Behavior
Welcome to the COLORADO ACTS online registration page. This process comes in three parts. The first part, the behavioral expectations, are listed below. If you agree to the guidelines and expectations, click on the I agree button at the bottom of the page. This will take you to the second part of the registration process, signing up for classes. Please complete this section for each child that you are registering. Also, please send a deposit check of $25.00 made out to Colorado ACTS for each class to: PO Box 745190 Arvada, CO. 80006-5190 The third part of the registration process comes in the form of a confirmation from ACTS either by phone or by email. Thank you for considering COLORADO ACTS and proceed with the registration process below!
Class Guidelines & Behavior Expectations
We are very pleased that you will be joining the Actor’s Company and Theatre School. Our Behavior Expectations and Class Guidelines follow. Be sure to sign at the end of the form that you have read with your child and understand all the guidelines outlined here. Thank you for your cooperation- we look forward to the opportunity to work with your child!
CLASS SESSIONS AND REHEARSALS
Be on time. Rehearsal is vital to the success of a show and tardiness costs the entire class. Even if your class is a workshop format and doesn’t end in a performance, promptness is still important, as late comers can be disruptive to the flow of the class.
Come prepared.
a) For performance classes:
• Get a folder or binder for your script and some blank paper for notes.
• Always bring your script and a pencil to rehearsal.
• Highlight your lines with a highlighter to make them easier to read.
• Wear clothes appropriate for rehearsal such as sweats and tennis shoes.
b) For non-performance workshops:
• Bring a folder and blank paper and a pencil to class unless otherwise instructed.
• Wear clothes appropriate for stage work such as sweats and tennis shoes.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
a) For performance classes:
• Memorize your lines/music. A general rule of theater is that once a scene is blocked, your lines should be memorized at the next rehearsal.
• Memorize your cues. These are the lines or actions that come right before your lines.
• Memorize your blocking and choreography. You need to know where and when and how you move on stage.
• Work on characterization and physicality. Think about how your character might walk and talk. Practice different voices and movement at home so it will be more comfortable and effortless during rehearsal.
• Please be aware of the commitment each workshop entails before enrolling.
b) For non-performance workshops:
• Outside preparation might be required depending on the type of workshop and the instructor.
• Please be aware of the commitment each workshop entails before enrolling.
Note: We understand that students have many priorities in their lives and that these theatre classes rank below obligations such as reading, writing and arithmetic! We attempt to keep our expectations in check. However, a small amount of time spent on homework in a number of our workshops (usually memorization) is required. Theatre is a community activity. One student’s failure to come adequately prepared costs fellow students.
BEHAVIOR
1. Inappropriate behavior may result in dismissal from current class (without reimbursement).
2. Respect for oneself, others, class work and facilities are demanded from everyone involved in the program. This includes:
a) No foul or hurtful language.
b) No careless destruction or misuse of property.
c) No smoking.
3. Students must remain on campus and within earshot (reasonably speaking) of the instructors at all times.
ATTENDANCE
1. Students are expected to come to every class unless:
a) he or she has a contagious illness.
b) he or she was excused ahead of time due to a prior commitment.
c) there is a family emergency, including such things as stalled cars, etc.
d) the class itself is canceled.
e) a special arrangement has been made between the student, parents and teacher(s).
2. If you do have to miss class, please try to call your teacher (s) in advance so they can be properly prepared.
3. More than two excused absences could result in reassignment of roles in a performance class.
4. DITCHING and UNEXCUSED ABSENCES could result in DISMISSAL from the class.
5. Everyone must attend FINAL REHEARSALS and PERFORMANCES when in a performance class.
SNACK AND DINNER BREAKS
1. Depending on the length of the class, a break may be given during the duration of class. Students may have snacks at break time.
a) Snacks may be brought from home.
b) Vending machines are not available in most locations.
c) Students are encouraged to bring water.
d) Each student is expected to clean up after himself or herself!
2. Sometimes special snack, lunch and dinner arrangements are necessary for performance classes. Please keep a look out for PARENT UPDATES in regard to such arrangements.
3. Again, students must stay on campus and within earshot of the teachers during breaks.
PICK-UP
1. Pick-up is immediately after class ends. It is difficult for our staff to be responsible for children left at the facility more than 10 minutes after a class ends. Many times we need to attend to commitments elsewhere.
2. Emergencies do occur such as a stalled car or lost keys. During such times, please call leave a message with the director(s).
BEHAVIOR
We expect all workshop members to be on their best behavior at all times. Theatre requires discipline, respect and focus. If anyone’s behavior becomes unmanageable, a parent conference is scheduled. If such behavior continues, the student may be dismissed.
CASTING
Except for “audition only classes”, all performance classes audition for individual roles on the first day of class. Roles are then assigned and rehearsals begin. Unless you are notified differently, there is no preparation necessary for the initial auditions. Unless a class is billed as “audition only”, all students enrolled in the class are guaranteed a part in the play.
The process of casting a child or a young adult in a play is a delicate and difficult one. While the objective of classes at ACTS is to use all students as equally as we can, the unique demands of the theatre sometimes make this impossible. It is our hope that all children leave the performance experience with a positive feeling. It is also our hope that children who might be initially disappointed with their casting will still be engaged by the collaborative effort that it takes to put on a play.
GUM
No gum, ever. It impedes vocal production when singing and speaking and is all but impossible to clean up when left in the theatre.
STRIKE
When you receive your registration packet today, you will have the dates for performances & final dress rehearsals. Please plan now that following the final performance, you will be required to stay and help with the strike process. holding true to theatre tradition, all cast, crew and families are asked to assist with strike. MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK! We would ask, especially for younger children, that arrangements are made for them to go home immediately following the final performance that night.
FUND-RAISING
For some shows, fund-raising is necessary. Families may be asked to participate in a variety of different fund-raising activities such as (but not limited to): soliciting advertisements for the program, participating in commercial fund-raising ventures and/ or selling tickets for the show. Please know that although we understand that no one likes to fund-raise, it is a necessity at times in today’s economy and can give students a real sense of ownership for their production.
