Does my child need to have prior performing experience to participate in STARS?

No, we welcome children with all levels of abilities, since our main focus is to help them build confidence and be inspired! Our instructors are experienced professionals who have a desire to teach children. By dividing the students into three age ranges, we ensure the lessons are appropriate for children of all abilities in each class.

How long is each class?

Each class is approximately 50 minutes long, and there are three per day for each child. We start with a 10 minute group ice breaker/warm up followed by 50 minutes of instruction. After the second class, there is a 10-minute break followed by a third 50 minute lesson.

How many classes are there during the year?

STARS runs for 36 weeks during the regular school year. We follow each county’s school calendar, so there are no classes during Spring break, Thanksgiving break and national holidays. We will send reminders whenever classes aren’t being held. However, we do run summer camps, so please check our current schedule for more details and to register.

Do the children have to wear uniforms?

We do require all STARS participants to wear a uniform, which is why you will receive a t-shirt included in your registration (extra are available for purchase). Students should wear clothes that allow easy movement and are appropriate for dancing. For what type of shoes to wear, jazz shoes are our preference which can be purchased through a dance supply store. If you want to purchase additional STARS uniform shirts, visit our online shop.

Do we need to bring snacks?

The children will have a break in between their lessons and will need a small snack and a drink. Please do not bring any sweets or fizzy drinks. The children will also need to have a filled water bottle with them to stay hydrated.

Do I stay with my child?

We ask that you drop your child off and pick her/him up at the end of the session from the lobby. For the students' benefit and to help them stay focused, we do not allow the parents in the classroom.

Will I know how my child is progressing?

Absolutely. During the school year session, our instructors will complete two progress updates for each student, which are shared with parents and students: one mid-way through term (December) and one at the end (May). For summer camps, an evaluation for each student is shared with parents and participants at the end of each one.

Individual progress is also documented within the official STARS Learning Journal you can buy for your child at the beginning of each term. The STARS Learning Journal is a booklet that includes key terms and elements of the curriculum that students use for reference and recording important notes and thoughts.

Will there be any performance opportunities?

For our main academy children, there are two performance opportunities: the classroom demonstration and the end-of-year performance. Our summer camps will each end with a performance. If your child becomes part of our performance troupe, there will be additional chances to perform within the community.

Is there an audition required for the Performance Troupe?

Although our main academy and summer camps our open to all, our performance troupe requires audition to enter. More details will be provided.

Who will be teaching the classes?

Our teachers are trained professionals with real-world experience within the performing arts areas of acting, singing and dancing. You can learn more about them in our teacher profiles (soon to be listed on the “About STARS” page.)

Do you offer Master Classes?

We aim to regularly provide masterclasses periodically from highly experienced acting, dancing and singing experts from Broadway and the world of the performing arts. Those opportunities are open to all STARS students and will be announced in advance. If a master class is made available to the general public, current student of STARS main school will receive a discount.

Will pictures of my child appear on social media?

When you register, as part of the waiver, you will be able to acknowledge on the form if you wish for your child’s photo to be taken during class and performances and featured on our social media and marketing channels. We are very appreciative of you granting us permission to feature your children as part of the STARS experience.

What are the payment options?

For each term we offer monthly or full payment plans . If you opt to pay for one full term (August - December; January - May) or both terms (one time for the entire school year) at once, you will receive a discount. There is also a discount when you register multiple children from the same family. Summer camps are paid up front with one payment.