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CLASS ACT POLICY (2007-2008)
We are a performing arts school. We are dedicated to teaching our students a quality arts education. In order to better serve you we want to focus on the student, and not be consumed by the administrative side of things. We want happy parents (as much as possible) and happy students. We feel your understanding of our policy will greatly help avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. Please initial on each line indicating that you have read and understand each of our policies and sign at the bottom.
_______ Enrollment is for the entire session. Session lengths vary depending on what you are enrolling in. Following is a summary of each studio program.
o
o Totality and
o CAD Co. (auditioned Dance Company – also includes former Eastside Ballet Company): This is a 10 month session. It begins in August, and finishes with the May recital. This is an auditioned group, and commitment is expected. There will be costume fees, and some competition fees (limited to two competitions per year – no more). There will be more performances throughout the year. If a student misses more than 4 classes per semester (August – December then January – May) it may jeopardize their participation in CAD Co. This is subject to circumstance and teachers discretion. Performances are required. Each level has a specific requirement regarding classes to attend. This is indicated in the handbook. Technique classes (e.g. ballet, jazz, and tap) will require a costume for the season finale at an additional cost. If costumes are supplied by the studio for your child’s use, you will be charged a rental fee separately. A deposit of $40.00 will be charged at time of registration to go towards costumes purchased for their production numbers (2 per year). A basic black shiny leotard, black dance shorts and tan tights are required. These are to be purchased at the studio to ensure uniformity.
o Class Act Theatre Co.: This is open to anyone who loves to act. This is a 5 month session commitment. The first session is August 6th – December 21st. The second session is January 7th to May 31st. Finish dates are determined by production schedules and extra rehearsals. Extra rehearsals may be required closer to show time (which would then replace classes)! Auditions will be held in the classes, but all students will have parts! Classes meet twice a week – There may be additional fees for costumes.
o
o Private Lessons: Private lessons are for the entire 10 month session (August through May 31st). Cancellation requires one month’s notice. Private classes are available year round with a recital held each semester. No refunds for missed classes. There will be one day only per semester to schedule make-up lessons with a maximum of 2 classes per student able to be made up.
o All other dance classes: This is a 10 month session enrollment. (August through May 31st). Costumes will be required for all students for the recital and class photo. This generally will not apply to adult classes. Costumes will be ordered in November so that they will be in the studio in a timely manner (and we can have pictures done early). A non-refundable costume deposit of $20.00 will be charged at enrollment (for each class enrolled in). Students who enroll after this date may have to pay an extra shipping fee – or higher costume fee.
_______ Payment is required monthly in advance(for the entire session) regardless of attendance or not. You are not credited for missed classes. Payment is done by auto-pay. This means automatic deduction or billing to credit card, debit card or auto checking account withdrawal on the 1st of each month. If a credit, debit or check auto pay is declined for any reason, you will be charged a $25.00 fee. Cash or check payments will be accepted in lieu of auto deduct/pay if made before the end of the previous month –otherwise we will charge your card automatically. Delinquent accounts will be sent to collections. Registration, recital fees and costume deposits/rentals are NON-REFUNDABLE.
_______ Minimum numbers are required to run classes. Classes may be cancelled by the studio at any time minimum enrollment numbers aren’t met. At that time we would offer a replacement class for those affected by the cancellation.
_______ A registration fee of $25.00 per student or $35.00 per family is due upon registration. You may pay with cash, check or charge it with your first month’s tuition. This goes towards newsletters, postage, studio supplies (soap, window cleaner etc), progress reports etc. This is not charged again for
_______ There will be a Christmas/
_______ There will be a Season Finale Fee of $25.00 per family payable at time of enrollment. This will give you 5 tickets to use for the Season Finale which will be May 30th AND May 31st. This will be charged to you r whether your child participates in the finale or not. We keep our ‘recital costs’ as low as possible to help everyone. Performers do not have to purchase tickets. Tickets will be sold at $8.00 at the door. There is more than one recital – each recital requires separate tickets. You may split up the 5 tickets allotted to your family – or just purchase extra ones as needed.
_______ Costumes are required for all performing groups as well as studio classes that are participating in the Season Finale. Costume fees for studio classes are $50.00 (per technique class) for youth up to age7; for students 8 yrs and above the cost is $60.00 (per technique class). An initial deposit of $20.00 per class is made at registration and the balance is divided and paid throughout the remaining months enrolled. These deposits are non-refundable.
_______ We will hold a mid-year review in studio for non company classes (Companies are listed above). This will give parents an opportunity to view their child’s progress, and see a sample of their skills in an intimate ‘in studio’ setting.
_______ Private Lesson Policy: Parents are encouraged to attend lessons with their child. This will highly affect the success your child has with private lessons. You are responsible for payment whether your child is in attendance or not. There will be make-up lessons scheduled once a semester on a single day (or two). You may schedule up to two make-up lessons each semester for excused absences (notification of absence by 9:00 a.m. the day of class).
_______ Cancellation Policy: You may cancel private lessons or non-company dance classes with one month’s written notice (starting at the beginning of a month). This will take effect the following month. You may not cancel company or Talent Team classes as it will affect the class production numbers. Enrollment commitments have been made clear with each program. IF there are extenuating circumstances, there may be a stop to the auto pay for subsequent months. This is not guaranteed, and is reviewed by the owners on a case by case basis.
Expanded Policies and Procedures:
Attendance is necessary for a child’s progression. It affects the entire class when anyone misses. Please have them to class unless they are sick, at which time, we would prefer you keep them (and the illness) at home. However, this only means really contagious sicknesses. (See more specifics under company policies).
Discipline/Behavior expectations are necessary for an orderly and happy environment. We want students who are ready to come and learn, as well as have fun. Though we rarely have problems, it can occur. In this event, everyone must know what is unacceptable, and what our responses will be. Let’s make this as easy as possible:
· Unacceptable behavior is:
- Pinching, hitting, kicking, giving wedgies, or physically touching or picking up another student (some touching will occur in some dances of course).
- Wrestling, rough housing, throwing things in the studio or class rooms
- Sassing the teacher or any staff members
- Running around the studio or class rooms
- Calling names, teasing, harassing
- Passing gas purposefully – or frequently, burping loudly or frequently (we will expect the children to close their mouths and say excuse me)
- If a child is behaving in an unacceptable way (as listed above – but not limited to – since I can’t think of everything a child may do) your child will be asked to modify their behavior (they will be told ‘no thank-you’, or ‘please sit down’, or other such things)…. If a child will not follow directions from the teacher, and is out of control, they will be invited to sit in time out (and they can join the group when they are in control of themselves). If this does not work, the child will be removed from the class room and brought to the front desk for time out. If there is still a problem, the parent will be called. If the child is throwing a tantrum or is danger of hurting themselves or another child, the teacher or office staff may physically pick up the child and remove them from the class room. They will take them to a chair to cool off. If the child will not sit there, an adult will hold them there until they are calmed down enough to sit there by themselves and a phone call will be made to the parent. If a child has frequent problems being in control of themselves a parent will need to accompany them, or in the worst case, be asked to come back to the studio at a future date when they are ready to comply – and follow instructions. No refunds will be issued due to unruly behavior of a child. We understand that children are learning to follow instruction, be part of a team etc. However, we cannot let this interfere with the class and other children who are ready to learn, or the overall safety of the class and the child.
- We will stress the following things on a regular basis:
- “You are in charge of yourself” (children will learn that they can only be in control of themselves– and they are not the other child’s boss).
- “Part of being a good performer is being a good audience”
- “You will perform how you practice”
- “We are part of a team.” Together Each Achieves More. All participants are necessary for an optimum performance/experience.
- This is not a ‘solo – spotlight’ studio. We want growth and opportunity for all participants. We will encourage them to stretch and learn as much as possible.
Viewing Classes - Unless pre-arranged, parents are not allowed to be inside of a classroom during a dance class. Parent observation is encouraged. Each dance room is equipped with viewing window for your convenience and enjoyment.
Parent Booster Club We absolutely need a parent group to help us achieve all that we can. It seems everyone wants to have discounts, grants, fund-raisers, or fun things such as class parties etc. We also need help with publicity. If you are interested in participating, please let us know. As with schools, or any other organization – we will do better by having parent involvement. We Need You!
Tours are scheduled from time to time. Spring tours and competition tours are mandatory and usually during spring break or a long weekend during the school year. Summer tours are scheduled most summers and are not mandatory but highly recommended. Totality and Totality 2 have more opportunity for travel as they are part of the Talent Team program which has regular tours open to Talent Team participants nationwide. CAD Co. does have one tour yearly as well – usually during spring break – but not necessarily limited to that. We may offer CAD Co. a summer tour on occasion as well.
Communication is done in monthly newsletters which are posted on line at www.classactperformingarts.com . We post all events on the large calendar that has all events posted two months in advance! We will also put a copy in the parent file located in the lobby. Just look for your name (or your child’s name) and take the papers out. We will not mail out newsletters and put the responsibility on you as a parent to check the file or internet. Sometimes we will send out emails if we need to get information out in a hurry. Check your email and updated calendars as venues do change on us (time, date etc) occasionally. We notify you as soon as we know…. But if you only look at the first calendar – you could be in trouble.
Performances are an intricate part of our program. This is where the children really refine the skills they learn in class. However, all classes will not have the same amount of performances. Participants are expected to be at all performances unless extenuating circumstances occur. We expect notification prior to events if a child cannot make it. Please follow the guidelines listed below with regards to performance etiquette:
- Be at performance sites at least 20 minutes early, in costume, with hair done in designated way (hair sheets are handed out for each class specifically). Please do hair as directed so we have a unified look.
- Make sure all costume pieces are labeled (including shoes). This is vital as we often have costume changes.
- Please keep your child with you prior to line up, and do not let them run around. Hosts at the various sites don’t like to have kids that are misbehaving in their facility (this means running around, climbing around, being overly loud etc). It is up to you as a parent to make sure your child behaves until you leave them with us for line up. We appreciate your help with this, as it looks better for us as a studio to have children that are ‘in control’.
- Bring all props or costumes checked out to you (if applicable).
- Bring labeled water bottles if it is hot and a coat if it is cold.
- Do not wear dance shoes on the ‘street’. Wear street shoes and then change shoes once at the performance site.
- If we perform at a venue that has activities that your child can participate in, please bring other clothes to change into after the show, so that costumes are not soiled – or possibly ruined.
- Performances will not be scheduled equally, but all will have them. A guideline of what to expect (though there can be changes) is as follows:
- Totality is our premier performing group, and will have approximately 24 + shows per year.
- Totality 2 is our newest auditioned musical theatre performing group. They will have approximately 12-18 performances per year (this may vary some).
- Talent Team is our non-auditioned performing group. They will have approximately 10 performances per year (4 + in December, 4+ in the spring, and one or two after summer camp)
- CAD Co. is our auditioned dance company and will have no more than two competitions per year and will also have approximately 6 – 9 performances in the local area. They will have a yearly tour (usually over spring break.)
- Dance classes will have in-studio performances for their parents and friends in December, and a spring recital.
- Dance Line will have the same shows as Dance Classes, but they will also have parades etc that they will perform in. This will vary from year to year, according to what is going on in the community.
- Drama classes will do a small play or presentation each session.
- Vocal and Instrument Classes will have recitals in November and May.
Lockers may be rented for the price of $40.00 per school year. If your child is a company member in CAD Co., Totality or Totality 2, they will be given a locker to use without charge. Lockers are available for rental on a first come basis AFTER our company kids have received their lockers. Students may not use a lock from home without the office being told the combination.
Instructions to open locks issued from studio: (1) spin the dial a few times to the right to clear the lock (2) turn the dial clockwise (right) to the first number and stop (3) turn the dial counterclockwise (left) to the second number, passing it the first time and stopping the second time (4) turn the dial clockwise (right) to the last number and stop. Pull lock towards you. If you have any problems please see the front desk.
Totality and Totality 2
Policies and Procedures
2007-2008
- Requirements for Participation
- All participants of Totality & T2 must audition into the group via private or group audition. The age prerequisites set for Totality (12-17) and T2 (9-13) are simply guidelines: ultimately, performers will be placed in the group where the directors feel their talents will be best developed.
- Within each company (Totality or T2) students will be divided into different performance levels. (T2 Premier, T2 Ultimate, Totality Select, and Totality Elite in ascending order.)
i. These performing levels are grouped according to overall performance ability, not by age, or by how long a performer has been with the group.
ii. Performance levels are assigned based on a placement audition. Returning students not participating in a placement audition will be placed in the same level they were at for the previous performing season.
iii. Being in a performance group for a semester/year does NOT guarantee advancement to the next group the following semester/year.
- All participants of Totality & T2 are required to take weekly technique and production classes.
i. Totality is required to take 1 hour ballet, 1 hour jazz, 1 hour tap, 1 hour vocal technique, 0.5 hour drama, and 3 hours production each week.
ii. Totality 2 is required to take 1 hour ballet, 1 hour jazz, 1 hour tap, 0.5 hour vocal technique, 0.5 hour drama technique, and 2 hours of production each week.
iii. Technique classes are recommended based on a placement audition. Students not attending a placement class will be placed by the directors based on previous technique classes attended.
iv. If the directors feel that a student is improperly placed in a technique level, we will not hesitate to move them to the appropriate level (whether that means up or down a level). The importance of having technique levels is so each child can develop their talents at the appropriate pace.
- Participants of Totality and T2 are HIGHLY recommended to take private voice lessons.
- When committing to be a part of Totality or T2, you are committing for the entire year, through June. You are also committing to a weeklong camp in July, and performances throughout the year.
i. Totality is required to attend competition this year, which will be in
ii. As of yet, we are still in the planning stages for a T2 spring tour. There is a possibility it will be the same weekend as Totality’s tour, or will be over spring break. We will keep you posted!
- Attendance Requirements
- All participants of Totality & T2 are expected to attend all classes and rehearsals.
- Due to the fast pace of preparing our shows, if a student is absent from a rehearsal where a dance is being learned, that student MAY NOT be choreographed into that section of the dance, regardless of whether the absence is excused or not.
- The directors must be notified IN WRITING of any absences (from rehearsals, classes, or performances) at least 2 weeks prior to the excused absence.
i. Excused absences are limited to family emergencies, and mandatory school functions.
- Performers who are ill are excused on a case by case basis.
i. The general guideline is that if the student is contagious or extremely ill, they will be considered excused.
ii. If they simply don’t feel well, or are tired, etc, they are expected to attend rehearsals and watch so they don’t fall behind with the choreography.
iii. If you are aware your student will miss class, please call and let us know immediately.
- If a student is absent from a mandatory dress rehearsal prior to a performance, they will NOT perform in the performance(s) that weekend.
i. Dress rehearsal is a practice run of the show, and we use that time to fill in parts with understudies and reset formations.
ii. If a mandatory dress rehearsal is missed due to an excused absence, it will be left up to the discretion of the directors whether or not that student is able to perform.
- If a student misses more than 4 classes per semester, they will be placed on probation with the possibility of not performing.
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