Q. What is Drama Scene’s response to COVID-19?
Drama Scene is a NSW Covid-19 Safe Business with a registered Covid Safe Plan.
All Drama Scene Staff are vaccine boosted and have access to face-masks and Rapid Antigen Tests.
Drama Scene must follow guidelines updated by Federal Government, NSW Government, Department Of Health, Department Of Education, Individual hiring locations (including; School Directorates, Diocese, School Principals).
A child displaying cold or flu like symptoms must not attend Drama Scene.
An Adult displaying cold or flu like symptoms must not collect a child from Drama Scene.
In the event of changes to; IRL teaching guidelines, Community Access, Staff illness –
Drama Scene will be facilitated over Zoom. By enrolling in a Drama Scene term or program it is accepted that you understand this will be the process, (detailed on Enrolment confirmation).
Q. Does my child need to have previous creative arts or performing arts experience?
Drama Scene is ideal for all aptitudes and experience levels, an ideal place to make a first exploration or to increase skills. We use original Process Drama programs for all sessions that have been designed by Drama Scene to respond to the interests and skill levels of Players. Sessions are conducted in a friendly atmosphere, fostering a positive group dynamic. This approach boosts self-esteem, confidence and trust in the “process” and encourages Players to acquire new techniques and build on skills at an age appropriate and individual level.
Q. Can my child join Drama Scene at any time throughout the year?
Our Rolling Curriculum means children may join a Drama Scene Group at the commencement of any of the four terms in a school year.
Many group and programs can accommodate children joining at other times, (please ask).
School Holiday Workshops run on both daily and multi-day enrolment lengths.
Participation in these events can be on a program by program basis.
Digital Drama Scene Programs run LIVE Online on both daily and multi-day enrolment lengths.
Participation in these events can be on a program by program basis.
Enrolment is filled out online through our Enrolment page.
Q. What is Drama Scene’s “Rollover Enrolment System”?
Drama Scene operates a Rollover Enrolment System for Term-Time Groups, to save paperwork for you and to save a spot in a group for your child from term to term in a calendar year.
When you fill out a Term-Time Enrolment it acts as a permission slip. A spot in a group is allocated for your child. This means you do not have to fill in a new Enrolment for each new term. Your child is automatically on the roll, we are saving a place in the group for them. You receive an email reminder detailing Term dates and Fees due.
You only need to fill in a new Enrolment in a calendar year when any information you need to provide has changed or whenever you need a Tax Invoice / Tax Receipt.
To cancel Rollover Enrolment you can simply send an email with your child’s name as the title to unsubscribe@dramascene.com.au (no explanation required).
We hope you agree, less having to think about filling-in paperwork each school term is a positive.
You simply need to submit one Enrolment to commence your child’s participation.
Q. When are Enrolments and Fees due?
As all sessions run with the optimum number of players, an Enrolment must be processed by the Drama Scene office before the first session.
Places in a group are allocated in the order Enrolments within payment terms are received.
For a Tax Invoice / Tax Receipt – our online Enrolment can be saved or printed for your records before you hit send.
School Holiday Workshop (Holiday Scene) Fees are due in full before attendance, to secure a place.
Digital Drama Scene (LIVE Online Program) Fees are due in full before attendance, to secure a place.
It is anticipated that Term-Time Fees will be paid in full for a child’s participation in Drama Scene. Most families ensure Term-Time Fees are paid before their child turns up for a class.
* We offer a “set & forget” credit card system where you can authorise payments to be debited from a Visa/MasterCard at the start of each school term in a calendar year (unless you cancel).
* 10% Discount is offered for fees paid before the first session in a term.
* An Account not paid in full by the end of a Drama Scene team accrues weekly, incremental 10% charges.
Drama Scene operates a Rollover Enrolment System for term-time groups so a child’s place is secure in a group for the remainder of the calendar year as long as Fee payments are made regularly.
* If you wish to lock in your child’s routine or perhaps it suits your pay cycle – students can be enrolled for One Semester (two terms) or One Calendar School Year (4 terms). Drama Scene does not offer discounts for advanced payment, in fact we add on a $10.00 administration fee, however this Priority Enrolment will ensure a spot for your child, particularly in over subscribed groups. Simply tick the One Semester box on the Enrolment / for Annual – please email.
Q. Can I redeem the NSW Creative Kids Voucher at Drama Scene?
Yes.
You can redeem the NSW Creative Kids Voucher for term-time Drama Scene groups across Sydney, NSW.
You can redeem the NSW Creative Kids Voucher for our School Holiday Drama Scene Workshops.
You can redeem the NSW Creative Kids Voucher for our Digital Drama Scene (LIVE Online, not pre-recorded) Programs.
You can redeem the NSW Creative Kids Voucher for Drama Scene Coaching / Mentoring session in your home or online.
Q. Are there any additional charges?
You will be pleased to know that Drama Scene provides Drama materials & resources, costumes, props, masks, music, art & craft supplies etc.
We will NEVER ask your child to bring anything into a Drama Scene session.
You will NEVER have to provide a costume for a performance, for example.
Our Staff are paid hourly rates. Therefore, if you arrive late to collect your child, without notice, we have to charge you, as we have to pay our Staff for the child care they have provided. (Often keeping them back means keeping them late for their next job!)
Fifteen minute blocks are $15.00 plus GST. We know this is standard and most families will be used to similar arrangements with After School Centres and Day Care facilities.
* We need to be able to reassure your child someone is on their way to collect them and we understand anyone can have one of those days when they are stuck in a traffic jam. Please just ring and let us know your predicament. Please do not assume we can provide extended childcare. Contact the Drama Scene mobile 0407 235 914.
* Please also keep in mind for SAFE CHILD – the Adult collecting the second to last child will have been asked to also stay back and wait with the Drama Scene Staff member until you collect the last child – so that Drama Scene Staff are not left alone with a child.
* You are welcome to make last minute arrangements for a different Adult to wait with or collect your child – simply contact the Drama Scene mobile in advance on 0407 235 914.
Q. What do I do if there will be different arrangements for my child’s departure from a session?
Even if changes are temporary, please contact the Drama Scene mobile 0407 235 914 with details of your name, your child’s name and information about any alterations. It is important Drama Scene Staff are aware of your child’s departure plans on all occasions.
For After School sessions – late pickups are charged – $15.00 +GST for 15 minutes as is standard.
For SAFE CHILD our Staff cannot be left alone with a child. Therefore, an Adult collecting the second to last child will be asked to wait with the last child and a Drama Scene Staff member until an appropriate Adult collects the last child.
Q. What do I do when my child will be absent?
We treat reasons for all absences equally.
Your child will have taken a place in their Drama Scene Group, therefore we do not give refunds for absences. Just like on a sporting team, you do not get a refund for missing a training session, even for illness. If you go on holiday during the term or choose to attend a different activity that runs at the same time, we encourage you to consider attending a Catchup Class.
Your child can participate in a Catchup Class with a different age group at the same location or attendance is possible at another Drama Scene location. Catch up on the missed class any term, any session, any location.
If you cannot arrange a Catchup Class for a child – their sibling, other relative or friend is welcome to attend the session(s) in a child’s place. To do this, the new child simply needs to have an Enrolment completed online by their responsible Adult – ticking the ‘Catchup Class?’ box.
Q. Can my child do a free trial class?
We understand you just might not be sure if your child “is going to like it”. We also know if a child has not participated in lots of Drama they will not have the language to talk about it to you.
We know it is very hard to explain to children what Drama is. We also know that a child in the Drama Scene room can be very different to the student they are in the classroom or the personality they display around their family, their friends or adult company. Those that are reserved can bloom with confidence and find their voice. Those that are thought to be robust and verbose can become circumspect. Some children emerge as leaders. Some like to leap in. Some like to survey and assess before having a go. Some will only do Drama if a friend is beside them. Others find Drama Scene is a place where they make many new friends.
It would be impossible to pre-determine how a child will go in a new Drama Scene Group. A little like walking to the door of a party and looking inside. Children have to join in to see if they are ready for Drama Scene and if the group dynamics are right for them. We consider all children are trialling Drama Scene as we can tell who love it, who benefits from it and of course we would let you know if your child really does not want to be there, perhaps does not have the imagination or the behavioural control. If we suggest your child should try a different activity and withdraw from Drama Scene, of course we would give you a refund.
When a child participates for the first time, the group members offer a great deal of their session time introducing how Drama Scene runs, our warm-ups, our favourite games, the current lesson theme, what they will have missed, etc. Welcoming and worthwhile and happily shared whenever a new student joins. A disappointing, time derailing effort if the new child is not invested in continuing.
The disruption of one-off visits is another reason why we suggest uncertain Parents, Carers and possible students talk to families with children enrolled, ask friends who know Drama Scene – these people will give your the better feedback and referral we find, than a child nervously trying a new activity for a first time.
Q. What does my child wear to a group or workshop?
School uniforms are suitable for sessions during or after the school day.
Players should wear comfortable ‘play clothes’ to weekend and School Holiday Workshop programs.
Players may be asked to remove their shoes for safety reasons.
For special projects, Actors and Stage Crew may be requested to wear all black clothing (‘Theatre Blacks’) to some rehearsals or performances.
Q. What does my child bring to a session or workshop?
Please bring a bottle of water to every session (rather than relying on access to bubblers for a drink).
If required, the need for snacks will be advised. Drama Scene supports Safe Child guidelines for children not to share their food.
If required, the need for hats will be advised.
Q. Can I watch my child’s session?
We appreciate your interest in the content of your child’s sessions with Drama Scene. Please also appreciate that some children behave differently in front of an audience and a Parent or Carer or any non-group member in a Drama space can create the sensation of an audience that influences Players responses in a session (increases and decreases in confidence and focus, etc.). For this reason, you cannot watch a session IRL (onsite) or DIGITAL (online) but you are welcome to join in. Yes, you can participate and view the activity through your child’s eyes! So please, if you are curious about Drama Scene, come along a be a big kid.
We also encourage you to contact the Drama Scene office to discuss your child’s participation or progress in any program – (02) 9716 6604 / 0407 235 914. We know some children do not have the language to interpret what they have done at Drama Scene, so we can give you the prompters to start a conversation.
Q. How will I receive feedback on my child’s progress?
* Keep your email address up to date with Drama Scene.
* Once we know you, please ask to join our Members Only Facebook Group (private) – this is regularly updated with news and photos.
* Children are presented with Certificates of feedback from their peers.
* You are welcome to contact Stephanie Waites on 0407 235 914 any time; weekdays, evenings, weekends, for more formal discussion.
Q. Will photos or film be taken of my child?
Yes, we may take images to give your child as mementos or to put on to the website so you can identify which group you are looking up or to put in school newsletters or to share digitally. If you do not wish your child’s image to be included please let us know – at any time – throughout their participation with Drama Scene. There is a reminder about this option on every Enrolment! If you opt out – we will make sure you child never feels left out – for example, when we are taking a photograph, they can still dress in costume but they might be given the special job of standing next to the Coach with the camera and helping to direct the shot or act out the facial expressions for the children to mimic or perhaps they can assist the camera operator with equipment, etc.
Digital sessions are recorded for matters of Safe Child.
Q. What if a child loses focus or is disruptive?
At the start of every Drama Scene program, Players agree to ‘Our Drama Deals’ – a method of playing and working with other Players that is suggested by group members and agreed by all. If a Player aged 4 – 8 loses focus, they may be reminded of ‘Our Drama Deals’ and asked to participate as an audience member until the activity changes direction (a maximum of 3 minutes). If a Player aged over 8 years loses focus, they may be asked by the Group to participate as an audience member, until the activity changes direction. (We use the ‘traffic light’ system before “sit out, miss out’.)
Please keep in mind that Drama Scene Staff are flexible in their lesson planning, responding to the needs and interests of the group, challenging behaviours are therefore not a reason for exclusion and we will simply welcome input on how best to engage a child.
A TYPICAL DRAMA SCENE DEAL
1. Be a good audience.
2. No falling down.
3. No wrestling.
4. No gymnastics.
5. A sparkle in my eye!