Who is it for?
Anyone who would like to create characters and take part in one of Upmo’s performance showcases.

What’s involved?
Acting… and how it can be used to explore social situations, and develop communication and self-confidence. Students are helped to create their own warm-ups, scenes and performances. Scenes are then developed to a stage where they can be performed in front of an audience at one of our regular events. It’s a safe, welcoming place for new people to join at their own pace, and suggest new scenes and stories.

What will you learn?
Situations relevant to everyday life – allow your imagination to create any scene. Throughout a 12-week block, students are encouraged to bring ideas to the workshop and develop characters that are both familiar and out of the ordinary.

Who is it for?
Anyone who enjoys a variety of drama games and scenarios. Based on a touring improvised comedy show, and delivered by one of the participants, this is an imaginative and fun workshop.

What’s involved?
A typical session will start with a warm-up to get the body and brain going. Then the scenarios begin. They’re designed to encourage students to develop imaginative thought processes and bring them to life.

What will you learn?
How to move from safe, everyday ideas and explore imaginative options to problems. We help build confidence through peer evaluation and the opportunity to experiment with concepts in a safe group setting.

Who is it for?
Have you ever watched a film or TV show and thought ‘how do they do that?’. Whether you’re interested in being behind the camera or in front of it, you can find out in this session.

What’s involved?
The workshop combines performance with the technical skills for creating a short film. Groups are split into those who like to act and those who want to be behind the camera – directing, inventing plot lines and editing. Everyone is encouraged to try out different roles and work together. The final film is edited, screened and added to Upmo’s growing library of student films. They’re shown at exhibitions, festivals and break times.

What will you learn?
All the skills needed to make a film – involving scripts, storyboards, props, costumes, characterisation and cameras. We focus on one or two key skills for a few weeks at a time.

Who is it for?
Anyone interested in film and the creative process that leads to a finished production. Film is also an accessible way for students of all abilities to learn about the world and express their thoughts, emotions and visions.

What’s involved?
Discover how films are constructed – from script writing and art direction to acting, use of camera and editing. Each session begins with a social catch-up to develop interpersonal skills and share ideas. A physical, vocal and mental warm-up then prepares the body for creating and performing. Students discuss and take on the roles of a variety of characters, and study different filming techniques each week to create a film from group ideas.

What will you learn?
You’ll gain an awareness of the language of film, and develop your skills in reading and making a film, composing music, signing and singing – and develop the concentration and confidence to realise individual creativity

Who is it for?
This class welcomes anyone who is enthusiastic about musicals, acting, singing and movement.

What’s involved?
A typical session begins with a discussion and the introduction of weekly aims. Students then take part (and often take the lead) in a physical, vocal and mental warm-up. This will usually introduce a new singing technique and will include breathing, different voice qualities and range work. All students work at their own pace and level. The group perform to other students at break times, encouraging self-evaluation and building confidence. The second half of the session is reserved for smaller group performances, offering a chance to improve through peer evaluation.

What will you learn?
Singing and performance technique, including breathing, posture, voice quality and musical concepts. You'll develop confidence through performance, evaluating self and others, and being part of an audience – and discover the fun to be found in performing.

Who is it for?
Anyone who loves soundtracks, and enjoys creating and recording new music.

What’s involved?
The music session begins with a rhythm jam that incorporates musical concepts and introduces new chords and notes. Skills are developed that help students compose with confidence on a variety of instruments. Whether working on an assignment from another workshop (to provide background music for a relaxation workshop, say) or a picture-based stimulus activity, students have the instruments and opportunities to create original pieces, and record using professional software.

What will you learn?
Basic musical concepts, rhythm, dynamics, instrumental techniques, compositional techniques and timing. Through the act of performing, confidence and musical skills are developed steadily.

Who is it for?
All aspiring rockers! If you want to experience the fun and excitement of being in a band – this is the workshop for you.

What’s involved?
This is an exciting and stimulating session. Social skills are developed by the regular sharing of news and interests, while group skills are developed through chord, rhythm and vocal work. Finally, the band comes together to rehearse the current set list: drums, keyboards, percussion, guitar and vocals.

What will you learn?
Chord progression, rhythm skills, listening skills, creating melody and improvising – as well as confidence in performing.

Who is it for?
This session is for anyone who loves music and likes to sing or play an instrument – solo or within a group. It’s a lively, supportive class that creates a safe, welcoming environment for all.

What’s involved?
The session starts with a physical, vocal and mental warm-up. Group songs, musical concepts and performance take place in the first half, with a chance to perform solo pieces or duets in the second half. A wide range of music is involved, reflecting the individual tastes of the class.

What will you learn?
Students are introduced to basic musical concepts, rhythm, dynamics, vocal techniques, instrumental work and timing. Through performance, each student works on their own objectives, such as clarity, volume control or developing eye contact during performances.

Who is it for?
This session is for anyone interested in developing rhythmic skills, learning basic music theory and playing a wide variety of music in a group setting.

What’s involved?
We start with a rhythm warm-up, incorporating new concepts and skills. Then it’s basic music theory, drum rudiments, and understanding the concepts of rhythm and the role it plays in a musical setting. Students analyse music from a range of cultures to understand its origins and the emotion behind it. Pieces are studied then performed – from simple call and response to working as a group to create a performance piece using the drum kit or percussion ensemble.

What will you learn?
Students will develop skills in listening, using and identifying basic musical concepts, learning about other musical cultures, communication, motor control, improvisation, and working as a member of a group (and taking the lead within).

Who is it for?
Music fans and aspiring superstar DJs! People who want to learn how to DJ and experience the creative art of broadcasting.

What’s involved?
This is a fun and creative session, starting with discussion of the different musical genres and how they relate to each other. Students learn how to use equipment, discover new skills and work on creative projects. Social skills are built through musical discussions and sharing of different ideas, while group skills are built through working with others and collaborating on podcasts.

What will you learn?
DJ-ing and performing confidently in front of others.

Who is it for?
Students who want to begin or continue tuition in specific instruments.

What’s involved?
Tuition for singing, drumming, piano and guitar – a growing list from our talented team of facilitators.

What will you learn?
Students learn the basics of their instrument, develop existing skills, gain confidence and go forward for graded examinations if desired.

Who is it for?
Students who want to learn digital skills on iPads, both music and podcasting.

What’s involved?
Creation of digital music and digital content.

What will you learn?
Using only an iPad, we create all the instruments for our songs – students only need creativity, not the ability to play an instrument. We want to eventually build up an orchestra of iPads, creating full scores.

Who is it for?
Anyone who is creative, imaginative and interested in the visual arts and film production.

What’s involved?
Students work together to combine art techniques and technology to produce a film. Tasks include writing the script, dividing it into scenes, deciding on the materials and techniques to be used for producing each scene, and creating any animations. Filming follows, along with editing and the addition of voice-over and sound track.

What will you learn?
The primary objective is to teach how art (still images or animation), sound and video can be used in the production of a film. Students will develop an understanding of filming technology and the filming process, as well as how to make informed choices about which type of art best suits a particular task.

Who is it for?
Students who are interested in using a wider range of artistic expressions, such as film, drama, music and art, and combining them with research on various topics of interest.

What’s involved?
In this progressive workshop, students are making a series of tourism DVDs about ‘Edinburgh Tales’. They’re based on topics that interest the group, such as ‘Horrible Histories of Edinburgh’ and ‘Landmarks of Edinburgh’. Each DVD has two parts: a factual part; and a fictional story created by the group – based on information gathered by research. Students carry out research and report it in their diaries, visit places of interest, carry out filming and documentary-style interviews, take photographs, make props, and create music scores and sound effects. The group also creates short films to coincide with holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween, summer and Christmas.

What will you learn?
Students will develop literacy and numeracy skills and technology. You’ll learn to think creatively and independently, and develop knowledge and understanding of the world and Scotland’s place in it. You will also learn to respect others and work in teams.

Who is it for?
Students wishing to learn a variety of photography skills – taking pictures using different settings, discovering the different roles within photography projects, and practicing editing techniques.

What’s involved?
Each week, students undertake tasks that help them learn about and explore different aspects of photography. The nature of the workshop provides the opportunity for the group to visit different places in Edinburgh and further afield - including the Royal Botanic Garden, Portobello beach, Linlithgow, South Queensferry or Glasgow and the Falkirk Kelpies - to photograph selected objects or scenes.

What will you learn?
Students will learn a wide variety of photographic techniques and editing skills to produce a high standard of photographs. They are regularly exhibited.

Who is it for?
Our art workshops are aimed at anyone who enjoys practical, creative activities. Tasks are group-based but tailored to the interests and level of the individual.

What’s involved?
The class works within a theme to create individual pieces. A recent exhibition was entitled ‘Magical Places’, and allowed students to investigate, design and realise their own magical place through a variety of techniques. These included 3D art forms, sculpture, mixed media, drawing, painting and collage. Links with other workshops provide music and dramatic additions.

What will you learn?
Students are given the opportunity to achieve their own artistic visions, while engaging with external artists/agencies within the local community. You will develop skills to work with a wide variety of materials and techniques. Emphasis on the use of recycled materials and the chance to have artwork exhibited regularly forms a major part of the workshop’s ethos.

Who is it for?
Students who enjoy adding a visual element to stories they have created or enjoyed in the past.

What’s involved?
Students choose their own story or version of a previously known tale, and work on illustrating it carefully. The end result will be a small book or pamphlet.

What will you learn?
Students are encouraged to work with some control to ensure illustrations are detailed and reflective of the subject matter. Research into different styles helps encourage a greater variety of approaches to illustration.

Who is it for?
Anyone interested in camera work, modelling and story processes. It’s an excellent combination of art and film making, and combines lots of different aspects from other Upmo workshops.

What’s involved?
A typical project will involve the entire class in a variety of activities. Individual projects may also be undertaken alongside group work. Sessions include story and character design, and involve physical modelling. Students can create a world in which stop-motion figures interact with each other or human actors. Each cell is filmed, before being edited to make a short film.

What will you learn?
You’ll be given the opportunity to develop the technical skills of art creation, camera design, editing and film language.

Who is it for?
This is a hands-on, creative workshop and is ideal for anyone with an interest in fashion or costume, and would like to see their designs come to life.

What’s involved?
We start with a discussion about fashion trends and a look at a variety of fashion magazines. It all helps inspire creativity. Each student has a fashion design book to keep all ideas and projects together. After sharing our thoughts and designs, we bring them to life – for unveiling at an Upmo fashion show.

What will you learn?
Students are introduced to new craft processes and fabric manipulation techniques such as felting, knitting and tie-dye. You’ll be encouraged to work confidently towards deadlines, source materials and expand your knowledge of texture and colour. The process from initial idea to design and final creation is explored at the individual’s pace within a supportive and friendly environment.

Who is it for?
Anyone who loves coming up with ideas on how to make giant sized games. Must love getting hands dirty, as lots of painting and modelling work involved!

What’s involved?
Students decide what kind of game they would like to make as a group. In the past, we have made character skittles, giant snakes and ladders, and we are currently working on a giant race track for our ‘Wacky Races’ game.

What will you learn?
This is a student-led workshop, where the whole group decides on what the next project will be. Students work as part of group but are also encouraged to work as independently as possible, gathering materials, coming up with ideas and following tasks to completion.

Who is it for?
Anyone interested in nature, the environment and art.

What’s involved?
Students come up with a theme (either individually or as a group) and combine man-made and natural materials to create a piece of art that’s inspired by such areas as the seashore, forest or wildlife.

What will you learn?
To create art from nature, to work together as part of a team, and to learn about the environment in which we live.

Who is it for?
This workshop is for people who want to work in the art Industry, giving them the grounding for creation and selling too.

What’s involved?
First of all... creation of work, then exhibiting and learning selling skills at a busy market place.

What will you learn?
Art as an industry, selling and displaying. Making money from new magical art pieces!

Who is it for?
This workshop is for anyone who enjoys taking part in energetic dancing.

What’s involved?
First of all... a group warm-up with stretches, movement, travelling and posing. Then, by investigating a variety of dance styles and genres, we create a diverse approach to dance and movement (previous styles have included Bollywood and African-inspired movement). Students are encouraged to create, demonstrate and mirror dance moves with their classmates and to produce routines inspired by Zumba, pop artists, videos and different cultures. We encourage students to perform their work to an audience on their own, with partners or in a group.

What will you learn?
How to learn and work on various dance routines (many self-devised), while developing confidence in performing in front of others. Regular break-time performances and evening events provide opportunities to perform to a variety of audiences.