STAGES Performing Arts Academy
Policies, Payments, and Procedures
POLICIES
Withdraw / Refund:
Tuition fees will be fully refunded (less the annual $25 registration fee) only if the student withdraws before the first day of class for that session. If you withdraw after the deadline, no refund will be given. Additionally, STAGES Performing Arts Academy cannot provide refunds or credits for classes missed by students due to illness or personal scheduling conflicts.
Medical reasons, documented on doctor’s letterhead, will receive a refund (excluding the annual $25 registration fee). Any scheduled payments are dismissed as a courtesy. Withdrawals must be submitted in writing by emailing the Director of Education and Outreach at cnordin@stagesstlouis.org.
Private lesson students must provide no less than 24-hour cancellation notice to SPAA to receive a refund for the missed lesson. Any cancellation after the 24-hour window is non-refundable. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Attendance:
Student attendance is mandatory to ensure the working theatre ensemble environment of the classroom is maintained. Teachers give out roles and solos to students, and absent students inhibit the rehearsal process.
- Students in semester classes are not allowed more than 4 absences.
- Please call the Academy Office to report an absence.
- Refunds and / or make-up sessions are not available for missed classes.
- If a student exceeds the absentee limit without contacting the Academy Office in advance, the student will not be allowed to perform in the end of session showcase.
- Students and parents are not allowed in any of the classrooms without a teacher present.
Cancellation:
If a course does not reach the required minimum enrollment (typically 3 students) or there are circumstances beyond our control, STAGES reserves the right to cancel. You will be notified, and we will work with you to find a suitable exchange. If no replacement course can be settled upon, STAGES will refund your money in full, less your non-refundable annual registration fee.
PAYMENTS:
Registration Fee:
Families pay a non-refundable annual $25 registration fee at the time of enrollment.
Payment Plans:
Families must put a credit card on file in their account at the time of registration. Families may elect to make a payment via cash, check, or an alternate credit card prior to the automatic payment schedule.
Halves: Pay a deposit of half the cost of the course, plus the $25 annual registration fee (if applicable). The second half of the course will be charged automatically either on the first day of class or at the start of semester.
Thirds: Pay a deposit of 1/3 the cost of the class, plus the $25 annual registration fee (if applicable) at the time of registration. The second third is automatically charged on the first day of class. The last payment will be charged in the fourth week of class.
Discounts:
Sibling Discount: 20%
Chesterfield Resident: 10%
Waitlist:
If a class is full, you can choose to add your name to the waitlist. Please click “Wait List” on the online registration page, next to the course of choice and fill out your registration form to reserve your spot. You will be contacted if a space in the program opens.
PROCEDURES
Inclement Weather:
Closings due to inclement weather will be broadcast on local television station KSDK, on our website, and on the STAGES Performing Arts Academy Facebook and Instagram pages. Please always call the Academy on the days in question for up-to-date information on weather-related closings and delays.
If two or more classes are cancelled due to weather, we will attempt to schedule a make-up session according to the teacher’s availability. If a make-up date is not available after two or more cancelled sessions, we will credit your account for the price of one (1) class session.
Parent Observations and Showcases:
We do not permit caregivers in the classroom while a class, camp or rehearsal is in session. However, Observation Week is a casual open house in which caregivers are welcome to come and observe students in class and connect with the teaching artists. Observation Week is an event for Full Year and Semester Sessions only.
Full Year and Semester classes culminate in a showcase on the last day of the course.
Dress Code:
Students are to wear comfortable clothes for acting, musical theatre and voice classes. Closed toed shoes are recommended for all classes. No flip-flops, slip-on shoes, or heels are allowed. Students must be dressed in dance clothes for all dance classes (i.e. leotard, sports bra, tank top, shorts, leggings, dance pants, etc.) Appropriate dance shoes must be worn for ballet, jazz and tap.