resource center & faqs

At DLC, we are firm believers that drama is extremely beneficial in increasing self-confidence and teaches young people how to better express themselves. In addition to the drama skills they gain, they also learn teamwork skills that will be helpful to them throughout their lives.

For all of our production classes, each student is guaranteed a role in the show. On the first day of class, we conduct what we refer to as “placements”, a term we use to avoid the stress the word “audition” may create. Placements are our way to find the best place for your child in the production- the area that will enable them to be most comfortable, learn, and grow. We will teach a song from the show, and students who wish to be considered for a solo will sing in front of the class. Oftentimes we also will do a group dance and some readings from the script.

Usually when class starts, students are led in a group drama warm-up followed by a brief discussion of a drama term. Then directors begin rehearsing scenes from that day’s class schedule. If a student is not in the scene the director is working on, they are working with the assistant director or counselor to learn/review music and choreography, or are working on drama skills through theatre games/class work.

We understand that occasionally students are initially disappointed if they do not get the role they had their heart set on. However, our staff is committed to finding each student’s opportunity to grow and shine on our stage. To this end, we choose ensemble shows where each student’s role is extremely important to the theatrical process. Regardless of the show title, each student will experience lots of stage time, singing, dancing, acting, drama skills and games, learning, and fun!

Yes! Because we are emphasizing ensemble theatre and teamwork, attendance is essential. We understand illness and emergency, but make sure that your child’s schedule is clear for the week of dress rehearsals. Regardless of the size of the role, if one student is missing it throws off the group dynamic. If conflicts arise after a class has begun, please communicate with the instructor directly. In cases of excessive absence, instructors have the discretion to reassign roles.

Double casting is where one role is shared by two students who each portray the role at one of the final performances. Typically, these students will be featured in the ensemble on the show day where they are not performing their titled role. Though this system does provide additional opportunities, there are challenges. When a role is shared, the student must share rehearsal time with another. They also must learn an additional track or stage path for the show where they are not playing their titled role. In many cases, a director will choose to double cast a role when they have two students who are equally capable of playing the part and are experienced enough to handle the challenges that come with being double cast. Double casting is always up to the discretion of the individual director.

No! We welcome students of all levels from beginner to advanced! We find that though beginners might be initially intimidated or nervous, those feelings typically fade after the first class. All of our teachers emphasize the fact that each student’s contribution is equally important.

We do not have a particular agent that we recommend, but we strongly urge parents to use extreme caution when thinking about this option. Please be aware that an ethical agent will only offer to represent your child if they think they are going to be able to find work for him/her, and will require NO money up front. True agents only get paid when they book a job for their talent, and will only take 10-15% of what the client is paid for the job.

In addition to participating in a theatrical production, students will also gain a basic knowledge of drama skills including stage directions, improvisation, character development, pantomime, expression, projection, articulation, and more. Your tuition also includes 2 complimentary tickets to the final production (additional tickets will be available for purchase). DLC typically provides the majority of costume pieces and students perform in our fully equipped theatre which features new sound and lighting equipment.

Aside from ticket purchases, all additional fees are optional. Families do have the option to purchase a production t-shirt and additional memorabilia.

We are only able to offer sibling discounts for our School’s Out Workshop series but are happy to work out a payment plan for families with more than one child enrolled in a production class.

Because of copyright laws, videotaping is strictly prohibited. We do not allow pictures to be taken during the performances, as it is a distraction to our actors and audience. There is an opportunity at the end of each show for the audience to take photos of the entire ensemble.

Our average staff-to-student ratios are as follows: - Preschool: 1:7 - Elementary: 1:10 - Middle: 1:12 - High School: 1:15 A typical class will have a director, assistant director, and counselor staffed.