School Policy

Changes in Policy and Course Schedule:
The Acting School reserves the right to combine, add, delete or change courses in order to support that approach. The Acting School also reserves the right to make changes in faculty, school calendar and in any general or specific school/academic policies.

Payment:  [Applies to all payments made to The Acting School]
Payment may be made in the form of cash, money order, personal check or checks drawn on credit cards.

The student must be paid in full prior to attending classes. The Acting School will accept payments, known as the "Pay Ahead Program". Operating much like a lay-a-way plan, the student makes payments toward the purchase of the class. Under no circumstance will the student be allowed to attend prior to payment in full. The Acting School may offer a discount for any workshop that is paid prior to one week in advance of the start of the first meeting of the workshop. The discounts will be advertised along with the price of the workshop and may not be used in combination with any other discount. Only one discount per workshop will be given. There will be fee of $30 for any bounced checks and the balance due must be paid in full [the amount of the check plus $30] in cash within 5 business days.

Refund/Credit Policy: Actor Enrichment Workshops
A full refund will be made to the student should The Acting School cancel the workshop. A partial refund equaling the amount paid minus an administrative fee of a 15% or $100 [whichever is less] will be made, should the student withdraw from the program 72 hours prior to the start of the first meeting of the workshop. The student will receive a partial credit for the amount paid minus an administrative fee of a 15% or $100 [whichever is less] if withdrawing at least 24 hours prior to the start of the first meeting of the workshop. If the student does not notify The Acting School within the 24 hour period, the student will not receive credit nor refund. This policy also applies to "Pay Ahead" plan participants. Students receiving credit may apply the credit to another workshop.  The Acting School will not refund the difference, however The Acting School will re-credit the amount of the difference. The student will have 1 year to redeem the credit, after which time it will be considered void. In the extreme event that The Acting School ceases operation before which the student has redeemed the credit, The Acting School will make every effort to notify the student of the company’s closing and offer a final notice to redeem the credit.

All Weekend or One day special Seminars, Workshops and Master Classes require that payment in full be made 72 hours prior to the Workshop.

Refund/Credit Policy: Conservatory Training Programs
* * * For specific Payment/Refund Policy for The Conservatory Training Programs see Cost/Payment under Conservatory Training

Attendance:
To derive the full benefit of the workshops at The Acting School, it is essential that absences and tardiness be kept to a minimum. The classes are based on participation, therefore regular attendance is necessary to successfully complete the course. Each student's record of attendance and participation will be monitored and in cases of extreme absenteeism or tardiness, The Acting School may take disciplinary action.
It is at the discretion of the instructor to set attendance expectations.
There are no make-up classes, credits or refunds for time missed under any circumstances.

Non-Discrimination:
The Acting School is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, admissions and employment. It is the policy of the school to provide equal opportunity for all qualified applicants, students and employees and to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual preference, dietary preference, political affiliation, agency affiliation, physical disability or marital status.

Sexual Harassment:
The Acting School faculty, staff and students of the school shall not condone any actions which a reasonable person would consider as either gender discrimination or sexual harassment. Complaints of sexual harassment should be made to The Acting School Executive Director in writing. Every effort will be made to resolve problems on an individual basis. Any transgressions of this policy will result in prompt and appropriate disciplinary action.

Alcohol/Drug Use:
The unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by students and employees is prohibited.  The Acting School is a drug free workplace as defined by federal regulation. Students or employees found in violation of any local, state or federal law regarding the use, possession or distribution of alcohol or other drugs will be subject to disciplinary procedure and, in addition may be subject to legal action.

Disclaimer:
The State of Florida prohibits any talent agent from operating a school and prohibits any school from acting as a talent agent or agency. Therefore, The Acting School provides no formal placement and receives no fees from opportunities that students or graduates may obtain from their association with The Acting School.   The Acting School is classified by the State of Florida as Exempt from Licensure and must include the following statement in all published materials:
All programs, workshops and seminars offered at The Acting School are intended for enrichment and are not designed to qualify the participants for employment in the entertainment industry. The completion of any class at The Acting School is not a guarantee of employment or representation.

Office Rules and Procedures:
The Administrative office is to be used by The Acting School staff and faculty only. Unauthorized entry and/or use of the office by any student or non-employee may result in disciplinary action.

Student Rule of Conduct:
The Acting School students are to conduct themselves in a manner befitting a professional learning environment. All students must respect the rights of others. Our students are individually representative of The Acting School as a whole and therefore it is expected that behavior outside of the classroom as well as in class, reflects that of professionals. The Acting School reserves the right to refuse admission, dismiss or expel any student who is not in compliance with this Rule of Conduct.

Student Dress Code:
The Acting School faculty reserves the right to set specific dress code standards for class.

Class Size:
The number of students assigned to each class is based on a student/teacher ratio that is beneficial to the goals and objectives of that class. Classes will be structured so that student critiques are easily accomplished. Lecture classes may be larger.

Auditors:
Auditors are permitted to attend most Actor Enrichment Workshops as space permits [with the exception of Conservatory Training Classes]. Please contact the office for permission and an appointment.

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Conservatory Training Program Guidelines            Back to Top

Refund/Credit Policy: Conservatory Training Programs
* * * For specific Paymend/Refund Policy for The Conservatory Training Programs see Cost/Payment under Conservatory Training

Physical Demands of the Training Program:
The work of the actor requires stamina and concentration to withstand the working hours; it demands a variety of physical and vocal capabilities. General fitness is a prime requisite for successful completion of the Conservatory Training Programs.
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE CONSERVATORY TRAINING PROGRAMS AT THEIR OWN RISK.

Attendance:
To derive the full benefit of the Conservatory Training Programs, it is essential that absences and tardiness be kept to a minimum. The classes are based on participation, therefore regular attendance is necessary to successfully complete the term. Each student's record of attendance and participation will be monitored and in cases of extreme absenteeism or tardiness, The Acting School may take disciplinary action.
It is at the discretion of the instructor to set attendance expectations.
There are no make-up classes, credits or refunds for time missed under any circumstances.

Sufficient Progress and Progress Evaluations:
Students enrolled in the Conservatory Training Programs must maintain sufficient progress in all courses each term.  Students who fail to do so may be dismissed due to insufficient progress.

Insufficient Progress Reports
No earlier than the 3rd week and no later than the 14th week of any term, the student may receive an Insufficient Progress Report at the discretion of the instructor. The report will briefly outline the reasons for the report and specific measures as to how the student may rectify the insufficient progress. Copies of the report will become part of the student's permanent academic record. It is recommended that students, at their own discretion, schedule an appointment with their instructors to discuss the report.

Progress Evaluations
Prior to the end of each term the student will receive an evaluation of progress in each course. Copies of the evaluation will become part of the student's permanent academic record. It is recommended that students, at their own discretion, schedule an appointment with their instructors to discuss the evaluation in greater detail.

Disciplinary Action/Expulsion:
Students may be expelled from the program at any time and shall not entitled to refund or credit. Amounts owed to The Acting Acting school shall be payable in full at the time of expulsion. Reasons for expulsion may include any one or all of the following:
Non-payment of tuition fees or other financial obligation.
Insufficient progress. Failure to complete make up work outlined in the students Insufficient Progress Report. [see above]
Failure to comply with the policies and guidelines of the Conservatory Training Programs.
Excessive absenteeism. Faculty may set limits and at the discretion of the instructor, the students absences may be considered extreme.
Any behavior deemed in violation of the "Student Rule of Conduct" [see above].  The decision shall be at the discretion of the Executive Director.

Grievance Procedures & Right to Appeal:
The following procedures should be followed in all situations in which the student has a complaint or wishes to lodge a grievance:
[1] Contact the Executive Director and orally outline the grievance. The student will be advised as to the appropriate course of action; [2] Follow through on the advice of the Executive Director; [3] Submit a written grievance to the Executive Director of The Acting School within 30 days of the time the alleged offense took place [if step 2 has not been fruitful in resolving the difficulty]. The Acting School Executive Director will prepare a written response within 15 weekdays after receipt of the written grievance. The decision of the Executive Director is final.

The student has the right to appeal any decision made by The Acting School and is entitled to a full and detailed explanation for any action taken regarding the student. A written request of appeal must be submitted to The Acting School Executive Director no later than one week after the date of administrative action. The Acting School will then notify the student to set up an appointment to discuss the decision. The decision after appeal shall be final.

Auditors:
Auditors are NOT  permitted to attend Conservatory Training Classes.  Students and/or staff may invite guests on presentation days only.  Presentation days are at the discretion of Individual Instructors.