JoAnne Answers Your Questions

HOW DO THE SEMESTERS RUN AT WPA

WPA evening and Saturday classes run for four semesters (August thru May).

Big Dreamers Broadway Squad (BDBS) the All Abilities, All Ages classes and the Home School / Cyber classes run on two – 10-week semesters.  September thru December (Fall/Winter Semester) and January thru May (Spring Semester).

Keep in mind that semesters have days/weeks off due to holidays and performances, etc.  The semesters are 8 and 10 weeks long, not necessarily 8/10 weeks in a row.

 

WHAT ARE THE AGE GROUPS?

Shooting Stars is typically ages 4-8, Tween 8-13 and Teens 13-18.  Age groups are also based on maturity, siblings, time commitments, etc.  A discussion will be held with the parent/guardian if a student should or wants to be in a different age group.

 

WHAT CLASSES SHOULD MY CHILD TAKE?

Depends on your child’s interests, age, availability.  Most students begin with Acting and Saturday Showcases.  Students may try each class with no obligation before registering.  If still not sure, speak with Tony and Renata.

 

HOW DO I REGISTER MY CHILD?

Two Ways – You can register your child through the website.  Go to the Registration tab, enter email and Register and it will take you to our registration platform – Dance Studio Pro (DSP)  This is where you enter student, parent information, read policies, sign waivers, register and pay.

Or you can speak with JoAnne and she can register your child but she will need Parent and Child Name, date of birth and email address and what classes you want to register for.  She will register your child and then email you a login link to set up your parent portal.

 

WHAT ARE THE PROMO CODES WHEN BUNDLING CLASSES WITH SHOWCASE?

When registering for classes, please note that if you sign up for any Saturday Showcase class (MTS), and additional classes it becomes a package deal.  Please copy and paste the Promo Code needed when checking out to receive the discount. The more classes you sign up for the greater the discount received. Make sure to enter Promo Code for each student in family who is eligible for the Showcase Package Promo. This means you must finish the registration of one child completely, THEN add your additional children.  

RETURNING STUDENTS:

1)         Showcase +1 Class       MTS +1

2)         Showcase +2 Classes   MTS +2

3)         Showcase +3 Classes   MTS +3

4)         Showcase +4 Classes   MTS +4

 

SHOOTING STARS (Ages 4-8)

Shooting Stars Showcase + Acting and Voice      SS Showcase +2

GOTTA DANCE!

Take Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Contemporary:            Gotta Dance

Take Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary and MTS:   Gotta Dance +MTS

 

NEW STUDENTS - 1 Time Only:

1)         Let's Get It Started (Any 1 Class + MTS)      Starter +1

2)         Let's Get It Started (Any 2 Classes + MTS)  Starter +2

3)         Let's Get It Started (Any 3 Classes + MTS)  Starter +3

 

When you click "submit" it will take you to the next page.  You are NOT registered until you press "Finish Registration".

 

ARE THERE ANY OTHER PROMO CODES/DISCOUNTS?

Sibling Discount 10% off every additional child when more than one child is enrolled from a family Discount is taken off automatically when you are registered.

 

BRING A NEW CAST MEMBER 

Bring a friend, if they register for a class and pay in full, you get $50 in class cash!

Note:  you can only use 1 promo code per student.  If registering more than one child/student and using a promo code, each registration must be done separately. 

 

IS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE?

Yes, we have a Financial Aid Application.  Complete the form and provide the necessary information.  The form will be reviewed by the Board of Directors.  Please know that we will never turn a student away due to financial problems.  We will work with you to set up a payment plan, provide work-study opportunities, etc.  Just ask.

 

WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED ASSISTANCE REGISTERING?

You can contact the office by calling 724-672-3322 or sending an email to westmorelandperformingarts@gmail.com

 

HOW DO I PAY FOR CLASSES?

You may be online through the DSP parent portal or you may bring in cash or a check payable to Westmoreland Performing Arts and put directly into the Payment Drop Box hanging on wall above desk, near water cooler.

 

WHAT DO I DO IF MY PAYMENT IS NOT ENTERED INTO MY ACCOUNT?

Contact the office either by phone or email.  Administrative staff is only part time and it may take a couple of days to be entered but feel free to reach out if you are concerned.

 

WHERE DO I LOOK FOR THE YEARLY CALENDAR OR UPCOMING SEMESTER/SHOW DATES?

A yearly calendar is printed in the school brochure published in August.  However, the calendar often changes due to theatre availability, weather cancellations, etc.

An updated calendar is displayed on the bulletin board when you first walk into the WPA Studios.

The most updated calendar is the Google Calendar which is accessible thru the website www.WestmorelandPerformingArts.com

 

WHAT IS THE MAKE-UP POLICY?

If your child misses classes due to an illness or vacation, they make take other classes to make up for those missed.  For example, if they missed Acting, they could try a Voice or Dance class, etc.  Just let the office or Tony/Renata know.

If your child has to drop out of a semester due to unforeseen circumstances, reach out and we drop them from their classes and apply the credit to a future semester.  We do not issue refunds for missed classes.

 

HOW DO I GET MY CHILD INVOLVED IN THE VIBRATIONS GROUP?

Auditions are typically held 2x per year for the Vibrations Group.  If your child is interested, ask Tony/Renata for more information.

There is no fee to be a part of the Vibrations.  However, there is a contract that must be reviewed and signed by both the child and parent.  The child must be actively enrolled in at least once class and they are required to take one summer camp.  Proper attire must be purchased and worn for all performances.

 

HOW DO I BECOME A WPA VOLUNTEER?

WPA is always looking for volunteers for set building, load out/in, costumes, props, concessions, box office, etc.  Proper clearances are needed when working directly with the students.  Reach out to a staff member and they will get you in touch with Volunteer Coordinator and proper staff.

 

HOW DO I PURCHASE TICKETS FOR A SHOW?

Tickets can always be purchased at the door.  However, depending on the show and the location, we recommend purchasing them in advance.  Every theatre has its own sets of rules.  Tickets for shows held at WCCC are usually available through our website and available at the door with cash or credit card.

Shows held at the Palace Theatre, Greensburg Garden & Civic Center MUST be purchased through the Palace Theatre website or at the door.

Parents attending several shows should ask about discounted tickets.

 

HOW DO I KNOW IF CLASSES ARE CANCELLED DUE TO THE WEATHER?

Safety always comes first!  An email or text will usually be sent thru DSP and a post on the facebook page.

 

HOW DO I CONNECT WITH OTHER PARENTS OR GET A QUICK ANSWER TO A QUESTION?

WPA has a facebook page strictly for current parents.  Your request to join will be reviewed/confirmed.  Posting a question on that page usually results in a quick answer.

 

HOW DO I GET MY CHILD ENROLLED IN PRIVATE VOICE?

WPA currently offers group voice lessons for Teens and Tweens, however, if you are interested in Private Voice lessons, we currently have two instructors.  Feel free to email the office on how to proceed.  Please know that voice lessons must be paid at the time of the lesson.

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WHY IS IT ALWAYS SO BUSY AT WPA?

WPA is both a Professional theater company and School for Performing Arts.  WPA also does multiple outreach shows throughout the year with the “Books Come Alive” program, provides entertainment such as singers, carolers, murder mysteries, characters and princesses for multiple events, parties, etc.  WPA also has several collaborations with multiple other agencies   However, we are never too busy if you have a question / comment.  Stop a staff member or reach out by text or phone.

 

WHAT IS A “TECH WEEK”?

Tech week for Professional shows usually means that ALL classes are cancelled that week due to an upcoming show’s rehearsals, dress rehearsals, load in, etc.  Keep an eye on the calendar/emails for what days classes are cancelled.  A typical tech week is Monday thru Saturday.

Tech week for Student productions usually means No regular classes but extra rehearsals.  Usually, rehearsals will be at the performance space midweek.

 

DOES WPA ACCEPT DONATIONS?

YES!  WPA is a non-profit 501(C) 3 and relies heavily on donations to keep the doors open and the heat on!  Monetary donations can be made through the website or in-person.  Also, Employers will often contribute or match employee donations to non-profit organizations. 

Donations of office supplies, costumes, totes, set pieces, lumber, hardware, etc. are also often needed. 

 

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE A CONCERN AND DON’T FEEL COMFORTABLE

APPROACHING TONY OR RENATA?

Hopefully not, but if that were the case, you could reach out to JoAnne to connect you with a Board member. 

 

I OWN A BUSINESS.  CAN I ADVERTISE WITH WPA OR SPONSOR A SHOW?

Absolutely, we reach several hundred people with our playbills, and we have a very successful Google Analytics history with our posts and website.  We would love to talk to you about Sponsorships and/or Advertising opportunities.  Plus, there are several benefits that come from Sponsoring a Show or WPA program.  Just ask!