ActSmarts FAQ

1. How does our program differ from other children’s theater programs in the Tri-Valley?

1. Our programs heavily invest in the “process” of learning as well as the “result”. We provide students with the highest quality materials for costume designing, set designing, theater facilities, and support facilities.
2. Children are allowed to try any role they want for the first two weeks.  This allows them a better understanding of the entire show.
3. Children may choose to act in any role as well as multiple lead roles. Most of our students choosing leads will perform upwards of three to four roles.
4. Once a child has practiced their roles for two weeks they then present their work to the “company” and are voted in by their fellow thespians.  Teachers do not choose who gets a role – it is solely the choice of the cast.
5. In typical theater programs a child is fortunate if they get one lead role, and would have to do four different productions in order to add 3-4 roles onto their performing resumes.  Our students accomplish competency at multiple roles in a mere four weeks.
6. Our students learn the historical concepts behind the plot and will have a cooking day wherein they make and eat food from the genre of the show.  In Annie we made Raisin Wine (the period of the prohibition) and Spam with Bisquick (both were invented during the depression).  In Magic Flute we made Date rolls and they learned how figs were made.  None of us have eaten figs since!
7. Our students do outdoor physical activities at lunchtime.  We go to different parks daily, local swimming pools, and provide shopping trips for teens.  This gives them a break from the intense theater work and helps them make friendships with other students, as well as get quality exercise for the day.
8. Our students are given fun voice lessons by an excellent NATS & MTAC voice teacher. Careful attention is given to the quality of the sound, and healthy vocal practices that enhance range building.  We don’t allow shouting or shout/belting.
9. Our students are given sewing lessons and help work on the construction of their own costumes and “look”.  They will choose their wigs, makeup, and accessories.
10. Students are given training in set design and painting.  They study professional models and paint charts by world class set designers.
11. Children are given quality snacks daily and are allowed lunch cards at local restaurants.
12. Our theater program was established in 1995 and has been under the same ownership since then.  Established by Deborah McQueen and Jim Hutchins, both of these individuals live and work in Livermore where they raise their daughter Erin.  Deborah McQueen has 30 years of performing and teaching experience in the performing arts. 
13. This is a child centered program where the learning needs of the child or teen is given priority over deadlines, and other external pressures.
14. All teachers and trainers are FBI fingerprinted and background checked for your child’s safety.

2. What if I enroll my child and we change our minds?

1. All deposits are non-refundable.  Additionally, withdrawls after July 1st will forfeit their full paid tuition.  Please make your choice to enroll carefully.

3. Do you provide pre-care and after-care?

1. Yes, we do.  However, you must register for a place in advance. We do not offer drop in daycare.

4. Do we get a DVD of the show?

1. Yes, we hire a good videographer to video your children during the show process and during show time.  You may purchase a DVD after the show.

5. Do you offer T-shirts?

1. Yes, we offer camp T-shirts to each child in the program.

6. Do you offer complimentary tickets

1. Yes, we offer two complimentary tickets per child.  If you have three children enrolled you will receive 6 complimentary tickets.

7. Do you take children with LD’s?

1. We try our best to help families coping with LD’s, but each child and situation is looked at carefully.

8. Do you work with children with health problems?

1. Yes, we help families with Diabetes, food allergies, and other health issues.

9. Do you offer sibling discounts?

1. Yes, we offer a 5% discount on the second and third child.

10. Do you offer any other discounts?

1. Yes, we offer an Early Bird Registration discount for registrations before the camp begins.

11. Are the children in a separate area from the teens?

1. Children are taught in separate groups and also together depending on which activity they are working on. Frequently teens become mentors to younger children. In the final production the cast will have mixed ages.

12. Do you provide lunches or do the parents?

1. Parents can bring bagged lunches or they may purchase a hot lunch card. The hot lunch cards generally have five different lunch options for a complete meal. We work in collaboration with local restaurants. Families can use both bagged lunches and hot lunch cards during the week.

13. Do the children leave the premises?

1. Yes, we frequently leave the premises at lunch time and go to local parks, and swimming areas and special tours. Transportation is provided by limousine service and/or our staff vehichles. All of our vehicles are insured and bonded.

14. If children are hot at the park can they get out of the sun?

1. Yes, generally we choose parks with lots of trees or the students can relax in the Extreme Party Trailer which follows the students to the park.