UCLA Extension Adds Entertainment Classes

The San Fernando Valley will be the place this spring to learn the business of “The Biz,” as UCLA Extension offers its largest selection ever of entertainment industry classes at its Universal CityWalk location.

Extension classes in a wide range of academic disciplines are available at CityWalk, program manager Charles S. Swartz said. Because of the huge demand for entertainment industry classes, they now make up more than half of the total.

Among the spring offerings are classes in acting, voice, video and film production, computer animation and public relations. Another course offers musicians help in understanding record industry contracts. The first classes begin March 29, with others, depending on their length and format, starting throughout the 12-week term, Swartz said.

“About half of the people who enroll in these classes are already working in the entertainment industry,” Swartz said. “They are there to learn new skills and advance their careers. Many of the other people are trying to get into the industry.”

Instructors are industry veterans as well. According to the catalog, Kim Darby, John Wayne’s co-star in “True Grit,” will teach acting, and Gene Allen, who won an Academy Award for art director for “My Fair Lady,” will teach production design.

In addition to the CityWalk facilities, which include 14 classrooms and a media lab, some classes will meet in professional television, film and music studios around the Valley and in Hollywood, Swartz said. Class prices range from $120 to more than $1,000, with most between $300 and $500.

Class catalogs are available at all extension locations, including CityWalk and the UCLA campus in Westwood. For more information, call (310) 825-9064.