FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
They won't put you on Easy Street but the answers to some of our FAQs should make it easier to decide if our programs are right for you. If not, just call or email us!
About Our Programs
Q1. Why should I enroll my child in your program?
A1. Because they'll have a wonderful time learning about the theater and discovering talents they never knew they had. For more benefits of drama programs on children, see our Why Drama? page.
Q2. How is your program different from other drama programs in the area?
A2. If you prefer a more grass-roots approach to drama at this stage in your child's development where the emphasis is on discovering their raw talents and learning the nuts and bolts of theater, than we are the program for you. We like to think of our company as the friendlier choice from many aspects: your budget, your family's time commitment, our no audition needed policy, and while we can recommend additional classes and instructors, you won't be up-sold on them. For more info, see the Our Approach page.
Pre-Program Preparation
Q1. Is there anything I should do to prepare my child to enter any program?
A1. If you'd like to watch a movie or video that the show or camp is based on, you can do that. It's always fun to start singing some of the popular songs of the shows with your child, too, if you know them. But no, there's nothing specific that you have to do; we'll go over everything the first day with your child. They'll receive their relevant script, songs and music CD at the first rehearsal.
Children's Needs
Q1. My child is shy. Will the program help in overcoming his/her shyness?
A1. We've helped many children build confidence and come out of their shells with our drama programs. In our programs, every child has a relevant role with at least one (and many times more) speaking role and all children sing as part of the ensemble. Acting out stories and their characters and the characters' feelings often helps shy children learn how to speak (and listen) for themselves. See Our Reviews/Testimonials. Per Robby Hedge, our Founder and Director, "every good actor I have ever known, adults (and myself) included are basically shy people. This is how they allow the 'other me' to come out."
Q2. My child can't read/isn't a very good reader. How will you work with him/her?
A2. The best way to work with a pre-reader is to go over and over the lines and the cues and let them work with you by hearing them again and again. We'll do this in rehearsals and ask you to do it at home.
Q3. What if my child suddenly gets stage fright the night of the show?
A3. We'll let you know when it happens! While children have been nervous, no child has ever frozen up on stage because we spend the rehearsal weeks coaching them and preparing them for the production. When show time comes, they are so excited to perform they can't wait to get out there.
Per Robby Hedge:
Stage fright is a term we try to never use with a child. They usually learn those two words from an adult in their lives. I would be surprised if not every actor feels it and it gets more and more intense as the days come up to opening night. I myself have butterflies in my stomach and am at times almost physically ill. I feel my muscles cramping up . . . I hyperventilate. I have been in over 200 productions. It never gets better. The best remedy we tell the children is: If you make a mistake or forget a line, the audience is not going to know it. We will prompt you or someone on stage will cover.
But we also tell them: Do your homework. Become the character and that way after that first initial step on stage, you will be someone else. The fear will turn to the adrenaline of GOOD energy and the exhilaration of really ACTING will hit you like a ton of bricks. It 's the most exciting feeling! To be someone else, to know all eyes are upon you and you are not YOU but another wonderful (or terrible!) character. This is when you know you are acting and you will be so sad when the play is over.
Q4. What if my child is late or has to miss a rehearsal?
A4. We do understand that other family, school or work events arise that may cause conflicts with our rehearsal schedule. However, we do ask that parents make every effort to drop off and pick up their children on time for rehearsals. (We recommend that parents check their child's school calendar in advance to see if conflicts exist and let us know at the first rehearsal.) We would expect parents to then spend additional time at home going over lines and songs. It is not our policy to penalize children for these situations but if the missed time is such that the child is not learning his/her assigned role, we may reduce his/her lines accordingly. We emphasize that this is a team effort and that being on time and prepared is respecting their team members.
NOTE: We follow each town's school calendar for holidays and the district's lead on inclement weather closings. If the town's after-school programs are closed due to bad weather, so are we.
Parental Involvement
Q1. How much do I have to help my child with his/her role?
A1. With all children of all ages you will need to drill them on lines of songs. We can't give you a set amount of time you should work with your child because it depends upon the child. But children are great at learning lines--much better than adults. We ask that you make sure they know the "cue" as well--the line before your child's line. We don't expect hours and hours but please help your child do what is necessary to master the part. Not the night before but as soon as possible. He/she will be so proud!
Program Fees - Discounts - Payments
Q1. Are there any other fees besides the program fees and show tickets?
A1. No. All other costs involved in the production are optional. Many of our costumes are provided but in some instances parents may spend an additional $10-$25 purchasing items suitable for a particular role. On show day, we usually purchase pizza as a group and will collect the pizza money (app. $5) the week before the show or at dress rehearsal. Parents may also purchase the DVD of the show, when and which we have videographed by a professional videographer. We will also collect these fees ($20-25) generally two-three weeks before the show and the videographer will mail the DVDs to the address you provide approximately 2 weeks after the show.
Q2. Do you offer sibling discounts?
A2. Yes! We love to have siblings in the same show - theater is a great family activity. However, since we do have other special promotions going on at any given time, please call us to discuss.
Q3. What payments do you accept?
A3. We accept credit cards over the phone and via our online registration system. For information on how to pay, other than our registration page please email us at youththeater1@aol.com
Q4. Where can I mail a payment or any other correspondence?
A4. Please email us at youththeater1@aol.com for any special circumstances.
Question not answered? Email youththeater1@aol.com or call 914-602-8166
Q1. Why should I enroll my child in your program?
A1. Because they'll have a wonderful time learning about the theater and discovering talents they never knew they had. For more benefits of drama programs on children, see our Why Drama? page.
Q2. How is your program different from other drama programs in the area?
A2. If you prefer a more grass-roots approach to drama at this stage in your child's development where the emphasis is on discovering their raw talents and learning the nuts and bolts of theater, than we are the program for you. We like to think of our company as the friendlier choice from many aspects: your budget, your family's time commitment, our no audition needed policy, and while we can recommend additional classes and instructors, you won't be up-sold on them. For more info, see the Our Approach page.
Pre-Program Preparation
Q1. Is there anything I should do to prepare my child to enter any program?
A1. If you'd like to watch a movie or video that the show or camp is based on, you can do that. It's always fun to start singing some of the popular songs of the shows with your child, too, if you know them. But no, there's nothing specific that you have to do; we'll go over everything the first day with your child. They'll receive their relevant script, songs and music CD at the first rehearsal.
Children's Needs
Q1. My child is shy. Will the program help in overcoming his/her shyness?
A1. We've helped many children build confidence and come out of their shells with our drama programs. In our programs, every child has a relevant role with at least one (and many times more) speaking role and all children sing as part of the ensemble. Acting out stories and their characters and the characters' feelings often helps shy children learn how to speak (and listen) for themselves. See Our Reviews/Testimonials. Per Robby Hedge, our Founder and Director, "every good actor I have ever known, adults (and myself) included are basically shy people. This is how they allow the 'other me' to come out."
Q2. My child can't read/isn't a very good reader. How will you work with him/her?
A2. The best way to work with a pre-reader is to go over and over the lines and the cues and let them work with you by hearing them again and again. We'll do this in rehearsals and ask you to do it at home.
Q3. What if my child suddenly gets stage fright the night of the show?
A3. We'll let you know when it happens! While children have been nervous, no child has ever frozen up on stage because we spend the rehearsal weeks coaching them and preparing them for the production. When show time comes, they are so excited to perform they can't wait to get out there.
Per Robby Hedge:
Stage fright is a term we try to never use with a child. They usually learn those two words from an adult in their lives. I would be surprised if not every actor feels it and it gets more and more intense as the days come up to opening night. I myself have butterflies in my stomach and am at times almost physically ill. I feel my muscles cramping up . . . I hyperventilate. I have been in over 200 productions. It never gets better. The best remedy we tell the children is: If you make a mistake or forget a line, the audience is not going to know it. We will prompt you or someone on stage will cover.
But we also tell them: Do your homework. Become the character and that way after that first initial step on stage, you will be someone else. The fear will turn to the adrenaline of GOOD energy and the exhilaration of really ACTING will hit you like a ton of bricks. It 's the most exciting feeling! To be someone else, to know all eyes are upon you and you are not YOU but another wonderful (or terrible!) character. This is when you know you are acting and you will be so sad when the play is over.
Q4. What if my child is late or has to miss a rehearsal?
A4. We do understand that other family, school or work events arise that may cause conflicts with our rehearsal schedule. However, we do ask that parents make every effort to drop off and pick up their children on time for rehearsals. (We recommend that parents check their child's school calendar in advance to see if conflicts exist and let us know at the first rehearsal.) We would expect parents to then spend additional time at home going over lines and songs. It is not our policy to penalize children for these situations but if the missed time is such that the child is not learning his/her assigned role, we may reduce his/her lines accordingly. We emphasize that this is a team effort and that being on time and prepared is respecting their team members.
NOTE: We follow each town's school calendar for holidays and the district's lead on inclement weather closings. If the town's after-school programs are closed due to bad weather, so are we.
Parental Involvement
Q1. How much do I have to help my child with his/her role?
A1. With all children of all ages you will need to drill them on lines of songs. We can't give you a set amount of time you should work with your child because it depends upon the child. But children are great at learning lines--much better than adults. We ask that you make sure they know the "cue" as well--the line before your child's line. We don't expect hours and hours but please help your child do what is necessary to master the part. Not the night before but as soon as possible. He/she will be so proud!
Program Fees - Discounts - Payments
Q1. Are there any other fees besides the program fees and show tickets?
A1. No. All other costs involved in the production are optional. Many of our costumes are provided but in some instances parents may spend an additional $10-$25 purchasing items suitable for a particular role. On show day, we usually purchase pizza as a group and will collect the pizza money (app. $5) the week before the show or at dress rehearsal. Parents may also purchase the DVD of the show, when and which we have videographed by a professional videographer. We will also collect these fees ($20-25) generally two-three weeks before the show and the videographer will mail the DVDs to the address you provide approximately 2 weeks after the show.
Q2. Do you offer sibling discounts?
A2. Yes! We love to have siblings in the same show - theater is a great family activity. However, since we do have other special promotions going on at any given time, please call us to discuss.
Q3. What payments do you accept?
A3. We accept credit cards over the phone and via our online registration system. For information on how to pay, other than our registration page please email us at youththeater1@aol.com
Q4. Where can I mail a payment or any other correspondence?
A4. Please email us at youththeater1@aol.com for any special circumstances.
Question not answered? Email youththeater1@aol.com or call 914-602-8166
