Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE FAQ

KIDSTAGE

KIDSTAGE Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about KIDSTAGE Classes and Productions. If the answer to your question is not included, please call the KIDSTAGE office. Issaquah: (425) 392-1942 x 148 Everett: (425) 257-6371
Questions about KIDSTAGE Classes
What is KIDSTAGE? For nineteen years, Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE has provided Puget Sound students and their families a year round "home" for theatre arts activities. KIDSTAGE provides classes for students ages 3-20 in Issaquah and Everett. The KIDSTAGE Mission: To provide a personal development program for young people which uses theatre arts To teach creativity and responsibility To encourage teamwork and personal integrity To foster self-esteem and appreciation for live theatre What do students do in class? Classes use creative dramatics, music and movement, familiar story themes, games, arts and crafts, and lots of IMAGINATION to explore the fun of theatre. The KIDSTAGE class curriculums are designed to use theatre arts to encourage collaboration, teamwork and communication, respect for self and others, healthy and constructive behavior choices, as well as build self-esteem & confidence. When does your next session of classes begin? In both Issaquah and Everett, KIDSTAGE runs 3 quarters of classes during the school year. These classes meet once a week during an 8-10 week session. During the summer, KIDSTAGE offers weeklong day camps in both locations. Both half- and full-day camps are available each week for 8 weeks between June and August. For class descriptions, tuition, and scheduing information, please review our online KIDSTAGE class offerings. How do I sign up? For Issaquah classes, call (425) 392-1942 x148; For Everett classes, call (425) 257-6371. You may also download and fill out a registration form (PDF) and mail it to the KIDSTAGE office with your payment. Mail to: KIDSTAGE Issaquah: 303 Front Street North, Issaquah, WA 98027 KIDSTAGE Everett: 2710 Wetmore Avenue, Everett, WA 98201. We accept cash, checks, and VISA, MasterCard and American Express. Make checks payable to Village Theatre KIDSTAGE. Are there discounts available? Families receive 10% off when registering for more than one class or for an additional registration from a family member in the same household. How can I be sure my student is enrolled? A student is enrolled once a $25 or $50 deposit is received per student, per class. (Deposit varies depending upon session and location.) You will receive written confirmation of enrollment along with an emergency consent form to be completed and sent in with the balance. Payment in full is required before sessions begin unless other arrangements are made. What about refunds and cancellations? Refunds: Refunds will be issued (less a $25 or $50 non-refundable registration fee) if a student is withdrawn more than seven days prior to the first session. If the withdrawal is made less than seven days prior, no refund will be made. Cancellations: If a class does not fill, or if something unforeseen occurs, we reserve the right to cancel a class. We will notify you as early as possible, and a full refund will be made. Are payment plans available? Payment plans are available to anyone who prefers to split up their balance in two or three installments. Contact the phone numbers above for more information. Is financial assistance available? KIDSTAGE offers scholarships to families who would not otherwise be able to participate in our program. Eligibility for scholarships is based on the guidelines established by the local schools' free and reduced-priced lunch program. Scholarships are awarded each session equal to 50% of class tuition. Our scholarship funding is limited and we may be unable to fill all funding requests. For best consideration of your request, please download a financial aid form and apply as soon as possible. Please apply for scholarship for only one class per student per session. What is SKY Theatre? How is it related to KIDSTAGE? SKY Theatre KIDSTAGE is a Village Theatre Youth Education Program. SKY Theatre began in 1996 in founder Kati Nickerson's back yard. Within one year, enough interested students and families grew SKY Theatre to a year round program providing classes, camps, and productions to youth ages 3-20. In 1998 Nickerson became Village Theatre's Creative Director of the KIDSTAGE program. SKY Theatre began to merge with Village Theatre and the KIDSTAGE program. Can parents observe classes? KIDSTAGE utilizes an open ear policy in our classrooms. Instructors will keep the doors cracked open during classes to allow adults to unobtrusively observe their students. However, parents are asked to stay outside the classroom, as their presence may be a distraction to other students. What can I expect in a final class demonstration (or "finale")? On the final day of classes, family and friends are invited to observe a small in-class demonstration by their students. In an exploratory class (such as Kinderstage or Elementary Acting), finales may include a presentation of voice and movement games, a small performance and a question-and-answer session with the students. Production-oriented class finales (especially musical theatre and scene study classes) will feature a small performance of singing, dancing and/or scene work, as well as discussion of some skills learned in the class. How do you choose your instructors? KIDSTAGE hires highly trained professional artists and arts educators and provides them with additional training in child development and KIDSTAGE techniques. Most teachers have at least two years experience teaching youth in the performing arts before joining the KIDSTAGE staff. Instructors are also required to pass a Washington State Patrol check and complete the Village Theatre Conduct with Minors form and an extensive orientation before working with students. For more information, read about our instructors.
Questions about KIDSTAGE Productions
When can I see a production? Issaquah KIDSTAGE produces four productions each year: Ensemble (Winter), for grades 4-8 Company (Spring), for grades 8-12 Summer Rep (Summer), for ages 15-20 SummerStock (Summer), for ages 10-18 Everett KIDSTAGE produces three productions each year: TeenSelect (Fall), for grades 8-12 Ensemble (Late Spring), for grades 4-7 SummerStock (Summer), for grades 7-12 How can I purchase tickets? In Issaquah, call the Village Theatre Box Office to reserve your tickets. Issaquah Box Office: (425) 392-2202 Toll Free: (866) 688-8849 Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM Summer hours (July 8–September 1, 2008): Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM In Everett, call the Everett Performing Arts Center Box Office to reserve your tickets. Everett Box Office: (425) 257-8600 Toll Free: (888) 257-3722 Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM Summer hours (July 29–September 15, 2008): Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM Can I audition for an upcoming show? Auditions are held approximately three months before performances. Current audition listings can be found HERE. How are Productions related to Village Theatre's Professional Shows? KIDSTAGE productions are directed and designed by theatre professionals, and performed by students. The technical staff of Village Theatre's Mainstage shows supports the directors and designers of the KIDSTAGE productions. Is financial assistance available for actors? KIDSTAGE offers scholarships to families who would not otherwise be able to participate in our program. Eligibility for scholarships is based on the guidelines established by the local schools' free and reduced-priced lunch program. Scholarships are awarded each session equal to 50% of tuition. Our scholarship funding is limited and we may be unable to fill all funding requests.

Home | E-List | FAQ