The fall always brings the nostalgia of the first day of school in Toronto: pencils to be sharpened, backpacks to fill, essays to be written! We’ve gathered a list of creative workshops and classes to try this fall, regardless of if you’re still in school or gladly graduated some time ago! Whether it’s painting, improv comedy or ballet, it’s never too late to learn something new and maybe even make some new friends along the way!

Photo by Gift Habeshaw

Improv, Comedy, Writing & Acting Classes at The Second City Toronto

Attention all wisecrackers! The Second City is offering classes this fall in all styles of comedic performance, from improvisation to acting, writing and music. Cited as the world’s largest school of improv and sketch comedy and with notable alumni like Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy and Geri Hall, this is the place for any budding performers to dip their toe into the world of comedy. They also offer classes in public speaking, wellness and community for the less humour-inclined. More Info

Photo by Shayna Douglas

AGO Art Classes & Workshops

Picasso once said: “art washes away from the soul the dust of life.” Thankfully, the AGO has a variety of art classes for novices and pros alike this fall. Mediums like sculpture, watercolour, photography and printmaking are all on offer, as well as an ‘introduction to everything’ course for the infinitely curious! With a range of one-day classes to 10-week workshops, there is something for every schedule. AGO Members also receive a discount on classes. More Info

 

 

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Collage Nights with Issues Magazine Shop

Cut, rip, glue and tape together something beautiful (or not so beautiful, we won’t judge) at Issues Magazine Shop’s collage series. Whether crafting a Halloween party invite, a love letter to a crush or something else entirely, settle into crafting mode with other like-minded strangers. For those who want to try out a collage night before diving into the series, they also offer individual collage nights, including a monthly PWYC session which tends to sell out—so keep your eyes (and inbox) open! More Info

Photo by Ivan Pergasi

Clay Classes at Gardiner Museum

After a summer of renovations, the Gardiner Museum is open again this fall for more clay art classes! Beginner wheel throwers, intermediate hand builders and everyone in between are welcome to express themselves through clay. Try “CLAYming Love,” a class guided by Suzanne Thomson, a registered psychotherapist, with an emphasis on reclamation and self-compassion. “CLAYm” your spot soon, as classes fill up quickly. More Info

Photo by Nader Saremi

Make Your Own Glass Pumpkin at Harbourfront Centre

With Halloween candy already on store shelves, spooky season is officially here! Get a jumpstart on Halloween decorating with this glass workshop where Victoria Guy and Charlie Larouche–Potvin walk us through creating… you guessed it, a glass pumpkin! Artists are encouraged to go as literal or as abstract as their imaginations will take them. More Info

Photo by Josh Keys

Ballet Classes with the National Ballet of Canada

Slip into your ballet shoes and get ready to plié and grand jeté this fall with the National Ballet of Canada. Offering daily drop-in classes in a wide range of dance levels, and taught by some of Canada’s best dancers, you can learn in person at their Queen’s Quay studio, or online in the comfort of your own home. The National Ballet of Canada also has fitness classes, for any pilates, barre or yoga enthusiasts. More Info

 

Songwriting with Toronto Songwriting School

Unleash your inner songstress and learn to let those lyrics flow at the Toronto Songwriting School. Led by a Juno-award nominated songwriter and performer, students are led through the basics of songwriting, alliteration, and rhyme, studying the lyrics of some of our best songwriters. Classes are held over Zoom. More Info

Photo by Aaron Burden

Playwriting Workshops with Tarragon Theatre

Looking to build your theatre practice? Tarragon Theatre has a host of workshops for playwrights and directors to sink their teeth into. Facilitated by some of Canada’s top theatre artists, these workshops focus on directing for the stage, generating pages, writing solo shows and the sometimes daunting task of ‘getting unstuck.’ Tarragon also offers some subsidized rate spots for their workshops. More Info

 

 

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The Knit Cafe Knitting & Crocheting Classes

Learn to knit, purl, cast on or just mend a hole in your favourite pair of mittens this fall at the Knit Cafe. If you’re finally ready to dedicate some time to recreating that viral JW Anderson cardigan, try the Crochet Crash Course or make your own unique version once you’ve mastered the Greater Granny Squares class. You’ll have the perfect gifts ready for the holiday season with the new items you’ll learn to make! More Info

Photo by Denise Jans

Learn About All Things Film with LIFT

If TIFF inspired your inner screenwriter, director, animator or producer, the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto has a ton of workshops that will certainly pique your interest. Learn to write grants to get your film funded, the fundamentals of cinematography, or unleash your voice acting side, with their extensive range of filmmaking classes. Run by artists, LIFT aims to be the primary community hub for film-related practices. More Info