Exams
Exams are not compulsory but they do provide pupils with an important and achievable goal to work towards. By achieving those goals we often see a remarkable boost in self-confidence.
Studying for a dance or musical theatre exam also promotes discipline and commitment and builds stamina; a skill benefiting more than just the dance world!
Exams are designed to motivate and encourage students of all ages and levels of ability. They are also great fun especially when working with other students.
We offer exams in Ballet, Tap, Theatre Craft, Jazz, Freestyle and Musical theatre subjects, so get in touch with our office if you think your child would benefit, or if your child is requesting more specialist training.
A pupil will not be entered for an examination unless they are thought to be technically ready by the Principal.
Once exam entries have been submitted to the examination board, pupils are required to pay for these entries with immediate effect. Any failure not to abide by this procedure will result in the pupil being withdrawn from the examination session and NOT being entered for future examinations. Examination payments are completely separate to your term fees.
The only exception to this would be for bereavements, family/personal situations and medical reasons. (The latter accepted with a valid doctors note.)
Examinations are taken at the Chatham Branch due to studio requirements. .
The examinations are entered through the International Dance Teachers Association (I.D.T.A.) and the British Ballet Organization (B.B.O.) examining boards for dance subjects and musical theatre. Other subjects such as drama, singing and monologue examinations are taken through the Trinity/Guildhall examining board.
If parents wish pupils to partake within the exam structure, then it is compulsory that all pupils and students attend classes regularly.
Those that cannot attend classes due to other circumstances, please note that you can book in a regular private lesson to compensate missing.
Festivals and competitions
A pupil will not be entered for a festival unless they are thought to be technically sound and performance ready by the Principal.
Once festival entries have been submitted to the festival organiser, pupils are required to pay for these entries with immediate effect once invoiced by our festival secretary. Any failure not to abide by this procedure will result in the pupil being withdrawn from the festival programme and NOT being allowed to be part of the competition team.
Pupils are invited to be on the competition team, so private lesson bookings will be required to learn and perfect performances. Regular practice is also required to develop routines to a winning standard.
If parents wish pupils to partake within the competition team, then it is compulsory that all pupils and students attend classes regularly.
Performing and auditioning
Opportunities are given for pupils to perform in productions operated by Starquest Entertainments. During performing any productions, pupils are legally licensed individually by the education authorities and chaperoned by professional, licensed and qualified staff.
Any pupil that wishes to audition for an outside production company such as a pantomime or a musical, must ask permission from the Starquest office. This is so there is no conflict of Starquest events happening during a rehearsal period and also to see if the outside production company is legal due to child welfare and whether it is viable for progression of the pupil.
If a pupil is successful in an audition for an outside production, parents and pupils should be represented by Starquest. This is to avoid exploitation for your child and also of our other pupils.
