Just about every major Broadway musical in the past has been turned into a Hollywood movie. The results were sometimes a Hit, other times a Miss, often an Also-Ran. This class looks at popular stage musicals and their cinema counterparts from the 1920s up until the 1970s. From Show Boat to Cabaret, these are musical adaptations with fascinating back-stories.

The class is part-lecture, part-watching scenes from classic movies.

Thomas Hischak is a retired Professor of Performing Arts from the State University of New York College at Cortland. He is the author of over thirty books on theatre, film, and popular music.

Class sessions will be on Mondays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 from 9:30 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Discover the centuries-old craft of bookbinding in this hands-on course designed for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of constructing handmade books — from folding and sewing signatures (bookbinding process of stitching multiple folded groups of paper (signatures) together using binder thread to create the internal text block of a book) to attaching covers and finishing edges. The course is made up of individual sessions, each exploring a different and creative aspect of designing and personalizing your book. No prior experience needed — just a love of paper, texture, paints and making things by hand.

Create DIY washi tape- Using paints, markers, and masking tape, you can make washi tape designs to coordinate with your own book style. It’s fun and easy to do!

Supplies specific to this class:

• Beige masking tape in different widths
• Any watercolor or acrylic paints
• Markers – watercolor and black permanent, gel pens,
• Metallic markers or paints
• Parchment paper
• Brushes – Round and Flat – 4-8
• Stencils, stamps and permanent ink pads

General Supplies needed:

• Journals- blank sketch/watercolor books, or you can hand make a book or alter a book.
• Pens, markers, pencils, rulers, brushes Paints (acrylics, watercolors, inks, metallics)
• Colored pencils
• Collage materials: (magazine clippings, newspapers, paper scraps)
• Glue or adhesives 
• Stamps and stencils
• Washi or decorative tapes
• Gesso: white or clear
• Sponges
• Palette knives

Optional supplies

• Fabric,
• Textured papers, 
• Brayer
• Gel press
• Ink sprays 
• Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, July 13 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Discover the centuries-old craft of bookbinding in this hands-on course designed for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of constructing handmade books — from folding and sewing signatures (bookbinding process of stitching multiple folded groups of paper (signatures) together using binder thread to create the internal text block of a book) to attaching covers and finishing edges. The course is made up of individual sessions, each exploring a different and creative aspect of designing and personalizing your book. No prior experience needed — just a love of paper, texture, paints and making things by hand.

Altered Playing Cards- Playing cards are the perfect addition to making your book unique. Using paints, stencils, stamps and even fabric scraps, you can design each card to look like it is old, vintage, mid-century, shabby chic, a sample specimen card or any other different style you can create. Place them in special hidden places in your book.

Supplies specific to this class:

• Playing cards
• Paints- watercolor, inks, acrylic
• Markers – permanent and watercolor
• Scissors
• Fabric scraps
• Tissue paper, napkins
• Glue stick, white Elmer’s glue
• Stencils
• Decorative suggestions- stickers, dried flowers, bling, etc.

General Supplies needed:

• Journals- blank sketch/watercolor books, or you can hand make a book or alter a book.
• Pens, markers, pencils, rulers, brushes Paints (acrylics, watercolors, inks, metallics)
• Colored pencils
• Collage materials: (magazine clippings, newspapers, paper scraps)
• Glue or adhesives 
• Stamps and stencils
• Washi or decorative tapes
• Gesso: white or clear
• Sponges
• Palette knives

Optional supplies

• Fabric,
• Textured papers, 
• Brayer
• Gel press
• Ink sprays 
• Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, July 20 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Discover the centuries-old craft of bookbinding in this hands-on course designed for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of constructing handmade books — from folding and sewing signatures (bookbinding process of stitching multiple folded groups of paper (signatures) together using binder thread to create the internal text block of a book) to attaching covers and finishing edges. The course is made up of individual sessions, each exploring a different and creative aspect of designing and personalizing your book. No prior experience needed — just a love of paper, texture, paints and making things by hand.

Pockets, Tuck spots and Hidden Places- These are added to your books to extend places to hide notes, tags, journal cards or memorabilia. By using special origami type folding, cutouts and glue you are only limited by your imagination as to where and how to include them with your book design.

Supplies specific to this class:

• Decorative paper, cardstock, book pages
• Magazine images that correspond to your book design
• White Elmer’s glue
• Decorative suggestions- stickers, paper clusters, silk flowers, stamps/ink, bling, etc.

General Supplies needed:

• Journals- blank sketch/watercolor books, or you can hand make a book or alter a book.
• Pens, markers, pencils, rulers, brushes Paints (acrylics, watercolors, inks, metallics)
• Colored pencils
• Collage materials: (magazine clippings, newspapers, paper scraps)
• Glue or adhesives 
• Stamps and stencils
• Washi or decorative tapes
• Gesso: white or clear
• Sponges
• Palette knives

Optional supplies

• Fabric,
• Textured papers, 
• Brayer
• Gel press
• Ink sprays 
• Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, July 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Gel Press Printing- This printing technique can be used to create your own background images for your book pages. Gel press printing is a true artform in itself letting the artist make designs to be used in collage, and one off prints. With the addition of markers, stencils and even leaves and flowers you can make unbelievable prints. Let your creativity flow with this one-of-a-kind medium!

Supplies needed: 

• Copy paper (minimum 24lb)
• Envelopes, paper scraps, playing cards, etc. what ever you have.
• Acrylic paints – (hobby paints are good for beginners) heavier tube paints are better.
• Gel Press printing plate 5x7 or larger (Do not get the Speedball Press it’s only for ink)
• Breyer
• Acrylic Markers
• Permanent black marker wide tip
• Stencils  Flowers and plants
• Black and white magazine images to do transfers.
• Optional: Other papers can also be used besides copy paper. Rice paper, deli paper, tissue paper,

Class sessions will meet on Mondays, August 3, 24, 31 (no class sessions August 10 & 17) from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Even before the advent of sound, many Hollywood movies had musical scores. This course looks at the development of the movie soundtrack and at the notable composers who created memorable musical scores. We will cover the early pioneers as well as composers working today, watching film clips illustrating outstanding Hollywood soundtracks. Among the great composers to be discussed are Alfred Newman, Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, John Barry, John Williams, and Rachel Portman. We will be listening to and discussing such famous film soundtracks as Gone with the Wind, North By Northwest, The Ten Commandments, Goldfinger, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

This is not a music theory class but more a music appreciation one.

Thomas Hischak is a retired Professor of Performing Arts from the State University of New York College at Cortland. He is the author of over thirty books on theatre, film, and popular music.

Class sessions will be on Mondays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 9:30 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

This ballet class is designed for seniors but emphasizes classical technique rather than exercise for its own sake. Approximately the first 20-30 minutes of class will be devoted to floor work that develops range of joint motion, strength, stretch and muscular sequencing necessary for ballet technique. That will be followed by about 30 minutes each at the barre and center. These exercises are selected to improve balance, posture, upper body range of motion and enhance the ability to transfer weight with confidence and grace. Some prior dance experience is recommended. The ability to work lying or sitting on the floor, get up from the floor, and the ability to stand and move unaided are required.

Ballet shoes are recommended.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 1:30 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

Step into the evocative world of Zambra Mora, a soulful fusion of Spanish Romani expression and deep Arabic influence. This Level One foundations class is designed for absolute beginners and curious dancers who want to explore the earthy, emotional, and rhythmic heart of this historic style. 

In this class, students will learn:

• Fundamental posture and movement vocabulary
• Slow, serpentine movements that emphasize breath, groundedness, and expression intention
• Fast rhythmic accents drawn from traditional Zambra phrasing
• Hipwork, arm pathways, and traveling steps that build confidence and fluidity
• Cultural context and lineage, honoring the dance’s roots while building a modern, accessible foundation

The pace is welcoming and supportive, with plenty of breakdowns, repetition, and guided practice. No prior dance experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to explore a dance form that is both fiery and deeply poetic.

By the end of the series, students will feel grounded in the essential shapes, rhythms, and emotional textures of Zambra Mora, ready to continue into more layered technique and choreography.

Barefoot or dance shoes preferred, wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in.

With years of teaching and performance experience, Gina brings her expertise, warmth, and energy to every class. Whether you’re new to Zambra Mora or looking to expand your repertoire, this class offers a fun, supportive environment to grow your skills and enjoy the beauty of dance.  

Class sessions will be on Tuesdays, August 4, 11, and 25 from 10:30 - 11:30 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine). No class on Tuesday, August 18.

For ages 18 and up.