Areté students enjoy the unique opportunity to learn and produce alongside working professionals in Junior and Senior Project Workshops in TV Production, Web Design, 3D Animation, Social Media and Audio Engineering after school at the Digital Media Center.  With the help of academy funding, professionals train and direct students in unique production opportunities, which help build student portfolios.

TV Production workshop

TV Production students learn studio and technology management, then film a series of web-TV shows for school and community stakeholders.  TV shows filmed in this workshop have included poetry slams, cooking demonstrations, promotions for concerts and classes, and full-length house concerts.  Committed students have been hired for outside opportunities.

3D Animation with Maya

Under the tutelage of animator and game designer Jim Evans, 3D Animation students learn character creation in Maya and build a working model.  Workshop  participants learn the history of animation, and discuss where the industries of gaming and animation are headed.  While completing a  working model students also learn the importance of narrative development and storyboarding.

Social Media

Conferring with renown social media author and consultant Kerry Rego,  Social Media workshop students learn the growing legion of social media and create a robust social media presence for school or community interests.  Kerry's dynamic presentation style and her wealth of insight make this an indispensable junior or senior project, no matter what direction a student will take.

Audio Recording

Audio Engineering students learn recording techniques and mastering in ProTools while recording a demo for local talent.  Studio engineer Darryl Webb teaches the basics of sound production, mic'ing, managing a recording session and editing, and then coaches students as they bring to fruition their own session.