The Performing Arts Connection
Where everyone gets to be in the limelight!
Daytime Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs 1:00-4:30pm; Wed 12:00-4:30pm; Fri 9:30-12:30pm.
Evening Office Hours: Monday-Thursday from 5:30-8:00pm.
(978) 443-2400
TPAC Refund and Payment Policies 2023-2024
We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any classes, lessons, workshops, or performances that are cancelled, moved to a virtual platform, or are unable to proceed as the result of governmental orders, natural disasters, or pandemic. There are no refunds or credits, partial or in full, given for late arrivals, early departures, or time off due to outside activities, injury, or illness. No-shows do not count as a dropped program. We must receive an email or phone call for dropped programs.
Annual Membership Fee
The annual membership fee is $39 per student ($79 if upgraded to VIP) and is nonrefundable. Each student's membership fee covers registration for all programs from April 30, 2023 to April 27, 2024.
The Conservatory Program 2023-2024
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Dropped by August 9, 2023 - 100% refund less $25 processing fee per class. No refunds will be given after August 9, 2023 regardless of if you sign up after this date.
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Dropped before the second class of the term - 100% CREDIT to any TPAC program which must be used within one year from the date of purchase less $25 processing fee per class.
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Dropped after the second class of the term - No refunds, substitutions, or credits for any reason.
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Class Switches within The Conservatory Program - The last opportunity to switch classes will be November 1, 2023 (Term 1) and February 2, 2024 (Term 2). After these dates, any additional classes or switches must be paid for separately and previous payments cannot be carried over.
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By registering for Term 1, you understand your card will be auto charged on November 1, 2023, for Term 2 tuition and any applicable Spring Recital costumes ($85 per dance class). Schedule adjustments for Term 1 must be communicated to the office in writing by October 20, 2023. Costume fees are nonrefundable.
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By registering for Term 2 only, the Spring Recital costume fee ($85 per dance class) will automatically be applied at checkout. Costume fees are nonrefundable.
Little Limelight Fall Term and Winter/Spring Term
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Dropped before the second class: 100% Refund less $25 processing fee per class.
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Dropped before the fourth class: 50% Credit less $25 processing fee per class.
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Dropped after the fourth class: No refunds or credits. No refunds will be given after the fourth class of the term regardless of if you sign up after this date.
Youth Musicals/Workshops/Fun Days/Other (includes, but is not limited to, Little Limelight Mini-Camps, Holiday Extravaganza, Summer Classes, etc.)
There are no refunds or credits given for any reason, including failure to comply with the Attendance Policy, within 2 months of the start date, regardless of if we can fill your child's spot. You may not independently find someone to take your child's spot and have them pay you privately for your child's place at any time. Please make certain you are able to commit before you register as there are no credits, refunds, or substitutions within 2 months of the start date. Refunds and credits granted within the grace period are subject to a $25 processing fee. Costume fees for Holiday Extravaganza are nonrefundable.
Private and Semi-Private Lessons
Payment for lessons is due upon booking. Lessons canceled within 24 hours of the appointment START time for any reason will be charged for the full lesson. All students receive one late cancel at no charge for the period 6/1/23-5/31/2024. There will be no other exceptions. Lesson packages are non-refundable, non-transferable, and never expire. Please note that lesson packages do not correspond to specific dates or specific teachers. We do not offer refunds or credits for unused lessons on a lesson package. Everyone will be required to have a working credit card on file at the studio. Your credit card will be charged for payments more than 7 days past due at the single lesson rate. All full-season students (weekly lessons booked from Sept-May) will be allowed FIVE (5) cancellations total (whether or not they fall into our 24-hour cancellation policy) after which your spot will be relinquished, and you will be added to the waitlist for single openings.
Summer Theater Workshops
2023: Tuition is 100% refundable if the workshop is dropped by January 31, 2023. Tuition is only 50% refundable if the workshop is dropped for any reason by April 30, 2023. There are absolutely no refunds, credits, or substitutions for any reason as of May 1, 2023. There are no exceptions to this policy.
2024: Tuition is refundable (less a $50 processing fee) if the workshop is dropped by January 31, 2024. Tuition is only 50% refundable if the workshop is dropped for any reason by April 30, 2024. There are absolutely no refunds, credits, or substitutions for any reason as of May 1, 2024. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Payment Plans
Tuition is due in full for all programs at the time of registration. Requests for payment plans must be submitted via email with at least two-weeks' notice from intent to enroll. There is a fee of up to $50 for all payment plans. If the program is dropped after the refund deadline, you are financially responsible for the full amount of all programs and the mutually agreed upon monthly payments. There is a $25 fee for each declined auto-payment.
Tickets and Merchandise
There are no refunds or credits for performance tickets and studio/event merchandise. Tickets are non-transferable.
TPAC General Agreement, Waiver & Policies
RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
I realize that while TPAC endeavors to take reasonable and appropriate safety precautions, participation in supervised lessons and rehearsals involve some risk of injury. I hereby release and hold harmless TPAC and all of its principals, agents, contractors, and employees of and from any liability, actions, claims, and damages of any kind, on account of injuries of any type or nature incurred in connection with my child’s participation in this program. In case of a medical emergency where I am not immediately available, I authorize TPAC staff to take all actions reasonably necessary to preserve and protect the health of my child. I give my permission for TPAC to attain emergency medical treatment for my child if I cannot be reached.
PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE
I authorize TPAC to allow my child’s photo to appear in promotional and educational materials without identification. A studio-sanctioned photographer may take photos or videos during classes, rehearsals, and performances for promotional and educational use. For the safety of students, TPAC does not allow any personal videotaping or photography during classes or rehearsals. I understand that TPAC uses social media outlets (such as Facebook and Instagram) that allow for comments and “tagging” by users.
GENERAL POLICIES
Pickup/Drop-Off: TPAC is not responsible for students before, after, or in between programs. During this time, all students and children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Late Pickups: Grace is given for the first late pickup. Additional late pickups will incur a $1 per minute fee. 3 late pickups will necessitate a conversation with the administrative team.
Pre-Requisites & Low Enrollment: Students must meet the minimum age and/or grade requirement as well as any requirements specific to the program unless prior permission has been granted from the director. The studio reserves the right to cancel a program at any time due to low enrollment. A minimum of 4-10 students may be required to hold a class or workshop.
Holidays, Vacations, and Cancellations: Our schedule generally corresponds with that of the Sudbury Public Schools. Classes and workshops will be held on most Professional Development/Teacher Workshop days. Please see our Studio Calendar located on our website.
Observation: We do not allow observers or guests inside the studios during classes and workshops unless prior permission has been granted.
Weather Policy: We generally follow the Sudbury Public School system for cancellations and delays due to inclement weather. If the weather is questionable, we will send a final decision via email by 8:00am for morning classes and 1:00pm for afternoon/evening classes. Our tuition schedule accounts for two reserve snow days per class.
NSF Payments: Returned payment due to lack of funds will incur a $25 fee.
Receipt Requests: Emailed receipts accompany all transactions. For additional receipt requests, please allow 2 weeks for processing. For requests dating back one year or more, please allow 3 weeks for processing. If requesting receipts in a different format from what is provided, there is a $30 fee.
Property Damage: I agree that I am responsible, and agree to timely reimburse TPAC, for any damage to any TPAC property caused by me, my child, a family member or agent. TPAC property includes, without limitation, costumes and any property for which TPAC is responsible, whether or not owned by TPAC, such as venue property and rented props. Further, I agree that TPAC may put my account On Hold, at any time, if I refuse to reimburse TPAC for property damage.
Personal Property: TPAC is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. Please leave valuables at home.
Meals: Some programs require a snack or lunch to be brought from home. TPAC is not responsible for providing meals for my child and TPAC is a nut- and peanut-free facility.
Conservatory and Little Limelight Make-Up Classes: Students receive up to three make-up classes per year per class (must be similar style/level/age) in the event of absences. All make-ups require advanced reservation via email to the Office. Make-up classes are not allowed within four classes prior to a performance.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Absences should be reported as soon as possible. Regular attendance is vital to student and group progress. As we get closer to performances, attendance is critical. The studio reserves the right to remove a student from performances due to low attendance or frequent tardiness or early departures. Absences due to illness, when accompanied by a doctor’s note, may be accepted, at the discretion of the TPAC staff. It is important that students stay home if they show signs of illness or have had a fever within 24 hours prior to their next TPAC event. We always want to send children on stage prepared and we will work with families to the extent possible for absences related to illness. I agree that failure to comply with the Attendance Policy may result in my account being placed On Hold. Attendance Policies use the following definitions: EVENT: Class, workshop, lesson, performance, Recital, Mini-Camp, etc. LATENESS: Arriving more than 15 minutes late or leaving more than 15 minutes early. ABSENCE: Missing 1 event in its entirety; two “lates” = one absence. I agree that my tuition pays for the opportunity for my child to participate in the program but, if my account is placed On Hold, does not guarantee that my child will be able to complete the program or perform in the production.
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Youth Musicals, Holiday Extravaganza, Encore and Summer Theater Workshops: We allow two absences total. We do not permit any absences, early departures, or late arrivals to the final two rehearsals or performances. TPAC reserves the right to dismiss any student who is unable to comply with these policies.
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Conservatory Recitals: Recital participation is optional. Families opt in or out via a form emailed at the beginning of the season and commit for the entire weekend. Exact timing of Recitals and mandatory dress rehearsals are announced in early 2024. Students and siblings may be assigned to multiple and/or separate Recitals if participating in multiple classes. We are unable to take schedule requests and students must be available for the duration of each assigned Recital and accompanying dress rehearsal from call time to final curtain. We do not permit any conflicts, late arrivals, or early departures to dress rehearsals and Recitals. Exceptions for dress rehearsal conflicts may be made for major school and religious events and requests must be communicated in writing by November 1, 2023. Adequate attendance in class is required to ensure preparedness for the stage.
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Little Limelight Recitals: Recital participation is optional. Families opt in or out via a form emailed at the beginning of the term and commit for the entire day. Exact timing of Recitals are announced approximately one month after classes begin. Students and siblings may be assigned to multiple and/or separate Recitals if participating in multiple classes. We are unable to take schedule requests and students must be available for the duration of each assigned Recital from call time to final curtain. We do not permit any conflicts, late arrivals, or early departures to Recitals. Adequate attendance in class is required to ensure preparedness for the stage.
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Eclipse Dance Team: See separate EDT Handbook and Agreement.
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Private/Semi-Private Lessons and Voice Recitals: See separate Private Lesson Agreement.
CASTING POLICY
Casting decisions are final. Issues regarding progress and casting are handled strictly via email. Phone or in-person meetings are considered personal consultations and you will be charged $149 per meeting or consultation. Meetings and consultations are subject to availability.
LOCATIONS
TPAC has studios in two nearby locations (three doors down). Three of our five studios are located up a flight of stairs without elevator access. TPAC has my permission to accompany my child to and from the different studio locations. TPAC shall not be liable for any claims arising from my child traveling to and from TPAC’s different studio locations, whether or not my child was escorted by TPAC staff.
CREATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
TPAC is committed to providing a creative learning environment. As such, TPAC does not tolerate any of the following and any participant or any child, or their parent, family or friend, engaging in any of the following behaviors, without limitation, may result in the participant's or child's dismissal from the current program, without refund, and the account will be put On Hold: Physical aggression towards any other person; refusal to participate; inability to contribute to a positive and safe environment; verbally abusive or threatening language towards any other person; inability to stay in classroom/studio or performance venue without caregiver; causes harm, or threatens to cause harm, to self, others or property of TPAC or another; intentionally exposes a sick or contagious child or self to others; takes or hides other's belongings; uses or sells cigarettes or alcohol or illegal drugs at class, rehearsal or performance venues; violence; vandalism; threatening behavior (physical or emotional); sexual misconduct. TPAC has the sole, unilateral discretion to determine whether certain behavior warrants dismissal and placing an account On Hold.
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
TPAC recognizes the harmful effects of bullying. As such, TPAC does not tolerate bullying of any kind, by either a participant or child or a participant's or child's parents, family members or friends, especially bullying directed towards another member of the TPAC community, be it threatening, physically intimidating or saying or writing hateful or mean-spirited words anywhere, at any time, associated with an TPAC event or performance, either in person or online. TPAC has the sole, unilateral discretion to determine whether certain behavior is bullying.
DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Performing Arts Connection does not tolerate discrimination against any person because of gender identity/expression, immigration status, race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical/mental ability, appearance, socioeconomic status, education level, political viewpoint, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected by law. TPAC has the sole, unilateral discretion to determine whether certain behavior warrants dismissal and placing an account On Hold.
ON HOLD ACCOUNTS
TPAC reserves the right to place an account On Hold when I, any family member or agent, or any child associated with my account, breaches this Agreement, including, but not limited to, violations of TPAC’s Creative Learning Environment policy, damages to TPAC property, or failure to pay an outstanding balance. I agree that while my account is On Hold, (i) any child or participant associated with my account may be dismissed from current activities, without refund and (ii) I will not be able to register any child or participant associated with my account for future activities, either through my account or another account. If the sole reason an account is On Hold is because of outstanding balances, payment in full removes an account from being On Hold. If an account is On Hold for any other reason, removing an account from being On Hold is at the sole discretion of TPAC. If I register a child or participant in violation of my account being On Hold, TPAC may undo the registration, and I agree that I will lose any processing fees.