Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions

STELLAR MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY

RULES, REGULATIONS, POLICIES, INFORMATION

AS AT 19 June 2022

ETHOS OF STELLAR

Stellar Company is a unique concept offering ambitious and talented children the chance to really shine, this is different from the run of the mill theatre groups with the obligatory show and some comps throughout the year. Stellar strives to lift the bar in musical Theatre training, with opportunities far surpassing treading the village hall boards.

Hard work beats talent every time and Stellar believes this to be true, children who consistently apply themselves, striving to be their best version will always see results and with the high caliber training, unprecedented access to industry leaders and first to know about auditions, the children will never be bored!

INFORMATION PACK:

This pack outlines, hopefully, all the expectations of children, parents, outline of our procedures, code of conduct, uniform etc.

.Expectations & Activities for All Children

Company Expectations and activities: All children from Company Class and Technique Dance Class will be offered the opportunity to participate in many different activities. As a company member, you will be expected to fully participate in all classes on a Wednesday. You should try to do a few of the optional things as well. They are fun and help you be a better performer. Learning to be dedicated and support your “team” is an important life lesson that we are helping you learn. Each step up to the next class requires more expectations and participation. The Mini class are invited to some, but not all activities.

In order to receive commitment from children and parents for the events organised, EVERY event will now be auditioned. You will be notified of the dates as they arise and should let me know if your child would like to audition to take part. This is for groups, solos, balls, festivals. All children will learn songs etc and have to perform them in an audition style and commit to being at class for rehearsals and for the date itself. It is hoped that this will inspire the children to strive to be their best and to learn the value of committing to a team.

We are almost full. Once we are full, it is expected that there will be a waiting list. This is a good thing as it means that we are doing something right. However, it is not a given that every child has progressed at the level expected. Because of this, when we are full, we will be introducing yearly auditions for all current students and those on the waiting list. Places will be offered first to current Stellar children who have shown commitment, dedication, progress, the correct attitude. If we feel that your child is not as committed to Stellar at that point or has not shown sufficient progression, their place may be offered to someone else. NOTE - this is not a scare tactic - it is a way of ensuring that the children work hard and strive to be the best, without resting on their laurels. I would stress that the places will NOT just be for the most talented, but also those that care about what they do and strive to do better regardless of their voice or dance ability. It should be remembered that Stellar was set up as a Musical Theatre Company, which it is, but we also develop actors and singers, not just triple threats.

FEES

Fees are divided over 12 months from June to July. One month notice is required on leaving.

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Class Attendance – We are a high caliber company - I never wanted Stellar to be a hobby company. In order to maintain this quality we must have high attendance and promptness. You are expected to have a good attendance rate. However, due to the nature of what our children do, I do understand that there are occasions when they are committed to other shows and I am one of the few training schools that allows this as it gives experience and all round development. However, if I am not notified in advance of any other commitments your child will be marked as low attendance. ALL EXTERNAL TERM TIME OPPORTUNITIES MUST BE APPROVED BY US - THIS INCUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO AMATEUR THEATRE GROUPS, OTHER VIDEO PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, OTHER PRODUCTION COMPANY EVENTS.

Performing Privileges – Performing is a privilege and not a right (regardless of any payments). It may be taken away if attendance, dedication, or attitude becomes a problem.

SPOTLIGHT REPRESENTATION

Your child may be invited to join Spotlight, or you may ask to find out more about it. This is the professional casting board which advertises all professional castings. If your child is represented by the Stellar Agency, they will be submitted for these castings that they are suitable for. I may, from time to time, also request submissions for non Spotlight castings.

Should your child be represented by Stellar, you may seek out other non Spotlight castings yourself. However, if you do so, you MUST first request permission to do so as some castings are not legitimate or may not be suitable for your child’s development. Other castings you may submit for but must first be approved nclude those publicised on social media, newspapers, word of mouth, or from direct contact from a manager or casting director.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CHILDREN

Stellar is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all children and staff/ volunteers associated with the school. To ensure the effective running of Stellar and to protect all individuals connected with the school it is important that the following codes of conduct are read, respected and adhered to at all times:

• Children must participate within the school rules and respect all the teachers/staff and their decisions.

• Children must respect their fellow school pupils/students.

• Children must arrive for training on time or inform the Teacher if they are going to be late.

• Children must not distract, bully or harass other pupils/students during the class.

• Children must not use bad language.

• Children must be polite and display good manners at all times.

• Children must treat all equipment with respect.

• Children must wear the uniform for classes.

• All body jewellery must be removed.

• Long hair must be tied back.

• Fizzy drinks, chocolate and chewing gum are strictly prohibited in the halls - this is because chocolate and fizzy drinks clog the throat when singing - chewing gum - just because I’m old school

• All litter must be placed in the bins provided.

• Please leave all valuables at home – Stellar will not be held responsible for the loss of any items.

• Mobile phones and other electronic devices must be switched off or on silent when in class, other than when needed for lyrics.

• Children must inform the Teacher before the warm up begins if they have an injury or illness.

• Children must inform their teacher immediately if they begin to feel ill or sustain an injury during the class.

• Children must remain with teachers at the end of the class until they are safely collected by their parent or guardian.

• FINALLY ALL Children MUST ENTER THE CLASS WITH A SMILE AND HAVE FUN!!

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

• Children that breach the code of conduct will first of all be reminded of the rules.

• Repeatedly breaching the code of conduct may result in separation from other pupils/students ( will be made to sit out).

• Continuous breach of the code of conduct will result in the parents being informed at the end of the class by the Teacher to discuss the situation. If there is no improvement, then parents will be contacted by the Teacher and they will be invited to discuss the future behaviour of their child and agree joint strategies for monitoring. In extreme cases where physical violence, verbal abuse or intentional damage to property is involved, the sequence of actions outlined above will be by-passed and the Teacher will contact the parents as a first step. Exclusion of the child from the school may be considered.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS

Stellar is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all Children, members and staff associated with the school. To ensure the effective running of Stellar and to protect all individuals connected with the school it is important that the following codes of conduct are read, respected and adhered to at all times:

• Encourage your child to learn the rules and perform within them.

• Arrive with plenty of time to get your child ready for their class and ensure they have been to the toilet before the session begins - Always inform the Teacher if you are going to be late.

• Always ensure your child is dressed appropriately and in the School Uniform with long hair tied up and make sure they have had plenty to drink.

• No Parent/Guardian will be allowed in to the hall/studio during classes.

• Discourage challenging and inappropriate conduct towards teachers and other Children.

• Help your child to recognise good performance and progression.

• Be realistic with regard to their ability and do not set expectations too high - It can be very damaging for children if they feel they are falling short of their parents’ expectations.

• Discourage comparison against other Children - Each child is an individual with different goals and objectives and they must be praised on their own personal achievement.

• Never force your child to take part - Children must participate for their own pleasure and enjoyment not their parent's.

• Set a good example within the child’s environment by recognising good sportsmanship and applauding good performances of all.

• Never punish or belittle a child for poor performance or making mistakes. It is through mistakes that performers learn and develop

• Use correct and proper language at all times.

• Encourage and guide your child to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.

• Keep the Teacher informed if your child is ill or unable to attend classes.

• Endeavour to establish good communications with the school, teachers and staff for the benefit of all.

• Never challenge or threaten a teacher or member of the Stellar team. Any concerns must follow the approved channels as outlined in the complaints and grievance procedure.

• Do not raise issues of disagreement publicly or on social media.

• Always collect your child promptly at the end of a class.

• All fees must be paid on time otherwise your child may risk losing their place in the class and incur a late charge fee of 10%

• Always support your child's involvement and help them to enjoy their passion.

Please understand that breach of this code of conduct may have repercussions and in extreme cases may result in your child/children losing their place at the school.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TEACHERS / STAFF

• Always consider the well-being and safety of Children before the development of performance.

• Develop an appropriate working relationship with Children, based on mutual trust and respect - Never abuse your authority or power as a teacher.

• Always work within the boundaries of your qualification.

• You must ensure you have valid insurance cover and a PVG (All staff are pvg’d and we hold insurance)

• Ensure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of the Children.

• Treat every dancer as an individual and set realistic goals and targets that are obtainable - Unrealistic goal setting can have damaging effects on a dancer.

• Always promote the positive aspects of the sport - Performing should be fun for all so provide plenty of encouragement and create a positive and enjoyable experience for all.

• Never punish or demean a child for losing or making mistakes. It is through mistakes that performers learn and develop

• Display consistently high standards of behaviour, language and appearance.

• Stellar will not condone the use of illegal substances.

• Follow all guidelines laid down by Stellar .

• Do not exert undue pressure on performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.

• Encourage participants to value their performances and progressions.

• Encourage Children to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.

• Jewellery must not be worn to classes..

• Make sure that confidential information is not divulged unless with the express approval of the individual concerned.

• Always remain upbeat and positive while teaching

Breaching the code of conduct will lead to disciplinary action and in extreme cases will result in loss of employment/exclusion from the school.

UNIFORM:

Branded hoodies, t shirts etc can be purchased from Nicola at ID Dancewear.

Compulsory items to purchase for all classes

Stellar T Shirt

Stellar Leggings

There are many items online that you can purchase but which aren’t optional. However, it is recommended that children do have a cover up therefore the zippie should be considered. I will not allow other hoodies or cover ups in class other than Stellar branded.

Compulsory items to purchase separately for Saturday dance classes

Plain Black leotard

Black convertible dance tights

Pink ballet convertible ballet tights

Tan jazz shoes

Pink canvas ballet shoes (black for boys)

Black Stellar joggies

ALL CLASSES:

Black leotard with either ballet tights or Stellar shorts or leggings. Stellar t shirt, jazz and ballet shoes. White trainers or converse for commercial. New Yorker heels for Senior Dance class. Tap shoes (optional for all but compulsory for Seniors. Recommend the lace up style oxford rather than character style).

ADVERSE WEATHER DISCLAIMER

Stellar recognises that adverse weather conditions may make travelling to lessons problematic on some occasions. However, while the Company is committed to protecting the health and safety of its staff and pupils, it must ensure that disruption caused to its classes remains minimal. It is therefore expected that staff and pupils will make every reasonable effort, taking into account issues of personal safety, to attend lessons during adverse weather conditions.

Stellar will make every effort to remain open unless weather conditions make it impossible to do so safely. In the case that the Stellar does need to close due to adverse weather, updates will be posted on Social Media. Unfortunately, Stellar will not refund lessons cancelled due to this type of closure. Stellar will not take responsibility for any injury caused to staff or pupils travelling to lessons when the weather is bad, and will aim to remain open unless it is completely unsafe to do so