Kids & Teens

Academy Classes FAQs

Season Programming runs August - May. Summer Programming runs May - July. The layout and procedures are different. See below for the FAQ regarding both Season or Summer.

 

About Childsplay Season Theatre Academy: 

 


 

About Childsplay Summer Theatre Academy: 

 


 

About Childsplay Season Theatre Academy: 

 

What is the aim of Childsplay Academy?

Childsplay Academy provides quality theatre education classes for students ages 2-18 at our facility, the Sybil B. Harrington Campus for Imagination and Wonder at Mitchell Park. Acting, Musical Theatre, and Imagination Theatre classes cultivate a student’s performing arts abilities and focus on the personal development of the child including social, emotional and intellectual skills.  The Conservatory Program offers pre-professional training for students interested in pursuing theatre as a profession.  Both programs meet a variety of Theatre Arts Standards and, tangentially, a wide variety of Arizona Education Standards.

 

What age will my students classmates be?

Each class has an age range spanning anywhere from two years apart to seven years apart. It's hard to predict the break down of ages that will sign up. If we are offering two sections of the same class, we tend to divvy the students up by age/grade when possible. If you would like a more precicse breakdown of the ages for a particular class, or you know that your kiddo would be more comfortable with a particular age group, you can reach out to academy admin for queations or comments on the topic.

 

What will my child do in class?

All our classes emphasize building fundamental acting skills. Teachers employ age-appropriate activities that connect to the focus area, theme and learning objectives of the class. Please contact us if you’d like to see a sample lesson plan from a previous class for your child’s age group.

 

Sometimes we are asked, “Why does my child come home saying they played games all day?” Teachers utilize carefully designed exercises that help build concentration, confidence and cooperation, the building blocks of theatre education. Sometimes this includes drama games, which are also a component of collegiate and professional acting training. Theatre games are highly memorable and fun components of a drama classes and are just one element of our comprehensive curriculum.

 

Can parents/caregivers stay and watch class?

Parents/Caregivers are always welcome to hang out during check in. We spend this time to chat or maybe do some activities and just get comfortable with the space. Once we get started with the formal lesson, we ask loved ones to leave. We've found that students have a much easier time engaging in the creative process when they are focusing on interacting with their peers. However, we have two Parent waiting areas in nearby rooms where caregivers are welcome to hang out during class and can pop in during breaks to see how their kiddo is doing. Additionally we send home notes each week that quickly review what we did in class so you have lots to talk about on the ride home!

 

What is your snack policy for half-day classes?

Please send your child with a full water bottle each day for their mid-class break. Students may also bring a snack if they would like for this break.


What is the student to teacher ratio?

We pride ourselves on having the best student-teacher ratio of any theatre program in the valley! Classes usually have 2 teaching artists. Our ration is 1:10 for most classes. In addition to staff members, some classes also have assistant teachers and/or teen volunteers.

 

Who will my child’s teacher be?

All of our teachers are professional actors and/or teaching artists with Childsplay. You can read the bio's of our teaching staff here. Many teaching artists have been with Childsplay for more than three years, and some for more than 20 years! Everyone employed by Childsplay has undergone a background check and has a current Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.

 

What if my child needs to miss all or part of a class?

Attendance and punctuality are important in a theatre class! Students work as an ensemble to create a piece of theatre together, it is essential that everyone be present at all lessons. Please be sure to check schedules before registering for class.

 

 If you do become aware that your child will be absent from a session please alert Academy Admin. Knowing in advance helps teachers adjust lessons accordingly.

 

What is the drop-off procedure?

On the first day of class, all students need to be signed in by a parent or guardian. After that, parents can make the decision whether they prefer to park and walk their students to the classroom door, or pull up in front and drop students off. Parents of students in Imagination Theatre will need to sign students in and out of each lesson. Teachers will be ready to check students in no later than 5 minutes before the start of your calss.

 

What is the pick-up procedure?

Pick up is promptly at the class end time. Please come to the room to check your student(s) out. Students will only be released to caregivers listed as "Parent 1" or "Parent 2" on campsite. Any additional people will need to be added and "Authorized Pick Ups" on the Parent Dashboard

 

What about campus supervision?

The low student/teacher ratio helps us monitor student activity on our campus. The Academy Manager and/or other Childsplay Administrator is on campus during all academy sessions as well. Bathroom breaks are always supervises by a Finger Print Clearance Card carrying, adult staff member. Our ages 4-6 classes do not take group bathroom breaks, rather they use the single-person restroom inside the classroom.

 

What is your refund policy? Why don't you offer multi-class or sibling discounts?

We believe we provide the highest quality programming, most experienced teachers and best student/teacher ratio of any theatre program in the Valley. We keep the cost of our classes as low as we can to consistently deliver the same quality programming. Offering discounts or refunds would necessitate increasing the cost for all classes.

 

Familles are eligible for a full refund minus a $50 cancellation fee when cancelling more than 30 days before the start of your class. Once in that 30 day window, we can hold your tuition as a future class credit. When cancelling the day of the first class meeting or after, no refunds or credit will be given.

 

Future class credit may be redeemed manually by admin; simply send an email, text, or phone call to admin letting them know which class you would like to use your credit on.

 

Childsplay is a non-profit and we hire Teaching Artists based on enrollment numbers. We have cancellation fees in order to ensure the wages of our amazing Teaching Artists, which is why they keep coming back and offering the best programming!


Do you accept ESA Funds?

Yes. We are on vendor on ClassWallet. If you need documentation of the class you are enrolled you, you will need to contact Academy Admin directly to get the info you need. Please be sure and include "ESA Documentation Request"

 

If you need to be reimbursed and need an attestation form, you can download that by CLICKING HERE.

 

What is your policy in regards to medication?

Childsplay staff members are unable to administer any type of medication to program participants, including epi-pens. If a student requires medication, a parent or guardian is welcome to come to campus to administer the medication themselves. We have a comfortable waiting room. Family members are welcome to remain on campus in case the need for medication, including epi-pens arises.  


Will there be a performance at the end of the session?

All classes have a Sharing on the last day of class.  The Sharing is devised and developed by the students and teachers in the class. Students present Sharings to showcase what they have learned during the class.

 

Will my child wear a costume?

Most programs focus on building acting skills using the actor’s instruments: body, voice and imagination. The emphasis of each class is on skill-building and the process of developing a piece for the Sharing and not on rehearsing a “play.” Sometimes we pull props or "costume props" for students to use or we invite students to bring something from home. We never ask or expect families to purchase any additional items (including costumes) for any of our classes.

 

My child is very shy.  Will this class be appropriate for him/her?

Yes! Our teachers accommodate students’ different needs and have a great rapport with students. Oftentimes participation in a theatre class helps students come out of their shell. 


My child has never acted before, can they participate?

Absolutely! Because our classes focus on building skills, Childsplay classes are appropriate for beginners and more experienced students.

 

My child has a disability. Can they enroll in a class?

Many students with mental and physical disabilites successfully participate in our programs.  To ensure a positive experience, we need an open line of communication serve the unique qualities of your child, helping to eliminate unnecessary frustration for students or staff. Please inform us of any accomodations your child may have, and strategies that we can use to help your student. Our staff are primarily Theatre Artists and don't have SPED certifications, but are ready and eager to help each student have what they need to be succeful.

 


 

 


About Childsplay Summer Theatre Academy:

 

What will my child be doing in class?

The foundation of all our classes is building acting skills, and each class does this by incorporating activities that focus on the class theme. Some programs such as theatre productions and musical theatre marathons are more rehearsal focused.


All Childsplay Theatre Academy classes focus on building acting skills using the actor's tools; body, voice, and imagination. The emphasis of each week-long class is on skill-building and the process of developing a piece for the final sharing and not on rehearsing a play.


Why does my child come home saying they played games all day?

Theatre games are carefully designed exercises that help build concentration, confidence, and cooperation; the building blocks of theatre education. While fun, they are also essential to the skill-building that goes on in any theatre program. Theatre games are just one element of the comprehensive curriculum in our classes.


What is a "theatre game"?

A theatre game is an exercise designed to teach a skill that can be used on stage (and in real life too!). We use different games that teach such skills as mental focus, ensemble building, healthy vocal production, physical awareness, and emotional connection to your text. Through games, students can learn advanced concepts and overcome personal hurdles while laughing and creating.


Will there be a performance at the end of the class?

Every class culminates with a presentation. Theme classes (Ages 4-6, 6-9, and 8-12) and Theatre Intensives end with an informal sharing in their classroom. A "sharing" is a 15ish minute recap of the things students learned throughout the week. Students may recreate activities they did and discuss the skills they learned. Sharings will have a dramatic demonstration like scenes created by the students, monologues, improvised portions, singing, or dancing.

 

Marathon classes present a workshop performance of a short script. Students will have memorized music and choreography and/or dialogue and perform with minimal costumes and props.

 

Onstage Production classes perform onstage at the Tempe Center for the Arts on the last day of class.


How does my child audition for Onstage Production Classes and Musical Theatre Marathons?

An audition will be part of the process on the first day of class for Musical Theatre Marathons and Onstage classes. The onstage and marathon classes do have limited enrollment and often sell out. Keeping the number of participants small gives every participant in the class individual characters and featured moments in the performance. 


When casting summer productions or marathons, we strive to provide students with opportunities that challenge but don't overwhelm. This is a balance. And there are students in every program who, either because of theatre experience or age, may be ready for a more significant challenge than others. We always endeavor to provide every participant featured moments in the presentation.


Who will my child's teachers be?

All of our teachers are professional theatre teaching artists. Bios for all of our Academy Staff can be found here. Most of our teaching artists have been with Childsplay for more than three years, and several for more than 20 years! Everyone employed by Childsplay Theatre Academy has undergone a background check and has a current Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.


What is your student to teacher ratio?

We pride ourselves on a great student-teacher ratio. Each class has 2 adult staff members and an intern.

  • Theme Classes ages 4-6: We cap classes at 14 students with a ratio on 1:8 and often times 1:5
  • Theme Classes ages 6-9: We cap classes at 17 students with a ratio of 1:9 and often times 1:6
  • Theme Classes ages 8-12: We cap classes at 17 students with a ratio of 1:9 and often times 1:6
  • Marathon Classses ages 8-15: We cap classes at 20 students with a ratio of 1:10 and sometimes 1:7
  • Intensive Classes ages 10-17: We cap classes at 20 students with a ration of 1:10 and sometimes 1:7
  • On Stage Prodiction Classes ages 8-14 & 12-17: We cap classes at 20 students with a ration of 1:10 and sometimes 1:7

 

The name of staff members is made available 10 days before the start of class.


What about campus supervision?

There are at least two adults in each classroom. Students visit the restroom as a group under the supervision of a staff member (there is a single restroom attached to the 4-6-year-old classroom). The campus is also home to Childsplay Theatre’s administrative offices, prop and costume shop. We employ 25 full-time staff members who all have been background checked and verified for working with young people. Staff may assist with supervision if need arises.


Will students be outside during the day?

All class activities, as well as lunches, will take place indoors. Students will only be outside when walking to the restrooms, concession stand or lunch room. They will always be under the supervision of staff members when traveling between classrooms.


What happens in morning or afternoon extended care?

We know that with six hours of structured time during the day, students need unstructured time before and after class.  Students may play board games, color, build with lego, or read with other children or teachers. We have a closet full of games/books, or students are welcome to bring activities from home. However, we cannot be responsible for lost items, so please leave valuables at home! During extended care assistant teachers will also facilitate optional activities for participants including crafts, storytelling, drama practice, and group games.

 

About Summer Students:

 

Who may enroll in Childsplay Theatre Academy?

As part of Childsplay’s commitment to access and inclusion, at Childsplay Theatre Academy we make intentional choices in our classroom practices to be a welcoming space for peoples of all ability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We are happy to address students’ individual physical, learning and social needs. If there are ways we can be welcoming to your family, please let us know at here.

 

What will the age of my student's classmates be?

Each class has an age range spanning anywhere from two years apart to seven years apart. It's hard to predict the break down of ages that will sign up. If we are offering two sections of the same class, we tend to divvy the students up by age/grade when possible. If you would like a more precicse breakdown of the ages for a particular class, or you know that your kiddo would be more comfortable with a particular age group, you can reach out to academy admin for queations or comments on the topic.


My child has never acted before, can they participate?

Absolutely! Because our classes focus on building skills, Childsplay offers programs accessible for beginners and experienced students. Some programs like onstage or musical theatre marathons do incorporate formal performances and elements may be intimidating for absolute beginners. We recommend some theatre experience for Theatre Intensives.  Please contact Academy Manager if you have questions about the suitability of a particular class.


My child is timid. Will this class be appropriate?

Yes! Our teachers have a great rapport with the students are adept at accommodating everyone's needs. Often being in one of our classes can help students come out of their shell. Theme classes focus on student collaboration and the process of developing material for sharing. Since these programs are not focused on rehearsal or performance, children who are shy experience an opportunity to build drama skills in an environment with less pressure.


My child has special needs. Can they enroll?

We have many special needs students who participate successfully in our programs. To ensure success, we must maintain an open line of communication with caregivers to serve the best needs of the child and eliminate unnecessary frustration for students or staff. It is essential you inform us of any special needs your child may have, and strategies that we can use to help your student be successful. If your child has special needs, please feel free to call Academy Manager to discuss how we can work together to ensure a positive experience for your child.


My child has a food allergy or chronic medical condition (ex. Asthma). What steps should I take to alert the staff?

Please communicate with us verbally about the allergy or conditions and provide us with a written action plan that details allergens, symptoms of a reaction, and steps to be taken in case of emergency. Provide the teacher with the necessary medications (such as Benadryl tabs, Epi-Pen, inhaler, and Emergency Response Kit). Childsplay Theatre Academy cannot dispense, monitor, or maintain medication for any student EXCEPT in the event of an allergic reaction and asthma attack for which we have received an Action Plan and the necessary medication. The liability release explicitly releases from liability resulting from actions taken in case of emergency. Please feel confident in the fact that every member of our staff participates in emergency training, specifically learning to recognize early onset symptoms of medical distress and procedures to administer Epi-Pens and rescue inhalers.


Will my child wear a costume?

Students in Onstage Classes will perform a full production, including set, costumes, and props. Marathon students may be asked to wear specific color or bring something simple from home for their character. Simple costume pieces which suggest a character may be provided as well. All other Childsplay Theatre Academy classes focus on building acting skills using the actor's tools; body, voice, and imagination. The emphasis of each week-long class is on skill-building and the process of developing a piece for the final sharing and not on rehearsing a play. Students will not wear costumes for the sharings.


What if my child hasn't read the book (or seen the tv show/film) which inspired the class?

Theme classes pull inspiration for drama skill building from material popular with young people. However, detailed knowledge of the source material is not required. In theme classes, students do not reenact the story or perform a play. Instead, the book is a framework to launch new stories devised by the class. For example in Hogwarts Summer School, students develop original young wizard characters studying at the famous school and imagine what else may happen in this universe. Children who haven't read the books or seen the films can imagine the possible challenges facing a young person with magical abilities and contribute to the creation of the new material. Everyone enjoys participating, even if they are not a fan of the source material. In fact, sometimes they bring fresh eyes to the topic and infuse original ideas into the group work.


Please note; spoilers are possible.  Although programs are accessible to students with varying experience with the theme, young people who are fans of the topic enjoy discussing it. We encourage students not to reveal spoilers, but a young person who's read the sixth "Dog Man" graphic novel may not be able to contain themselves!


Can my child use a cellphone, tablet, etc. in class?

Students will not be allowed to use electronic devices (including cell phones) during class hours or lunch break. While they may be used during extended care (before and after class); please remember Childsplay is not responsible for lost or damaged items.

Please alert Academy Manager if your child utilizes electronic devices as communication or therapeutic outlet necessary for participation in a class. 

 

Summer Policies and Procedures:

 

What is your cancellation policy?

Please review your plans before registering. If you are not able to attend a registered class, contact Academy Admin here.

 

Academy tuition is refundable (minus a $50 cancellation fee) when patrons cancel at least 30 days before a program’s (per class) start date.

 

Alternatively, the tuition paid may be applied as a credit toward the price of a future class, minus a $50 cancellation fee. When cancellations occur on or after the first day of class, no refunds or credits can be given.

 

Occasionally Childsplay must cancel a scheduled program. If Childsplay cancels a class, you will be notified and offered an opportunity to reschedule your student or receive a full refund.


Why do you charge a cancellation fee? Why don't you offer refunds within 30 days? Why don't you offer multi-class or sibling discount?

We provide the highest quality programming, most qualified teachers, and best student/teacher ratio of any theatre program in the valley. We keep the cost of our classes as low while consistently delivering quality programming. Offering discounts or last minute refunds would necessitate increasing the tuition for all our classes. Our cancellation fees also protect the wages of our contracted staff who are hired well in advanced based on enrollment numbers.


Can I register for a program that has already begun?

We will accept registrations as long as space is available or until the second class meets, whichever comes first. However, once a class begins, it will no longer appear on the online enrollment page. To register for a class that has already started contact Academy Manager here. We do not offer pro-rated tuition.


What if my child needs to miss all or part of a class?

Attendance and punctuality are crucial in a drama class! Students collaborate to create a piece of theatre together. We anticipate students will attend every day of the class in which they enroll, except in the case of illness or emergency. 

Consecutive absences may affect how a student participates in the sharings or performances at the culmination of the program. Please check your schedules before registering for a program.

If your child will be absent or late, please contact Academy Manager here. Knowing about an absence in advanc