Classes, Workshops, and Training

Unlock Your Creative Potential

At DCTV, we believe in the transformative power of media, and our mission is to empower Washingtonians and beyond to harness that power. Our unique program offers you the tools, expertise, and hands-on experience needed to craft compelling, meaningful stories that celebrate and uplift your our community. 

Your Voice, Amplified: 

  • We're committed to helping you find and express your unique voice through media. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, our program is tailored to your needs. 

Access for All: 

  • Our program is open to the public for registrations. If you are a DCTV Creative Member, you'll enjoy exclusive discounts and access to equipment, studios, and distribution.

Hands-On Learning:

  • We bring industry-standard equipment right to your fingertips during our intensive single-day workshops and multi-session bootcamps. From the fundamentals of production, videography, editing and more, our hands-on courses cater to all knowledge levels, spanning from basic to advanced.  Currently, all DCTV Learning Opportunities are in-person at DCTV. 

Community Connection:

  • Join a vibrant community of media Enthusiasts, storytellers, and creatives. Network, collaborate, and thrive in an environment that fosters innovation and growth.

Transformative Impact:

  • Media has the power to change lives. At DCTV, we're dedicated to helping you harness that power to effect positive change in your community and beyond.

Discover, Create, Empower! Join us today and share your voice through the art of meaningful media.

"DCTV’s commitment to providing the tools necessary for a person to come in and learn and transfer those skills into a television program is fantastic."

Lou Phillips, Producer of The Clio Exchange(DCTV member since 2004)

DCTV Education Terms Explained:

DCTV Exclusive Certifications

DCTV Certifications provide Creative Members authorized access to specific equipment and resources exclusive to DCTV. These certifications, designed for specific equipment usage, require tests, including written and/or demonstrative assessments. Attaining certification ensures proficiency in effectively utilizing specialized tools within the DCTV environment, for successful project execution.

Ways you can obtain a DCTV certification*:

  • Are you a beginner or need a skills refresher?
    • Participate in a workshop or bootcamp
  • Already got production skills?
    • Test-out of the course
  • Need one on one attention?
    • Hire a DCTV instructor for private training in the subject & pass required tests

*fees required for all certifications

Certification Access Details:

  • Producing
    • Start a Member Producer Project to use DCTV Equipment and Facilities
    • Must have Producing Certification to start any project at DCTV
    • Test Out: Yes (fees apply)
  • Videography
    • Check out Field Camera kits
    • Volunteer on other DCTV Member Producer Projects
    • Must have Producing Certification to start a project at DCTV
    • Test Out: Yes (fees apply)
  • Editing
    • Reserve Editing Bays or Suites
    • Volunteer on other DCTV Member Producer Projects
    • Must have Producing Certification to start a project at DCTV
    • Test Out: Yes (fees apply)

Upcoming Certifications (Anticipated 2024-2025)

  • Television Studio Production
  • Green Screen Production
  • Video Podcast Production

 

NEW Rolling Labs:

Introducing our exciting new addition at DCTV – Rolling Labs! Creative Members with valid certification can schedule hands-on experience with equipment during Member Services Hours at our DCTV location. For off-site use, submit a project proposal, and we'll assist in making it a reality. Need one-on-one help? Check out our Private Training Opportunities.

Test-Out

Already have experience and want to become certified to use DCTV Equipment or Volunteer on another Member’s project? Discover our streamlined learning approach at DCTV with our Test Out option. Ideal for those with existing skills seeking certification for equipment and facility use, the Test Out allows you to assess your abilities by appointment. The straightforward test, aligned with our workshop and bootcamp assessments, is graded on a pass/fail basis, providing a convenient pathway to certification.

Private Training: 

For in-depth training on specific DCTV equipment, consider our Private Training sessions. Hire our expert DCTV Staff for personalized, hands-on guidance to enhance your proficiency and confidence in utilizing our cutting-edge resources for your creative visions.

The DCTV capacity building grant program offers eligible nonprofits an array of benefits that build organizational communications and storytelling capability and provides an ongoing presence on cable television. We designed these grants to offer training and expert guidance to the nonprofit community, which enables you to robustly expand your impact within the DC community.

“Grant Level” is the amount of money your organization contributes to receive the grant. The grant term is initially one year and requires a very small organizational match. DCTV will provide documentation so that you can appropriately record “in-kind” services in your financial records. Grants may be extended or renewed with DCTV approval.