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Cambridge Center for Adult Education
Category: Education Adult Education Adult Education [Edit]
42 Brattle StCambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood: Harvard Square
(617) 547-6789
- Nearest Transit:
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Brattle St @ Massachusetts Ave (86)
114 Mt Auburn St (71, 73)
Mt Auburn St @ Story St (71, 73)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 9 pm
Fri 9 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 2 pm
About This Business:
One-on-one Spanish classes and conversational Spanish small group instruction conducted by native Spanish speakers in Boston, MA. Learn to speak Spanish fast!
38 reviews for Cambridge Center for Adult Education
38 reviews in English
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Review from Mari B.
Cambridge, MA
8/19/2011
I've always wanted to learn Spanish and I've finally found an affordable and convenient place to do it!
I took level 1, then 2, and I'm planning on continuing.
To my experience, the quality of the class completely depends on the teacher, and I've been lucky so far!
The language classes are taught by native speakers, and you can check their profile on the website before the class starts to look for the ones that have teaching experience.
And the other students are just normal people of all ages!
It's a great place! -
Review from Valeria A.
Somerville, MA
9/18/2011
I've taken several classes at the CCAE - cooking, computers, mind/body - and all of them have been great. They have quality instructors and a variety of fun and interesting classes to choose from.
I took an HTML class over the summer and after 4 weeks, left feeling pretty confident about my new set of skills building a basic website. The instructor really took the time to explain the language and answer any questions we had.
I've taken a couple cooking classes and both were a lot of fun. You also make A LOT of food, so be sure to come hungry! -
Review from Johnna M.
5/5/2011
Ah, enjoy the sounds of an adult community education center:
The Spanish class ..."Me estás poniendo muy caliente."
The yoga class..."Breaatthhhhhe! namaste!"
The landscaping class......(landscaping classes don't make noise, silly!)
and my class, the wine tasting class,...Ah, vintage 2008, aged on oak clearly"
With hearing being the least tantalized sense during my wine tasting class, I learned to fully engage my nose, mouth, and eyes to appreciate wine. The instructor's knowledge and undeniable passion for the subject really made me understand that wine is not a dull hobby of the pretentious (me? pretentious? could I even fake it?) but rather a very scientific connection to nature. I further learning how to identify the grapes, region, and aging process in a fun and down to earth environment.
But we are not here to review wine tasting in general but rather to review the Cambridge Center for Adult Education. Nestled in little cottage on Brattle Street, everyone I dealt with from the instructor to the front door man were pleasant and smiley. Previously I knew enough to roll my eyes when family drank Zinfandel but couldn't tell you why and so my brother invested in this class for me as a Christmas present. A busy work and travel schedule forced me to constantly switch classes, and the center was extremely accommodating throughout it all.
Not at all volatile, I'd describe the complexity of my experience with the center as clean, lively, and perhaps just a tad bit nutty! (See. I learned something.) -
Review from Lisa S.
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I took a cooking class at CCAE last week (it's the only class I've taken there). The location is great. I can't comment on the facilities besides the cooking room (I believe there is only one).
I was a bit spoiled by the gorgeous new cooking rooms at BCAE (I've taken 2 or 3 cooking classes there), and I thought the cooking room at CCAE was a bit older and cramped. However, they had everything we needed! It was a warm day- about 75/80- and the room got ridiculously hot with 20 people inside of it, both ovens going, and burner on- and there were no fans or AC in the room. At first I got into the class, but by the end I mostly sat in the corner by the window trying not to sweat. A few other people were in the corner with me for the same reason! That being said, the instructor was super friendly and so were the other people in the class- and all the food was delicious!
I'd take a class here again, but I thought the cooking facilities at BCAE were definitely nicer, and cooking classes were about the same price. But a fan or a window AC would have gone a long way to making the class more enjoyable! -
Review from Katharine W.
Boston, MA
6/9/2011
A friend and I decided to take basic Photography classes here - it was so inexpensive and very convenient. The teacher was so knowledgeable and helpful throughout the classes! The class was small and more personable, and there was absolutely no pressure to be the best. I looked forward to going to classes every Monday night because everyone worked and learned at their own pace. The teacher was laid back and knowledgeable about almost everything! She always made sure we were heard we received constructive criticism. I think I did better in this class than in a few creative classes in college!
The only thing I was sad about was that there wasn't a dark room to use! But I definitely will be taking future classes here. They offer just about everything from wine tasting to art to cooking! -
Review from Tamara N.
Boston, MA
9/26/2010
I took an all day photography class here. It was well worth the $125 fee! The instructor was knowledgeable, a great teacher, funny and I learned a ton.
The facility needs some work, it's a bit dumpy, but I suppose that's what keeps the prices down. It can be tough to get someone on the phone if you need to discuss your registration with someone. Other than that, this place really has it together regarding the things that matter! The courses are great and the quality of the instructors is too! -
Review from Sasha R.
Dartmouth, MA
10/15/2007 ROTD 4/12/2008
I felt a little like a whimsical old lady when I decided that I finally had enough free time and motivation (an upcoming trip to Paris) to learn French, and honestly expected to be the only young person among other whimsical old ladies in the class. But I was happy to find that people who take classes at the CCAE are normal folks of all ages who just want to learn something new. In my class, there is a Harvard undergrad who didn't want to clutter her schedule with full time French, a research assistant sick of science (kind of like me), an older Brazilian gentleman - I don't know why he decided to learn, but he's funny, - a dentist who already speaks Spanish (like me), and wants to know another language, and me, a young doctor with 1 year and 1 year only to do what she pleases before real life begins.
In general, at the CCAE, the possibilities are many. Foreign languages, ballroom dancing, kabala, yoga, bistro cooking, even a weekend seminar on making Coq au Vin.
The building (I am at 56 Brattle) has a distinct village schoolhouse feel, as in, it's wikked old and creaky, painted an odd green color, and has actual chalkboards with actual chalk (in your face, dry erase marker and powerpoint!).
Learning French is completely different from learning medicine, and SUCH a pleasure!! And so cheap and so worth it!! Check it out: "Je suis Americaine, je suis petite et ne suis pas assez grosse." !!
I'm so happy, I might sign up to learn something else. Creative writing? Massage techniques? Baroque painting for beginners? Just some ideas.... -
Review from Melissa A.
Cambridge, MA
9/29/2008
I signed up for two summer term classes this year because I was feeling overly ambitious. I went online and signed up for a CSS and a Python class.
My CSS class was great, probably because I didn't feel like an idiot in that class because I have some idea what CSS is and use it everyday at work, but don't really know the ins and outs. There were people in that class that range from around 25-50ish, men and women on all levels. Then there was the Python class. I was definitely the stupidest person in that class, no doubt about it. I managed to make it to maybe 3 classes and had to drop out because I my eyes would get all glassy, nothing was sinking in, and I would ask stupid questions like "Um...where's the Command Prompt window?" Plus, the guy who taught the class would ask me at the end of every class, "Was that okay for you? Did you need me to explain things more?" Maybe if he talked s-l-o-w-e-r, I would understand things better.
This really annoyed me because I paid almost $200 for the class and it stated that it was for Python users of all levels. I routed around their site to see if there was any chance of a refund and I just have to fill out a class evaluation sheet and write a letter explaining my dissatisfaction with the class. A few days later, I get an email stating that they refunded my full tuition fee to be used as course credit.
So now instead of learning Python, I'm taking a yoga class. I'm not so much worried about being the dumbest one in my yoga class. I'm more worried about being the gassiest one. -
Review from Cat e.
Boston, MA
8/1/2011
Anyone who is interested in affordable tennis classes should call them! I took tennis with Victor Gonzalez and he was awesome. He is incredible patient and clear!
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Review from Tom E.
3/28/2007
"Painting as Self-Expression"? Well, it turned out to be more like still life oil painting for beginners but it was still a great class. One of many that they offer here for between 100 and 200 dollars for 10 or so weeks.
Sign up people! Expand your repertoires, increase your life skills and give yourself outlets of artistry. Not once did I feel burdened to get to my class and it never felt like being back at school again. I'll be back in summer to see if I can improve on my tulips-in-vase masterpiece. -
Review from Deepa C.
Somerville, MA
8/24/2007
Josh and I took two semesters of salsa lessons and loved it. We stopped due to time constraints - that, and we just weren't that good. Well, he was, I sucked.
The teachers were amazing. They broke down the steps well, were very clear and were amazing dancers. But they also made it incredibly fun. Javier has such a wonderful sense of humor, that even when we were all frustrated or confused, he fixed what was wrong with a joke.
Class outing to Grendel's and student organized salsa nights only added to the camaraderie we already felt.
I would recommend this class to anyone - inherent talent or no. Watch out though, you switch partners every few minutes, so don't expect to be dancing with the person you came with (if you signed up as a couple), since that will not be the case.
The CCAE itself is well run and the website is easy to use. -
Review from JJ G.
Cambridge, MA
12/10/2006
I think the Cambridge Center takes a bit of a back seat to it's bigger colleague, the Boston Center. That's a shame. The CCAE is a lovely place. They offer lots of great classes and have a funky, laid back feel even while being well organized and thorough.
I've been around the Center for my whole life. My parents have volunteered there for as long as I can remember, I have taken classes, my kids have taken classes, and most recently I've even done some teaching there myself.
I think maybe the center has a bit of a reputation of being stodgy or for old people, but that is really not the case, and I totally suggest checking out the catalog at http://www.ccae.org -
Review from Sara S.
Boston, MA
8/5/2009
Based on the one class I took, The Complete Indian Dinner, I am very dissapointed with the quality of classes from the Cambridge Center for Adult Education.
For $92 per person (I paid for my mom and I, so nearly TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS!), we were given recipes, split into groups, and told to cook with one another. There was no teaching whatsoever, which resulted in someone using five times the amount of salt for a dish and completely ruining it. While I knew there would be some hands-on cooking, I also expected a good amount of demonstration. Not so- the teacher just wandered around and told us what to chop, how to turn on the oven, etc. Not to mention the appliances and cookware was old and dirty feeling.
Complete rip-off. Never again. -
Review from meaghan s.
Cambridge, MA
12/17/2008
CCAE is fabulous! There are still 20-30 classes that I would love to take but haven't had opportunity to yet. The classes that I have taken have been wonderful. So far I've indulged in singing, writing, dancing, business and kick-boxing classes and intend to take sewing, cooking, wine appreciation, photography and more.
The prices are great, the teachers are knowledgeable and fun and my classmates also have been fantastic.
I've been taking classes here for about 3 years and I highly recommend CCAE, it's convenient and fun! It's also great for those who want to learn something but don't want the pressure of tons of homework and grades. After grad school I'm done with that for awhile. CCAE rocks! -
Review from Michele g.
Boston, MA
6/24/2010
I would take classes all the time if I had the means. Right now, I'm in Thai Cooking for Beginners with Wichian, and he's awesome. The class is full and it's really hands-on. We get to eat the great meal we've made at the end of each class, and on Saturday, we're meeting in Chinatown to see where we can actually buy the ingredients for the dishes we make! It's so fun, tasty, and educational. I love that the class has people from several countries in it. :)
Tonight, I also went in and paid $5 for a two hour panel that included snacks and beer and wine. It was on Launching a Business, and had one of the founders of Taza Chocolate, the woman who owns Sweet, a freelance writer, and a young guy who founded a renewable energy company from his dorm! Courtney from Sweet also brought mini cupcakes which were yummo and very thoughtful. It was a really informative panel moderated by a lawyer who specializes in small businesses and everyone was helpful and nice. Bravo! -
Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
Updated - 7/21/2008
Art classes: Dave Andrus. He's great - maybe not everyone's cup of tea but I like him. I'll pretty much take just about anything he's offering.
Also check out figure drawing on Sundays. It's a great session, several hours, come and go as you please, but beware - it gets very very crowded.Listed in: Harvard Square Date Options,…, Art F--s
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/10/2007
UPDATE: still taking classes all these years later. I feel strongly compelled to mention that the… Read more »
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Review from Niki M.
Boston, MA
2/16/2009
If I had the money, I'd take several classes each term easily. So far I've taken an asian fusion cooking class with Walter, and a banjo class. Both have been exceptional, fun learning experiences. And the prices are super affordable!
I can't wait to take more cooking classes here, especially. I'm very amazed/impressed by everything they have on offer; really rich variety in such a multitude of subjects. The instructors are knowledgeable and friendly; very enthusiastic about their specialties. As a lover of learning, I constantly check on updated course offerings and their Friday cooking series. I love this place and look forward to future educational experiences! -
Review from Lauren B.
Boston, MA
12/12/2007
I held off reviewing CCAE until my Advanced Spanish Conversation course ended. In hindsight, I admit that my expectations were too high for such an inexpensive course.
First of all, attendance was fickle- the class started out so full that I could barely speak for eight minutes a class and then dwindled to barely a handful by the end. I'm sure every student in my class had the best intentions to improve their Spanish but the class was not enticing and productive enough to make them come back. Although the instructor was upbeat and engaging, the class was not well organized and I did much more listening than speaking.
I would consider taking another course at CCAE but would probably try something I've never done before... maybe Intro to Belly Dancing... Glassblowing... Authentic Chinese Feng Shui... -
Review from Francesca R.
4/30/2009
I am taking Spanish and Grant Writing right now and both classes are excellent. The teachers really know their stuff, and the staff at CCAE are incredibly friendly and helpful. The classes are so cheap--this is an excellent value.
If you've been thinking about brushing up on whatever language you took in high school, go here--it's a quarter of the price of other area language schools and personally I know I've learned more than my friends who went to one of them. I'm definitely going to keep up with Spanish and take some cooking classes to boot! -
Review from Lindsey W.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2007
Great selction of classes, everything from cooking french cuisine and sampling wine to brushing up on investing and studying for the GRE. Need physical activity? Try Brazilian dance or jiu-jitsu.
Definitely sign up for the ground fighting class. Rhonda is an amazing instructor and we need more women in the class. Everyone is super nice and you'll feel super strong after each class!Listed in: Nothing to do?
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Review from Liz L.
Medford, MA
1/21/2010
I've been taking classes from CCAE on and off for nearly a decade. In my experience, the quality of class varies tremendously, primarily based on the abilities and personality of the teacher, though the overwhelming majority of classes I have taken have been good to excellent. A few of my favorite classes have been Arabic 1, residential landscaping (with a focus on native plants), and a variety of one-day vegetarian cooking and baking classes. Indeed, their catalog's largest section is nearly invariably the Food & Wine one (true for most of the Adult Ed Centers here), but they also offer courses on languages, sports & other exercise, writing, contemporary issues, arts, sciences, crafts, computers, financial & business issues, self-improvement, and a variety of other courses.
My worst experience there was with a cooking class instructor who seemed to generally dislike teaching - for example, she seemed impatient or sometimes downright exasperated every time everyone asked a question, as if we should all be able to soak up her knowledge just by being in proximity with her - and who seemed to especially personally dislike me, to the point where she would criticize me whenever she walked past my "station," even though it was a class on baking and I've been baking since I was a child (there are plenty of things I don't know much about in this world, but baking is not one of them). I figured that it wasn't worth enduring feeling berated and generally frustrated just to feel like I'd gotten my full money's worth by staying, and I simply walked out of class partway through.
If the class lasts more than one session and you're dissatisfied, you can withdraw and ask to be transferred to another course (as long as you do it within the first class or two). The classes are so inexpensive that I feel it's worth the possibility. I have really enjoyed learning a variety of things that I would have either had to learn on my own or likely never learned at all, and even the few bad apples helped me better realize what qualities I dislike in a teacher, which has been helpful to me too. -
Review from Kelly Z.
1/6/2006
This is a fun place to take fun classes! Meet people-- the mix seems to be about half college-age and half ' real adults'.
Take sign language with Hartmut Teuber-- he's great. Nothing like having a deaf teacher to really give you that kick you need.
The classes are reasonably priced, and very well worth it! -
Review from Cait S.
1/30/2011
I have always wanted to learn ASL, so for $200 and the cost of a text book decided I could afford to take the ten week class at CCAE. You can park in the Charles hotel lot and have your parking validated at the CCAE for $5, so you don't have to worry about feeding the meter. I am very impressed with the quality of the class. I have learned a lot and enjoy going to class. The block it is on does not have many places to eat, so if your hungry come early or bring your own food. I am taking off one star for the constant loud tapping noise coming from the next classroom. It's hard to focus on learning a language when it sounds like someone is trying to chisel through the wall.
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Review from Chris R.
Brookline, MA
2/18/2008
Signing up for classes was very easy. The staff have been very friendly.
I am taking French classes and I love my teacher. Or rather J'Adore ma professuer de Francais. At least I think that's right.
It's conveinant for me after work to get to the classes.
They also offer up some great fun topics for classes, or seminars. -
Review from Suzanne S.
Watertown, MA
10/13/2008
I have not yet taken a class here but they have so many interesting offerings and I've heard really good things about their classes. The fact that Boston has so many great adult education options is one of the main attractions for me. I love the location in Harvard Square and I love that the building has a restroom that you can just walk in and use. They have everything from art classes to writing classes to cooking and physical education. You can pick up a booklet out front.
--update. I have so far had two classes I signed up for here get cancelled. So, be aware that this is a possibility and have a backup plan. It was pretty annoying because I was very excited about both classes. -
Review from Smitha S.
Allston, MA
4/27/2007
I took the beginners wine tasting class. Although the selection of wines chosen by the instructor were very good, in that he tried to cover as much varieties as possible in the budget he was given, I thought his style of teaching was very dry. He could've been the wine consultant for the class and someone who's more enthusiastic to teach could've been teaching the class. For instance, I'd have loved to get more printouts, resources, maybe a small textbook or reference on wines (a pocket one, to remind me of the complicated italian/french grapes), and just more TEXT. I also wanted to know little more of the economics behind wine.
Rentention of material is what was poor from the class. A few mnemonics would've helped.
I'd definitely suggest taking the class but you have to put your own time and resources into figureing things out. This is just a starting point to be able to recognize stuff on a wine menu.
For some reason, the instructor wasn't too warm also. Like he didn't maintain an email address for teaching and wasn't too receptive to the idea of getting emailed on questions we'd want to ask. Would've helped if he maintained a website on the wines he was going to present during class.
In short, let down in some ways, good in some others.... -
Review from Su R.
11/14/2010
I've taken several classes at ccae and have always been pleased. They have all been in photography but with different teachers. Each teacher knew the subject matter well, and importantly, knew how to give us a breakdown of different shooting techniques, since photography depends on each individual. I'd definitely take more classes here and consider exploring other areas of study.
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Review from Dana-Zoe G.
Belmont, MA
1/7/2011
i took a digital camera/photography course here - same one twice. it was a lot of material, and i missed some classes the last time around, so i took it again, and even the classes i repeated were a joy- i got more out of them becuase i had the general knowledge tucked in well. in fact, i learned/gleaned more than i did when taking the same course at a local college, where i had to take a withdraw becuase it was simply too complicated to absorb.
WARNING: this facility is grandfathered. it is hit and miss accessible.
call and check before hand to find out where you class is in the buildings, and if there are any impediments you may need help with or have to forgo that particular course until it pops up in a more accessible space. -
Review from Kristin M.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2007
i wanted to plug the class i'm taking now: Acting 1: Anyone Can Act with Stan Edelson.
stan is the cutest little old man ever. the class is like acting, but also learning to live more fully, and group therapy combined. stan is super supportive, open-minded and creative, and continually encourages us to challenge ourselves to let go, be more aware, and have fun with it. (in case you can't tell, i'm in love with him). like the description states, it's a great way to meet people- it's the sort of class that forces you to interact and get to know each other, and people seem to be open to hanging out outside of class if you're interested in that. the people in my class are mid-20s to mid-30s, but it just depends on who signs up. not bad for $200 for 10 3-hour classes that meet once a week.
this is my first acting class and i love it. other people who have some acting experience agree he's a good teacher. you can tell he loves what he's doing. it warms my heart, and hopefully by the end, i'll be less socially-awkward.
this is my first ccae class so i can't comment on the others, but the variety looks interesting. -
Review from Natural A.
Boston, MA
3/25/2009
I am a fan of adult education centers, namely CCAE. I have taken a bike riding class (don't ask...I was traumatized as a child) and an exotic dance class there. They offer an array of classes, most are very reasonably priced. I believe that learning is a lifelong process..."an idle mind is the devil's workshop" he he. CCAE makes learning fun!
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Review from Shawn W.
Brighton, MA
5/4/2008
This review is for the Sunday morning figure drawing sessions.
I've been to a bunch of different figure drawing sessions around Boston, looking for the best place to continue my practice since graduating from art school. This place is the best I've found so far. The studio feels exactly like the old studios I'd draw in back at Ringling. The space is large, with easels, tables, and plenty of chairs, so no matter what medium you use, you're likely to find the furniture you need to set up properly. They also have a sink, which is very useful if you're painting or using inks and brushes. I'm not sure yet if the place is properly ventilated for heavier/ more toxic mediums (besides just opening the huge windows, but what with all of the seasons here in lovely Cambridge, that isn't always an option), but I would imagine so, as there's a lot of oil paint everywhere. The dude that runs the sessions is very friendly, and the regulars are generally older folks, whom have all been very nice so far.
The only less than ideal factor in scoring this review would have to be the lighting situation, as one wall is entirely made up of windows, there tends to be pretty even lighting. It'll take a bit of inventing to get any sort of strong chiaroscuro effect in your drawings.
The sessions start at (I believe) 9:30am, and go until 1:30pm. They cost $11. -
Review from C.M. M.
Quincy, MA
7/14/2009
Great courses and reasonably priced. I took beading and had a blast.
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Review from Uma Y.
Los Angeles, CA
2/10/2007
I had great experiences taking salsa class and photography class here. The tuition is very affordable, the instructors are knowledgeable, and my classmates are awesome!
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Review from Anton S.
East Watertown, MA
3/31/2009
I'm taking an acting class here now and thought I'd chime in. I've taken dance, public speaking, and photography classes in the past as well. They've all been pretty different, but not a bad class yet. Plus, you meet really cool people and the instructors are interesting--you can tell they are teaching because they want to.
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Review from Liz M.
Cambridge, MA
2/4/2009
CCAE's classes are great. I've taken a Chinese cooking class, art classes, and a finance class. The prices are very reasonable, and all the instructors I've had have been great. They offer tons of courses for whatever interests you at all times of day.
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Review from Chelsea B.
Middlesex, MA
Updated - 8/20/2009
I'm happy to report that CCAE's registrar did take action following my post, and stated that she had spoken with her staff and apologized for what happened. I'll chalk it up to a learning experience.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/17/2009
The one cooking class I took was fun, due to the other students more than anything else. The… Read more »
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Review from Emily C.
Boston, MA
8/12/2008
I took an supposedly advanced French class here and was very disappointed with the level of French among my classmates. If you speak French almost fluently and are looking for something to really take you to the next level, this is not the right place. Readings were good though.
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Review from Kristen C.
Washington, DC
11/29/2009
Very impressed with the variety of classes. There is, quite literally, something for everyone here. So much to explore! The theater classes are especially great, and I enjoyed Stan Edelson's 'Creating a Play' class. He is a delight, as are his classes. I would recommend the CCAE's theater classes to anyone looking for a creative outlet, and a supportive environment in which to tap into your inner thespian! Expect to have fun, learn a thing or two about yourself and meet some very nice and interesting individuals along the way.
