FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to All Your Queries
WHAT WE’RE ABOUT
The Mendip Performing Arts Academy is a fun, inclusive performing arts school based in Somerset. We offer group drama, singing and dance lessons in a musical theatre and pop music style as well as one to one tuition, singing lessons and dance classes for adults. We also offer LAMDA examination in Somerset.
We firmly believe that every student is capable of more than even they believe they are, and we give them the tools and the stage to unlock that potential.
We give our students the opportunity to not only develop new talents and skills, but also build confidence, develop teamwork skills and make new friends.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE WEEKLY CLASSES?
The Minis and Midis classes are split into equal sessions, focusing on singing, dancing and acting. Each term we work towards a showcase, centered around a theme (previous terms have included 'The Greatest Showman', 'Singing In The Rain' and our in-house original production of 'The Countdown To Christmas') currently we are being inspired by the Disney smash 'Encanto'. Each week we build technique, skills and confidence in each unique area. For example:
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In dance,we learn a variety of dance routines, alongside jazz, modern and musical theatre dance technique.
In singing, we learn technical warm ups, undertake breath control work and sing in group, solo and harmony.
In acting we play games involving improvisation and rehearse a variety of scripts - honing and improving acting skills and technique week to week.
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All this work will culminate in a well-rounded experience of the three performing arts disciplines, and we present a showcase to family members at the end of each 12 week term.
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For our Micros, each half term we explore a new theme with a variety of songs, nursery rhymes, props and stories. The 6 week half term will then carry the same content week to week for our littlest performers to gain confidence and familiarity in the material week to week
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CAN MY CHILD HAVE A TASTER SESSION?
We offer all prospective students a taster session for just £5. The purpose of this is to ensure your child will love the classes and it’s the right fit for them. If they don’t – not a problem – there are no obligations to return.
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The taster sessions are subject to class availability.
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If you would like to book a taster session for your child you can book via our website here.
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DO YOU HAVE A CODE OF CONDUCT OR TERMS AND CONDITIONS?
We do indeed have a code of conduct, and you can find it here.
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You can also find our Terms and Conditions here.
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By attending a class or taster session, both the parent/carer and the student agree to abide by our code of conduct and terms and conditions.
DOES A PARENT OR CARER NEED TO STAY?
A parent or carer must please be present for our Micro's classes.
We generally advise that our Minis and Midis are left in our tuition, to help them grow in confidence and we know this is how we work best.
However, students must please be independent in their own personal care and be emotionally and physically able to take care of themselves completely for the duration of the session to be left alone for the entirety.
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Our general guidance is that vulnerable students should be supervised for the class, but if it is not necessary for you to stay, often children will flourish and focus better if a parent or carer is not present.
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Equally, we have a completely open policy for parents or carers to stay during a session and observe at any point (please email us prior to let us know which lesson you will be observing), and we do please politely ask that if parents stay with us, they remain quiet and unobtrusive in the sessions.
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Please note that we only accept responsibility for students for the duration of their class, and they must be signed in with a member of the team before being left.
DO YOU HAVE A UNIFORM?
We do indeed!
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We have Academy T-shirts and Hoodies available to purchase HERE via our online shop. They are sourced from local Somerset based business 'Pickle Print'.
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We carry a small stock of Tshirts to try on, before purchasing (and we do recommend trying on, as they are generous in sizing.)
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Items are then ordered directly via the online shop and bought to your class once they are ready.
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The Tshirts and Hoodies are then worn with black leggings or jogging bottoms and soft sole dance shoes.
WHICH IS THE RIGHT CLASS FOR MY CHILD?
Our Micros are generally around 18 months of age (or walking) up to age 3 (around pre-school).
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Our Minis are generally school age 4, up to school age 7.
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Our Midis are generally age 8, up to age 15.
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However, we recognise that we are all unique in the way we develop, and it might be necessary to move a student up a group earlier than our guide ages, or equally that they might be more comfortable staying a little while longer in the group they are in.
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Every student is individual and we are extremely pro-active about understanding what will be best for your child, and how the academy can best support them. We will make all changes and recommendations for class changes in full consultation with parents or carers and make any changes as seamless and supported as possible.