We would like to welcome you to Stageworks Academy of the Performing Arts 2009/2010 season.  Stageworks Academy of the Performing Arts has been specializing in children’s dance and theatre education for over 26 years.  We have been teaching children to love dance and embrace its disciplines with a well rounded curriculum and qualified loving instructors. 

Dance and Theatre Training is a great way for your child to develop confidence, self-discipline, cooperation, and a healthy active lifestyle.  It’s not about who has the highest kicks, it’s about the way you learn them along the way.

A handbook is provided for all students whom will be joining us this year.  Please read over everything very carefully and ask our awesome staff anything that is unclear.

At Stageworks we are very proud of our accomplishments, teachings, students and staff and provide this handbook as a reference on getting to know us a little better.  The policies in this handbook are here to protect our entire organization and student body.  It is suggested that you assign your children with the responsibility such as gathering their dance wear, shoes, music or scripts for themselves.  Another suggestion is to start your children with their own personal calendar where they can record rehearsal dates, times and locations.

School Year

Stageworks is open for classes on September 14, 2009 to May 9, 2010.  Classes will run without interruption on all statutory holidays, teachers’ conventions and institutes days.  As a special service, students my come to the studios on institute days to practice dances, songs, or lines. 

The school will not hold classes during Christmas and Spring Break.

History of Stageworks

Stageworks Academy of the Performing Arts was incorporated in 1982 as “Leduc Just For Fun Theatre School”.  Formed by a group of parents whose wish was to introduce performing arts training to their children, the school started with a drama production in the Spring and then again opened in the Fall of 1982 expanding the program to include dance.

In 1996, Just For Fun Theatre School changed their name to Stageworks Academy of the Performing Arts.  It was felt that this was a more suitable name for what the organization offers it’s students.

And, finally in 2007 Stageworks partnered with the City of Leduc and moved for the last time to our home in the Cultural Village Site.  This move put an end to almost 20 years of uncertainty and solidified our place as a stakeholder in the City of Leduc.

Mission Statement

“To provide affordable high caliber arts education through instruction and performance while instilling an appreciation for arts and culture.”

Mandate

Stageworks mandate is to provide the highest training in a non-competitive environment with an emphasis on growth.  We adopt the Federal Government’s philosophy that every child should have access to a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise.  We go even further in that we adopt a philosophy of healthy mind, body, and soul.  Stageworks works with the individual qualities of each student advancing and enhancing the student’s confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, perseverance, and determination to simply do your best.

A Non-Profit Society . . .

A non-profit society means that all revenues received go directly to the society.  In other words, all collected financial resources go to operating, maintaining, and managing the association.  Stageworks is governed by a Parent Board of Directors whose main focus is to provide leadership in the direction of the Association through policy.

As members of a Non-Profit Society your responsibilities are:

·         To attend the Society’s Annual General Meeting held in September of each year.

·         Vote in a Board of Directors on an annual basis.

·         Be a member of the Society’s Board of Directors.

·         Provide your voice and guidance towards the administration of the Society through Policy.

·         Pay annual fees

·         Promote the Society to the public.

Board of Directors

Our Parent run Board of Directors is a policy board that guides the staff through the operations of the school.  They work for you, our membership and are available to you.  The board meets approximately 9 times throughout the year.  Executive considerations are President, Vice – President, Past – President, Treasurer, or Secretary.  If you have an interest in serving Stageworks in this way, please contact the school at 986-2884.

Membership

Each family that registers for arts educational training is required to pay $10.00 at the time of registration.  Each member is categorized into one of two areas; active membership or non-active membership.  Those individuals whom aren’t enrolled in classes but wish to be a member of the Society pay $25.00.

Annual General Meeting

As a society, Stageworks is required by law to hold an Annual General Meeting.  This is a special meeting where the members are invited to take part in the democratic process of voting in new members who help guide the administration in the running of the society, and approve how the members’ money is being spent.  The Annual General Meeting will also be a Parent Information Evening to orient our members to the direction of Stageworks.  The Annual General Meeting will be held on September 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the rehearsal hall.  All families are required to attend.

Fundraising

Fundraising is a fabulous opportunity for families to raise money that they can use towards costumes, tuition, merchandise, or tickets.  Stageworks is very fortunate to receive a casino this season.  The dates and jobs will be posted in November.

Stageworks will organize two (2) fundraisers throughout the year for you to participate in.  Monies that you directly raise are to be collected by Stageworks and a portion will go directly to your account to use on purchases with Stageworks.

1)       Mundare Sausage Fundraiser is organized in time for the holiday season.  This is a family favorite and has been well received in the past.

2)      50/50 is a cash raffle.  The more tickets you sell, the bigger the prize.

Bingos

Bingos are essential to our school as they represent 30% of our income.  Please make sure that you record the date of your bingos.  Bingo workers are required to be at the Rapid Bingo Hall by 11:45 p.m. for afternoon bingos and by 5:30 p.m. for evening bingos.  All bingo workers must be prepared to stay for the entire bingo.

If you find that you cannot work the bingo you have committed to, it is your responsibility to find a replacement worker.  It is not the responsibility of administration to find a replacement worker for you.  We have a list of potential substitute bingo workers posted in the office for your information.

 Stageworks has one bingo per month.  At the time of registration you are able to choose the two bingo dates and positions that you wish to work.  Stageworks will keep two cheques for $200.00 from our members to keep on file.  This secures your bingo commitment as an active member.  These cheques will be given at the time of registration – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Donations

As a registered charity, Stageworks Academy appreciates the donations received from our membership, service clubs, community organizations, and others.  However, we have a new and exciting charitable campaign for the 2008-2009 season. 

For only $100.00 for the year, your family can donate to Stageworks and in return your families’ name will be honourably mentioned in all of our programs and monthly newsletters as well as a special plaque that will be placed in our gallery as Stageworks Arts Supporters.  However, any contribution is appreciated and is accepted.

If you would like to make your Charitable Donation to Stageworks Academy, please contact Carol Read, Office Administrator at 986-2884 or email stgwrks2@telus.net.

Volunteer Contributions

Stageworks is a non-profit volunteer organization.  As such we require volunteers to ensure a viable operation.  Your involvement is essential to our outcome.  We value and appreciate your contributions.

During the year end recital we require a number of parent helpers for all classes that are under the age of 9 years of old.  At the beginning of the year a notice will be sent, via, email, that we are looking for a parent helper.  Some of those jobs you will be required to do are . . .

1)      Collect measurements for costumes from your class.

2)      Fill out order forms to hand to the Arts Director.

3)      Collect the costumes once ordered and try on your students.

4)      Leave messages for the parents to take care of alterations.

5)      Hand out to students whom have paid in full.

6)      Supervise and assist the teacher at the time of rehearsals for the year end show.

7)      And, anyone can volunteer to help at the year end show in the Front of House.

  Costumes

Students with regular attendance during the school year will have the opportunity to perform in the year end show on May 7, 8 & 9, 2010 at the Maclab Centre.  All classes will perform in this show, and each student will require a costume.  Costume prices range from $65 - $125.  Participation is not compulsory, but we ask that you advise the office if you do not wish to participate, or you will be responsible for the cost of the costume.  The costume deposit (non – refundable) is $50.00 and is due at the time of class registration.  Your second payment is due November 15, 2009 prior to the costumes being ordered.  Failure to pay on time will result in additional fees and may not be ordered in time for the show.  Dance costumes are ordered from New York.  Theatre costumes are either custom made or purchased second hand.  If Stageworks has a costume that is acceptable a rental fee will be required.

Class Placement and Scheduling Policy

·         At the end of class registration, Stageworks will determine which classes will run.  Stageworks is committed to offer class(es) in full.

·         During the year, if classes need to be changed in time and/or cancelled due to inclement weather or for other reasons, we will have makeup classes scheduled.

·         All class placements will be done by instructors as in the best interest of the student.  These placements are determined by technique, interaction, and social levels.

Class Etiquette and Studio Rules

·         Be punctual for class.  Lateness is disruptive to the class.  Late comers will sit out of class.

·         Keep your attendance regular.  There is no refund for missed classes.

·         Missing classes requires that the student and/or parent seeks information missed from the class, ie. Newsletters, memos, choreography etc. before the next scheduled class.

·         Bring your own water bottle to class with you.

·         A dress code is in place for all classes.  Please refer to the dress code at the bottom of this page.

·         Respect for the studios, youth room, staff, and each other is a must at Stageworks.  Failure to do so will lead to your removal from Stageworks.

·         Practice, practice, practice is required for all levels and performing arts training.

·         All complaints will only be dealt with if submitted to the Arts Director in writing.

Tuition Policy

·         Tuition is based on a yearly basis.

·         Cheques will not be accepted for payment of any kind.

·         Monthly automatic withdrawals can be arranged through the office for payment plans using credit cards or debit only for members in good standing.

·         New Members will be eligible for a payment plan if completed by December 2009.

·         GST is payable on adult classes only.

·         $10.00 membership fee is charged per family.

·         $50.00 non – refundable costume deposit is mandatory at registration.

·         Active Members will be required to provide a $200.00 deposit cheque per child.

Substitutions

Stageworks reserves the right to provide a substitute teacher if the regularly scheduled teacher is ill or otherwise unable to teach classes.  If a teacher is ill and the school cannot arrange a substitute, any missed classes will be made up.

Makeup Classes

When classes are cancelled by Stageworks a makeup class will be scheduled.  As the studio spaces are booked a great deal of the time, all make up classes will held on Saturdays and around the times that a teacher is available.  We may at any time substitute teachers wherever necessary.

Refund and Withdrawal Policy

Absenteeism does not justify a refund.  Refunds will be issued by our office upon notification in writing prior to September 27^th 2009.  All refunds will be subject to s $50.00 administration fee except when we cannot accommodate you in an appropriate class, or if classes are cancelled by Stageworks.

Stageworks reserves the right to withdraw any registration that either the students is disruptive or abusive, or if a parent is disruptive or abusive to staff, students, or other parents at or during classes at Stageworks or performances at the Maclab Centre. The Arts Director will have final authority.

THERE IS NO REFUND ON DEPOSITED FEES, MEMBERSHIP FEES, OR DANCE COSTUMES.

Absenteeism Policy

STUDENTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO PERFORM IN ANY UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS IF THEY HAVE MISSED MORE THAN 1 CLASS 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE PERFORMANCE.

 Communication and Contact Information

Stageworks has many ways to communicate to our members through phone, email, newsletter, and in person.  Communication is a two way street and requires our members to contact us if they have any questions or concerns.  We will do our best to help you in whatever way we can.

Our operating hours vary due to specific projects that we are working on at the time.  Please make note of the changing office hours.  The Office Administrator and Arts Director are generally in during the day 10 – 6:00 daily and closed from 12:00 – 12:30.  We only have evening receptionists that works Friday 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.  and Saturdays during the day from 9:00 - 4:00

Stageworks has an answering machine that records messages when we are not here and when the line is busy.  All messages are recorded in messages books and are checked as complete once we have made contact with you.  All messages are recorded in the order they are received.  Every attempt is made to contact you back in a timely fashion.

Please visit Stageworks’ website at www.stageworkstheatre.com.  The website is an excellent resource, as it contains important information on a variety of topics including how to contact Stageworks, staff biographies, show information, and schedules.  Our website also enables parents and students to register online for the 2008-2009 school year and purchase tickets for shows.

Another means of communication is the ever so informative newsletter.  Our monthly newsletter is produced and emailed out the 2^nd week of every month.  There also a few hard copies kept at the counter in the school for those who have not yet connect to email.

The purpose of the newsletter is to keep you informed of all our school activities.  Please invest the time to read the newsletter and mark your calendar of the appropriate dates.  It is your responsibility to ensure you have received all the information provided. 

The newsletter is also available on our website; www.stageworkstheatre.com.

All other communication links are via email.  Memos and notices for cancelled classes and makeup classes are done through email.  Fundraising and bingo information and sudden school information is done through email.  The reason, the school is too large to submit to paper notices, the students don’t always take them home or give them to you, some students are away when the notices are given and then don’t receive the information, all students don’t receive the information at the same time, etc.

Please make sure you check your email regularly.  If you don’t receive the first newsletter, please let us know immediately, and finally make sure that you add us into your address so that the newsletter doesn’t get bumped back.  Sometimes firewalls don’t allow list serving notices, please ensure that we are added.

Email is very important!

Dress Code - New in 2009 (select for information)