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Theater Arts Education F.A.Q.
Classes and Camps & YouthStage Programming
These protocols are in effect as of February 9, 2024. Please note that this information is subject to change.
Classes and Camps FAQ:
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
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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
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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.
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.
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.
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
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
ii. Christmas - $400
iii. New Years - $400
iv. Summer Camp
i. 1wk - $475
ii. 2wk - $950
iii. 3wk - $1,425
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.
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.
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.
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.
YouthStage FAQ:
Q: What is Youthstage?
A: Youthstage, often abbreviated "YS", is our youth production company. All company members in either Kidstage or Teenstage will have the opportunity to participate in a full production at the Julia Morgan theater with professional lighting, sound, costumes, live pit band, and creative teams. The purpose of Youthstage isn't just to put on a performance, but to also educate students on the process of creating theater and to teach students to prioritize the ensemble over the individual. When offered, company members also have the opportunity to participate in our Showcase Cabarets that focus more on solo performances.
Q: What is a Showcase Cabaret?
A: Showcase Cabaret is a more intimate performance program within the Youthstage umbrella. Rather than putting up an entire production, students focus on solo and small group repertoire to hone their solo performing skills. Participants get to select a song of their choice to develop for a cabaret style show on the Julia Morgan stage. They also work on character development, song analysis, resume building, and more. Industry professionals such as local directors and casting directors are invited to the final performance along with an audience of friends and family. This is a great opportunity to get more concentrated coaching with professional directors and music directors and be featured as a soloist.
Q: What is the difference between Kidstage & Teenstage? How are they tied to Youthstage?
A: Both Kidstage and Teenstage are under the Youthstage umbrella. The main difference between Kidstage and Teenstage is the division of grades. Kidstage is typically open to students in grades 5-8 and Teenstage is usually open to students in grades 8-12. Grade ranges may differ depending on show title and content.
Q: How old does my student need to be to get into Youthstage?
A: Youthstage does not admit students based on age, but rather school grade. Youthstage is open to students in grades 5-12. Kidstage is typically open to students in grades 5-8 and Teenstage is usually open to students in grades 8-12. Grade ranges may differ depending on show title and content.
Q: How can I sign up my kid?
A: Youthstage is an audition based program. New students
will need to audition the semester before they wish to enroll. Audition information will be announced and posted on our website when available. Students may NOT register for a Youthstage program without being admitted.
B: Returning students
will receive an email inviting them to enroll. Simply follow the instructions in the email to enroll and register. Returning students will be given priority when placement begins.
Q: When do sign ups begin?
A: Sign-up announcements for the Fall semester will usually be posted early August.
B: Sign-up announcements for the Winter/Spring semester will usually be posted late November.
C: Sign-up announcements for the Summer will usually be posted mid February.
C: Sign-up announcements for the Summer will usually be posted mid February.
Q: How do I get notified about auditions?
A: An Eblast will be sent to announce upcoming auditions. We recommend getting on the email list to have first access to the information. You can sign up for the Berkeley Playhouse newsletters by clicking "Join Our E-Newsletter" on the left side of our home page. Be sure to check the Theater Arts Education List box before submitting. It will also be available on our website.
Q: What does the Youthstage audition entail?
A: Material choices (songs and monologues) will be available on our website on the audition page after auditions are announced.
B: Auditions will typically include one short monologue and one short song. There is no dance component to this audition. Students will perform the material one at a time in front of the Youthstage staff. No friends or family members are allowed in the audition room.
B: Auditions will typically include one short monologue and one short song. There is no dance component to this audition. Students will perform the material one at a time in front of the Youthstage staff. No friends or family members are allowed in the audition room.
Q: Does everyone who auditions get in?
A: No. Although we would love to have everyone participate in all our Youthstage shows, we do not have the capacity to admit everyone who auditions. Please consider this an opportunity to speak with your young actor about dealing with disappointment and encourage them to see the value in putting themselves out there as a learning experience. Not everyone who auditions will get in and this is especially true for our youngest auditionees (5th and 6th graders). But please do not be discouraged. Berkeley Playhouse offers several performance education programs that could be a good fit for a young actor moving up in our programs. We recommend signing up for one of our other classes to ensure they have access to a musical theater activity in the coming semester.
Q: When are roles announced?
A: The Youthstage audition is only for admittance into the company. If a student is admitted, they will be placed into a section and they will have their own "try-ons" (auditions) for specific roles.
i. For productions during the school year: Try-ons are usually held the first weekend of rehearsal, and roles are typically announced during the second week of rehearsal.
ii. For productions during the summer: Try-ons are usually held the first or second day of rehearsal, and roles are typically announced the second or third day of rehearsal.
iii. Everyone admitted into the program and placed into a section is guaranteed a featured track in the show with a personal body microphone.
ii. For productions during the summer: Try-ons are usually held the first or second day of rehearsal, and roles are typically announced the second or third day of rehearsal.
iii. Everyone admitted into the program and placed into a section is guaranteed a featured track in the show with a personal body microphone.
Q: When does Youthstage rehearse?
A: There are 4 different sections of Youthstage (two of each). Each section has their own rehearsal schedule. All students will have TWO weekday "all call" rehearsals and ONE weekend "called" rehearsal.
B: Kidstage 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays 4-6pm, Saturdays 1-5pm
C: Kidstage 2: Mondays & Wednesdays 4-6pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm
D: Teenstage 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30-8:30, Sundays 2-6pm
E: Teenstage 2: Mondays & Fridays 6-8pm, Sundays 10am-2pm
F: Youthstage during the summer: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm
B: Kidstage 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays 4-6pm, Saturdays 1-5pm
C: Kidstage 2: Mondays & Wednesdays 4-6pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm
D: Teenstage 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30-8:30, Sundays 2-6pm
E: Teenstage 2: Mondays & Fridays 6-8pm, Sundays 10am-2pm
F: Youthstage during the summer: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm
Q: What is the difference between an "all call" and "called" rehearsal?
A: All Call: EVERY actor in the cast is scheduled to be at the rehearsal.
B: Called: Only some actors will be needed for this rehearsal. Specific roles will be notified if they are needed. Actors may not be scheduled for the entire rehearsal period.
B: Called: Only some actors will be needed for this rehearsal. Specific roles will be notified if they are needed. Actors may not be scheduled for the entire rehearsal period.
Q:
Where do rehearsals take place?
A: Rehearsals will typically take place in one of our studios at Berkeley Playhouse 2640 College Ave. Berkeley, CA 94704. However, due to space limitations, some Youhtstage sections will sometimes need to relocate to an offsite rehearsal space near the Playhouse for a few rehearsals. All participants will have advance notice if/when this occurs.
B: Offsite locations Youthstage has used in the past:
B: Offsite locations Youthstage has used in the past:
i. St. Clement's Episcopal Church (0.8 miles away)
ii. St John's Presbyterian Church (900 feet away/across the street and down a block)
ii. St John's Presbyterian Church (900 feet away/across the street and down a block)
Q: Will my actor get to perform on the Julia Morgan stage?
A: YES! All Youthstage productions perform at the Julia Morgan Theater!
Q: What shows are you doing?
A: The Youthstage season is usually announced late March/early April. Please check the Youthstage dropdown menu for our current season titles.
Q: Are adults also in the show?
A: There are no adults in Youthstage. Youthstage is a program for students in grades 5-12, however students who graduate high school in May or June of that year may enroll in a summer program even if they have turned 18.
Q: Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
A: YES! Financial aid is available for those who qualify. We also offer payment plans to anyone who requests it. Please go to the Youthstage Productions drop down menu on our website and click on Financial Aid for more details.
Q: How many students are there in each cast?
A: The maximum cast size is 28 students. Some titles may require up to 30.
Q: What happens if my student is not happy with their role?
A: All students are given the opportunity to tell the creative team the types of roles they are interested in portraying before auditions. They may also take that time to disclose if there is a type of role they are not comfortable playing. Casting is based on the overall needs of the group. We encourage students to find ways to make the role they are assigned their own and collaborate with the creative team to develop and embellish the character where possible. Please note that Berkeley Playhouse does not re-cast.
Consider speaking with your young actor about dealing with disappointment and encourage them to see the value in working as an ensemble. A positive attitude and open mind will go a long way.
Q: How can I make sure that my student gets the role they want?
A: While there is no way to make sure a student is assigned their preferred role, students can prepare for their "try-ons" by practicing the material taught and bringing their authentic selves to their work. Role assignments depend on the abilities of the students and what is ultimately best for the ensemble storytelling. We recommend approaching this as a learning opportunity and FUN experience.
Q: What is the difference between Youthstage in the summer vs during the school year?
A: Summer Youthstage has a more condensed rehearsal schedule. Summer participants rehearse every week day for 4 weeks with performances taking place the last weekend. Grade ranges also vary depending on the need and the title therefore it is not divided into Kids and Teens. Summer participants will still have fully produced shows and four performances at the Julia Morgan Theater.
Q: Are there video recordings of the performances?
A: Berkeley Playhouse sometimes obtains a few minutes of footage for marketing purposes, however full performances are never recorded.
Q: Why doesn't Berkeley Playhouse video the shows?
A: We have had several parents ask us this over the years. The main reason we do not record performances is because it is in direct violation of our contract with the rights holders. We are not allowed to record and/or distribute videos of our productions, even if the product is amateur and even if we do not charge. In fact, we are only allowed to use up to 30 seconds of footage for marketing purposes.
Q: What is Spotlight?
A: Berkeley Playhouse produces ONE (1) elevated audition based youth production in the summer every year that more closely resembles a Mainstage production.
B: The rehearsal process is more fast paced than a typical Youthstage show and requires more focus and professionalism.
C: Cast sizes and grades will differ depending on the need of each title.
D: Students do NOT need to be Youthstage company members in order to audition.
E: Auditionees are NOT guaranteed a spot in the show.
F: Auditions are usually announced in October and call backs typically take place in December. Most casting is finished by the end of January.
B: The rehearsal process is more fast paced than a typical Youthstage show and requires more focus and professionalism.
C: Cast sizes and grades will differ depending on the need of each title.
D: Students do NOT need to be Youthstage company members in order to audition.
E: Auditionees are NOT guaranteed a spot in the show.
F: Auditions are usually announced in October and call backs typically take place in December. Most casting is finished by the end of January.
