Classes & Camps F.A.Q.

These protocols are in effect as of February 9, 2024. Please note that this information is subject to change.


Q: What is the difference between classes and camps?

A: CAMPS are held during Thanksgiving, Winter, and Summer breaks on weekdays from 9am-3pm. (Extended care is available before and after the camp for an additional cost.) Camps consist of games, crafts, and staging a mini musical that students get to share with other camps. (Invited final showings are only offered to camps lasting 2 or more weeks.) This is a great place to start if you have a child interested in the arts!
B: CLASSES are an afterschool program held during the Fall and Winter/Spring semesters. Each class meets once or twice per week over the course of 10 weeks for 1.5-2 hours each class. All classes get an invited final showing on the last day of the semester. We have two types of classes:
  • Musical theater classes take inspiration from a beloved musical title and guide students through the process of putting on a mini musical. Crafts and games are also part of the curriculum.
  • Skill-building classes help sharpen students’ skills by focusing on specific areas of musical theater with teaching artists that specialize in that area (acting, singing, and dancing).
Q: When are classes offered?
A: FALL: September-November & WINTER/SPRING: January-March.

Q: When do classes and camps go on sale?
A: Classes and Holiday Camps go on sale about 2 months before their start date. Summer Camps will usually go on sale in January or February. We recommend signing up for our Theater Arts Education email list to be the first to know when classes go on sale. You can sign up by clicking HERE

Q: What titles are you doing?
A: Titles are typically announced with the registration announcement. You can go to the Classes & Camps drop down menu on our website to find announced titles.

Q: What happens if my student gets sick and has to miss a class?
A: Email the Classes and Camps Manager at jesus@berkeleypayhouse.org and he will notify your student's teacher. He will also let you know if there is anything your student needs to do before they come to the next class. 

Q: What is your refund policy?
A: You may request a refund up to 3 weeks before your class/camp start date in order to receive a full refund MINUS the $50 fee. No refunds will be offered with less than 3 weeks prior notice. 

Q: Do you offer financial aid?
A: Yes. Financial aid applications and deadline details are part of the registration form online. Financial aid awarded may differ based on the number of applicants each season. Please note, families with a combined income of $80,000 or over may not be eligible. For more information, click HERE .

Q: How many students are there per class?
A: 6-18 students per class.  

Q: What happens if my student is not happy with their role? 
A: Berkeley Playhouse does NOT recast.
B: However, our teachers are happy to work with actors to help them mold their role(s) into something they can be excited about.

Q: How can I make sure that my student gets the role they want? 
A: You can encourage your student to practice their "try-on" material at home. The more prepared they are with the material, the more likely they will be to feel comfortable when they perform during try-ons.
B: The final casting decision will be made by the teaching team. We cannot guarantee that any student will get a particular role. The focus of our programs is not on the individual roles, but rather on the good of the ensemble. 

 
Q: Do you offer extended care?
A: Yes! Before Care is 8am-9am and After Care is 3pm-6pm. Please note that extended care is only offered for CAMPS. There is NEVER After Care on Fridays.

Q: How much is extended care?
A: Before Care ranges from $48-60 depending on the duration of the camp.
B: After Care ranges from $108-$144 depending on the duration of the camp. (There is NEVER after care on Fridays.)
C: See the registration page for exact prices.

 
Q: How much are classes and camps?
A: Classes
i. Limelighters - $825 
ii. Showstoppers - $725
iii. Playmakers - $375
iv. Triple Threat - $425
v. Teen Jazz Dance - $525
B: Camps 
i. Thanksgiving - $300 
ii. Christmas - $400 
iii. New Years - $400 
iv. Summer Camp
i. 1wk - $475
ii. 2wk - $950
iii. 3wk - $1,425

Q: My student can only attend some of the days. Can you prorate the tuition price?
A: No. We do not prorate tuition. 

Q: Will my student get to perform on the Julia Morgan stage?
A: All Limelighter classes will have their final showing on the Julia Morgan stage. All other classes will perform in their studios.
B: All holiday camps for students grades 3-6 will get to rehearse and perform on the stage in front of their fellow campers. 

Q: Do I need to purchase a ticket to see my student's final showing?
A: No. You do not need to purchase a ticket. 

Q: Where will my student perform their invited final showing?
A: FOR CLASSES: All Limelighter classes will have their final showing on the Julia Morgan stage. All other classes will perform in their studios.
B: FOR CAMPS: Summer Camp invited showings will be held at our offsite location, The School of the Madeleine, in the Parish Hall. 

Q: What is the difference between a final showing and a final sharing?
A: Final Showing 
i. A performance where outside guests are invited to come see the final performance. 
B: Final Sharing 
i. A performance that is only shared with other students in camps on site. 

Q: How many people can I invite to a final showing?
A: FOR CLASSES: Showstoppers, Playmakers, Triple Threat, and Teens Jazz students are limited to 2 guests per student due to the size of the studio. Limelighters do not have a limit as their showing will be in the main theater.
B: FOR CAMPS: There is no guest limit for invited final showings for summer camps.

Q: Why don't all classes get to perform on the main stage?
A: Scheduling with such limited space does not allow for us to accommodate all groups performing on stage. Therefore, we prioritize our most advanced musical theater class (Limelighters) as they are typically better prepared to project in the space. We also find that younger students have a harder time understanding  safety rules in that space. 

Q: Can I come to my student's final sharing?
A: No. Final Sharings are an opportunity for students to perform for their fellow campers. No outside guests will be allowed. 

Q: Will the performance be recorded? 
A: No. Berkeley Playhouse does not record any of the Classes and Camps performances. However, guests are allowed and encouraged to take as many videos and photos as they'd like.  

Q: What does "rising grade" mean? Can my students be in a camp for the grade they are currently in?
A: Rising grade is the grade a student will be entering into at the end of the summer.
i. Example; if a student is currently in 2nd grade, but they are enrolling for a summer program, they will need to register for a camp with rising 3rd graders.
B: Students may only register for a camp or class for their appropriate grade range.
i. Example: A rising 3rd grader may NOT enroll for a camp designated for rising K-2nd graders.

Q: My child is going to be late/absent from class/camp/rehearsal. Who should I contact?
A: Email education@berkeleyplayhouse.org . Our education staff will pass word along to your child's teacher.
 
Q: What are your health and safety protocols?
A: Our protocols as of October 2024 (guidelines are subject to change):
  • Berkeley Playhouse is no longer requiring verification of Covid-19 vaccination for participation in our programs, however vaccination is strongly recommended.
  • Although masks are not regularly required, wearing one is highly encouraged, especially when exhibiting mild symptoms.
  • Participants and staff members exhibiting any cold or flu symptoms are encouraged to take a Covid test. Those who test positive for Covid should NOT return to work or rehearsal until: 
  1. They have a negative Covid test, OR
  2. They are fever free (without the use of fever reducing medication) for 24 hours AND other symptoms are mild and improving. In this case, masking will be required for 5 days.
EXCEPTION: Performances Involving Body Microphones
Out of an abundance of caution, actors will not be allowed to return to perform until after they are asymptomatic AND have a negative Covid test. This includes actors in the production who do not wear a body mic themselves.