Parent Handbook

Welcome to the Drama Studio Parent Handbook! Here you will find important information on our policies, classes, as well as answers to many frequently asked questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do classes run?

Classes run from September until May, with an extended break in December - January for other rehearsals. There will be a Sharing (a chance for you to come see the work) in December and May. Your student will also perform in Cabaret (mid May).  Some classes need to finish after Cabaret due to conflicts and make-ups.

How does enrollment work?

Students can enroll for courses as soon as they are announced. Drama Studio courses fill up quickly, but we always do our best to accommodate all interested students, even when this means adding a new section for the course. Returning students may enroll for classes that were recommended to them by faculty. If a student is unsure if a class is an appropriate fit for them, they can contact our Director of Conservatory, Amelia Hays-Rivest (Amelia@dramastudio.org).

Do you have a lateness or absence policy?

Any student who knows that they will be 10+ minutes late or absent from a class is asked to  contact Drama Studio by calling 413-739-1983 and letting Front Desk staff know.

What if my child wants to drop a class?

Students who withdraw from a course fewer than 5 days before the first class will not receive a refund of their deposit. Students who withdraw from a course once it has begun will receive a refund that is calculated as follows: $50 will be deducted from the total tuition payment and the balance refunded will be prorated based on the number of classes the student attended. Any student withdrawing after twelve class sessions will receive a prorated credit toward future classes with Drama Studio. 

How do I pay my child’s tuition?

Click here to access our secure payment page.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes! Payments of $105 are due on the 15th of every month, for a total of eight installments, however we encourage all families that are able to pay in full at the start of the year. If you would like to discuss an alternative payment plan, please contact Jane, our Office Manager, at jane@dramastudio.org or by phone 413-739-1983. Jane is in the office Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-12pm.

Are there scholarships available?

Each year, Drama Studio is proud to offer up to $15,000 in scholarships to students who are not otherwise able to afford attending our classes. Scholarship application forms are available here. All of your information is private and will be kept confidential. We want all children who are interested in and invested in theatre training to be able to attend Drama Studio. 

What’s a Sharing?

A Sharing is an informal presentation of the work in class. It is a chance for family and friends to see work in progress, scenes, or improv techniques demonstrated. Sharings are traditionally a time at Drama Studio when families and friends are “finally invited” to join us in an open class. It’s a time to celebrate the work, and wrap up a year’s worth of creating, growing, connecting, and learning together.  For our virtual sharings, we will still celebrate, but instead of onstage, we invite you to join us in watching a brief sample of their work on their class page. 

What is Cabaret?

Cabaret is the May Studio-wide event where all classes share a short sampling of their work, and perform it for each other and (usually sold-out) audiences. It is a fantastic time for first year students to see what lies ahead. As each class performs twice, each of the six to eight Cabaret shows offers different line-ups of classes and pieces.

How is Cabaret scheduled? 

Faculty try to work around set-in-stone conflicts to schedule the performances for each class, so please respond promptly when the faculty ask for conflicts! Sometimes a date that works for everyone is  impossible, and they must adapt a piece for different casts. 

 Do I need tickets for Cabaret? 

YES!  Tickets often go very quickly for this event. We encourage you to purchase them as soon as they go on sale.

What are the other opportunities for performance?

This is the “other half” of conservatory life. Some students opt not to audition and only take class.  Some audition for everything! Your student may audition for any part in his or her age range in: fall and spring mainstage plays, the Winter Shorts Festival (a series of one-acts), COWFest (one acts) and the school touring shows, DramaTours. Any student cast in DramaTours will miss some school time for the production, which visits Springfield Public Elementary schools during the school day. Drama Studio will provide an absent note but all participants are required to have guardian permission to miss school.

How does my student audition?

Students sign up on our website for a time slot to audition for all parts within their age range for that production. Students may arrive early to read the scripts. Some scenes or monologues may be  available before the  audition upon request. For most auditions, there is no need to memorize or prepare a piece. Musical auditions will require singing, but no prepared songs. Some auditions are improv based as well. Please be prepared that often the auditions run late! Sometimes there will also be a “call back” audition for certain roles, which means a second round of auditions for a smaller group of actors.

What if my child is not cast?

Remind them that part of being an actor is dealing with the fact that even professional actors are not cast each time they audition. (And with over 200 students, remind them that they are in the majority!) Part of the training at Drama Studio is learning to go through the audition process. It can take time before the right part comes up, and is a match for your actor. Remind your student to keep trying, to talk to the faculty if they have questions, and that it will happen! Also, many students love to work backstage (lights, sound, costumes, props) when they are not cast.

If my child gets cast in a play, what is an example of a typical rehearsal and performance schedule?

It varies by director, but usually ranges from once to three times a week, working around conflicts. Tech week (the week before opening night) usually requires rehearsals every night, and performances are usually 3 - 5 shows a weekend. School touring productions require 1 - 3 days or partial days off from school.

How can my child get involved with tech or stage management?

Stage management and tech work at Drama Studio is an amazing opportunity for our students. Many alums talk about the fun times and significant life-time skills that developed from their work backstage. If your student is interested in experimenting with lighting, sound, stage management/scenic coordination or any other technical theater elements, have them talk to their teacher, and/or reach out to Austin in person or at austin@dramastudio.org who will help coordinate these opportunities when they arise.

Our techies and SM's take on great responsibility, learn fantastic job skills, and strengthen their acting abilities by knowing every aspect of the production process. Parents should be aware that the student stage managers function as full professional stage managers, including sending out cast emails to students and parents, attending all rehearsals and working with the directors to coordinate communication with designers. 

What is the Drama Studio Store?

Looking to bring Drama Studio with you on your next adventure?  Drama Studio branded merchandise can be purchased online at our Store.

How can I get involved with the Drama Studio?

We are always looking for people to help out, especially in our office and during productions:

Lost and Found

All items left at Drama Studio will be put in the Lost & Found for the full Conservatory year. Items left through the summer may be donated prior to the start of the following Conservatory year. If you feel your child has left an item at Drama Studio, call us!



Any further questions about Conservatory programming or our Parent Action Committee can be directed to frontdesk@dramastudio.org and all questions regarding enrollment and billing to info@dramastudio.org.

Welcome to the Drama Studio family! 

We are thrilled to have you in our community.