Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for classes and what fees are associated with registration?

Online registration for 2023-24 musical theater classes opens on April 10, 2023 for current students and April 15, 2023 for new students. Once you have chosen a class, you will submit a non-refundable payment of $100 for registration. You may pay online by debit or credit card through PayPal (you do not need a PayPal account to make payments) or by cash/check. If you choose the latter, your cash/check MUST be received in the STP business office within 10 days of your registration. If payment is not received, your registration will be voided and given to the first student on the waitlist.

Mailing and physical address is 1250 Aversboro Road, Garner, NC 27529.

Can we talk about tuition and production fees?

Class Tuition:

  • $450 (Christmas class)
  • $900 (Monday 4-8 class)
  • $1,100 (all other classes)

Non-refundable registration fee: $100 (deducted from full tuition) is due atcheckout.

Payment options:

  • In full – when paid in full, you will receive the STP Spirit Bundle which includes a class shirt, DVD, and photo disc of your child’s production.
  • CHRISTMAS CLASS – Five monthly installments of $70 due on the 1 st of the month, August through December
  • MONDAY 4-8 CLASS
    • Four monthly installments of $200 due on August 1, November 1, February 1, and May 1
    • OR ten monthly installments of $80 due on the 1 st of the month, August through May
  • ALL OTHER CLASSES
    • Four monthly installments of $250 due on August 1,November 1, February 1, and May 1
    • OR ten monthly installments of $100 due on the 1 st of the month, August through May
Even though classes don’t begin until September, our payment plans offer you ways to pay the yearly tuition with installments that begin August 1st.

Will there be any additional costs for my child’s production?

Students will need their own make-up kit which may be purchased in our Twisted Treasures Gift Shop, and appropriate undergarments to wear under their costume. In most cases, costumes are provided. If there is a need for you to purchase a costume piece for the show, your costumer will give you plenty of time to locate what you need at a thrift or discount store.

Would you tell me more about the class schedule?

Weekly class schedules:
  • Monday 4-8 class – 1 hour
  • Wednesday 13+ class – 2 hours
  • Christmas class – 3 hours
  • All other classes – 1½ hours
  • Our Monday and Tuesday 13+ classes will have extended rehearsals mid-year.

See also “What is final two weeks and why is it important?”

Can you tell me more about a class? What will my child learn at STP?

Our classes begin with a gospel-centered devotion, transitioning to vocal warm-ups and choral work for their class production. The class will break into groups to do scene work, choreography, and solo/small group vocal work. As we work, we teach theater skills such as stage directions, projection, diction, objective, motivation, timing, etc. In addition to learning within rehearsal, we use theater games and exercises to practice risk, improvisation and being comfortable on stage.

Can I be in the class with my child?

We are aware that new students, and especially our 4-8 students, may be a little apprehensive attending class for the first time. Our staff is well- equipped to care for your children in a loving, supportive and engaging way. Also, we find that if parents are in the class, students will tend to look to their parents for direction and instruction instead of focusing on STP leadership.

If my student is in a class, why do they have to audition?

Every student enrolled in an STP class will be cast in their class production, but they must audition so that the director can see their skills and place them in the role that is best suited to share the message of the musical. Auditioning at STP allows students to share the gifts that God has given them with their director, and we try to make it friendly and fun.
Please note: Students in our 4-8-year-old class do not audition. They are cast by their director based on their experience working with them during the first few weeks of class.

How long should an audition be and what should it include?

Our homeschool, 8-12, 8-14, classes audition in front of their director and class leadership, and their auditions may be no longer than 5 minutes. Our Christmas class and 13+ classes audition in front of their director, class leadership, and peers, and their auditions may be no longer than 3 minutes.

Auditions should include a song with accompaniment (recorded or live) and a monologue.

When are auditions held?

Most classes audition on Saturdays in September and early October. Our 13+ and Christmas classes stay from 9am-3pm on their audition day, watching auditions, participating in callbacks or a read-through, and learning music from their production. Homeschool, 8-12 and 8-14 classes sign up for an audition slot and come in for their time slot only.

How are shows cast at STP?

Our directors approach the casting process looking to share the message of the musical for God’s glory. As they cast, they are looking for the best person to fill a particular role, knowing that they need just as many great actors and singers in the chorus as they do in ‘leading’ roles. At STP, Jesus is the only star, and our goal with casting is to bring honor and glory to Him – not ourselves. Each role is equally important in telling the story, and we do not emphasize ‘landing a lead’, nor do we allow students to audition for specific roles. After watching auditions and callbacks, the director, with input from his/her team, will prayerfully cast the show.

Will my child’s class be extended at any point? Why is this necessary?

Beginning in January, our Monday and Tuesday 13+ classes will extend their class time until 10 pm for certain cast members and Wednesday 13+ directors will sometimes ask certain cast members to arrive early. Occasionally, other classes may need to extend, but we try to limit this as much as possible. Extended rehearsals are necessary because of the depth and quality of the performances that we produce. We simply cannot get everything done in a 1 ½-hour class and appreciate your willingness to join us in our effort to present quality Christian theater.

What is the final two weeks and why is it important?

Our final two weeks is an intense rehearsal schedule that allows us to prepare for our class production.

  • It begins with an important parent meeting at 5:30pm on the Thursday two weeks prior to opening night with a costume rehearsal following the meeting (ending at 9pm for younger classes and 10pm for 13+ classes).
  • The first week of rehearsals includes a Saturday from 9am-3pm for younger classes and 9am-3:30pm for older classes, an extended rehearsal on the day of your child’s class, and a Thursday evening tech rehearsal from 6pm-9pm (younger classes) or 6pm-10pm (older classes).
  • There is a second Saturday rehearsal from 9am-3pm for younger classes and 9am-3:30 pm for older classes.
  • The final week for younger classes includes a rehearsal both Monday and Tuesday from 6pm-9pm. Final Dress Rehearsal will be on Wednesday with a call time of 5:00pm until 10:00pm or later…parents will be notified via email of pick-up time. Thursday and Friday performance call times are 5:00pm, and Saturday performance call time is 12:00pm.
  • The final week for older classes includes a rehearsal on Monday from 6pm-10pm. Final dress rehearsal will be on Tuesday with a call time of 5:00pm until 11:00pm or later…parents will be notified via email of pick-up time. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday performance call times are 5:00pm, and Saturday performance call time is 12:00pm.
  • Final two-week rehearsals are our last chance to polish the show and are mandatory for each student. In addition to scene work, music, and choreography, we work all the transitions in the show…scene and set changes, costume changes, lav changes, etc. We need every actor and actress working as a team to accomplish our production goals for God’s glory.

How can I help with my child’s production?

First, pray and consider the gifts that God has given you…and then connect with the producer and/or director for your child’s show. Volunteer opportunities abound…we need help in costumes, set design, set building, set painting, hair, make-up, sound, lighting, music, ushering, concessions…the list is endless! You will meet lifelong friends and be blessed by the spirit of volunteerism that abounds at STP!

What will my child do if waiting during rehearsal in final two weeks or backstage during the production?

During final two weeks, we ask that students bring a non-electronic, quiet, individual activity while waiting in rehearsal or backstage. If it needs batteries or a charger cord, please leave it at home. Students who wish to draw, read or work on homework may bring a booklight. During the run of the show, students may watch the show via the live feed in the dance room. The best part of being backstage during production is our praise and worship time. Prior to performances, we have musicians that lead our students in praise and worship songs. It is a beautiful time of students worshipping through song, praying, and ministering to each other.

Will my child’s class continue to meet after their production?

YES! Each class will meet on their regular class schedule following their production, continuing to work on activities that build solid acting, music and dance skills. During the final week of classes in May, we invite parents to attend class so that students might share what they have learned.

What are TTAs?

TTAs or Theater Teaching Assistants are student leadership assigned to every STP class. They are young men and women who are growing in their faith and leadership skills as they serve our students both during class and in production. During classes, they lead prayer groups, help with scene work, assist directors as needed, and provide a supportive presence as our students are learning. During production, they literally run the show. The director turns the entire production process over to their TTAs, and they stage manage, handle props, scene changes, make lav changes, and manage students.

What is the ticket cost to attend an STP production?

Tickets start are priced from $5.50-$21.00 and go on sale two to three weeks before the production. Volunteers, receive a code for a $10.00 voucher to be used for one performance during the run of the show. Ticket sales support the ongoing costs associated with our ministry, so please like and share our events on social media.