Four Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing A Drama Class
If most drama programs seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching children and a big show at the end of the year, aren't they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll at? Yes. There are four things that can make a significant difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles the parent must deal with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a drama program.
1. WHAT IS THE SCHOOLS PHILOSOPHY?
Our classes use improvisation, theater games, pantomime and plays, and a fun, supportive, positive encouragement approach to engage students, improve self-esteem and raise confidence in public speaking and performing. Our Kinder Drama classes for four and five year olds help enhance early social skills and creative learning. Drama One classes for ages five through eight focus on developing clear speech and creative movement with a focus on performance. Drama Two classes for ages nine and up use improvisation and play scenes to allow the students a vehicle for self-expression while fostering positive life skills. In December there is an in-class presentation and in June there is a black-box production at a local theater.
2. WHAT ARE THE SIZE OF THE CLASSES?
If the drama class has fewer students in it each child will receive more personalized attention, learn more and have more fun. With younger students it is easier for a teacher to maintain control over the class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instructions. Our smaller class sizes ensure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. Our Drama classes are limited to a maximum of ten students per class. Our KinderDrama classes (ages 3 and 4) are limited to a maximum of just 6 students per class.
3. WHAT ARE THE “EXTRAS” REQUIRED FOR THE YEAR END SHOW?
Most studios put on a year end show in a professional theater. Students that perform in the show must have a costume. Some studios require parents to sew their child’s costumes, or pay extra and the parents must find their own seamstress to do the sewing. Our studio's production is a black-box program and the costumes are kept very simple so parents do not have to worry about any major costume hassles. Most studios also require parents to purchase tickets for the show but our studio gives each parent 2 free tickets for our year-end show. This way you as a parent will not be faced with any extra work or expenses.
4. CAN I GET IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE?
In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for customer service issues, or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in a class. To have a good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like costumes or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studios have office staff on hand Monday through Thursday during all regular class times, and by phone on Fridays so you can get immediate assistance.