There are a number of training programs for you to learn media production skills. Everyone can learn to critically consume and create media with purpose.
Discover the Joy of Creating at the Media Arts Lab
Ready to dive into the world of media and storytelling? Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, our Media Arts Lab is the perfect place to learn, create, and have fun!
From hands-on workshops to exciting training sessions, we’ve got something for everyone. You’ll learn the tools and tricks to bring your ideas to life—whether it’s a short film, podcast, talk show, or social media content.
Why Join?
- It’s Fun! Explore media creation in a welcoming and creative space.
- It’s Accessible. No experience? No problem! We’ll guide you every step of the way.
- It’s Impactful. Share your voice and stories with the world—your ideas matter.
Whether you’re dreaming of hosting a show, launching a podcast, or learning how to edit like a pro, our Media Arts Lab is where creativity meets community.
Come learn, create, and connect.
Ready to get started? Check out classes below or the workshop calendar.
Getting Started
Information Session
Want to know more about Public Media Network? Learn how you can get involved in community media. Discover resources available to you, find out ways to volunteer, or become a Public Media Network producer of your own creative content.
Documentary and Journalism Storytelling
Media Shift - Documentary storytelling
Our non-fiction documentary storytelling program provides you with training, mentorship, and production resources to produce a 5 to 7 minute documentary.
Media Shift - Youth Voices in Storytelling
Media Shift is a 15-week hands-on training and production program that helps you tell a local non-fiction story through media. It empowers youth to make documentaries about issues that matter to them, primarily targeting youth between the ages of 14 and 18.
Neighborhood Voices & Community Journalism
Learn to use a smartphone to become a neighborhood reporter and tell local stories.
Change the face of local news by producing and sharing stories that matter to you.
Event Storytelling: Learn to Cover Local Events
Learn how to document and share the stories behind your community’s festivals, gatherings, and public events. This hands-on workshop will equip you with the skills to capture footage, conduct interviews, and create polished video story packages.
Share Your Journey: Oral Histories of Greater Kalamazoo
Share your unique story of what brought you to Greater Kalamazoo in this hands-on workshop, where you’ll learn storytelling techniques and create a professionally recorded video to preserve your journey for family, friends, and the community. No experience needed—just bring your story!
Video Podcasting
Lights, Camera, Talk Show!
Join Lights, Camera, Talk Show!, where you'll work with a team to produce a real talk show series that will air on Public Media Network!
The Next Generation of Podcasting: From Story to Screen
Have you ever dreamed of sharing your voice with the world? Public Media Network offers you the tools and expertise to turn that dream into reality.
Video and Audio Editing
Get Started with Editing
Get familiar with the software platforms that professionals use for editing their videos. Today's applications combine color correction, visual effects, audio enhancement, and motion graphics into powerful tools you can use to tell your stories.
Videography
Learn the Basics: Broadcast Camera Essentials
Learn the essentials of operating a professional broadcast video camera in this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop. Discover how to set up, adjust key settings, and capture high-quality video with confidence, whether you're creating content, reporting, or telling your story.
Workshops for Youth
Youth Media Camps
Get your hands-on media equipment and explore media production at Public Media Network. Camps for youth entering Grades 3rd to 12th include 3D Animation, Comics & Visual FX, and Next Gen News.
Youth Lens: Video Storytelling Workshop
From smartphone filmmaking to video editing, youth participants will learn how to craft compelling narratives and share their voices with the world. Let's inspire creativity, and create a brighter future together.
Media Shift - Youth Voices in Storytelling
Media Shift is a 15-week hands-on training and production program that helps you tell a local non-fiction story through media. It empowers youth to make documentaries about issues that matter to them, primarily targeting youth between the ages of 14 and 18.
Workshops for Nonprofit Organizations
Smartphone Storytelling for Non-Profits.
A workshop designed to help you share your non-profits authentic mission using your own media resources to craft effective, high-quality video messages.
Customized Training
Individual or Group Training
Looking for something specific to learn about media or can’t make it to one of our regularly scheduled workshops? No worries, we're here to help find a way!
For a nominal fee, we can customize a training schedule that will work best for you or your group, school, organization or business.
For a nominal fee, we can customize a training schedule that will work best for you or your group, school, organization or business.
Internships and Fellowships
Media Internships
Gain professional experience in content marketing, live event production, documentary, and broadcast journalism. Please apply anytime for consideration of this opportunity.
MyCITY Public Media Network internships for youth
This program partners with KRESA's Career Connect program to offer youth and young adults (ages 14 - 21) hands-on experience in media production. Check out MyCITY's site for more information and available sessions.
Frank Jamison Community Media Fellowship
Emerging student creators (18 - 24) currently enrolled in or recently graduates from a local college or university with access to training, mentorship, and production resources to produce a series of stories to catalyze community action.