Policies
Refund Policy
Refunds & credits
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All deposits are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.
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Cancellations made more than one (1) month prior to the program start date (the first day of auditions or class) may receive an ACT account credit, valid for one (1) year, upon request. Registrations are non-refundable within one (1) month of the program start date.
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If ACT cancels a program due to insufficient enrollment, a full refund, including the deposit, will be issued.
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ACT does not offer refunds, credits, or makeup sessions for absences due to individual scheduling conflicts.
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Credit card processing fees charged by ACT’s registration vendor are non-refundable. Families wishing to use an alternate payment method may contact info@arlingtonchildrenstheatre.org to discuss available options.
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ACT reserves the right to cancel programming due to weather or other conditions affecting the safety of students or staff. For weather-related cancellations, ACT will announce a makeup date as soon as practicable. Participants unable to attend a rescheduled workshop may request an ACT account credit, valid for one (1) year. Credits apply to single-day workshops only and do not apply to multi-day programs.
Participation Policy
Overview
Arlington Children’s Theatre (ACT) is dedicated to nurturing young artists in a safe, respectful, and collaborative educational theatre environment. Our programs are most successful when participants, families, staff, and volunteers work together with mutual respect, clear communication, and shared responsibility. This policy outlines the expectations and responsibilities that help create a positive experience for every member of the ACT community. Failure to meet behavioral expectations by participants and/or their parent(s)/guardian(s) may result in corrective action, up to and including dismissal from the program. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create the best possible experience for the ACT community.
Expectations for Child Participants
- Treat fellow students, staff, volunteers, and community members with courtesy and respect
- Refrain from bullying, harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate language or behavior
- Respect ACT property and all rehearsal, classroom, and performance spaces
- Remain attentive and respectful during instruction and rehearsal, even when not actively participating
- Follow all instructions from ACT staff promptly and respectfully
Expectations for Parents and Guardians
- Review and adhere to all ACT policies, schedules, and program communications.
- Interact with ACT staff, volunteers, and families in a respectful and professional manner.
- Support their child’s preparation and participation outside of scheduled program time, including learning lines, music, choreography, or classwork as applicable.
- Complete all required forms by stated deadlines.
- Ensure timely payment of all fees and tuition according to ACT's payment schedule
- Respect instructional, artistic, and placement decisions made by ACT staff.
- Refrain from interfering with classes, rehearsals, or program activities, and address concerns privately and constructively with an ACT representative.
- Understand that inappropriate parent or guardian conduct may impact a child’s continued participation in ACT programs.
Attendance & Participation
Attendance is vital for the success of our productions. To ensure a smooth and cohesive performance, we have established guidelines: missing more than two rehearsals may result in a child being recast or removed from a scene or song. Absences or lateness must be communicated in advance whenever possible. Excessive absences or tardiness may affect a participant’s progress, role assignment, or continued enrollment. No absences are permitted during tech week and dress rehearsals. These sessions are essential for finalizing the production and ensuring that all elements come together seamlessly.
Health & Safety
- Children must stay home if they exhibit symptoms of illness including: fever (100.4°F or higher), vomiting, diarrhea, persistent cough, contagious rash, or other signs of contagious illness
- Children may return to programming when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and are well enough to participate fully
Medications & Medical Needs
- ACT staff do not administer routine medications
- Parents must inform staff of any medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, or special needs
- For children requiring emergency medications families must complete an authorization form and provide labeled, non-expired medication with current prescriptions
Food Safety
ACT is dedicated to providing a safe space for all participants while recognizing that we cannot guarantee a completely food-safe environment. ACT cannot be responsible for providing, preparing, or verifying the content of any food items that participants may have access to during our programs. Participants with serious food allergies or those requiring special dietary considerations must have all appropriate food items provided by their family. Students with airborne allergies or dietary restrictions that require special environmental adjustments must have a family representative meet with theater staff at least one week prior to the program start date.
General Safety
- Child participants must follow all instructions from ACT staff immediately
- Any injuries, hazards, or unsafe conditions must be reported immediately to ACT staff
- Participants may not leave the program area without staff permission
- Children may only be released to adults listed on their emergency contact form
- Children must be picked up promptly at the end of each session.
Anti-bullying
ACT does not tolerate any form of bullying or cyberbullying. We also do not tolerate retaliation against any person who reports bullying. Massachusetts law governs the prohibition of bullying and the adoption of bullying prevention and intervention plans in schools. Although the law does not directly apply to ACT, we nonetheless use these definitions as helpful guidelines. In response to bullying, ACT may implement progressive corrective measures, including verbal redirection, conference with parents, temporary suspension, or dismissal from the program.
Media Release & Consent
By enrolling a child in ACT programs, parents and guardians consent to the use of photographs, video, or audio recordings for promotional, archival, or educational purposes.
Acknowledgement
By enrolling a child in Arlington Children's Theatre programs, parents/guardians acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with all policies outlined in this document. Both child participants and their parent(s)/guardian(s) commit to upholding these expectations to ensure a positive, safe, and enriching experience for the entire ACT community. Compliance with this policy is a condition of participation.
Financial Aid
ACT’s goal is to support our community through theater education and performance opportunities for all local children, regardless of ability to pay.
Eligibility is based on financial need and available funds. To be considered for financial assistance, submit a financial aid application in its entirety at least one month prior to the program start date.
All information on this form will be kept strictly confidential.