
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U of T Students / HH Members
Film Directing Introduction
Instructor:
Overview:
The Directors Workshop gives filmmakers the tools and hands-on experience to confidently work on their projects. From script analysis, treatment, and shotlits in pre-production to post-production on Adobe Premiere Pro, this workshop covers everything you need to know to make your first short film.Note:
Deadline to withdraw from this class is 5:00pm on May 16. A $15 withdrawal fee applies.Program Duration: 3 sessions
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeWednesdays May 18–Jun 15 6:00 pm–10:00 pm-
U of T Students$36
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Under 29 and Over 65$60
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General Public$120
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U of T Students
Film Lighting 101
Instructor:
This beginner's workshop concentrates on general lighting theory covering different qualities of light and lighting styles, including high-key and low-key lighting, three-point lighting, colour temperature, gels and filters. Students will learn the key characteristics of light and be able to decode lighting scenarios in film and everyday life and learn how to recreate similar effects in their own films. Students will have the opportunity to practice several hands-on lighting set-ups, applying the general theories covered. Equipment used in this class is the same equipment available to members of the Hart House Film Board.
Program Duration: 1 day
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeSunday Oct 1 10:00 am–4:00 pm-
U of T Students / HH members$18
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Under 29 / Seniors$30
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General Public$60
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U of T Students / HH members
Production Sound 101
Instructor:
An introduction to the basic concepts of movie sound. Topics include: elements of sound, audio formats, single system vs. double system, and a brief introduction to various mics and other basic gear. Students acquire a greater understanding of the challenges of recording location sound. Topics covered include: recording techniques, challenges of field recording and troubleshooting. Students will do some hands-on recording in the classroom to experiment with proximity, the mic axis and room acoustics. Equipment used in this class is the same equipment available to members of the Hart House Film Board.
Program Duration: 1 day
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeMonday Sep 18 6:00 pm–10:00 pm-
U of T Students / HH members$12
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Under 29 / Seniors$20
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General Public$40
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U of T Students / HH members
Super 8 Filmmaking
Instructor:
Super 8 Film is famous as the dominant home movie format of the 60’s and 70’s. While it is not used often anymore it is alive and well as an origination format for moviemaking to this day. In this class you will learn to operate a super 8 film camera and the course fee includes use of a super 8 camera, the cost of one roll of black and white super 8 film (approximately 3 minutes of run time) as well as processing of the film. Participants will be encouraged to attempt an in-camera edit – shoot the film as you would like it to be without editing. Participants will have until 5pm June 24 to expose their roll of film and return it to Hart House. All the finished films will be projected at Hart House on the final day of class, July 13. The July 13 class will last 2 hours maximum. Participants are permitted to use their own super 8 camera but we caution that you want to know your camera is functioning if you are to choose that option.
Program Duration: 2 days
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U of T Students / HH members$124
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Under 29 / Over 65$140
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General Public$180
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U of T Students / HH members
Video Cameras 101
Instructor:
This introductory class will shed light on the elements of film and still photography as a basis for understanding video. Camera parts such as aperture, shutter, lens, and the sensor will be explained in order to make decisions about proper exposure, depth of field and motion. Other concepts specific to video such as white balance and gain will be introduced. Students will be shown basic camera set-up for shooting indoors and outdoors.
In the second half, we look deeper into video camera menu options, such as frame rate, manual VS auto functions, and the User buttons. Using a hands-on approach, students will see first-hand how framing, axis and camera movement decisions affect editing choices. The instructor will give tips on best practices for using the camera to film in a variety of situations, including hand-held and verite, or use with a tripod.
Program Duration: 1 day
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeSunday Sep 24 10:00 am–4:00 pm-
U of T Students$12
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Under 29 & Over 65$20
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General Public$40
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U of T Students
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Arts — Photography
Whether you are using a film camera or a digital one, Hart House classes cover all aspects of photography, from image composition to darkroom processes.
35mm Film Cameras
Instructor:
This introductory 3-hour workshop teaches the basic use of a film camera: understanding film exposure, the relationships between f-stops, shutter, and film speeds, while paying particular attention to the effects composition, light, and depth of field have on image quality. The instructor will provide photographic examples and slides. You are encouraged to ask questions related to your camera equipment.
Program Duration: 1 day
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeWednesday Sep 13 6:30 pm–9:30 pm-
U of T Student / HH Member$9
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Under 29 / Over 65$15
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General admission$30
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U of T Student / HH Member
Caffenol Developing
Instructor:
Learn a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for film development in the Caffenol Developing workshop. If you're passionate about photography and environmental conservation, this is the perfect opportunity to learn how to develop film using a natural and non-toxic solution.
No prior experience in film developing is required. Whether you're new to darkroom techniques or already have some experience, Caffenol developing will open up a world of sustainable possibilities for your film photography.
Important: Please bring one roll of black and white film that you have already shot and is ready to be processed.
Program Duration: 2 hours
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeCaffenol Developing May 30–Mar 26 6:30 pm–8:30 pm-
Students & HH Members$25
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29 and under / 65 and over$40
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General$70
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Students & HH Members
Capturing Intimacy and Romance on Camera
Instructor:
What makes a great couple photo? How do you capture the magic between two people on camera? In this class, students will learn about how to document love stories and produce emotional, intimate, and tender imagery. We will cover the essentials: moving away from traditional posing and shifting towards more documentary style photography, how to work with couples whether it's during a wedding or a private couple session, and drawing inspiration and techniques from movies. The last class will be a hands-on workshop where you can work with a model-couple and take home photos applying what you've learned over the course of the three weeks.
Expect to create moodboards and present photos from the hands-on workshop to the class.
Program Duration: 3 Sessions
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U of T Students / HH Members$27
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Under 29 / Over 65$45
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General Public$90
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U of T Students / HH Members
Intro to Printing
Instructor:
This short crash course is for black-and-white analogue photography only, and you will be learning how to make prints from a negative. We can supply 35mm negatives for those who don’t have their own. This training has no connection or application to digital photography. The course fee covers printing paper which will be supplied in the class.
Program Duration: 3 hours
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeIntro to Printing May 2 6:30 pm–9:30 pm-
Students & HH Members
*$45
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Under 29 and over 65
*$56
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General Public
*$105
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Students & HH Members
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Intro to Processing
Instructor:
This beginner-level course teaches fundamental darkroom techniques for developing black-and-white negative film. Participants will learn the step-by-step process of handling the film and using chemicals to process their film. No experience in darkroom procedures is necessary. This workshop is designed for beginners. The course fee covers developing chemicals, but participants must have their own exposed black-and-white film.
Program Duration: 2 hours
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeIntro to Processing Apr 25 6:30 pm–8:30 pm-
Students & HH Members
*$25
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Under 29 and Over 65
*$40
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General Public
*$70
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Students & HH Members
*
Long Exposure Photography and Painting with Light
Instructor:
In this workshop you will use light and photography to make images that go beyond what the eye can see. Through lectures, in-class exercises and a final project, you will explore shutter speed in the camera and how to create movement in your images.
Program Duration: 2 days
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeSundays Apr 30–May 7 6:30 pm–9:30 pm-
U of T Student$18
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Under 29 or over 65$30
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General public$60
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U of T Student
Photographic Composition
Instructor:
This introductory workshop teaches what conditions make for a good photograph, and introduces strategies for making meaningful and visually pleasing photographs. Photography depends on many relationships between moment, space, light, texture, composition, subject and concept. The workshop will explore the interests of the students, different techniques, and successful, historically significant images. Expect to spend some time shooting on your own after the first class and there will be a shared drive to upload images to review will all during the second class.
Program Duration: 2 sessions
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeWednesdays Sep 27–Oct 4 6:30 pm–9:30 pm-
U of T Student$18
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Under 29 / Over 65$30
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General Public$60
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U of T Student
Pinhole Photography
Instructor:
Pinhole photography is a technique whereby photos are made without the use of a lens. Instead, a tiny hole is punctured in one side of a light-tight box allowing light to stream through and create an image on a piece of photographic paper inside the box. In the first hour everyone will be provided with the materials to build their own pinhole camera. In the second hour everyone will venture outside to take a picture. In the final hour everyone will venture into the darkroom room to develop their photo. No prior darkroom experience required. This class is suitable for beginners as well as darkroom or photography veterans who have never explored the world of pinhole photography.
All materials are provided and everyone will leave with their own pinhole camera for future use.
Program Duration: 1 Class
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeSaturday Sep 23 12:00 pm–3:00 pm-
U of T Students$15
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29 & Under$21
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Over 65$21
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General$36
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U of T Students
Studio Portrait Photography
Instructor:
This class is an open-format studio shoot environment. Instructor Michael Chambers will guide students through standard studio procedures with an emphasis on lighting and working with models. Bring your camera and be prepared to model for others.
Program Duration: 1 day
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeSunday Sep 17 11:00 am–4:00 pm-
Students / HH Members$15
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Under 29 / Over 65$25
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General$50
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Students / HH Members
Three-Day Darkroom Techniques Course
Instructor:
This course introduces basic darkroom procedures: developing black and white negative film and printing photographs from negatives. You will learn various techniques to enlarge and control the quality of prints with time to develop your photographs.
Weekly Lessons
Each week's lesson includes a short orientation and supervised time in the darkroom. On day one, we will focus on the basics of developing; on day two, we will focus on the basics of printing; and on day three, we will explore advanced printing methods.Program Duration: 3 days
Program Offerings: 3
Day of Week Dates TimeSession 1 May 9 6:30 pm–9:30 pmSession 2 May 16 6:30 pm–9:30 pmSession 3 May 23 6:30 pm–9:30 pm-
Students & HH Members
*$128
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29 and under / 65 and over
*$188
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General admission
*$308
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Students & HH Members
*
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Arts — Theatre Arts
Gain confidence through the basic techniques and exercises used by actors.
Acting: Introduction
Instructor:
Always wanted to try acting but didn’t know where to start? Don’t have time in your regular class schedule but still want to feed the acting bug? Intro to Acting is an introductory course for beginners and artists in the early stages of their careers. Through the use of theatre games, storytelling, improvisation and monologue exploration, participants will be introduced to and learn to apply common acting techniques including intention, tactics, relationship, conflict, and stakes.
Participants will walk away with a coached contemporary theatre monologue or piece of their choosing. The course will be tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of the group, whether that is to have a polished monologue for upcoming theatre auditions or to have a party trick in your back pocket to impress your family and friends. Learn from professional actor Janelle Hanna, while making lasting memories and new connections.
Program Duration: 8 sessions
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeTuesdays May 7–Jun 25 6:00 pm–8:00 pm-
Students & HH Members$48
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29 and under / 65 and over$80
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General$160
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Students & HH Members
Improv Level 1
Instructor:
This introductory improv class will hone your skills in areas that are key to good improv and to living a positive, productive and playful life. Students will drill exercises that enrich listening (the words people say, the inflection, the body language), which leads to better acceptance (realizing the reality positively), and to a stronger appreciation for different values and points of view. After these exercises, students will practice scenes and enjoy each other's' creativity in a space that is only limited by people's imagination.
Program Duration: 8 sessions
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeWednesdays Sep 20–Nov 8 6:30 pm–9:00 pm-
U of T Students / HH Members$60
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29 and under / 65 and over$100
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General$200
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U of T Students / HH Members
Writing Fiction
Instructor:
Whether you’re an experienced writer or new to the craft, this short fiction workshop is an opportunity to explore, experiment, and expand your storytelling. Each class will feature a short lecture on an element of craft, a writing exercise, and a round of sharing and feedback on participants’ works in progress. Participants will have an opportunity to bring in 1,000 words at least twice each over the course of the 6-week workshop. Week 4 (June 3) class will be a virtual class on Zoom. Link for this class will be sent to all people enrolled prior to the date.
Week 1: Character
Week 2: Setting and description
Week 3: Dialogue
Week 4: Voice/Tone (Virtual Class)
Week 5: Conflict
Week 6: StructureProgram Duration: 6 weeks
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U of T students & HH members$36
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Under 29 years over 65$60
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General public$120
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U of T students & HH members
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Arts — Visual Arts
Acquire the skills you need to realize your artistic ambition.
Life Drawing
Instructor:
Drop-in life drawing class with a model. Uninstructed. Participants must provide all their own supplies. Pencil or markers only please. Pen & Ink, water colours, oils, acrylics, pastels, charcoal are not permitted because they may stain the rug on the studio floor. We provide simple stands but no easels so some may want to bring a drawing board.
Program Duration: 1 session per registration
Program Offerings: 2
Day of Week Dates TimeThursdays Jul 27–Aug 31 7:00 pm–9:30 pmThursdays Sep 7–Dec 14 7:00 pm–9:30 pm-
U of T Students / HH members$7.50
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Under 29 / Seniors$12.50
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General Public$17.50
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U of T Students / HH members
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Communication Skills
Develop the skills you need to speak with confidence, communicate with authority, get career ready and present your best self in every situation.
Asserting Yourself: Living Your Truth
Instructor:
This workshop will investigate the challenges associated with asserting oneself and strategies to overcome them. In a group setting, participants will explore the meaning of assertiveness, understand the differences between passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive communication styles, and confront the limiting beliefs that prevent authenticity in various life contexts. Using tools and exercises derived from acting, improvisation, and mindfulness techniques, participants will confront personal barriers, discovering and expressing their authentic selves with the goal of mastering assertiveness in order to stand up for what is important to them.
Program Duration: 2 days
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeMonday & Wednesday Nov 6–Nov 8 6:00 pm–10:00 pm-
U of T Students$30
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Under 29 and Over 65$50
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General Public$100
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U of T Students
English Pronunciation Improvement
Instructor:
This course is for advanced English speakers who learned English as a second language. Learn how to reproduce the North American vowel and consonant sounds, and develop your English-speaking abilities so that you can express yourself in English with confidence. You’ll open up your voice by using some of the same techniques actors use when learning accents, along with some practical ESL pronunciation techniques. Changing an accent takes time. This will be time well spent.
Program Duration: 6 sessions
Program Offerings: 1
Day of Week Dates TimeWednesdays Sep 13–Oct 18 6:00 pm–8:00 pm-
U of T Student$36
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< 29 and > 65*$60
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Community*$120
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U of T Student