POLICIES
Finding the Right Activity
Class Details
Age, Neurodiversity, & Sensory Guidelines
We want your child to be set up for success in our programs, and appreciate your partnership in making that happen. We welcome conversation about your student's specific needs before you register and will accommodate as best we are able.
- Classes serving a wide age range usually have multiple teachers or emphasize individual or small-group skills, ensuring that instruction is tailored to each student's age and skill level. Our age guidelines are flexible, as we understand that maturity, ability, and sensory tolerance don't always align with a student's age. Exceptions are common, but please consult us before registering.
- Many of our classes are well-suited to a variety of neurodiverse students. However, while we go to great lengths to accommodate specific needs, not every class can be stretched to fit every student. Activities may be inherently noisy and chaotic or quiet and introspective. They may require independent focus or be highly structured. If you have concerns, please talk to us in advance.
Class Levels
- ELEMENTARY PRE-READERS (Recommended Grades K-2). Our youngest students explore the basics of theatre through dress-up, storytelling, performing, and improvisation. These active classes focus on bringing student ideas to life, fostering collaboration, teamwork, and fun.
- ELEMENTARY READERS (Recommended Grades 3-5). Our older elementary students dig deeper into all the elements of creating a show while working with pre-written or student-created scripts. We help students find their personal next level, wherever that may be, in a supportive and encouraging environment.
- MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL (Recommended Grades 6-10). Our middle/high school program gives students a chance to shine in small cast plays and musicals that they have a hand in choosing. We also offer skills classes. Most middle schools in the county do one large cast little-kids-oriented musical per year at most. Most high schools save most roles for the juniors and seniors. Our small cast sizes means everyone is challenged and has interesting parts to play, and everyone is included in our sense of community.
- EMERGING LEADERS (Recommended Grades 11-12). We are happy to work with talented and sincerely interested students to tailor opportunities to their interests, inviting them to take on leadership roles on our student productions or internship roles with our professional company. Please speak with us about your student's interests and abilities.
Student Production Policies
- CASTING. Students registering for a production are expected to accept whatever role they are offered. We do our best to make sure all students have a chance to shine in every production. Students interested in roles with heavy vocal and acting demands will be asked to audition at a time prior to the beginning of rehearsals to ensure the right fit and support is in place. If your student has special needs, advanced abilities, or other concerns, contact us so we can ensure placement in the program will be appropriate and a great experience for all.
- AUDITONS. When auditions are offered for a production, priority for principal roles will be given to students who audition. Some shows are cast by Audition Only. Please check the Details of the production.
- SHOW DATES AND TIMES. While show dates are set, show times are subject to change. Some roles may be double-cast, and if so, not all students will perform at all performances. Performances may be added to accommodate doubling. Each student is guaranteed a minimum of two performances.
- REHEARSALS. Shows may add additional rehearsals, especially individual music rehearsals, to be scheduled around student and staff availability. All students have additional rehearsal times during tech week and should plan on attending all of them.
- CONFLICTS. Performers must be available for all shows and most rehearsals. Please communicate up front if you have known conflicts with the schedule. We can plan around most conflicts if we know in advance, maximizing the time we do have. Significant conflicts may affect casting decisions.
- DESIGNERS. Being a designer for one of our shows is one of the most time-flexible roles. Designers do not need to be at all rehearsals. Designers may work during rehearsals or at other mutually agreed-upon times. Performers are automatically invited to participate in the design process with no additional registration.
- DIRECTING, CHOREOGRAPHY, STAGE MANAGEMENT, AND OTHER ROLES. Students with an interest in aspects of theatre besides performing will be encouraged to participate and will be allowed to earn opportunities for leadership. Please contact us with specific interests. We frequently tailor programs around talented and motivated students.
- CREW. Crew members are expected to be available for the last two weeks of rehearsal and must be available for all performances.
- VOLUNTEERING. Production classes, including plays, musicals, and films, do require Students and/or their families to volunteer, which can include rehearsal monitoring, costume and set building, venue preparation, backstage assistance, location management, cast party planning, and more. Sign up details for specific productions will be made available upon registration.
Logistics
Drop Off and Pick Up
- SCHOOL YEAR CLASSES. Our teachers are mostly also parents and frequently arriving directly from picking up their own children. Please be patient if we don't arrive very much in advance of class, and pick up your child promptly at the conclusion of class.
- SUMMER CLASSES, SPRING BREAK CAMP, & SCHOOL DAYS OFF ACTIVITIES.
- For full day students, drop off begins at 9:00am. Activities begin at 10:00am unless otherwise noted.
- Activities end at 4:00pm unless otherwise noted. Students must be picked up no later than 5:00pm.
- MALL ACCESS. Some classes end after the mall closes. If you cannot be in the mall by the time it closes, please be sure we have accurate contact information. We will walk students to the sliding doors next to the Fred Astaire Dance Studio for pick up.
- STUDENTS AGES 12+
- SELF REPORTING. Parents/Guardians are required to accompany students to drop off for the first day of any activity. After that, students ages 12+ may be dropped off and picked up curbside. Students must not wait outside for pickup. If a ride is delayed, students must wait inside The Treehouse until the ride is confirmed to have arrived.
- MALL INDEPENDENCE. With permission, students ages 12+ are allowed to venture into the mall on breaks in groups of at least two students. This privilege may be revoked for inappropriate behavior.
Extended hours may be possible some weeks with prior arrangements and for an extra fee. Please contact us to inquire.
Parents During Class
- Children 3 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times.
- Unless a class is labeled as Caregiver Participation, if your child is registered for a class and we have the requested contact info, contact permissions, and waiver on file, you are welcome to drop off your child and return at the end of class.
- Parties are an exception. We do rely on at least two parent volunteers willing to stay on site and chaperone. This helps reduce our staffing costs and keep parties affordable.
- Parents are welcome to stay in the venue as desired whenever we have room. We usually have seating available in the room, seating right outside the room, and a lounge in the back room. Whether your child needs extra support, you’re working thru separation issues or you just need a place to work while waiting, we are happy to accommodate parent needs when possible.
- Parents are asked to not stay in the venue on teen nights or large rehearsal nights unless parent is volunteering. Teen activities typically take over the entire venue. The mall has other places nearby where parents can hang out.
What to Bring
- We always recommend students bring a water bottle. Students may refill from our water cooler in the green room.
- If your student is staying for 90 minutes or longer, we recommend packing or bringing money for a snack and water ($1 each). We do not supply snacks.
- If you are attending a class between school and dinner, please be sure your student has a snack to maximize their ability to enjoy the class.
Shows & Events
Ticketing
- WHERE/WHEN TO BUY. You may buy tickets online or at the venue for shows and events. We encourage you to buy tickets in advance. Our space is not large and some shows do sell out.
- CHECK IN. We keep a list of purchasers at the door for check in. You do not need to bring a physical ticket or receipt. Once you have purchased your ticket, your reservation is confirmed and you will only be contacted if the schedule changes. We are working on automating processes to improve this part of the communication experience, and appreciate your patience.
- TICKETING FOR CHILDREN. Shows require a ticket for all attendees.
All students age 11 and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult, maximum six kids per chaperone.
Responsible and appropriately-behaved students age 12 and over may attend on their own, provided a responsible adult is present and reachable in the mall. Students will not be directly supervised.
- Shows require a ticket for all attendees with the exception of children ages 2 and under sitting on a caregiver's lap. If the show is not appropriate for the child or the child cannot behave appropriately, you may be asked to watch from the back of the room where we can supply activities for younger children, to be supervised by their caregiver.
Seating
- Unless otherwise noted, seating is general admission.
- Wheelchair patrons, please let us know how many are in your party and we will reserve space for you.
- Strollers must be left outside the seating area. A stroller parking area will be provided as needed.
- Aisles must be kept clear at all times. Do not leave personal items in the aisles.
Activity Registration
Registration Process
- You may register online or at the venue for activities.
- We encourage you to sign up early or let us know if you are considering signing up, to help us staff and plan appropriately. Most classes have a run determination date listed in their details, which is the date we will cancel a class that doesn't have sufficient registration. Knowing you’re coming can make a difference in whether or not the class happens at all. Some classes require advance registration to ensure enough supplies are on hand. Check the event's details section for more information.
- While class preregistration is not required, it is highly recommended to ensure availability and receive notification of any changes due to weather and other extenuating circumstances. We can’t always get to the mall to post signage about changes.
- Once you have completed your order, your student is enrolled and you will only be contacted if the schedule changes. We are working on a registration form, but for now, if you are a new student, we will collect your info and ask you to sign a waiver on the first day of class. We are working on automating processes to improve this part of the communication experience, and appreciate your patience.
Registration Fees
- Registration fees are due in advance of the first class.
- We are usually willing to set up installment plans upon request.
Refund Requests
- SCHOOL YEAR CANCELLATIONS.
- For Classes and Events during the school year, registration is refundable up until 48 hours before the beginning of the first class minus a 10% cancellation fee. Classes cancelled within 48 hours of the first class and before the start of class are 50% refundable. Registrations are non-refundable from the start of class onward. Alternately, cancelled registrations may be credited 100% (pro rata) towards future classes.
- In some circumstances, if a student must miss class or cancel part way through a class, we will consider offering a pro rata credit towards future classes or arrange for a make up time.
- PRODUCTIONS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. Future class credits be issued at our discretion.
- SUMMER CANCELLATIONS. For summer classes and events, registrations cancelled before May 1st can be refunded minus a 30% cancellation fee. Registrations are non-refundable from May 1st onward, but may be credited towards future classes.
- SHOW CANCELLATIONS. Show tickets are not refundable but they are transferable to any other performance, class, or event.
- IF WE CANCEL. Any class that we cancel will be refunded as soon as we are able. Reasons for cancellation may include:
- Weather
- Federal, state, or local mandates
- Staffing shortages and changes
- Classes with fewer than 4 students
- Productions with fewer than 9 performers
- MEMBERSHIP REFUNDS. In the event that we are unable to complete the membership season, refunds will be issued on a pro-rata basis. The refund amount will be calculated by deducting the retail value of the programs the member has participated in from the total membership fee paid.
- If the amount paid exceeds the value of the programs participated in, the member will receive a refund for the difference.
- If the amount paid is less than the value of the programs, the member will be responsible for paying the difference.
Discounts
- CLASS AND PRODUCTION DISCOUNTS. Need a discount? Take one! Need more of a discount? Send us a message. As a non-profit, our mission is in service to our community and we want you to be able to participate, whatever your circumstances. If we reach at least 60% enrollment in a class or if we have received donations, we may be able to offer scholarships. Discounts are generally listed at check out.
- SHOW DISCOUNTS. There are not generally discounts for shows, showcases, guest artists, and professional productions. Ticket sales in our small space cover the expense of presenting and are frequently split with the artists. If you cannot afford a ticket to a production featuring your student, let us know and we will offer you a discounted or complimentary ticket.
Donations
Can you make a donation? Great! We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Donations help keep our programs affordable and pay for scholarships, and you can add one at checkout. Please visit our ABOUT US page to learn more about our mission and vision for the performing arts in Frederick County. If you would like to make a donation specifically for a scholarship, you may put that in the notes on checkout and it will be honored.
Photos, Videos, & Social Media
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