Terms and Conditions

Enrolment

Enrolments are accepted at any time of the year, subject to availability in the chosen classes.  The first week of classes is offered as a free trial (excludes private lessons).  There is no obligation or commitment and if you change your mind, there is nothing to pay.  Each new student is entitled to one free trial week.  They must not have attended any regular SA«PA classes before.  If you decide to continue after the free trial week, you will be invoiced for the remainder of the current month along with the following months fees.  If you decide to withdraw the enrolment after the first week, you must give 4-weeks’ notice.  Returning for a second week of classes constitutes an understanding of our terms and conditions and acceptance of our 4-week notice period.

Once a student is enrolled, it is assumed that they will continue their enrolment for the remainder of the year.  New classes can be added to the enrolment at any time (subject to availability).  Students may trial new classes for one week at the usual weekly rate with no commitment.  If they decide to continue after the first week, the class will be added to their enrolment for the year and the 4-week notice period must be observed if they decide to withdraw.

At the end of each year, students will be asked to renew their enrolment for the following year.  They are not guaranteed a place in their classes unless this enrolment form is returned along with their registration fee.  Registration fees are non-refundable.

Fees

There is an annual registration fee per family which is payable on re-enrolment for existing students and on the first invoice for new students.  The registration fee is only due once per year and is non-refundable.  Class Fees are then invoiced monthly.  Returning students must pay their first month’s tuition in January.  New students must pay for the current month as well as the following month.  This ensures that all students are a month ahead.

Fees that are not paid in full by due date will incur a late fee of 10% (of the outstanding bill).  Once a student is a month behind on fees, their enrolment will be cancelled and their account forwarded to debt collection.  7 days notice will be given before this is actioned to allow time for the outstanding fees to be paid.  All debt collection fees will be added to the account.

Our preferred method of payment is Direct Debit – when choosing this option, fees can be paid fortnightly, weekly or monthly.  We can also accept cash, credit card or bank transfer and payments using these methods must be made monthly.  Families wishing to pay their account in advance at the beginning of the year are invited to contact us to receive a 5% discount on their total bill.

Private Lessons

Once booked, Private Lessons must be paid for even if you do not attend.  If more than 7 days notice is given, lessons can be rescheduled provided a mutual time can be agreed upon with the teacher.

Photography

SA Performing Arts regularly photograph and film classes, class activities and events.  By signing the enrolment form, you are agreeing for SA Performing Arts to use images taken during classes and events for marketing and promotional use. 

During Viewing Week and at the Awards Showcase, parents are permitted to take photos/video of their children.

Parents are not permitted to take photographs or video of the annual concert.  Professional photographs and video are taken of this event and made available for parents to purchase.

Family Discount

Family Discounts are deducted automatically from your invoice.  If you add or withdraw from a class, your discount will be adjusted as required.  Family members must be living at the same address with the same person responsible for their fees to qualify for the Family Discount. 

Classes

Once fully enrolled, it is assumed that you will attend all classes.  If you miss a class, there is no refund available.  To withdraw from a class mid-year, you must give 4 weeks’ notice.  After the notice period, any overpaid fees will be refunded to you.

Students should arrive for classes on time.  Entering after the class has begun can cause disruption for both the student and the class.  Students arriving more than 10 minutes late for a lesson may be prohibited from taking part due to the safety implications of missing the warm-up. 

Our responsibility for each child ends when the class ends.  A parent/guardian should be present at the end of the class to collect the student.  Students who stay at the studio unattended must be responsible for themselves.

No food is allowed in class.  Food should be consumed in the waiting area only.  All students must bring a bottle of water to every class (plain water only).  Drama and Music students must also bring a folder to keep their scripts and lyrics in.

Students must wear clothing that is appropriate to their class.  We have no set uniform for classes but students must be sensible in what they wear.  For some dance classes, specific items of clothing and shoes are required.  Please see ‘Uniform’ information sheet for more details.

Parents are usually expected to wait outside of the studio.  The exception to this is for Star Tots Babies classes where parents should attend with their child and assist them with the class.  A Viewing Week is held at the end of each term (Junior classes & below) for parents to watch their child’s class and see what they have been working on that term (no viewing week in Term 2 due to the concert).

Parents are welcome to leave the premises while their child attends classes but must return to collect them at the scheduled finishing time.

We are ‘toilet training friendly’ and are happy to accept students who are not yet toilet trained and can work with parents to assist in this process. Please speak to your child’s teacher if you have any specific requirements.

Please be aware that specific teachers are not guaranteed for each class and are subject to change without notice.

Concerts & Performances

Our annual ‘concert’ is held in the middle of each year.  All students (Pre-School level and above) who are enrolled at the beginning of Term 2 may perform in the concert.  Performing is optional.  If you choose to perform, you will be required to organise costumes based on a simple brief.  These can usually be sourced without large expense.

Our annual ‘Awards Showcase’ is held at the end of each year.  All students are invited to perform.  Performing is optional.  All students perform in uniform and no costumes are required.  All performing students are presented with a Certificate of Achievement.

Throughout the year we offer our students opportunities to perform in local events.  Details are given in advance and students are usually required to attend at least one rehearsal and to wear uniform for the performance.

Exams & Competitions

Most of our classes have the opportunity to enter for exams and competitions.  Exams are optional, but completing exams will assist students to move up to higher level classes quicker. 

When entering for exams and competitions, you are agreeing to pay the exam/entry fee.  This is usually non-refundable and due when booking the exam/competition entry.

Students participating Troupe Classes will be required to complete a separate agreement for the Terms & Conditions of those classes.