Entertainment & Film   

Let’s step outside the traditional Sci-Fi portrayal of the android/robot and watch a few films that imagine the “humanoid” (as they’re now called) in more “life-like” situations. In these films, where society looks much like today, our interaction with humanoids is normalized. The films will be supplemented with video clips and comments from real scientists and their humanoid creations — which begs the question, how close are the imaginations of the filmmakers with the rapidly evolving humanoid technology? More importantly, to what extent will we become emotionally attached? Just to be clear, this is not a Sci-Fi course or a technical class on current robotics.
Note: This class runs 2 ½ hours from 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. New in-person course. Format includes film and discussion.

This hands-on course guides participants through designing and building an original tabletop or puzzle-based game they can take home to share with friends and family. Using simple materials and optional digital tools, we’ll explore game mechanics, storytelling, puzzle design, graphic layout, and the fundamentals of playtesting. Each session blends creativity with accessible technology, showing how to shape an idea into a playable experience, whether a card game, board game, or mini escape-room-style puzzle. No prior experience required. All materials provided. By the final class, each participant or team will complete a personalized take-home game.
New in-person course. Format includes hands-on learning.

We will watch clips from some of the great musicals which were produced by the MGM Studios between 1950-55 and discuss the great composers of the following musicals: Annie Get Your Gun, Kiss Me Kate, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Rose Marie, Kismet, The Student Prince, and Singing in the Rain.

New remote workshop. Format includes discussion and film.

Mel Brooks is a comic, writer, actor, director, and producer, and has been a mainstay in American comedy for nearly eight decades. From his earliest days with Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows, his creative partnership with Carl Reiner, his co-creation of Get Smart with Buck Henry, and his many films, Mel has never taken his foot off the accelerator in making us laugh. As he turns 100 this June, let’s celebrate and revisit six of his films to remind ourselves of the work of this comedy icon.

New in-person course. Format includes film.

What is it that makes a movie interesting, rather than entertaining? Provocative, but not absurd? It’s you. Your tastes. Your experiences. Your moods. Those are my views. What are yours? Let’s find out by viewing chosen movies at home, considering some questions I send out, and discussing these issues in each weekly film — plus actors’ quotes, critics’ reviews, and on-set conflicts/shenanigans. I’ll choose the first films; you choose the rest? Some choices: The Critic; Gattaca; Favourite; Empire Falls; Book Thief; The Lizard; A Separation; Grave of Fireflies; Lion of the Desert; Leon the Professional; Untouchables; Get Low; Syriana.

New remote course. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.