Terms & Conditions
Mullingar Stage Schools/Rural Stage Schools/Youth Theatre –
Terms and Conditions/Information
General:
1. Any personal information provided to Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre will be processed by Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre for the purposes of administration, research, the provision of teaching services in singing, dance and drama, the organization of performances and for the administration of Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre for its statutory obligations under legislation relating to children.
Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre will not disclose this information to third parties (Child Protection issues excluded)
2. Class times and fees are listed on the Mullingar Arts Centre website and Class for Kids registration system. All students must be registered on this system before attending class. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are responsible for ensuring information on this system is up to date.
3. Parents are emailed all important information, fees due, outings, auditions, term dates and Mid Term Breaks via our regular newsletters and notes distributed by e-mail to the Parent(s)/Guardian(s) email address on file. Information may also be provided on our Facebook page.
4. Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre reserves the right to make changes to advertised programme, delivery mechanism, timetable, and teaching staff in the event of illness or other circumstances beyond our control.
5. It is occasionally necessary to change the time and/or venue of a session. This will only be done if necessary.
6. Classes take place once a week during the usual academic terms.
7. Term dates are listed in initial booking email.
8. Term dates are subject to change and will be communicated via email (registered on Class for Kids) and Facebook.
9. Term dates for preceding terms will be made known in an email at the end of each term.
10. Children and young people are automatically enrolled into the next term of Stage School/Youth Theatre. A booking confirmation will be sent to the email registered on Class for Kids two weeks before that term starts to confirm a place has been allocated in a class.
Fees:
11. Fees must be paid in advance of a child attending for Stage School/Youth Theatre Classes.
12. One free trial class is offered to new members from April 2023. This should be booked through the Arts Centre or on the online booking system.
13. Students with outstanding balances for attendance at Stage School/Youth Theatre will not be permitted to enrol/attend further classes until the balance due is paid. Parents/Guardians are asked to contact the Head of Stage Schools/Arts Centre to discuss any payment difficulties. Our goal is to be accessible and when necessary flexible.
14. A discount for siblings attending classes and camps is offered. Siblings must be booked together for the discount to be applied. Please contact the centre for details.
15. A full term is paid in advance, unless booking in mid-way through a term; the payment due is then pro-rata. We do not offer a pay as you go system.
16. Fees are reviewed annually in August.
17. Methods of Payment:
Credit or Debit Card – online (using the class for kids system) or over the phone with the Mullingar Arts Centre. 044 934777
Cash - Mullingar Arts Centre. Fees can be dropped in at reception and a receipt issued.
18. If a student is unable to attend a class due to sickness, holiday or a decision by the Parent or Student not to attend, Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre is unable to refund payment for that class.
19. Cancellation/Termination of place for the purposes of a refund
A place in Stage School/Youth Theatre can be terminated no later than 4 days after the second class in a term. Fees (less administration charge of €10) for the remaining four classes will be refunded.
Termination will only be accepted when received by Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre in writing via email to stageschool@mullingarartscentre.ie and by phone call to 044 9347777.
20. Please contact the Head of Stage Schools (via email) or the centre (via phone) with any administration/operation questions.
Protocols:
21. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will be asked to leave their child for the duration of class. Parent/Guardian/child viewing days for Kinder Classes or in house showcases are the only time Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will be permitted to stay
22. Uniform:
Our half-zip is optional though desirable. The price for Stage School members is heavily subsidised by the Centre and can be purchased at reception at a cost of €25. Sizes: 5-6yr, 7-8yrs, 9-10yrs, 10-11yrs, XS, S, M, L. Orders can be placed by email, by phone or through your Stage School tutor. Appropriate footwear/dress should be worn for all classes.
23. Students are asked to bring a bottle of water and a folder.
24. As per Code of Behaviour students should wear tracksuits/leggings and appropriate footwear.
25. All Students must arrive to class on time, anyone arriving more than 10 mins late will not be admitted. All students must be collected on time after a class.
26. Students taking a place in the following Stage Schools/Youth Theatre will be involved in showcases throughout the year on stage and in the community: Junior Stage School, Rural Stage Schools, Senior Stage School and Youth Theatre.
27. Youth Theatre members are invited to be a part of a Whatsapp group (managed by the Head of Stage schools) for direct communication/information.
28. Parents/Guardians are invited to communicate with the Head of Stage Schools/Centre Director openly and respectfully in relation to their child in Mullingar Arts Centre Stage School/Youth Theatre.
29. Please ensure that you inform Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre of any additional needs a student has.
Project/Performance Opportunities:
30. Junior Stage School 12pm classses (i.e. 4th, 5th and 6th) and Senior Stage School members will be invited to audition for a Summer Musical programme and show in September/October. All rehearsals are mandatory as are show dates. Non-attendance at any of the rehearsals will result in non-participation in the event.
31. Students in Junior Stage School and Rural Stage Schools in 4th, 5th, 6th (school) classes will be invited to audition for the annual pantomime. Students in Senior Stage School and Youth Theatre will also be invited to audition. Rehearsals will be outside of stage school class time. Attendance at all rehearsals is compulsory. There is no payment for taking part in the pantomime. Non-attendance at any of the rehearsals will result in non-participation in pantomime.
32. Students may be invited to be involved in other projects/events throughout the year for example Culture Night, RIAM exams, Crunnui Na Nog, Youth Trip, Theatre trips, Character hire etc. These opportunities will be communicated through email/Whatsapp for Youth Theatre members in the group.
A separate contract/code of behaviour policy will be provided for each of the projects above.
33. Students in Youth Theatre will be invited to volunteer in classes in Kinder, Junior and Rural Stage School classes. They may also be involved in Easter/Summer Camps. Please be aware this is in a voluntary capacity and is not a paid position (unless otherwise discussed with centre director).
Performing Arts Camps
The centre runs Easter and Summer programmes for different age ranges.
Bookings can be made online or over the phone.
Payment is to made before the first day of camp. Siblings discount applies.
Cancellation/Termination of place for the purposes of a refund:
A place on a camp can be terminated at any time.
A refund (less administration charge of €10) for the camp total will be refunded provided a cancellation (and confirmation of cancellation) is given no later than 1 week (7 days) before the first day of camp.
Termination will only be accepted when received in writing (via email) to stageschool@mullingarartscentre.ie and by phone call to 044 9347777.
Policies:
34. Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools and Youth Theatre is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people up to the age of 18. Our Child Safeguarding Statement and Child Protection policy is available in the centre and on request.
35. We operate a Code of Behaviour/Discipline policy and an Anti-bullying policy. On signing up and attending classes students and parents/guardians are agreeing to abide by the policy content.
Code of Behaviour
Students must…
ATTIRE/WHAT TO BRING:
a. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for dance/movement. Half-zip/black leggings/trackies. As a health and safety measure - No jeans, boots, jewellery etc. should be worn (particularly for dance)
b. Bring a folder – Mind your lyrics sheets/scripts etc – multiple copies are not available.
c. Bring a drink of water. No fizzy drinks allowed. A snack IS NOT required unless for medical reasons or unless otherwise stated by tutors.
PUNCTUALITY:
d. Arrive on time for class (5 mins early)
e. Sign in at reception (if late)
f. Make sure tutor knows you have arrived in class (if late) so your name can be ticked on roll.
PARTICIPATION/CLASSTIME:
a. Walk - no running in the hallways or dance, drama, music rooms.
b. Students must not sit on the window ledges/lean on radiators.
c. Not bring electrical devices to class. Phones are not permitted in class.
d. Not chew gum. Gum is strictly forbidden as it is a choking hazard.
e. Not swear or use bad language.
f. Take part in all disciplines in Stage Schools – dance, drama, song. Other projects may focus on one discipline only.
g. Be respectful to tutors/assistants. No arriving late, no skipping class, no sabotaging, no ‘side eyes,’ no backchat. Classes will create other rules to follow.
h. Follow the instructions and directions of their tutor/stage school assistant.
i. Be respectful of diversity and ability within classes. Encourage others in class. Do not distract other students. Do not become divas. We are all here to learn – together.
j. Be respectful of props/costumes etc that they might be using in class.
k. Clean up after themselves and leave rooms they are using tidy on their departure.
l. Not be physical with any other student(s).
m. Label all belongings (jackets/folder/bottles etc.)
n. Do their homework; run lines, practice dances.
o. Talk to tutors if they are having difficulties.
p. Work hard, try their best, have fun!
You have found your tribe i.e., people who enjoy doing something that you enjoy doing too. Be respectful and kind to one another - no bullying.
36. Anti-bullying policy – Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre operates a strict policy in relation to anti-bullying/harassment.
37. Bullying behaviour can be defined as repeated aggression be it verbal, psychological or physical which is conducted by an individual or group against others. Examples of bullying include teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting, extortion or exclusion.
38. Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre tutors will not tolerate any bullying behaviour by children/young people or adults. Tutors will make Head of Stage Schools aware of any issues and they will be dealt with in accordance with anti-bullying/code of behaviour policy.
39. Students attending Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre should not tolerate any bullying behaviour by children/young people or adults. Members of stage schools/Youth Theatre should make Head of Stage Schools aware of any issues.
40. The Head of Stage Schools will be made aware of any students that are not adhering to the code of behaviour/anti-bullying policy. In accordance with policies the Head of Stage Schools will document issues/incidents, discuss with students involved (if possible and appropriate) and may contact Parent(s)/Guardian(s) to discuss next steps.
41. Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre reserves the right to exclude students from classes if anti-bullying policy/code of behaviour policy is infringed.
Health and Safety:
42. Students are expected to follow Health and Safety procedures in the Arts Centre as directed by tutors/assistants/arts centre staff.
43. Specific Health and Safety procedures will be in place for certain areas of the centre such as the stage, backstage, lighting box etc. These will be communicated to students. Any infringement of these procedures may result in an exclusion from a project/class.
44. Students participate in class at their own risk and are obliged to inform Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre and its staff of any existing injuries or medical condition.
45. Accidents/incidents will be documented and reported on. This information will be shared with Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
46. Photographs/Film:
Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre will from time to time take photographs and film footage of students during class time for use in Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre marketing and publicity material. If you do not wish for your child to be photographed/filmed please click the appropriate box on Class for Kids registration.
47. Liability:
Students are obliged to take care of their own belongings. Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre can accept no liability for lost or damaged belongings.
The liability of Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre and that of its staff is restricted to class time only and then only to gross negligence.
Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre is not liable in the event where it is unable to fulfil any service to which it is contractually bound because of fire, natural disaster, acts of government, failure of suppliers or subcontractors, labour disputes or other reasons which are outside its control.
Please note that by enrolling your child for Mullingar Arts Centre Stage Schools/Youth Theatre you are agreeing to, and bound by, the terms and conditions as laid out in this document, including our anti-bullying policy, and Code of Behaviour.
Code of Behaviour
Students must…
ATTIRE/WHAT TO BRING:
a. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for dance/movement. Half-zip/black leggings/trackies. As a health and safety measure - No jeans, boots, jewellery etc. should be worn (particularly for dance)
b. Bring a folder – Mind your lyrics sheets/scripts etc – multiple copies are not available.
c. Bring a drink of water. No fizzy drinks allowed. A snack IS NOT required unless for medical reasons or unless otherwise stated by tutors.
PUNCTUALITY:
d. Arrive on time for class (5 mins early)
e. Sign in at reception (if late)
f. Make sure tutor knows you have arrived in class (if late) so your name can be ticked on roll.
PARTICIPATION/CLASSTIME:
q. Walk - no running in the hallways or dance, drama, music rooms.
r. Students must not sit on the window ledges/lean on radiators.
s. Not bring electrical devices to class. Phones are not permitted in class.
t. Not chew gum. Gum is strictly forbidden as it is a choking hazard.
u. Not swear or use bad language.
v. Take part in all disciplines in Stage Schools – dance, drama, song. Other projects may focus on one discipline only.
w. Be respectful to tutors/assistants. No arriving late, no skipping class, no sabotaging, no ‘side eyes,’ no backchat. Classes will create other rules to follow.
x. Follow the instructions and directions of their tutor/stage school assistant.
y. Be respectful of diversity and ability within classes. Encourage others in class. Do not distract other students. Do not become divas. We are all here to learn – together.
z. Be respectful of props/costumes etc that they might be using in class.
aa. Clean up after themselves and leave rooms they are using tidy on their departure.
bb. Not be physical with any other student(s).
cc. Label all belongings (jackets/folder/bottles etc.)
dd. Do their homework; run lines, practice dances.
ee. Talk to tutors if they are having difficulties.
ff. Work hard, try their best, have fun!
You have found your tribe i.e., people who enjoy doing something that you enjoy doing too. Be respectful and kind to one another - no bullying.