Terms and Conditions

Thank you for taking the time to read our Drama Stars Academy (DSA) Terms and Conditions. Your support helps ensure a safe and positive environment for all our Stars.

Dress Code

• Out of Uniform: Please ensure that your child does not attend in their school uniform to maintain their privacy (as class videos are shared on Facebook). Stars should wear black leggings or pants, black socks, and black shoes. They may wear any additional clothing over the black attire, except for Senior Improv classes, where students can wear their own choice of clothing. If you require help sourcing these items, please let us know.
• Costume Layering: The standard attire allows for easy and quick costume layering during class activities.

Class Arrival and Pick-up

• Punctuality: Arrive on time for our group Star connection warm-up. For safety reasons, the studio door will be locked at the start of the class. For late entries, please call or text us at 0417 535 200.
• Pick-up Protocol: After class, the studio door will be locked again. Parents/guardians are required to knock or phone to collect their Star in person.

Personal Items

• Labelling: All personal items, including clothes and water bottles, should be clearly labelled with the Star’s full name. Any unclaimed items at the end of each term will be donated or discarded due to limited studio space.
• Lost Property: Any lost property unclaimed by the term’s end will be donated/discarded.

Food and Allergy Guidelines

• Allergy Care: Please do not bring or share food items containing popcorn, nuts, or crustaceans in our classes or holiday programs.

Code of Conduct

• Respectful Environment: The DSA Code of Conduct (displayed at the studio entrance) must be followed to maintain a nurturing and respectful environment, free from bullying.
• Script Memorisation: Stars are expected to allocate time outside of class for any script work or assigned material.

Class Materials

• Materials Requirement: All scripts, folders, and classwork need to be brought to every class. At the end of the term or year, all written materials, costumes, and props must be returned to DSA.
• Prohibitions: For safety, climbing or standing on the outside studio wall is prohibited. Chewing gum is also not permitted during class.
•  Mobile phones / Smart watches are NOT to be used during lesson, they are to be placed in the allocated box at the start of each class.

Enrolment and Attendance

• New Students: All new students must complete the Student Information Form before participating in a DSA trial class.
• Family Watching: Family members can attend the last half-hour of class during Week 9 of each term. Term 4 is an exception as it culminates in the end-of-year Showcase.
• Performance Class Entry: Admission into Performance Classes is by audition or invitation. Please speak to Donna for more information about your Star’s readiness. It is an expectation that your STAR will commit for two (2) terms.
• Absences: Please notify us by text if your Star will be absent. If you know of any upcoming family or school commitments (e.g., camps), please inform us in advance.

Make-up Classes and Private Coaching

• Make-up Classes: If absence notification is given at least 1 hour before class, make-up classes can be arranged within the same school term, subject to availability in other DSA classes.
• Private Coaching Cancellations: Please provide at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel a private coaching session.

Electronic Devices and Privacy

• Devices in Class: All electronic devices, including phones, must be kept away during class to respect student privacy. No photos or videos are allowed without permission. Class videos are shared on DSA’s private Facebook/Instagram pages.
• Media Use Consent: Videos and photos created in class may be used for promotional purposes (e.g., Facebook/Instagram ads).

Payments and Fees

• Commitment - When you book a place for your STAR, you are committing to the full term. As places are secured and limited, invoices are payable in full and change of mind is not accepted.
• Payment Terms: Full term fees are due on or before 14 days of invoice issue, or before 1st class of Term. If you require a payment plan, please speak with us.
• Class Deposits: a $50 non refundable deposit is required to secure your Stars place at DSA
• Term 4 Fees: An End-of-Year Showcase fee ($TBC) will be added to cover the End-of-Year Showcase.
• Late Fee: A late fee of $33 will be applied for payments still outstanding after 7 days of due date

Costumes and Performances

• Concert Costume Hire: Costumes for DSA concert poem performances are available for hire at $20-$50. Special DSA costume Eisteddfod hire starts from $20, depending on the costume.
• Awards and Trophies: Stars receive a gold medal after their concert performance. Attendance trophies are awarded to students with 4 consecutive terms attendances. If a Star joins after Term 1, their backdated trophy will be awarded at the following year’s concert. Note: Three days of Holiday Drama can count as one DSA term.

Contact and Support

• Communication: If extenuating family circumstances arise (e.g., illness), we will do our best to support you.

Health and Safety Protocols

• Illness Policy: For the well-being of all Stars, please refrain from attending class if your child is unwell. Let us know if your Star contracts any contagious illness so we can take necessary precautions.
• First Aid: If an incident occurs during class, a basic first aid kit is available, and parents will be notified immediately if further medical assistance is required.

Behaviour and Expectations

• Classroom Etiquette: Stars are expected to participate fully in class activities and demonstrate respect toward teachers and fellow students.
• Parental Observations: Outside of scheduled family watching times, parents/guardians are asked not to observe classes to maintain a focused environment for our Stars.

Communication

• Updates and Notices: Important updates regarding schedules, events, and classes will be communicated via email or the DSA Facebook group. Please ensure your contact details are up-to-date.
• Feedback and Questions: We welcome feedback from both Stars and parents/guardians. For any questions or concerns, please speak to Donna directly.

Refund and Withdrawal Policy

• Refund Policy: Once term fees are paid, they are non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances (e.g., long-term illness supported by medical certificates, injury)
• Class Withdrawal: If you wish to withdraw your child from classes, please provide at least two weeks' notice. Any remaining term fees may be forfeited .
• Change of Mind
  We understand that circumstances can change. While we are unable to offer refunds for change of mind, we will always try to accommodate a change of class time where availability allows. Once enrolled, your booking is confirmed and payment is required.