WHAT IS THE MISSION OF JAXX EDUCATIONAL THEATRE SCHOOL?
Our mission is to develop creativity, promote self-esteem, and inspire self-expression through full inclusion arts education program, youth outreach, and live performances.
Jaxx prides itself on full inclusion. All Jaxx students are welcomed and encouraged to participate regardless of special need, talent, or skill level.
MY CHILD DOES NOT LIKE HIS/HER ROLE. MAY I GET A REFUND?
We have a very strict no refund policy due to the sensitive nature of casting.
There are absolutely no refunds after the first class or appointment takes place. Full refunds less $25 will be granted if requested before the first class or appointment takes place. We employ the philosophy that there are no small roles, only small actors and must safeguard the productions accordingly. Tuition is not payment for a role or a certain number of lines, but rather it is for a musical theatre class and performing arts education experience. We encourage you and your student to adopt this philosophy.
If your student is unable to participate in the class and production for whatever the reason after the refund deadline, your non-refundable tuition may be pro-rated and used as a tax-deductible contribution
WHAT IS AN AUDITION TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP?
All of our classes start with an "Audition", but we prefer to call it the "Audition Technique Workshop". The word "Audition" can sometimes create unnecessary stress, and we like to keep this first meeting as stress-free and fun as possible.
WHAT SHOULD MY KID WEAR TO CLASS?
Students should come prepared to dance everyday. Please wear appropriate shoes (no crocs, flip flops, or open toed shoes) and comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement. Most clothing students wear to school is fine, but occasionally a change into appropriate shoes or clothing for dancing may be needed. Students wearing skirts or dresses should always have something underneath. Students with long hair should make sure it is out of their face for class.
WHAT ARE APPROPRIATE UNDERGARMENTS?
We typically do not have "dressing rooms" and with the nature of many of our shows, costume changes in the middle of the show are often needed. Some students will also wear microphones underneath their costumes.
Black, white, or flesh colored undergarments and black, white, or flesh colored socks (or no socks) are needed for the flexibility and ease for your performer to change in front of others. Black, white, or flesh colored tank tops or camisoles work well on top and black, white, or flesh colored biker shorts or something similar work on the bottom. Black, white, or flesh colored leotards (or things of the like) also work well. The dance stores listed above will have items that work well, but any department or discount clothing store will also have items that work.
WHAT ARE JAXX APPROVED BLACK SHOES?
By registering for our class and production, you are agreeing to provide your own Jaxx approved ALL BLACK dance or dress shoe (All black Tom's, Van's or the generic equivalent also work). Shoes can usually be shiny, flashy, sequined, etc., but should not have white soles, laces, insignia, or any other color on the show. Gym/Tennis/Sneakers typically do not work and look to clunky on stage. These do not need to be work for weekly classes, unless desired.
LA folks may get a pair for $10 or under here: www.dannyswarehouse.com.
West Valley folks can get 10% off shoes and undergarments here Pas de Deux Dancewear located at 5853 Kanan Rd. in Agoura Hills (818)707-1425
Payless Shoes carries all black jazz dance schools which will work well.
WHAT IS THE TOTAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE? WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR TICKETS TO THE SHOW? WHERE DOES ALL THAT MONEY GO?
Jaxx provides professional direction, choreography, musical direction, lighting, sound, set, costume, graphic design, as well as the licensing rights, where applicable, on all productions. Jaxx provides each student with a script and DropBox link to the music specific to that cast and school site. Tuition, alone, does not cover all of these costs. The TOTAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE additional funding from tickets, DVDs, t- shirts, program dedications, gift-o-grams, and concession sales is a crucial financial component that allows Jaxx to continue to provide the top-notch quality programming to which students, families, schools, and patrons have become accustomed. The TOTAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE additional funding also assists in keeping the tuition down. Jaxx has provided the total theatre going experience for students, families, and schools since 2006.
WHERE ARE THE CLASSES & PERFORMANCES?
Classes and performances are typically held in your school's theatre, auditorium, or MPR. Some sites have classes at your student's schools, but travel to another location for the performances. If travel is required, it will be indicated when you register.
WHY ARE YOUR CLASSES CLOSED?
We have found in our many years of teaching arts education classes that students behave and perform to the best of his/her abilities when they are in a closed, safe environment. To ensure the highest level of professional, quality instructional time and education, all Jaxx classes are closed. Thank you for understanding.
DO YOU PROVIDE COSTUMES?
Costume rental is included in the tuition and costumes should be treated with care. Occasionally, we will ask if your student has stock items such as black pants, white button down shirts, or other general items for use in the show. If you ever do not have items such as these, you do not need to go shopping for them. Jaxx will provide. However, we do not provide black shoes or undergarments.
DO YOU OFFER SNACKS?
Most sites do not offer snacks.
If your site does not provide snack, please be sure to pack a snack for your student. It is also helpful if your student has his/her own water bottle. During tech week, students monitor their own snack time and breaks based on when they are not needed on stage. Jaxx staff members are always available to help a student determine when the best possible time may be to take a break throughout tech week.
MAY I VOLUNTEER WITH JAXX?
Certainly!
Opportunities to volunteer are always available. Some of the opportunities include:
If you would like to volunteer, please email us and we will let you know what is needed.
DO I NEED TO HELP MY STUDENT AT HOME?
Please check in with your student frequently to make sure s/he is practicing all his/her lines, solos, dances, blocking, entrances, and exits. Please run lines with him/her to make sure s/he is off book by the deadline.
WHEN DOES MY STUDENT NEED TO BE OFF BOOK? AND WHAT DOES OFF BOOK MEAN?
Off book is a theatrical term for when all lines, solos, lyrics, choreography, blocking, entrances, and exits are committed to memory. Jaxx allows students to say “LINE” all the way up until tech week if s/he needs help remembering his/her line. Jaxx requires students to be off book one month before the first performance. During tech week, our students must use the art of improvisation if s/he forgets a line.
SERIOUSLY, MAY I PLEASE HAVE A REFUND?
Seriously, no you may not. We are not in the business of selling roles or lines. We have heard EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING! Please do not ask for a refund. Please encourage your student, and we will too, to complete the class and production in the role assigned. There is so much to learn by being a member of the ensemble with only ONE line or NO lines. The ensemble in a show is asked to create an entire world for his/her character in all of the group scenes and songs. We do not encourage pulling focus, but we do encourage motivated, thoughtful acting choices from our ensemble members. We recognize when our students make smart decisions and choices on stage (and off). This informs us during tech week if/when lines, songs, solos, or roles need to be reassigned which students are reliable and ready to receive more material.
