Classes FAQs
The most important goal is for your child to have a positive and fun experience while learning the fundamentals of theatre.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
You can register online, by phone, by mail, or at the ACT studio during office hours. Payment is due at the time of registration. Classes fill up quickly, and for this reason we cannot “hold” spots open. Classes are assessed the Thursday before the first day, and in the event the registration is too low to hold the class, the staff retains the right to cancel the class. If the class is cancelled, families will be notified and a credit or refund will be issued. Families have until seven (7) days prior to the start of class to cancel registration in order to receive a refund.
WHAT IS DRAMATIC PLAY?
Dramatic play is most often employed in pre-K classes. It encourages the use of “play acting” within the theme of the class, which is often literature based. (i.e. The Wizard of OZ, Where the Wild Things Are.) It’s playtime with a purpose. This is a fun way to introduce this youngest group to “wearing a character” in a way that is easily grasped.
WHAT IS CREATIVE DRAMA?
Individual creative drama classes vary within the theme of the class, but are also often literature based. All creative drama classes aim to teach the fundamentals of using the body, voice, and imagination for theatre. Like improv classes for older students, creative drama uses theatre games to teach specific skills like concentration, focus, inventiveness, and use of voice.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Please arrive a few minutes early the first day of class so you and your student may meet the teacher and fill out a student emergency form, but not more than 10 minutes early. When picking up your child, we ask that all parents arrive shortly before class ends. Our teachers are only paid for the time they are in the classroom. If you are late and the teacher is forced to wait with your child you will be charged $25 for each 15 minutes. If you need someone to stay with your student before or after class, please let us know in advance and we can make arrangements for supervision at $10/hr; min $30.
WHAT IF MY CHILD NEEDS TO MISS A CLASS?
Please let us know in advance if your child will miss any classes so that the teacher can adjust his or her lesson plan accordingly. Refunds cannot be made for missed classes.
CAN PARENTS SIT IN AND WATCH THE CLASS?
In order to help students let go of their inhibitions and develop a strong stage presence, we ask that you remain outside the classroom. There is a window you may briefly check out what your child is participating in. We provide you with chairs in the waiting area or you may leave and pick up your student at the end of class. However, at the time class starts you may walk your child back to the classroom if you wish.
AT WHAT AGE DO PRESCHOOL CLASSES START?
Your child needs to be over the age of 3-1/2 to be registered for classes.
SHOULD MY CHILD PACK A SNACK?
ACT provides snacks for classes (peanut free). If your student has a class that is longer than two hours, please provide a sack lunch. If your student has a food allergy that we need to be aware of, please let us know in advance, in addition to indicating it on the student emergency form.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS?
Dress your child to comfortably move and play. Please arrive a few minutes early the first day of class so you and your student may meet the teacher and fill out a student emergency form. At the time class starts you may walk your child back to the classroom, if you wish. Parents are encouraged to briefly view the class through the window. Entering the classroom during class time can be disruptive, therefore, we request that you either wait in the designated waiting area or leave and pick up your student at the end of class.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I PICK UP MY CHILD?
We request that all parents arrive shortly before class ends to pick up their student. You must come into the building to retrieve your child. Our first priority is your child’s safety. Students will not be permitted to wait outside. Please be prompt. If you are late and the teacher needs to wait with your child, a strict penalty of $25 per 15 minutes will be imposed. If you need someone to stay with your student before or after class, please let us know in advance and we can make arrangements for supervision at $10/hr; min $30.
WILL THERE BE A PERFORMANCE AT THE END OF CLASSES?
Many of our ACT classes have a “Sharing Day” on the last day of class for family and friends that may wish to observe. This may be an informal performance, a reading of a script, or they might simply share with you something the class has worked on. NOT EVERY CLASS WILL PRESENT A “PLAY” OR PERFORMANCE FOR SHARING DAY. Each instructor will design a sharing day based on the needs of the class.
If a performance is planned for sharing day, this performance is intended to be very informal and almost always done without lights, sets props and costumes. If the student wishes to bring in a costume or prop, please note: Students are not allowed to ask parents to buy materials for costumes, or allowed to ask parents to make their costumes. Costumes and props will be provided if available.
WILL MY CHILD NEED TO MEMORIZE LINES?
Memorization is encouraged for most presentations. Assisting your child in memorization is a wonderful shared experience, especially children with limited reading skills. If a performance of a short play is planned, you can expect some prompting, directions, or suggestions from the teacher. Please remember, this is an informal presentation and the class has had limited time to prepare for sharing day!
THEATRE SKILLS ARE LIFE SKILLS!
Our classes are very carefully planned to match the skill and emotional level of the student. For that reason, we only place students in classes within their grade range. The first day of class, you can ask for information on what to expect from any particular class.
