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Theater Arts Education F.A.Q.
Classes, Camps, & YouthStage Programming
These protocols are in effect as of November 1, 2022. Please note that this information is subject to change.
Berkeley Playhouse Education Safety Protocols
The health and safety of our audiences, artists, crew, and volunteers is our top priority. This means:
- We’re vaxxed: All Berkeley Playhouse staff and artists are fully vaccinated. Students may be unmasked during performances. We strongly encourage all those who enter the building to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 to the greatest extent possible within their own eligibility guidelines.
- Mask up to stay safe: Masks are strongly encouraged, but not required. We abide by the BUSD and City of Berkeley guidelines. We reserve the right to change our mask policy at any time accordingly.
- Food and drink: Concessions are available for purchase and may be consumed both inside and outside the theater.
- The cleaner the better: Our building undergoes routine disinfection, cleaning, and ventilation to keep good air flow moving throughout. We encourage patrons to utilize our patio before, at intermission, and after a performance to allow for space.
- Health & Safety Fee: We are instituting a non-refundable $3 Public Health & Safety Fee for single ticket purchases to offset measures taken to ensure everyone’s well-being during this pandemic. We thank you for your understanding. And remember—season pass holders never incur fees on their tickets—just sayin’...
- In the event of a cancellation…If we determine that it is unsafe to have a performance for any reason, we will notify you about your tickets and your options for exchanges/refunds. If you bought tickets to a performance but then on the day of or prior find that you are not up to attending, we’ll understand and work with you to exchange or refund your tickets.
- Check yourself before you come to the theater. Prior to your performance, please self-assess your health before coming to the theater by considering the following questions:
- Within the past 10 days, have you been diagnosed with, or tested positive for, COVID-19?
- In the past 10-14 days, have you had close contact with anyone who has COVID-19, during their contagious period?
- In the last 24 hours, including today, have you had any of the symptoms below, that is new or not explained by another condition?
- A cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing?
- A fever of 100.4°F/38°C or higher?
- Chills, fatigue, or muscle and body aches?
- Headache or a sore throat?
- A persistent runny nose?
- Diarrhea?
- A sudden loss of taste or smell?
If so, please DO NOT ATTEND and call us for exchange/refund options.
Q: How many students and teachers will be in each class/camp group?
A: Camps and classes have 6-18 students, and 1 or 2 teachers.
Q: Will my child have a final performance at the end of class/camp?
A: Full semester classes, 2-week, and 3-week camps will all have invited final showings. Due to limited space at the playhouse, guests will be limited to 2 per student for any final showing taking place in a studio. 1-week camps will NOT have an invited final showing, but the students will have the opportunity to share what they have worked on with other camps at the end of the week; no outside guests will be admitted. Keepsake videos will not be provided for any sessions.
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: If you need to cancel your order, you may request to do so three weeks before your program start date (or earlier) for a full refund minus a $50 cancellation fee. For example, for a camp that starts on June 5, the last date to request a refund (minus $50 cancellation fee) is May 15.
No refunds will be given after three weeks before the program start date.
Q: Will you be offering any online-only programs?
A: We are not currently offering online-only programs.
AIR QUALITY/WILDFIRES
Q: What happens if air quality is deemed unsafe to hold class/camp?
A: Berkeley Playhouse will follow guidelines from Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD). If they announce closure due to air-quality/fires, we will contact parents to let them know that class/camp is cancelled. Class/camp will move to online on days that we are unable to meet in person.
Theater Arts Education FAQ
General
Q: Do you have financial aid/scholarships?
A: We do have limited, need-based Financial Aid available for each session. Learn more about Financial Aid or apply for Financial Aid here .
Q: Do you pro-rate classes?
A: We do not pro-rate classes during any of our sessions.
Q: Where do your classes take place?
A: Unless otherwise indicated, classes take place in the rehearsal studio space of the Berkeley Playhouse at the Julia Morgan Theater at 2640 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704 or at one of our nearby satellite locations.
Q: My child is going to be late/absent from class/camp/rehearsal. Who should I contact?
A: For classes and camps: Email education@berkeleyplayhouse.org or call (510) 845-8542 x379. Our education staff will pass word along to your child's teacher. For youth productions first contact your assistant director via Teamsnap or email.
Q: How do I know which level to enroll my child in for camps/classes?
A: We offer a variety of classes for all skill levels. All of our programs will denote the appropriate students’ grade range. Our camps are best for students who are not, or are just becoming, familiar with theatrical experience and would like to build their confidence in acting, singing, and dancing as well as just to have fun. Our after-school classes are for students who have some existing theatrical experience or have taken other classes with us. Additionally, skill-building classes offer anyone of any level the opportunity to develop necessary musical theatre skills such as singing, dancing, and voice training.
Q: How can I get on an email list to receive information about class offerings and youth auditions?
A: Click here to be added to our email newsletter and receive all the latest info about our educational programming.
Q: I registered my child after the enrollment deadline. How do I know if they will get a spot?
A: In the event that you register after the enrollment deadline, you will be contacted a week before the class begins letting you know if a spot is available. Please do not come to the class if you have not been contacted about enrollment.
Q: How do I know when my child's final showing is?
A: Invited final showings are held on the last day of class. Families will receive an email from the Classes and Camps Manager with the exact start time as it gets closer. Students should still be dropped off for their class at the usual time. Doors will open for invited guests at the time of the showing. Please note that final showings always take place during the normal class or camp meeting time.
Q: Who do I contact if I have more questions?
A: Please email education@berkeleyplayhouse.org.
