To the HB Studio Community:
HB Studio is adhering to local and national mandates for a community-wide effort to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Given the level of uncertainty and rapidly changing guidelines, we are rolling out a suite of online classes and workshops until we are able to reconvene classes on-site. The decision to resume classes at the Studio will follow public mandates and safety guidelines from our public health leaders.
Public safety must be our first concern. As such, we will adjust our programs to distance learning classes. Until further notice, with the start of Spring Term beginning the week of March 30th, HB Studio will host classes online via Zoom Conferencing. Please browse our list of online classes. More classes will be added in the coming days, so please stay tuned.
HB Studio will tailor our teaching and the topic to the virtual space and explore this creatively with our students. We hope not to stay in cyberspace for long for most of our classes, but while we are there, we are going to take advantage of its possibilities. Just as on camera work is different from live performance in the theater or studio, the virtual sphere is a compelling new place for us to learn to play. Please check each course page on our website for more information on how teachers will conduct specific classes online.
HB’s refund policy states that we will approve and process requests for refunds, credits, withdrawals, and transfers up to 24 hours before your first day of class. Given the unusual circumstances of the coronavirus epidemic, we will waive the $27 administration fee for withdrawals before the first day and for those who request a withdrawal after attending the first class online.
We understand that the shift to virtual learning is a radical change. We encourage you to try it out with us. Think of the Zoom platform we will be using as an “on camera” platform where you practice skills that you will need to use in your work across multiple media. You are able to see and interact with other students and the instructor in closeup. There is an intimacy to the setting and to the exchange that may surprise you. Students who wish to withdraw after trialing the first class will be able to do so without penalty. Schedule changes must be made by emailing customerservice@hbstudio.org.
HB Studio will also host public events online. We look forward to making use of a connected virtual space to continue to share stimulating and timely programs and talks with you. More on those offerings to follow.
Through this challenging time, we want to stay in touch and active with our artistic colleagues and community, and use the virtual sphere to stay connected and creative, to continue to develop our skills and to make work that speaks to these times and brings people together.
This represents a huge adjustment for all of us, but we can only combat this crisis together. We invite you to keep in connection with us and explore the creative possibilities of the intimate and immediate virtual space.
We hope you will stand with HB and with one another as we journey through this uncharted territory together.
Please don’t hesitate to be in touch with questions.
Stay well,
Edith Meeks
Executive & Artistic Director