You’ve joined MTA to learn how to act, dance and sing and to have FUN. We want everyone to have a good time and, yes – you know it, that means RULES! So that we can make classes safe and enjoyable for all of us, this is the way it works…

DO keep checking the noticeboard at the school for all the up to date details of shows and events you can take part in, and make sure whoever picks you up does too!
DON’T chuck away the letters home we’ll give you from time to time. Make sure they get passed on to your mum, dad or carer and that they read them!

WHAT DO I WEAR AND HOW DO I DRESS FOR CLASS?
For all MTA classes you need to wear clothes that are comfortable and safe, and loose so you can move about as much as possible. You don’t want your hair to get in the way, and you don’t want to wear anything that could get caught and hurt you or anyone else. And since you are going to be using lots of energy and getting hot, and maybe even sweaty, you don’t want to wear what you’ve been in all day and will be wearing tomorrow.

And if you arrive for class in the wrong shoes or with jewellery or loose hair you may not be able to take part. We have some, but not many spare shoes, and can lend you a hair tie and will look after jewellery till the end of the class.

DO wear your MTA t-shirt – you can buy one from us for £5.
DON’T wear your school uniform – this is strictly not allowed.
DO wear tracksuit bottoms or leggings.
DON’T wear jeans, trousers, skirts or dresses.
DO tie your hair back from your face and bring a hair tie with you if you usually wear it loose.
DON’T wear jewellery, especially earrings and chains and put them somewhere safe.

Youth Theatre and Friday Street Jazz:  Yay! Youth Theatre Company members can wear their ordinary clothes for class – no school uniform…

FOOTWEAR: Be friends with your feet
You only get one pair so it’s important not to damage them and to have those ankles supported with fitted shoes.
DO wear black jazz shoes or black soft plimsolls like the ones you wear for gym at school.
DON’T go barefoot (ouch! splinters!) – or wear outdoor shoes, including CROCS.

Special clothes and shoes for dance
For Street Jazz
DO wear trainers.
For Ballet
Boys: DO wear white leotard or t-shirt or vest with black or navy shorts and black ballet slippers with short socks.
Girls: DO wear leotard (any colour but most wear pink) and pink ballet slippers with short socks or pink ballet tights.
Ballet skirts are optional but no tutus for class.
Tutus can be worn in shows and demonstrations.
For Tap Class
DO wear black tap shoes.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I LEAVE THINGS BEHIND AFTER CLASS?
Make sure all your clothes and shoes are named so we can track them down if you lose them. We have a lost property box which is emptied at the end of each term.
DO check the lost property – anything left at the end of the term is donated to MTA or another charity.

CAN I MISS CLASSES?
The more energy and enthusiasm you put into your time at MTA the more you’ll get out of it and the better you’ll get at acting, dancing and singing.
DO come to all your classes, every week. It can spoil it for everyone else if you are missing.
DON’T skip weeks. You’ll miss bits even when we aren’t working towards a show. If you miss more than two classes in a term you may lose your part in the end of term show, or your chance to join future courses.
DO arrive in plenty of time, five minutes before the start of class, so you aren’t rushing to change your shoes and have time for the loo if you need it.
DON’T be late. It stops everyone else when someone comes in late. If you turn up late you’ll have to wait outside until there’s a good moment to go in, however long that is.

CAN I GO HOME ALONE?
If you are allowed to go home by yourself, we need to know about that in writing from your mum, dad or carer. There’s a box they can tick on the registration form. If they haven’t done that we can’t let you go until someone arrives to pick you up.

IS THERE AN EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER?
Please remind whoever picks you up that if there’s a problem, they need to phone MTA on the emergency number, not the office (there won’t be anyone there!). The Centre Manager will give them the number, and it is also written on the notice board at the school.

CAN I BRING A SNACK FOR SATURDAY SCHOOL?
Saturday School lasts for two or three hours so you’ll need a little something when we break at 12.15. If you are here for the break:
DO bring a quick, light snack and drink with you.
DON’T bring a full packed lunch.
DO make sure your bag and snack box have your name on them
DON’T bring chewing gum or fizzy drinks – they aren’t allowed in the school at all.
NO food or drink is to be had in any other classes. Remember how incredibly messy crisps are!

HOW DO I KEEP UP TO DATE?

• Check our parent’s noticeboards at each school

• Go to our News & Info page on this website for the latest news

• Go to the calendar on this website for dates and information for upcoming events

• Contact us

CAN I WATCH CLASS BEFORE I ENROL MY CHILD?
Sorry, no.  Experience has shown us that parents watching classes tend to distract the children, and with so many enquiries every term this could have a big impact, especially when the students are working towards a performance.  The two week trial period when you join gives your child a chance to try us out before committing.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD DOESN’T ENJOY CLASS?
If your child doesn’t want to carry on after two weeks, or if we or you feel s/he isn’t ready or wouldn’t benefit from the class, we will refund your fees for the rest of the term, minus the cost of the two classes.

CAN MY CHILD COME IN TO TRY A CLASS BEFORE WE DECIDE TO JOIN?
We have found that it is much better for a child to be new when everyone else is, at the start of term when new groups are forming.  Classes in the term are carefully structured and the group is often working towards a show or demonstration at the end of term.   You may be able to join a class during the first half of term.  So that you have a chance to really try the class, we offer a two week trial period when you join.  Do see our bookings page for more information.

WHY DON’T MONTAGE STUDENTS DO EXAMS?
Montage teachers are qualified to teach examination syllabus but there’s no shortage of schools offering courses leading to exams and Montage wants to offer an alternative for parents and children who prefer not to participate in that particular method of assessment with the pressures involved in examination study.

Each course carefully develops technique for that age group, well-balanced with creative development. At Montage we like children to be able to measure their progress by the praise they get from their tutors and classmates and the applause they get from their enthusiastic audiences when it’s showtime.

WHY THE EMPHASIS ON SHOW TUNES AND ROUTINES?
We just love ‘em, they’re the best fun and they combine drama, great tunes and dance especially well. But that’s not all we do.  Our drama classes place great value on storytelling, characterisation and improvisation, and our Youth Theatre Company works on scripted plays to be presented in a professional theatre each year.  Our  “My Turn” event is designed to help your child find his/her own voice and story.

CAN YOU HELP MY CHILD PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS OR HAVE PRIVATE CLASSES?
It is very likely that one of our tutors can work with your child. Call us at the office to discuss your plans.

ADULT CLASSES – I WANT TO JOIN BUT DO I HAVE TO BE IN THE SHOWS?
No, of course not.  You are very welcome to come and do a course for your own enjoyment. It’s a brilliant way to increase your fitness and to make friends. But you may surprise yourself and find that when you’ve spent a term or so perfecting a routine you are quite keen for your moment in the spotlight!  We’ve never had an adult student not take part in performances – however inexperienced or reserved at the beginning of term!