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 tuition in Somerset, and LAMDA tuition online.
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. Once or twice per year, we work towards a showcase, inspired by a theme (previous themes have included 'The Greatest Showman', 'Singing In The Rain' and our in-house original production of 'The Countdown To Christmas'). 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.
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In singing, we learn technical warm ups, undertake breath control work and sing in group, solo and harmony.
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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 an informal showcase to friends and family 1-2 times per year.
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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?
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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 with us for the entirety.
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If, however, your student is vulnerable or requires support from a parent or carer during class, please contact us to make arrangements prior to booking a taster session.
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Unfortunately, we don't have a space for parents and carers to wait inside the hall itself each week, nor do we have a viewing area. There is a small area between the entrance to the hall, and the hall, within which we can place a chair if you would like to wait for your student there. Please advise us prior to class if you would like to do this. Our regular showcases are your opportunity to see their progress.
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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 in our care.
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 Minis are generally school reception age to school year 2.
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Our Midis are generally school year 3 to school year 10.
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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.
WILL MY CHILD TAKE EXAMS?
All of our Midis students are invited to join us for a 30 minute LAMDA preparation class at the end of all Midis sessions for no extra cost.
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This training will equip them with the knowledge to take their LAMDA exam at the appropriate grade (determined by us) in either Musical Theatre or Acting (or some students choose to study both). Parents or carers will then book the LAMDA exam with Principal Rosie's help at either a Bath or Bristol public centre, or online - whichever suits your circumstances best.
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All students are invited to take their Musical Theatre Performing Arts Award exam once per year, usually in the summer.
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Both exams are recognised, accredited and respected industry examinations, with UCAS points available at the highest grades.