CODE OF CONDUCT

All students and staff deserve to be treated with kindness and respect at all times. We aim to provide an inclusive space for people of all identities, and as such, there will be zero tolerance for any kind of disrespectful behaviour or language, bullying or harassment, or any other action which may inflict physical or emotional harm on another person. Engaging in behaviour which goes against our Code of Conduct will result in removal from our programs.

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UNFORESEEN CANCELLATIONS

The safety of our students, families, and staff is our highest priority.
 

If Halifax Regional Centre for Education (or Halifax Rec programs on the weekend) cancels school or after-school activities due to weather, The Studio may also close. However, final closure decisions are made by the Studio Director based on conditions at the theatre.
 

Notice of closures will be sent by text and email no later than 2 hours before class start time whenever possible.
 

In the event of an unexpected closure (power outage, building emergency, public health concern, etc.), families will be notified as quickly as possible by email and text message.
 

When classes are cancelled due to weather or emergency, The Studio will:

• Attempt to reschedule the class or rehearsal when feasible, to one of our designated “snow dates” (details below).

• Combine or extend future classes to make up for lost time if possible.

• For performance-based classes, ensure that any essential rehearsals missed are prioritized for rescheduling.

Please note that while every effort will be made to provide make-up opportunities, they cannot always be guaranteed due to scheduling constraints.

Snow Days / Make-Up Dates
Each year, The Studio sets aside a few special “snow days” in our calendar. These are dates we can use if a class or rehearsal has to be canceled because of weather or something unexpected.
 

A few things to know:

• These dates are the only times we’ll be able to reschedule missed classes.

• Not every canceled class will automatically move to the very next snow day — we’ll choose the date that works best overall.

• Make-up classes might look a little different: sometimes they’ll be combined with another group, or they may happen at a different time than your usual class.
   

We ask all families to be aware of these dates just in case — they’re our “back-up plan” to make sure everyone still gets the most out of their time at The Studio.

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ATTENDANCE POLICIES
(Junior, Senior, and Pre-Company Classes)  

We want you to stay home if you don’t feel well. We will always work to be as  flexible as possible in accommodating make-up classes for any student who  stays home from class due to illness.
 

At The Studio, every student is an important part of our ensemble, and we value the time we spend learning and creating together. While we understand that life happens, regular attendance helps students feel confident, stay connected, and get the most out of their experience.

Absences

• If your child needs to miss a class, please let us know by email ahead of time whenever possible.

• Occasional absences for illness, family events, or other commitments are understandable. We just ask that you keep us in the loop so instructors can plan accordingly.

• If a student is absent more than three times in the Winter/Spring session, they may only participate in the recital at the discretion of the Studio Director. This isn’t punitive: it’s about setting up everyone for success.

• Attendance at all dress rehearsals and performances is mandatory in order to participate in the recital.

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ATTENDANCE POLICIES

(Company Classes)  

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Participation in Company-level classes is a significant commitment to both the work and the ensemble. Because this is a collaborative, performance-based program, consistent attendance is essential.

• Students are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals. Absences are only acceptable in cases of illness.

• Rehearsals should not be missed for any other reason, including conflicting activities or commitments. Enrollment in this program indicates that it takes priority over other extracurriculars.

• Students are responsible for keeping track of all scheduled rehearsals, including any updates or additions, through the program calendar.

• Staff are not available outside of scheduled rehearsal time to reteach or make up missed material. 

• Missing rehearsals will directly impact casting and performance opportunities. Students who are absent may be removed from sections of the production that were rehearsed in their absence, and lines or stage time may be reduced accordingly.

• Attendance at all dress rehearsals and performances is mandatory, with no exceptions.

• While adjustments become more difficult later in the process, attendance will still be monitored closely. Students who miss more than three rehearsals over the course of the year, or who miss a dress rehearsal, will not be eligible for Full-Time or Character-Stream programs in the following year.
   

This policy is in place to ensure fairness, accountability, and a high standard of work for the entire company.

 

LOST & FOUND
 

• The Studio is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please label all belongings.

• Any found items will be kept for 30 days before being donated.

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CASTING POLICY

One of the most challenging parts of theatre training is the necessary practice of casting the play. Some students will get a role they want or expect, others will get something different. It is Shakespeare by the Sea's policy to only allow the number of students into a class that there are sufficient roles for. If there are 12 speaking roles in the play, there will be a maximum of 12 students in the class. Casting is left to the discretion of the director/instructor, and they are doing the best possible job they can, taking all the students' needs and strengths into account. All available roles offer an opportunity for learning, practicing technique, and imaginative character creation. All available roles have lines to learn. We support all students in finding what is exciting and challenging about the role they are given, even if it is different from what they expect. Casting is final, and refunds will not be given if a student withdraws because they are unsatisfied with their casting.

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COVID-19 POLICY

Students must stay home from class if they have COVID-19, symptoms of COVID-19, or if someone in their home has COVID-19, including if they test positive but have no symptoms.