Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
What is a Conservatory Program?
Now, it its 22nd year, the Drama Studio is a not-for-profit educational organization which will serve over 200 students 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 26 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 year.
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 15-22 and April 19-26, 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.
How are tuitions paid?
The Studio will bill installments on the first of each month in October, November, January, February, and March. The Studio requests that all monthly installments are made promptly. Checks, cash, or credit card payments are acceptable. If payment is not made by the 15th of each month, the Studio will require a credit card payment to insure that the student remains enrolled.
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.
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; newsletters which tell of DS activities and upcoming events
Does the Studio offer summer classes?
Yes. We offer a variety of programs for different age groups and interest. SummerScene, TeenScene, and SummerSlam Students work Monday through Friday from 9AM to 3PM to prepare productions that are mounted with costumes, lights and scenery. Students who take Playwriting work on developing a one-act play. Some of these plays will be eligible to be performed in our annual Winter Shorts Festival. The Video Production Workshop students learn the basics of video production in our new laboratory and produce an original video piece to be presented to family and friends.
Summerscene: July 7-18 For ages 9-12. Melodrama and story theatre
Playwriting: July 19—October 11 For ages 9+
Video Production Workshop July 21-August 1 For ages 13-19
TeenScene: August 4-15 For ages 13-16 Innovative Approach to Classic Theatre
SummerSlam: August 20-24 For ages 9-12 Tall Tales
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 May. 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.
What happens after Introduction to Acting?
Once students complete Introduction to Acting, 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 $600 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 in the Spring. Your participation will help us raise $150,000 in support of the Studio’s program..
