Genius! 22 Celebrity Online Classes We Like for 2022

Issa Rae just told me to “Get out of your own way and don’t take no for an answer.” I’ve been watching the creator of Insecure on MasterClass talk about how she created her television empire, and it was funny, insightful and exhilarating. Rae didn’t know anyone in the television or movie business, and she didn’t see anyone on television who resembled her geeky self. Her path to stardom at HBO, a fat production deal and hot projects started with online videos of her campus life. Her journey — and advice — inspired how I see my own career path. 

Here’s what makes a new crop of artfully produced, celebrity-created instructional videos so engaging. They are an invitation into the rarified professional world of the famous, with an intimacy that makes them feel like friends. Instructors are at ease and eager to share authentically. Many are unafraid, show vulnerability, flub a line and perhaps launch the occasional f-bomb as they challenge the viewer to think. 

My other fave instructor was Misty Copeland, the first female Black principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre’s 75-year history. She tells us to “own your power and your voice.” After watching her glide like a bird in flight, Copeland surprised me when she also spoke of limitations. She said that dancers must listen to their changing bodies and that a technique she performs today may be out of reach tomorrow. Such a relatable view on aging!

Next, I’ll brush up on how to create the perfect smokey eye, courtesy of Beyoncé’s talented, longtime makeup artist Sir John. 

Try something new, or refine a skill you’ve been doing for years 

We’ve combed through cool classes at different sites, including Assemble, backed by Tiffany Haddish, where all the instructors, including the actress herself, are people of color. Additionally, MasterClass subscribers can view lessons from a diverse mix of luminaries, such as Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes, singer-songwriter Alicia Keys and best-selling author of Hunger, Roxane Gay.

Now, let’s sample these cool curricula:

From MasterClass: Dance, Screenwriting, Feminism and More

https://www.masterclass.com

Shonda Rhimes on scripting your best life: Learn how the creator of Scandal and executive producer of Bridgertoncreates captivating characters and success on her terms. Rhimes’ newest project, Inventing Anna, features Laverne Cox and premiered Feb. 11 on Netflix. 

Roxane Gay on feminism and creativity: The podcaster and best-selling author of Bad Feminist and Hunger teaches how writing can effect change. 

Misty Copeland on raising the barre: Copeland describes how she blocked out the noise of negativity, allowing her career began to soar. She is also the best-selling author of Black Ballerinas, which celebrates storied dancers who have inspired her on and offstage.

Robin Roberts on fighting past fear: This 61-year-old coanchor of Good Morning America, a breast cancer survivor, inspires us to face our inspiration and our fears. “Focus on the fight, not the fright,” she says.

Issa Rae on running your own show: Producer and writer of and actor on HBO’s Insecure, Rae celebrates and encourages creativity, authenticity, owning our voices and embracing what makes us unique. 

From Assemble: Acting, Entrepreneurship, Music and more

https://assemble.fyi/

Assemble, an online educational platform from BeGreatTV, was recently launched with a major investment from actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish. This new platform’s offerings bring a growing roster of talent into our living rooms. Many instructors get real about how they overcame racial and psychological barriers unique to people of color. 

Currently you can learn from:

Upcoming instructors include:

You can join a mailing list for updates.