Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions not answered here.
General Questions
Does my student need to be enrolled in classes to participate in the productions?
No, they don't! However, we do highly recommend our classes for anyone interested in our productions as they will cover skills (theatre terminology, confidence in performing, etc) that will be helpful for your student on stage, and they will be able to get to know some other participants through class time interactions.
How do I audition for one of your shows?
Audition information is posted on our website and shared via social media and with our mailing list. We audition for our summer kids' musical and our fall teen musical in early spring, and our winter kids' and teen productions in Nov/December, typically.
I'd love to be more involved in TCHA leadership or share my skills in photography, videography, costuming, sewing, stage production, marketing, teaching private music lessons, etc...Who do I talk to?
That's wonderful! We'd love to chat with you! Please contact our board members at the following email: [email protected]
Is TCHA a Christian organization?
TCHA’s board and tutors are all professing Christians and TCHA operates according to Biblical principals. Depending on the tutor – prayer, devotionals, worship, and Christ-center music and homework may be incorporated into the class.
What are the age ranges for classes at TCHA?
TCHA offers classes for PreK children through 12th grade.
When and where are the TCHA classes?
All TCHA classes meet on Wednesday at South Suburban Evangelical Free Church in Apple Valley, MN. South Suburban has graciously made their facility available to us, but TCHA is not affiliated with the church.
Policies and Procedures
Are your tutors and directors background checked?
Yes, they are! We do everything we can to make sure that your students are in a safe environment.
Does TCHA have a privacy policy?
TCHA is respectful of your personal information and will not sell or share your data with anyone outside of this organization. We will only use your email address to promote future TCHA classes and opportunities. You are free to opt out of receiving those emails at any time.
Does TCHA have a weather policy?
If school district 196 is delayed or closed, TCHA will likely do the same. TCHA will post cancellation notices and an email will go out notifying parents of a cancellation. If nothing has been communicated, assume TCHA classes will go on as planned. If classes are cancelled, make-up classes will not be scheduled, but students are still responsible to complete assigned tasks and homework as listed in the class syllabus (if one is provided). No refunds or tuition credits will be given for weather-related class cancellations.
Is there a place I can wait for my student to be done with class, in the building?
Yes, absolutely! We have "hang-out" rooms available for caregivers and their siblings. Please feel free to come on in and utilize these rooms for schooling, quiet play, work, or getting to know some of our other families! You are also welcome to eat snacks or lunch in the hang-out rooms as long as you clean up after yourself. We do ask that all TCHA families use only the hang out rooms so that we can be respectful of office space and church staff. Sound travels!
What is TCHA's dress code?
Clothing must be modest and free of profanity and vulgarity. If a tutor, board member, or South Suburban staff member feels a student’s clothing is not appropriate, he/she will be asked to change. This may require a student to go home, change, and come back to class.
What is TCHA’s attendance policy?
Attendance at every class is vital – especially for classes who are working toward an end-of-the-semester performance. One excused absence is allowed per semester. Students are responsible to refer to the syllabus (if one is provided) as well as contact a fellow classmate (not the tutor) to see what was missed in class and what homework is due the following week. Students who miss more than one class per semester and who are falling behind in the class requirements may be dismissed from the class and/or the performance without a refund given.
What is TCHA’s code of conduct?
If a student is uncooperative with the request of the tutor, board member, or South Suburban staff, disciplinary action will result. Student’s should conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner, respecting one another, parents, tutors, South Suburban staff members, and South Suburban’s facility. Students should always pick up after themselves regardless of which room they are in, always keeping in mind that we have graciously been granted the use of our space. If a anyone stains or breaks something, we ask that a board member or tutor is informed immediately, and that the student pay for the necessary clean up and replacement. TCHA asks students and parents to use common sense and good judgment regarding attire and conduct. Refer to our "Mission and Vision" page on our website, as well as "Class Policies and Information" under the "Registration" page for more details.
Classes and Registration
Are there volunteer expectations that I should be prepared for?
We do have volunteer opportunities, like hall monitoring or cleaning up at the end of the day, and parents are highly encouraged to sign up to volunteer for approximately 4 weeks in one of these areas. However, we do understand that sometimes our "season" of life doesn't make this possible. There's grace for that.
Do I need to be on site when my student is taking classes?
You are welcome to drop your student off at class time and pick up at the end of class without staying in the building. If your student is taking multiple classes and will have down time between, a parent, caregiver, or other trusted adult needs to be on site for students under the age of 12.
Do my children need to audition for TCHA classes?
Generally, no. But there are a few classes for 7th – 12th grade students that require an audition or a prerequisite to join. For more specifics, check out the class description on the registration page.
How do I register my children for TCHA classes?
You can register for classes in the weeks leading up to the start of each semester. Fall semester registration opens on June 1; Spring semester registration opens on December 1. You may register for classes on the registration page.
May I sit in and observe the class?
During class, family members and friends are welcome to wait in the designated parent/study rooms. However, only the tutor and students may be in the classroom during class. TCHA has adopted this policy in order to avoid potential class disruptions, and allow family and friends to enjoy end of the semester performances with “fresh ears and eyes.” That being said, if there are special circumstances, please reach out to the board or the tutor and have a conversation.