Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My child is 12 after the cut off, but before the start of camp. Will you make an exception and allow them to participate in the High School play?
By the rules, we go by grade with the minimum of age 12 by September1st for High School participation. We have never made an exception on this. Older students are needed to make the elementary play run smoothly and provide enough students for the main roles. Also, the content of the High School plays, long hours of rehearsal and demands may be overwhelming to the younger student. Please trust us in this, we have been doing this many years. No one has ever been sorry they stayed in the elementary one more year. The coordinator is always willing to speak to any parent who has a concern.
Q: My child is a young first grader will you make an exception on the minimum age?
By the rules, we go by grade with the minimum of age 6 by September 1st for Elementary participation. The long hours of rehearsal and demands may be overwhelming to the younger student. They are often easily distracted and can be distracting to others. Please trust us in this, we have been doing this many years. The coordinator is always willing to speak to any parent who has a concern.
Q: Are there hidden costs to drama camp that I will be surprised to have to pay?
Every effort is made to prevent surprise costs! There are no tickets to purchase; no fund raiser to sell; no extra fees. However, you may need to provide your student with under costume attire if they don’t already have something appropriate. Miscellaneous items will be needed to make the week run smoothly and you will be asked to bring in one or two of those items or provide a meal for the Academy of Arts team. If at any time, you feel the extra costs are excessive, please bring it to our attention.
Q: Will I be asked to buy or make a costume?
All major costumes are provided, including period costumes and accessories. At the same time all students will be instructed on what costume under garments they will need to provide themselves. These usually include common items such as basketball shorts, long slip, hose or tights, white button up shirt, black belt, black flats or black tie shoes etc.
Q: Where does my production fee go?
100% of your fee goes to the Academy of Arts for their direction, teaching, travel expenses, sets, lighting, props, make up supplies, costumes, filming, editing, etc.
Q: Can I get a refund if I change my mind about drama camp participation?
A: If you choose to drop out of camp BEFORE Auditions, you may request a refund. Your fees hold your spot and prevent someone else from participating. After Auditions it is too late to offer your place to another student. Also, on that date, the production fees are forwarded to the Academy of Arts. Therefore, NO refunds will be issued after Audition Day.
Q: I heard I will need to sign up to bring a meal or other items for camp week. Is there an alternative if I just can’t do this?
A: Yes there certainly is. If you find your personal circumstances preventing you from putting your name on that list, you can opt to buy your way out with a $40 donation. We will be glad to use the money for miscellaneous needs that aren’t filled or come up during the week.
Q: How do I know if my young child is ready for drama camp?
A: First of all, please adhere to the age guidelines given. There may be long periods of time when the students will be asked to stand and be quiet. Yes they are kept busy and active. BUT, for the child who already struggles to focus and hold still quietly, the periods of time when silence is required may seem eternal. Some things to consider are: ability to stand quietly for 30 minutes or more, ability to NOT go potty every 10 minutes, ability to keep hands to self and follow directions. Basically, if you as a parent are in any doubt, wait till next year. It will be much better then.
Q: What if I sign up but don’t get a part at auditions? Am I still in it?
A: Everyone who registers is in one of the plays.
By the rules, we go by grade with the minimum of age 12 by September1st for High School participation. We have never made an exception on this. Older students are needed to make the elementary play run smoothly and provide enough students for the main roles. Also, the content of the High School plays, long hours of rehearsal and demands may be overwhelming to the younger student. Please trust us in this, we have been doing this many years. No one has ever been sorry they stayed in the elementary one more year. The coordinator is always willing to speak to any parent who has a concern.
Q: My child is a young first grader will you make an exception on the minimum age?
By the rules, we go by grade with the minimum of age 6 by September 1st for Elementary participation. The long hours of rehearsal and demands may be overwhelming to the younger student. They are often easily distracted and can be distracting to others. Please trust us in this, we have been doing this many years. The coordinator is always willing to speak to any parent who has a concern.
Q: Are there hidden costs to drama camp that I will be surprised to have to pay?
Every effort is made to prevent surprise costs! There are no tickets to purchase; no fund raiser to sell; no extra fees. However, you may need to provide your student with under costume attire if they don’t already have something appropriate. Miscellaneous items will be needed to make the week run smoothly and you will be asked to bring in one or two of those items or provide a meal for the Academy of Arts team. If at any time, you feel the extra costs are excessive, please bring it to our attention.
Q: Will I be asked to buy or make a costume?
All major costumes are provided, including period costumes and accessories. At the same time all students will be instructed on what costume under garments they will need to provide themselves. These usually include common items such as basketball shorts, long slip, hose or tights, white button up shirt, black belt, black flats or black tie shoes etc.
Q: Where does my production fee go?
100% of your fee goes to the Academy of Arts for their direction, teaching, travel expenses, sets, lighting, props, make up supplies, costumes, filming, editing, etc.
Q: Can I get a refund if I change my mind about drama camp participation?
A: If you choose to drop out of camp BEFORE Auditions, you may request a refund. Your fees hold your spot and prevent someone else from participating. After Auditions it is too late to offer your place to another student. Also, on that date, the production fees are forwarded to the Academy of Arts. Therefore, NO refunds will be issued after Audition Day.
Q: I heard I will need to sign up to bring a meal or other items for camp week. Is there an alternative if I just can’t do this?
A: Yes there certainly is. If you find your personal circumstances preventing you from putting your name on that list, you can opt to buy your way out with a $40 donation. We will be glad to use the money for miscellaneous needs that aren’t filled or come up during the week.
Q: How do I know if my young child is ready for drama camp?
A: First of all, please adhere to the age guidelines given. There may be long periods of time when the students will be asked to stand and be quiet. Yes they are kept busy and active. BUT, for the child who already struggles to focus and hold still quietly, the periods of time when silence is required may seem eternal. Some things to consider are: ability to stand quietly for 30 minutes or more, ability to NOT go potty every 10 minutes, ability to keep hands to self and follow directions. Basically, if you as a parent are in any doubt, wait till next year. It will be much better then.
Q: What if I sign up but don’t get a part at auditions? Am I still in it?
A: Everyone who registers is in one of the plays.