• Do you really put on a whole play in just a week?

Yes!! However, we do hand out scripts, music, and hold auditions about 6 weeks before camp. We ask that you work with your children on memorizing their lines, learning music (elementary play only), and gathering costume requirements during this time. We will also hold 2 optional Friday afternoon “practices” in February. During these practices, elementary students learn their songs and high schoolers participate in a “read-through” of their play. Again, these 2 extra practices are optional, but highly encouraged! Once camp week starts, the Academy will work with the campers and completely stage and teach the play for an exceptional performance on Friday night (elementary play) and Saturday afternoon (high school play). While it is a long week and your children work hard, it is amazing how it all comes together and the performances are great!

• When are rehearsals?

Elementary typically rehearses Monday-Friday from 9am until 12:30pm. On Friday, they will return around 4pm and stay through the play which begins at 7pm.

High schoolers rehearse Monday-Wednesday from 9am-4pm. On Thursday, they will stay until approximately 9:30pm to have a dress rehearsal (pizza dinner provided that night). On Friday, they will arrive at 9am again and stay through the completion of the elementary play as many of the high schoolers will be helping with make-up, costumes, back-stage, etc. for the elementary play. High schoolers will return Saturday morning and stay through their performance which begins at 2pm.

There are also 2 optional, but highly encouraged, Friday afternoon rehearsals in February for music practice (elementary) and script read-through (high school).

• 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 January 1st for the elementary participation. The long hours of rehearsals and demands may be overwhelming for younger students. They are often easily distracted and can be distracting to others. Please trust us in this, we have been doing this many years. Encourage your child to come and watch the performance and think about all the fun they will have the next year!

• What about meals?

Elementary students need to bring a snack and drink each morning to eat during their break. We encourage this to be a high protein, low sugar and non-messy snack. They will eat lunch with parents upon dismissal each afternoon.

High schoolers need to pack a sack lunch each day of camp. They will have a lunch break and we encourage them to bring a filling meal to eat as well as quick, non-messy snacks they can grab throughout the day on their breaks. Thursday, a pizza dinner will be provided before their dress rehearsal.

• Are their hidden costs to drama camp that I will be surprised to pay after the registration fee?

We make every effort to prevent any surprise costs! There are no tickets to purchase, no fund raisers to sell, no extra fees! However, you will need to provide your student with under costume attire (basketball shorts, t-shirts, tights/hose, shoes, etc.) There is more information about costume requirements under the “Costumes” link. Additionally, you will also be asked to sign-up to provide two or three miscellaneous items needed throughout the week of camp or to provide a meal for the Academy of Arts team. There will be sign-ups and more information for this at auditions.

• Can I get a refund if I change my mind about drama camp participation?

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, we must pay the Academy of Arts for all participants registered. Therefore, no refunds will be issued after Audition day.

As a note, EVERYONE who registers for camp (before we close registration) will be in the play! Even if your student is not given a speaking part at auditions, he/she will still be participating in the play!

**More questions? Please email us at [email protected].**