1. What is a casting call? 

A casting call is a class where our staff gets to know the kids through playing theater and improvisational games. The environment is fun and non-competitive.  Every student who comes to the casting call will get a part in the show.

2. What is my tuition money used for? 

Tuition money is used for rental of rehearsal and performance space, theatrical rights and scripts, insurance, printing costs, scenery, props, costumes, sound and lighting equipment rental or purchase, and small stipends for our seamstress, stage manager, musical director, and scenic painter.  A small percentage of this income also goes to Kids Up Front’s operating budget, which covers the cost of phone service, website, office supplies and equipment, and small part-time salaries for the Executive and Artistic Directors.

Because Kids Up Front is non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation, our budgets are always available to the public.

3. What if my child wants to participate, but I can’t afford the cost of tuition?

Can you sew? Or paint? Or lay out copy on the computer for the program?  Kids Up Front has always offered a barter program for families who cannot afford to pay tuition.  There are a limited number of barter agreements available; please call Rachel Borsavage or Amy Emke at (845) 222-9204 if you are interested.

In addition, Kids Up Front offers a ten percent discount for families with more than one sibling participating in the program.

 4. What other things will my child need to participate in the program?

Your child will need a pencil and a notebook to bring to rehearsals.  He or she will be provided with a script and a practice CD, which they will need to also bring to rehearsals.

For performances, you might be asked to provide shoes, socks, and sometimes a plain t-shirt to go with your child’s costume. (Kids Up Front will provide the costume.)  Your child will also need a small laundry basket or plastic bin to store their street clothes in the dressing room during performances.

5. What is “heck week?”

Heck week is the week leading up to the opening performance.  This is the week where all of the technical elements such as lighting, sound, scenery and costumes all come together with the students’ performance preparation to make a terrific show.  Students will need to attend several extra rehearsals during heck week.

6. What is the “photo shoot?”

The photo shoot takes place about a month before the performances.  This is usually the first chance that the students have to try on their costumes.  Our photographer takes the kid’s photos in costume for use in press releases to local newspapers, our website, and to decorate the lobby during performances.