NCT Conservatory Handbook

Welcome to North Carolina Theatre Conservatory's Artistic Training!

We are thrilled that you will be joining us! This document contains important information for both parents and students about what to expect during your experience and how to make that experience as enjoyable as possible. Please review it in its entirety.

North Carolina Theatre Conservatory is dedicated to training youth in the art form of theatre and to being a safe haven for youth. We believe in personalized instruction where every student is valued as an individual. We believe in approaching our students as human beings instead of merely singers, actors, and dancers and are dedicated to the following principles in all educational programming:

Creating a physically and emotionally safe learning environment in which every student feels comfortable taking creative risks

Building creative and dynamic experiences that celebrate individual differences and diversity with fairness and respect

Instilling concepts of empathy, positivity, and confidence in every student

Using art to facilitate the teaching of life skills, including communication, organization, and leadership skills which can be applied in a wide variety of settings

Cultivating learning opportunities that encourage students to become future leaders in the arts world and beyond

Providing challenging, rigorous, and meaningful content that stimulates growth and learning in every student

In addition to schedules, contact information, and student behavior expectations, this document includes detailed health and safety protocols we will follow during operation. Please note this guidance was developed with consideration of materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS). This guidance does not constitute legal advice and is subject to change.

Thank you and we look forward to a great semester of theatre!

CONTACT US

CLASSES@NCTHEATRE.COM

GENERAL CLASS INQUIRIES

JOSE RONDON, JR. CONSERVATORY DIRECTOR

jrondonjr@nctheatre.com

JONATHAN BRASWELL CONSERVATORY MANAGER

jbraswell@nctheatre.com

Please note: The above are the only points of contact for the Conservatory. Please do not ever email, call, or message a Teaching Artist directly.

BUILDING ACCESS

The Conservatory will be locked at all times and only students and staff will be permitted to enter. Any person needing to access the Conservatory Building must:

Be registered for the current program occurring in the facility on that day and time. If a parent needs to enter the facility, then email CLASSES@NCTHEATRE.COM to gain permission to enter.

CLASS SCHEDULE

MONDAY

5:00-6:00pm — Leveraging Type and Archetype

5:00-7:00pm — Tech 101

6:00-7:00pm Digital Sound Design and Editing

TUESDAY

5:30-8:30pm Pre-Professional Core Training (Green & Orange)

5:30-8:30pm — Pre-Professional Senior Performance Company

WEDNESDAY

4:00-5:00pm — Broadway Bound

5:00-6:00pm Musical Theatre Dance Styles

6:00-7:00pm Musical Theatre 101

Acting Through Song

7:00-8:00pm — Broadway Choreography

THURSDAY

5:00-6:00pm — Dance Technique (Level I & II)

6:00-7:00pm Acting Technique (Level I & II)

Music Theory

7:00-8:00pm — Voice Technique (Level I & II)

SATURDAY

10:00-11:00am — Sing! Dance! Act! (Ages 3-5)

11:00-12:00pm — Sing! Dance! Act! (Ages 5-7)

10:00am-1:00pm Triple Threat Performance

TEAM APP

STACK TEAM APP is a digital platform used to communicate between NCT Staff, Teaching Artists, parents, and students. All parents are required to sign up before classes begin, and students should join if able. It can be used for:

- Important class announcements

- Photos & videos from class activities

- Calendars & schedules

- Documents & guides

- Links

- Teaching Artist bios

Team Names as follows:

- Pre-Professional Department

- Triple Threat Performance

- NC Theatre Conservatory (all other classes)

STEP ONE

Download Stack Team App and create an account. Be sure to turn on notifications!

STEP THREE

Ask to join the team. Your request will need to be approved by an admin.

STEP TWO

Search for the team name (see above).

STEP FOUR

Browse to see how the app is set up. It's very user-friendly!

- The info on the app is also accessible via Team App's website.

- If you need help setting up or using the app, please email CLASSES@NCTHEATRE.COM.

- Please turn on notifications and check the app frequently!

DROP-OFF

Our procedures for drop-off and pick-up are designed to ensure everyone at the Conservatory stays healthy and safe. There are two different options that can be used for drop-off. Please refer to the section that best fits your family.

OPTION 1: PARENT/GUARDIAN DROP-OFF

All families will be provided two name placards on the first day of class. Placards must be displayed in the car that is dropping off or picking up the student.

Please do not drop off students more than 15 minutes before class start time. Follow Conservatory signage posted outside in the parking lot. Once at the Conservatory, pull up in line, do not leave gaps, and stay in your car. Prep your child to have their bags in their lap and ready to exit the car.

Please do not allow your child to get out of the car until you pull around to the drop-off spot directly in front of the Conservatory door and a staff member waves you in.

Students will drop off belongings in designated space prior to heading to their classroom. Class locations can be located on the board outside of the Main Studio, and Conservatory Staff will be there to help.

OPTION 2: STUDENTS WHO DRIVE THEMSELVES

Students should arrive no more than 15 minutes before class start time. Student parking is designated by student parking signs. Once you have parked, line up at the Conservatory door to await being invited in. Please be sure to maintain social distancing. Drop off belongings in designated space prior to heading to classroom. Class locations can be located on the board outside of the main room, and Conservatory Staff will be there to help.

LATE ARRIVALS

Email CLASSES@NCTHEATRE.COM if you are going to be late. Park your car at the front door of the Conservatory.

Ring the Conservatory doorbell to announce that you are here with a late student as it will be locked.

Please try to avoid being late. Late arrivals disrupt classroom instruction.

Display Name Placard on your driver side of the dashboard or driver side window. Please ensure that staff can clearly see your placard. You MUST have your Name Placard in order to pick up your child.

Suggested arrival time is 5-10 minutes prior to end of class time.

Due to current safety measures, you MUST stay in your vehicle. You will not be able to pick up your child from the Conservatory building without being in your car.

Do not disrupt the flow of traffic.

Students will remain in classrooms until they are called out to the cars. Staff will communicate with the teachers in each of the classrooms based on the order of the pick-up line.

Students driving themselves will be dismissed at staff discretion based on the amount of cars in the parking lot and social distancing.

CARPOOLING + OTHER APPROVED ADULTS

Please email CLASSES@NCTHEATRE.COM in order to specify any other approved adults that are able to pick up your child in addition to the list provided at registration. Please include first and last name. You can also provide information regarding your child carpooling with another family Conservatory staff will check identification of anyone without a Name Placard.

Your child WILL NOT be released to anyone who is not on an approved list.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Email CLASSES@NCTHEATRE.COM in order to arrange early pick-up times. Park your car at the front door of the Conservatory.

Ring the Conservatory doorbell to announce that you are here to pick up your child. Have your Name Placard or be prepared to show identification. Conservatory staff will call your student out of class to meet you outside the front door.

ATTENDANCE

It is recommended students not miss more than two classes per program. Unexcused/excessive absences may lead to a role or solo being reassigned.

Performance Company Classes NO absences are permitted during show/tech week unless approved at the beginning of the semester. College Prep Classes — Rescheduling of One on Ones will not be permitted once schedule is confirmed. In the case of a scheduled absence, unexpected illness, or emergency, please email CLASSES@NCTHEATRE.COM as soon as possible to alert the instructors that a student will be absent. Due to the structure of our programming, we are unable to offer make-up classes or credit for any missed sessions.

Note: North Carolina Theatre Conservatory reserves the right to cancel any program due to insufficient enrollment. All tuition fees will be fully returned to the enrolled families.

SUPPLIES

Students should bring the following to each class: Pencil

Notebook Folder

Water bottle

Any other materials or supplies as indicated by the Teaching Artist. Pre-Professional students are also required to bring a binder which contain their song & monologue selections.

FOOD + DRINK

Students are required to bring a water bottle to each class. Snacks for longer classes are also permitted. Students will not have access to refrigerators or vending machines. DO NOT BRING ITEMS WITH NUT PRODUCTS.

ACCESSIBILITY + ACCOMMODATIONS

Please communicate all access needs and/or requested accommodations directly to Jonathan at jbraswell@nctheatre.com.

DRESS CODE

For safety reasons, NO flip flops, skirts, sandals, Uggs, or Crocs are allowed in any Conservatory programming.

Pre-Professional Department Core Training: Dance attire is REQUIRED for the Pre-Professional Department. Students can wear either leotard of any style and color, tights and hair pulled off the face or plain tight T-shirt tucked into tights, jazz pants or tight jogging pants. Students can wear cover ups as they warm up (dance skirt, but no hoodies.) Students should have all dance shoes EVERY WEEK (ballet, jazz, and tap shoes.)

Ballet Classes - Leotard (any color), tights, and ballet shoes. Hair must be pulled back and pulled up.

Tap Classes - Jazz pants, sweatpants, shorts with a leotard or tight-fitting shirt (any color), or camisole top. Students are also welcome to wear a leotard and tights. Tap shoes are required.

All Other Dance Classes - Jazz pants, black sweatpants, shorts with a leotard or tight-fitting shirt (any color), or camisole top. Students are also welcome to wear leotard and tights. Dance sneakers or jazz shoes are required. Acting & Voice Classes - Loose comfortable clothing or dance clothing.

FINAL SHARINGS

Pre-Professional Senior Performance Company – This program culminates in a final performance.

All Other Classes (except PPD Core Training) - These programs culminate in a "sharing" type performance. A sharing is an opportunity for the students to share with their families and friends all they have worked on during the program. Emphasis is placed on process and technique throughout the program rather than “product.” Our final sharing is designed to be short in length, low-pressure, upbeat, and most of all, Fun!

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

We seek to create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all students in our programs. For this reason, we ask that students adhere to certain guidelines for conduct, including the following:

Be respectful of peers and staff at all times.

Try your best at all activities and take artistic risks. Refrain from physical contact with anyone in accordance with the 6-feet social distancing rule.

Be kind to other students and include everyone in activities.

Staff members may set additional expectations based on a class’s specific content Students will also be expected to follow these guidelines

Use downtime to drink water, eat a snack, or go over lines, music, dances, etc. If you are not currently being used onstage, please sit on the sides to watch and learn.

Review your music, lines, choreography, and notes between classes for clarity and understanding. Come in with any homework assignments completed. Participants should clean up at the end of every day and must keep their areas/cubbies clean. Please ensure that personal items are accounted for and that your area is clean of any trash.

NCT Conservatory will not be responsible for any student items brought into a rehearsal space.

Please be sure cell phones are kept on silent so as to not disturb others. Participants should not touch anyone’s belongings without the express permission of the owner.

If a participant is injured at any point during the rehearsal or performance process, please make an adult aware right away and sit out of rehearsals as needed. An incident report will be filled out and the parent will be contacted. No gum chewing permitted in any classrooms. All weapons are prohibited on site at NCT Conservatory

We do not expect discipline problems during our Artistic Training classes. However, if they do occur, the policy for addressing them will be as follows:

1st Infraction: Verbal warning from staff

2nd Infraction: Ask student to sit out from activities until invited back in by staff

3rd Infraction: Conversation with student, staff, and parent/guardian (describing the behavior and staff’s response to it)

If disruptive behavior continues, staff will speak with student and parent/guardian to determine future options.

Severe infractions, especially those which threaten the safety of another student or staff, will be addressed directly with guardians and risk removal from Artistic Training programs.

GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES

MASKS

Masks are optional for students and staff. No student will ever be compelled to remove a mask, and masks are available upon request.

INCREASED CLEANING

In adherence to CDC guidelines, all common spaces & classrooms will be properly sanitized daily.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Many class activities have been modified to comply with physical distancing guidelines (6 feet apart).

WATER BOTTLES

Students should bring their own water bottles. No sharing of food or drink will be permitted.

VACCINATIONS

All staff working onsite and inperson will be fully vaccinated & boosted. Vaccines are encouraged for all eligible participants.

HAND SANITZER

Sanitizer stations are placed throughout the Conservatory so students can use as necessary.

BUILDING ACCESS

Building access is limited to students & staff only. Doors will be locked except during designated times for students to enter & exit.

HVAC UPDATE

MERV-13 filters have been installed at the Conservatory to help filter indoor spaces.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a fluid situation. These and other COVID-19 policies are subject to change at any time at NCT's sole discretion and/or to be consistent with updates and changes in recommendations and requirements from the CDC and other governmental authorities.

HEALTH SCREENING: Per CDC’s guidelines, we ask that parents monitor their child daily and keep them home should they not be feeling well or exhibit any COVID-like symptoms or any cold/flu symptoms.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: Fever (anyone with a temperature 100.4° or higher should not attend class), chills, muscle pain or body aches, headache or confusion, difficulty staying awake or waking up, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, congestion or runny nose, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting.

SYMPTOMATIC STUDENTS: Please do not attend classes if you have ANY signs or symptoms of being ill. Any student exhibiting any cold or flu symptoms, regardless of COVID-19 testing or vaccination status, will immediately be sent home from Conservatory programming.

MASKS: Masks are optional for students, teachers, staff, and visitors.

Those who would like to continue wearing a face covering are encouraged to do so. No student will ever be compelled to remove a mask. Masks are kept in stock and are available to students upon request.

GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES

SOCIAL DISTANCING: Students should not be in physical contact with each other at any time unless deemed safe and appropriate for a classroom activity by a Teaching Artist.

SIGNS: YELLOW signs indicate hand sanitizing stations. RED signs indicate restricted areas. Students should follow the instructions of Conservatory staff and teaching artists when moving between rooms. Please note certain areas are marked as off-limits to students completely.

CLASSES: Classes moving between rooms and collaborating between classes will be limited.

RESTROOMS: Use of restrooms will be limited based on size. Doors have been updated to be opened using feet.

HANDWASHING: Individuals must wash hands or use hand sanitizer upon arriving at the Conservatory, after using the restroom, or after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing, and as needed throughout the day. Hand Sanitizing Stations are provided throughout the building and in each classroom.

CLEANING: The Conservatory building is fully sanitized on a daily basis by a professional cleaning service.

CLASS PROCEDURESCOVID-19 PROCEDURES

STUDENTS SHOULD STAY HOME IF...

They have a temperature 100.4° or higher. They display any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, cold, or flu. They have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

They are unvaccinated and have recently had close contact (within 6 feet, for 15 minutes or more) with a person with COVID19.

COVID-19 NOTIFICATIONS

If a student tests positive for COVID-19, please notify Jose Rondon Jr. (jrondonjr@nctheatre.com) AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

If notifications are necessary, they will be sent out via email to the guardian email addresses provided during student registration.

Please note that while cancelling a Performance or Sharing is always a very last option, extenuating circumstances may necessitate this. In that case, ticket purchases will be refunded but tuition will not.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a fluid situation. These and other COVID19 policies are subject to change at any time at NCT's sole discretion and/or to be consistent with updates and changes in recommendations and requirements from the CDC and other governmental authorities.

If you have questions about COVID-19 safety or procedures, please reach out directly to Jose at jrondonjr@nctheatre.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who teaches the programs?

Our instructors are experienced industry professionals, both local and from NYC, who have worked or are working on Broadway and in TV & Film. They are Actors, Singers, Dancers, Musicians, Directors, Casting Directors, Talent Agents, or Managers. More importantly, they are seasoned Teaching Artists who strive to bring artistry to their teaching, foster a safe environment for creative risktaking, and help students develop their essential theatre skills. Visit the our website for information on current staff.

How do I register and pay?

Use the Registration Page online. Registration is based on student's age at the starting date of the program. IMPORTANT: Registration and Payment is reconciled according to your email address so PLEASE USE THE SAME EMAIL ADDRESS WHEN YOU REGISTER AND PAY.

All correspondence regarding the event will be sent to this same email address. We will copy the secondary guardian/parent email as well.

Are there any health forms to complete?

All medical information should be filled out when registering the student. We directly use the information received when making program student rosters.

Is there any way to reserve a spot?

No. Classes fill quickly on a first come, first-served basis. We’re unable to reserve spots for potential students. You must register for the class AND pay to ensure a spot for your child. If the class you are interested in is already full, you will be put on a waitlist for that class.

Do you offer sibling discounts?

Yes. We offer a 10% discount on each child's registration. Once the first child is registered at full price, then any other child will automatically receive the sibling discount.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you offer financial aid?

There are a limited number of scholarships available. The scholarships are need-based and are available to families who fill out an application. Parents must fill out the online form and provide tax forms to complete the process. After filling out the form, tax form should be sent to jrondonjr@nctheatre.com

Apply for a Scholarship

What is your refund policy?

Cancellations two weeks or more before the first day a program begins will receive a full tuition refund. However, registration fees are non-refundable. Cancellations less than 14 days prior to a program will receive no credit and no refund for any reason including, but not limited to, participants' attendance, schedule changes on behalf of the participant, casting decisions, or participant satisfaction.

How many students are in each class?

Program enrollment is capped to maximize student success, strengthen the sense of ensemble, and provide individualized attention from the Teaching Artists. Students are divided into age-appropriate groups. Generally, classes are capped at 15-20 students.

Where are the programs held?

All programs take place at North Carolina Theatre Conservatory located at 3043 Barrow Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616.

What safety measures are put into place for my child while at the Conservatory?

NCT is dedicated to being a safe haven for youth -- a space free of physical and emotional harm, which includes harassment, bullying, and abuse. All NCT Conservatory Teaching Artists & staff sign and abide by our comprehensive Safe Haven Policy, which is based in part in NCT leadership training provided by the highly regarded organization Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children program.

In addition, NCT Conservatory follows all required state and national safety practices surrounding COVID-19.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does my child need to have experience?

No, just an interest in theatre and creative expression. All levels are welcome. Our Teaching Artists will ensure that all students have individual learning goals and challenges appropriate to their varied abilities. For the Pre-Professional Department, a background in theatre is helpful but not required. The PPD programs will work at a higher level and spend time focusing on audition technique including college audition prep.

Is there an attendance policy?

It is recommended that students not miss more than two classes per program. Student attendance and monitoring class schedules are solely the responsibility of the student and their families.

We do understand that family emergencies and illness can come up unexpectedly. In this case, an email or phone call must be made to alert the instructors that a student will be absent (CLASSES@NCTHEATRE.COM).

Due to the structure of our programming, we are unable to offer make-up classes or credit for any missed sessions. Students should arrive dressed and ready to start class on time. (Please see clothing expectations.)

Note: NCT Conservatory reserves the right to cancel any program due to insufficient enrollment. Tuition fees will be returned to the enrolled families.

What if I need to drop off my child late or pick up my child early?

Please email us at CLASSES@NCTHEATRE.COM to arrange late drop-offs or early pick-ups.

My child has a food allergy or needs medication during the day. How do you handle medical concerns?

Each family will complete medical information during registration. Please make sure this information is accurate, up-to-date, and detailed. Additionally, if a child has a food allergy or medical condition that requires special attention and medication, caregivers are asked to bring a ziplock bag with the child’s name printed clearly on it with needed medication inside. Please include clear instructions for administration of medicine and a note detailing the type of allergy, severity, parent contact information, and doctor contact information).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there a Dress Code?

For safety reasons, NO flip flops, skirts, sandals, Uggs, or Crocs are allowed in any Conservatory programming.

Dance attire such as jazz pants, black sweatpants, shorts with a leotard or tight-fitting shirt (any color), or camisole top. Students are also welcome to wear leotard and tights. Dance sneakers or jazz shoes are highly recommended. (Students may also need other shoes based on show performance material.)

Will there be a performance/show at the end of the program?

Mini Courses, Dance Classes, Triple Threat, Elective Classes - These programs culminate in a "sharing" type performance. A sharing is an opportunity for the students to share with their families and friends all they have worked on during the program. Emphasis is placed on process and technique throughout the program rather than “product.” Our final sharing is designed to be short in length, low-pressure, upbeat, and most of all, Fun!

Pre-Professional Department Senior Performance Company – This program culminates in a final performance.

Can parents sit in on classes to observe?

We maintain a closed class policy. This format best supports your child’s development of self-expression, creativity, self-confidence, and independence. Closed class time allows participants to focus without interruption, making the class environment conducive to an educational and cooperative experience.

What else does my child need to bring?

Students should bring a water bottle. pencil or pen, binder, a small notebook, and any other materials or supplies as indicated by the Teaching Artist.

Pre-Professional Training students are required to bring all of the above as well as their songs and monologues daily.

I have an a question not listed here. How do I contact you?

Please email us at classes@nctheatre.com for all questions not covered in the handbook.