In this class, students discover the art of filmmaking from its early beginnings to modern-day blockbusters. We will watch and analyze iconic film clips that have shaped the industry, from classic Hollywood movies to international cinema and contemporary indie films. Students will explore themes, character development, symbolism, and narrative structure, and use these insights to craft their own short films. Students may decide to work in groups or individually to craft their own video content. We will explore scriptwriting, storyboards, cinematography, production design, and acting. Students will work with a variety of digital media apps including Capcut, Procreate, Stop Motion Studio, Canva and more. 

ELECTRONICS: We have iPads available for students to use during class. If students bring their own iPads, we will share how to download and use a variety of apps.

Check out our YOUTUBE CHANNEL to view student work!

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR:

ANDERSON FUNK (he/him) is an interdisciplinary creator who makes art films using experimental camera techniques and poetic notions, he strives to reveal the power of the human spirit within each of us, to find new ways forward in trying times, fostering tenderness, clear eyes, and the bravery to keep asking impossible questions. Anderson graduated undergrad with an engineering degree, and worked for many years before going back to school for an MFA. He lets his understandings of these realms inform each other, giving him a unique perspective, a distinctive art practice, and welcoming attitude. Anderson is a member-artist at The Front, hosts a radio show on WTUL, and organizes with Nola to Angola. He grew up in Metairie, then lived all over the U.S. for many years, before returning to New Orleans in 2017. This is Anderson's third year teaching film with Art Camp 504, and he is excited to see new and returning students! Check out his website andersonfunk.com

Learn more about our programs at ArtCamp504.org

In this studio class, young artists will build skills in drawing and painting while exploring a wide range of materials, including pencil, graphite, charcoal, oil pastel, watercolor, and acrylic paint. Each session begins with a focused technique lesson—such as color theory, shading, composition, perspective, figure drawing, or portraiture—followed by time for students to apply what they’ve learned to their own creative projects. Students will develop confidence in their artistic voice through guided instruction, one-on-one support, and a nurturing peer community. Regular critique sessions help students learn how to talk about their work and give thoughtful feedback to others. The class culminates in a public gallery show, where students will present their final pieces inside our magical Enchanted Forest house float!

Find your people at Art Camp 504's newest Teen Club, Improv Comedy!

Whether you are a natural jokester or just curious about trying something new, this class is designed to help students build confidence, sharpen their wit, and find their unique comedic voice—no experience required! Through engaging exercises and acting games, students will learn the essentials of comedic timing, improvisation, and stage presence—all while having an absolute blast! By the end of the course, you'll leave with a solid grasp of comedy fundamentals and the confidence to apply humor in any creative field. The semester culminates in a family performance at Big Couch Nola!

TROUPE GUIDELINES: Listen actively when others are performing, Wait your turn and respect the flow of the activity, Follow the rules of each game or exercise. Improv is all about collaboration. Students must be able to work respectfully and cooperatively with everyone in the troupe. 

This class is in partnership with Big Couch Nola. Class is held at Big Couch Theater, 1045 Desire St in the Bywater.

FINAL PERFORMANCE: Tuesday, May 5, 5:45 - 6:45pm

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR:

Mary Jacobs is a local comedian and Improv educator from New Orleans, Louisiana. She’s trained and taught across America, including and education from infamous Second City in Chicago. Her passion for educating youth in the comedic arts is no joke and believes comedy can connect us to our humanity and community in a deep (and silly) way. In addition to her experience as an educator she can be found across stages in New Orleans as a comedian, host, and MC. She is so looking forward to the opportunity to foster the next generation of jesters here in New Orleans. Mary currently works with Big Couch Nola - a creative incubator that produces standup & sketch comedy, theater productions, drag, film, music and more!

Family Music Class presented by Blue House Music and Art Camp 504 is an immersive music experience for infant, toddler and Pre-K age children along with their caregivers. The infant and toddler class focuses on early language development, especially phonemic sound, and gross motor development  from crawling and first steps to finger-walking and motoring around. The class teaches eye tracking, attention, and connection with the caregiver. Through singing, movement and instrument play children will experience rich learning in key developmental domains while caregivers gain powerful tools to communicate with their little ones. Blue House Music is an early learning program for children under five that empowers caregivers to actively participate in music making.

Class begins promptly at 4:30pm. Please arrive at 4:15 to get settled before class. We encourage families to play at Markey Park or visit Pizza Delicious after class ends! We love making new friends!

HOW TO JOIN FOR DROP IN DATES: We reserve two drop in spots per class. You must RSVP and pay via venmo to reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance. Due to building capacity, we do not accept walk-ins without an RSVP. 

1. RSVP: Email bluehouseclasses@gmail.com to see if there are spots available for your chosen class
2. SUBMIT PAYMENT: Send payment $30 via venmo to @artcamp504 or cashapp $artcamp504

MEET THE TEACHER:

CHRISTOPHER “MR. CHRIS” SHEARD (he/him) is a music teacher and teaching artist with over fifteen years in the field of early childhood music. He has been certified in Music Together, Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts and the Young Audiences National Teaching Artist Credential. He is the founder of Blue House Music, a direct-to-family early learning music program that serves children under five and their caregivers. He currently works as the lower school music teacher at The McGehee School for Girls and Little Gate. He is a Bywater resident, father of two, and is so excited to join the Art Camp 504 team!

Family Music Class presented by Blue House Music and Art Camp 504 is an immersive music experience for infant, toddler and Pre-K age children along with their caregivers. The infant and toddler class focuses on early language development, especially phonemic sound, and gross motor development  from crawling and first steps to finger-walking and motoring around. The class teaches eye tracking, attention, and connection with the caregiver. Through singing, movement and instrument play children will experience rich learning in key developmental domains while caregivers gain powerful tools to communicate with their little ones. Blue House Music is an early learning program for children under five that empowers caregivers to actively participate in music making.

Class begins promptly at 4:30pm. Please arrive at 4:15 to get settled before class. We encourage families to play at Markey Park or visit Pizza Delicious after class ends! We love making new friends!

HOW TO JOIN FOR DROP IN DATES: We reserve two drop in spots per class. You must RSVP and pay to reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance. Due to building capacity, we do not accept walk-ins without an RSVP. 

1. RSVP: Email bluehouseclasses@gmail.com to see if there are spots available for your chosen class
2. SUBMIT PAYMENT: Send payment $30 via venmo to @artcamp504 or cashapp $artcamp504

MEET THE TEACHER:

CHRISTOPHER “MR. CHRIS” SHEARD (he/him) is a music teacher and teaching artist with over fifteen years in the field of early childhood music. He has been certified in Music Together, Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts and the Young Audiences National Teaching Artist Credential. He is the founder of Blue House Music, a direct-to-family early learning music program that serves children under five and their caregivers. He currently works as the lower school music teacher at The McGehee School for Girls and Little Gate. He is a Bywater resident, father of two, and is so excited to join the Art Camp 504 team!

Join us for Punk Rock Spring Break — we’re filming the second official Freddie & the Chins music video! Freddie & the Chins formed during Punk Rock Camp 2025 and quickly skyrocketed to global fame. Their hit single “Stardust, Stardust” shattered records and topped charts around the world — watch the music video HERE!

This spring, our student punk rockers will explore every part of the creative filmmaking process: designing costumes, decorating shirts and jean jackets, styling hair, experimenting with makeup and face paint, exploring stop motion animation, learning a dance routine, and even helping record the next track! And of course, we’ll be whipping up some rockin’ treats in the kitchen. The week wraps up with a punk rock celebration for family and friends!

HOW TO REGISTER: Add this class to your cart. As you go through the registration process, you will be prompted to select either full week sessions or drop in days. You total price will adjust based on the number of days.

• NOTE: Once you register for the class, you will not be able to add additional drop in days through our online platform. To add days, emailinfo@artcamp504.org to check for availability. You will then submit payment through venmo @artcamp504 or card/cash on site.

PRICES:

• $80/day drop in
• April 3-10 (6 days) $450

PAYMENT PLAN: Because this camp is drop in, we can't set up payment plans through Coursestorm. Contact community@artcamp504.org if you’d like to set up a payment plan  

BEFORE & AFTERCARE: You may pay in advance or at drop off/pick up. Advance notification is not required to attend.

• BEFORECARE, 8:00-8:30: $10/day 
• AFTERCARE, 3:30-5:30: $20/day or $15/day if enrolling in 3 or more days
• Payment options: Venmo @artcamp504 or pay cash or card at drop off/pick up. Write student name in payment description