Programs
UTA works with seasoned professional artists to provide instruction in and exposure to, an eclectic blend of fine and performing arts, cultural, educational and social programs. Our FREE programs serve community members by providing hands-on, experiential and creative artistic outlets that uplift, enlighten, inspire and facilitate unique expanded learning and enrichment opportunities that only the arts can foster.
Classes
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Environmental Art
This class is a fun, interactive and hands-on series that puts an artistic spin on environmental preservation.
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Sewing Workshop
Students learn the basics in hand stitching and machine sewing, reading patterns, and design and construction of a garment.
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Art Workshop
Students learn basics in painting, drawing and sculpture.
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Music Workshop
Participants learn the basic elements of Jazz music and develop their improvisational skills, which will culminate in performance.
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Vocal Workshop
Participants learn breathing and vocal exercises, the basic elements of Jazz vocal music and develop their improvisational skills, which will culminate in performance.
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Jazz for Teens
This series consists of field trips to Jazz related venues and events, alternating with discussions "Let's Talk about Jazz" of previous weeks' activity.
Workshops will return in Winter/Spring 2026
Workshops will return in Winter/Spring 2026
Additional Program Information
"Temple of the Arts was an amazing experience since it helped me to increase my social and independent life ... I became a more social person and I also learned how to do art, learn to read Shakespeare, take pictures and etc. More people should join this program because it gives us many opportunities to take."
— Wan Jun
"I was blessed to be part of the Shakespeare program. The Shakespeare program was a lot of excitement. We all learned a lot of things that we don't learn in school and it was a great opportunity to help us for when we want to to do acting in the future. I really admired the coaches that came and helped us such as Mr.Gano or Coach Gano and Ms.Lease or Coach Lease. It was so fun each time we went after school to Shakespeare, and there were a lot of funnnnyyy funyyyy moments! The games and warm-ups we did gave us better learning, skill and focus on what we were doing for when we practiced our lines. Also the field trips were a huge help for the scenes that we did and it was a perfect way of showing us a great demonstration on how we are supposed to act when we are on stage. I was greatful that God had blessed me to enjoy this program, and glad that everyone there pushed us to do our best. I really adored the love that was between each of everyone's hearts from Ms Sajdah, Mr. Gano, Ms. Irene, Mr. Anthony, Ms. Lease and the others that helped us make our show happen. I honestly loved acting and the adrenaline rush that I had and we all had before we went on stage. We also had our ups and downs but it only made us stronger. I really want to enjoy this a program again! And I don't want to forget anyone."
— Epiphany
"I am truly grateful of the experience and knowledge I acquired while being a part of Universal Temple of the Arts Shakespeare program! What I've learned is, music can influence many aspects of someone's life. For example: Jazz has a strong appeal to those who are wise and cautious. Therefore, it sort of guides one to a place where they can be at peace with the world and themselves. I also learned A LOT about acting and what to expect in the 'real world'. We were given guidance by a wonderful mentor named Lisa and a successful actor Gano Grillz. Gano taught me about wanting to be an actor for the fame, money or for the love and appreciation of the art. The teachers, coachs and designers (Ms. Sadja, Mr. Anthony, Ms. Irene, Ms. Jenny & Ms. D) were extremely helpful. Ms. Sadja is brought so much faith and peace to the program. Ms. Irene is intelligent and cared for us. Mr. Anthony was funny and creative! Ms. Jenny and Ms. D both showed me how to design and acquire important life skills about designing."
"This program was welcome to anyone. That's what made it so special because, not everyone is the same. The class was diverse and exciting, making the experience a whole lot better than a normal 'class play'. Plus we went on the best trips! I want to say again, I appreciate everything that was done for me and what I learned throughout this program. I also want to give a special thanks to Ms. Sajda, I am blessed to have had a teacher like yourself!"
— Anthony Solis
After School: Shakespeare Appreciation
Offered through NYC's Cultural After-School Adventures
UTA offers a unique after-school cultural experience that introduces students to Shakespearean literature. Students engage in hands-on and exciting projects that encompass drama, music, sewing, visual arts, photography and writing components to acquire deeper knowledge of a specific play’s content and themes.
A student in the program explains, "We made a project about things that would have been thrown away because the air and the water is getting polluted. I learned about not throwing stuff away – but creating something. I learned about recycling. I liked the program because I like to draw. The man in my artwork went to a store and recognized that when he bought a piece of candy and threw the paper on the floor he recognized that he should pick it up and throw it in the garbage.”
Environmental
UTA's Environmental Art Program is a fun, creative way to learn about the environment and how to care for our world. Started nearly 20 years ago, the Trash to Treasure program is tailored for elementary school children and uses with a variety of repurposed materials such as paper, shoelaces and boxes to create unique one-of-a-kind art objects.