Policies

EXPECTATIONS

The staff of ChiArts is committed to providing a high level of quality education, both artistic and academic, to its students. Likewise, in order to reap the benefits of this well-rounded education, each student and parent is asked to make a commitment to the rigorous demands of this unique program. Discipline, respect, a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and experience new ideas, dedication, thorough preparation for class, and regular attendance are necessary components for the success of the student.

ATTENDANCE

Punctuality and reliability are valued traits for professional artists, and ChiArts holds its students to these same standards. The ChiArts Theatre curriculum is performance centered, with each member of the ensemble relying upon the others for a successful learning experience and performance. Regular attendance is critical and will be a significant component of each student’s grade. Tardiness and absences will lower the student’s grade as follows:

Three “tardies” will count as one absence.
Three absences will lower the student’s earned grade by one full letter.

EARLY DISMISSAL

A student’s enrollment in the Theatre Department is for the duration of the entire school day, which ends at 5PM every day that ChiArts is in session. In order to provide a consistent education and to insure fairness to all ensemble members, it is the school’s policy that students must attend the entire school day. Early dismissal for any outside additional class or extracurricular activity is not permitted.

CLASS CHANGES

A student’s enrollment in a designated department is for the duration of four years. The scope and sequence of the Theatre Department follows a highly rigorous sequential curriculum that begins with instruction in the foundations and progresses in a designed structure to encompass greater challenge and advanced instruction. Each student must follow this sequence and is not permitted to request changes in their class schedule. The program is designed to allow some electives to be taken in the final year but otherwise the scope and sequence requires that students maintain a strong focus on their chosen major. No exceptions will be made.

EXTERNAL ARTS INSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCES

(NOT CHIARTS RELATED)
Due to the particular scope and sequence of the curriculum and anticipated performances outside the scope of classroom instruction, we ask that students consult and receive approval from the Head of the Theatre Department before enrolling in or auditioning for any outside artistic endeavor (e.g. other arts programs, personal lessons, camps, competitions and performances).

GENERAL

Guests – No guests are permitted in class unless as part of a ChiArts designated day or activity.

No food, candy or gum chewing is permitted in class. The only beverage that a student may bring to class is water in a bottle or container that can be sealed completely.

Cell Phones must be turned off (not simply placed on silent) upon entering the classroom. Texting is not permitted.

GENERAL DRESS CODE

The Theatre Department requires that all students wear proper dress to insure focus on the work and safety. Below are initial dress code requirements for first year classes.

Acting Class (Acting and Musical Theatre majors) and Voice and Speech class (Acting majors) Dress Code

ALL STUDENTS

  • Solid Black Pants and Shirts – loose enough so you are free to move but not overly baggy
  • Black rubber soled shoes – No open toe sandals or heels
  • No rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, or tongue or lip piercings. The only acceptable earrings are small studs.
  • Nails must be no longer than fingertips.

Movement Class (Acting majors) Dress Code

This class requires form-fitting clothing that allows the body to be seen and move. No baggy clothing or items that restrict movement.

GIRLS

  • Solid Black leotard or Solid Black or White tank t-shirt
  • Solid Black tights, leggings, yoga pants, athletic shorts or sweat pants

BOYS

  • Solid Black or White tank t-shirt
  • Solid Black tights, yoga pants, athletic shorts or sweat pants

ALL STUDENTS

  • No rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, or tongue piercings. The only acceptable earrings are small studs.
  • Nails must be no longer than fingertips.

HAIRSTYLE FOR GIRLS

All hair must be pulled back, away from face in a secure bun.

HAIRSTYLE FOR BOYS

Neatly close-cropped hair

Ballet Class (Musical Theatre majors) Dress Code

No outerwear will be allowed in class. This includes T-shirts, leg warmers, sweat/pajama pants, shorts, head scarves, hats and/or bandanas.

GIRLS

  • Black leotard
  • Ballet pink or flesh-tone tights
  • Pink or flesh-tone ballet shoes

BOYS

  • White tank t-shirt
  • Black convertible tights
  • White leather ballet shoes
  • White crew cut socks
  • Black dance belt (supporter)
  • Leather belt (waist)

ALL STUDENTS

  • No rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, earrings will be allowed in the dance studio (small stud only for girls)
  • Nails must be no longer than fingertips

Vocal Techniques Class (Musical Theatre majors) Dress Code

  • No tongue or lip piercings
  • Nails must be no longer than fingertips