MARK YOUR CALENDARS. The Pablo Center's popular summer programming is bringing new classes and returning favorites this year, with registration opening online at 8am sharp on Saturday, March 7. ("Girls Who Code" program, pictured)

The No. 1 question Pablo Center Education & Outreach Manager, Mary LaVenture, receives is simple, yet loaded: “Can we have more?”

The Pablo Center at the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) is perhaps best known for its state-of-the-art performing arts facilities and stage shows – its two theaters and newly reimagined Manz Green Room spaces have hosted local musicians-in-residence, traveling Broadway shows like The Addams Family, comedians, magicians, tribute acts and more – though its secret gem may be its youth programming.

Pablo Center began offering student-focused summer programming Summer 2020, LaVenture said, and originally included a small section of youth coding and LEGO robots classes.

Since then, the art center’s summer programs have continued to grow – both in attendance and in course offerings – each year.

As technology and trends continue to evolve, part of our mission is to expose students to experiences they may not encounter during the traditional school year. –Mary LaVenture, education & outreach manager

On average, 350-500 students participate in Pablo Center’s programming; partnerships through the local school districts in Eau Claire, Altoona and Chippewa Falls have allowed for low- or no-cost opportunities for students. (Students outside those school districts are, of course, also more than welcome to Pablo Center’s programming.)

For the upcoming season’s classes and programs, registration opens at 8am sharp on Saturday, March 7 – and seats are likely to go quickly. Like, filled within the first 15 minutes of opening, quickly.

The Pablo Center is continuing – and expanding – its collaboration with UW-Eau Claire this year, introducing new theater-focused programs which will be supported by university staff and students.

“This year represents an expansion of our collaboration with UWEC,” LaVenture noted. “Previously we tested a sound engineering class with UWEC staff, which was well received.

“This year we decided to broaden the collaboration with the theater department by creating more opportunities for students to engage with university-level resources and expertise in a way that is accessible and showcases STEAM career pathways,” she added.

Some of those new classes – presented in partnership with UW-Eau Claire – include “Costume Creation,” “Lighting & Color” and “Sewing 101,” alongside other programs like “Dungeons, Dragons & Design,” “STEAM Camp” and “Art Camp,” among others.

Each summer, the Pablo Center team’s goal is to offer about six weeks of programming, with each offered class running five days per week for two-and-a-half hours per day. Certified instructors and classroom assistants are also brought on during that time to help develop detailed lesson plans and learning goals.

“Together, we focus on hands-on learning and skill development. While fun is always a priority, we are also intentionally strengthening and reinforcing fundamental skills and core academic milestones behind the scenes,” LaVenture said.

“As technology and trends continue to evolve, part of our mission is to expose students to experiences they may not encounter during the traditional school year,” she continued. “The more we introduce them to new ideas and tools, the more confident they become seeking out future learning opportunities on their own.”

Mark your calendars for the Pablo Center's summer programming registration opening, slated for 8am on Saturday, March 7. Learn more online at www.pablocenter.org/learn/summer-programs.