Frequently Asked Questions
Classes
What does New Orleans Youth Theatre offer?
We offer weekly group classes in dance, acting/improv, and voice. We also offer kids the opportunity to perform in a musical with age-matched peers all throughout the year! Check out our schedule here.
What ages do you accommodate?
Currently we offer programming for toddlers all the way through 14 year olds! We also accept a couple of older students on a case by case basis. You can filter our class schedule by age on the lefthand side of the master schedule, located here.
Do you have any toddler classes?
Yes we do! Check out class times and descriptions here.
What about classes for 4 and 5 year olds?
We have a special singing, acting and dancing class offered just for 4s and 5s. This is a great way to get prepared for our core classes. Check out the class description and available sections here.
6, 7, 8 year olds?
Age 6 is when our core program begins. Starting at 6, children have the option to take voice, dance, acting/improv, and participate in a musical. We also have a special Costumes and Crafts class for kids as young as 6. Check out these offerings here.
9-14 year olds?
9-14 year olds can also choose from voice, dance, acting/improv, and participation in musicals, just at a higher level! They are also welcome to enroll in our Costumes and Crafts class. Check out the schedule and class descriptions here.
My child is on the age cusp between levels. How do I choose where to start? (For example, a 5-but-almost-6-year-old choosing between Minis and Level 1)
In cases like this, age ranges are an approximation. Classes should be chosen based on your child’s capacity for behavioral regulation, previous experience with performing arts, and/or natural ability. If you are not sure what you should sign up for, please contact us and we will figure it out together.
Private Lessons
My child is interested in private lessons. How do we register?
Private lessons are available for purchase through Jackrabbit. Once you register, Miss Jenna will contact you to find a time that works for everyone. Click here to register in Jackrabbit.
My child is interested in semi-private lessons with a friend. Is that an option?
Private lessons can be shared between up to four students, for a “semi private” class. This is a good option for children who are intimidated by private lessons, and/or families who are looking for a more affordable option. Click here for more information on pricing for privates and semi-privates.
Tuition
How much do classes cost?
Cost depends on the length of the class and the resources required on our end. The most expensive offering is participation in a musical, because we have to pay for things like licensing fees, theatre rentals, etc. Check out our rates here. Note that rates are for an entire semester, NOT per month!
Do you offer any discounts?
We do! Check out our rates and available discounts here.We do! Check out our rates and available discounts here.
Do you charge recital fees?
Nope! But you will need to purchase tickets to your child’s performance(s).
Which payment methods are accepted?
We require tuition to be paid with a credit or debit card. We accept Mastercard, VISA, Discover Card, and AMEX.
Why do I have to buy tickets to my child’s performance?
Do you offer a payment plan?
Our default payment option is to pay for an entire semester up front, just for ease of administration. If you prefer to pay in installments, we are able to offer monthly or biweekly payment plans by request. Please contact us to set up a payment plan.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes! We offer a limited number of need-based scholarships. If your child cannot participate without a scholarship, please contact us to inquire about available scholarship spots.
Registration
How much do classes cost?
If you are new to New Orleans Youth Theatre, click here to fill out our new family registration form. Just fill in your family’s information, insert a payment method, and submit! If you have registered with us before, you can register for new classes by logging into the Parent Portal. Using the Parent Portal means you will not have to enter your/your child’s information again, so it should be quick and easy!
When will registration open?
Spring 2023 registration is open now until classes start on January 17th. Registration for summer camps will open in late January.
What is your refund policy?
If you register for classes and change your mind, you are eligible for a 50% refund if you withdraw at least thirty days before the start of the session. If you do not withdraw before then, you are not eligible for a refund.
But my child doesn’t like it, joined the cheerleading squad, decided they prefer baseball, has to miss the performance, etc…
We understand that sometimes kids decide to move in other directions. There’s no hard feelings! However, we cannot offer refunds in these situations because they still filled a spot that could have gone to someone else, but didn’t.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off
What happens if my child arrives early for class?
We do not provide supervision for children who arrive early to class. Teachers’ full attention will always be on the present class. Even if a teacher is in the studio without a class, they are likely using their time to prepare for the next class.
What happens if my child arrives late?
We know that sometimes life happens, and it’s almost never the child’s fault. We will not scold or shame your child for being late. However, it can be extremely disruptive to the progress of the group if a child regularly interrupts class by arriving late. If this becomes a pattern, the teacher will discuss the issue privately with the parents.
What happens if I am late for pick-up?
Again, we know that life happens. If you are late to pick up your child once, there is no penalty. However, if you are more than 10 minutes late for pick-up, you are subjected to a fee that will be paid directly to the teacher or staff member who waited with your child. Over 10 minutes late is a $10 fee, plus $1 for each additional minute after minute 10. For example, if you are 17 minutes late, the fee would be $17. This is not meant as a punishment; it is just to ensure that our teachers are fairly compensated for their time.
My child is enrolled in back to back classes, but there is a 15 minute break in between them. Will someone supervise my child in between classes?
Of course! If your child is enrolled in back to back classes, we will make sure they are covered until the end of their last class. In other words, once you drop off, you don’t have to come back until pickup!