Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
What is a Conservatory Program?
Now, it its 20th year, the Drama Studio is a not-for-profit educational organization which will serve 235 students this spring in weekly classes. The Studio’s mission is to enrich and validate the adolescent experience in our diverse community via excellence in a conservatory-style acting training program.
The term “conservatory-style” is used to describe a two-part process: firstly, a series of acting classes, offered sequentially from introductory to advanced levels which permit acting students to grow in their craft over a period of years and secondly, a series of production opportunities which give students the opportunity to audition, rehearse and perform at the same level of quality operating in the classroom.
Can parents attend a Class?
Classes run weekly for 13 weeks. The final class (usually the first week in May) will be a “Sharing” and is open to parents, families and friends who would like to see what the students have been studying during the semester.
Lemonade and cookies are served. While clearly not a performance, “Sharings” give students a first audience for their work.
What is the role of parents:
Regular attendance is an important part of the Drama Studio, and our teachers work hard to create an ensemble of committed young actors. Because Intro classes are focused on group interaction, there are no opportunities to make up classes for absentees. Parent support is vital in insuring that students attend regularly and are time for classes.
What about school vacations and snow days?
There will be no classes during the following periods February 19-25 and April 16-22, the weeks of school vacations. Snow cancellations are tricky to call and aren¹t related to public school cancellations. Often weather that causes school cancellations clears by early afternoon. We make cancellation decisions at 1PM on the day of a storm. We attempt to call each student in the event of a cancellation. Call (413) 739-1983 to get details.
What are parking and safety concerns?
On Mondays-Fridays, from 3PM on, and Saturdays all day, parking is available on both sides of Oakland Street. Our Registrar, Janet Richards, is always at the desk to record attendance and relay messages. Our telephones are always available for students to call parents. Janet is particularly watchful for students who are awaiting pickup after a class. She will keep students here until you are inside the Studio or call on your cell phone from outside on Oakland Street.
Can tuitions be paid in installments?
Yes. Tuitions can be paid in 3 equal installments. The 1st installment is due at the first class. The 2nd installment is due February 15 and the 3rd installment is due March 15. Weekly payments can be arranged. Tuitions can be charged to Master Card or Visa.
How do students audition for productions?
All students (including new students) are eligible to audition for any production. Notices are posted at the Studio that describe the parts available and the rehearsal dates of the productions. Faculty members encourage students to audition. The next audition opportunity will be for a one act play that will tour three Springfield schools May 30-June 4.
What benefits do DS students receive?
Students receive free tickets to Drama Studio productions; opportunities to audition for Drama Studio productions; opportunities to perform in annual Cabaret; advance notification to register for SummerScene and TeenScene, the Studio’s popular two-week summer intensives (M-F, 9:AM-3PM); for college-bound juniors and seniors: audition coaching and application recommendations; twice-yearly Newsletter which tells of DS activities and upcoming events
Does the Studio offer summer classes?
Yes. Our three summer camps are focused on performance. Students work Monday through Friday from 9AM to 3PM to prepare productions that are mounted with costumes, lights and scenery.
Summerscene: July 9-20 For ages 9-12. Melodrama and story theatre
TeenScene: July 30-August 10 For ages 13-16 Comedy Revue
SummerSlam: August 20-24 For ages 9-12 Poetry into Drama
We will provide registration information in early March for these sessions. Only 20 students are accepted per session, so register early. Classes fill up quickly!
What is the Cabaret?
The Cabaret is a celebration of the work accomplished in our classes since September. Each upper level class presents a piece, a dance, monologs, songs, improvs and more which are incorporated into revue-like format for the Cabaret that plays five performances during the period May 11-13. The
Cabaret is a ticketed event that provides an opportunity for students to perform at a level higher than “Sharings”. Parents are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as they learn of the performance schedule. Cabaret performances always sell out!
What are student passes?
Drama Studio students are provided with free passes to the performance of their choice at the fall and spring productions as well as the Winter Shorts Festival. We strongly urge parents to make reservations ASAP as our tiny theatre (62 seats) sells out quickly.
Upcoming productions are:
February 2-11 The Annual Winter Shorts Festival, featuring six one-act plays, of which four plays were written by DS students. Weekend #1 (February 2-4) is for family audiences. Plays include Bubby, BIS, Elephantom, and The Two Fingers Club.
Weekend #2 (February 9-11) is recommended for ages 13 and over, due to mature content and language. Plays are Fun and Group Kids.
March 23-April 1 Little Mary Sunshine, a musical comedy in the style of 1915 Broadway musicals. A perfect choice for audiences of all ages.
What happens after Introduction to Acting?
Once students complete Introduction to Acting (a two semester course), our faculty reviews their progress and recommends them for the next class in their development. Choices include courses in scene study, improvisation and ensemble. Recommendations are based on the student¹s technique, interests, and maturity. The Studio takes an active role in helping students apply to college. Faculty members are available to write recommendations and assist students with auditions.
Is there scholarship assistance?
The Studio provides a strong scholarship program to insure that talented students have the opportunity to train, regardless of their family income. Information about scholarships and a scholarship application are available at the Studio’s website www.dramastudio.org. A limited number of merit scholarships are awarded each year, primarily to Springfield students who are recommended by faculty in schools with whom the Studio has a working relationship.
Can you help support our program?
A Drama Studio tuition is $520 per year. The actual cost of that tuition this year, which includes training and performance opportunities, is $1132. The difference is paid by donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations who believe in our program and choose to support our Annual Fund Drive and our annual Gala Auction. We encourage all new parents to attend our Gala Auction on April 12th. Your participation will help us raise $150,000 in support of the Studio’s program this 20th anniversary year.
