Got a question? Check out our frequently answered questions below. If you’re still unsure of anything, just drop us a message through the form at the bottom of the page.

CLASSES

What age do classes start from?

Our classes start from 2 years, all the way up to adults! We offer parent and child drama, & ballet classes from preschool age. From 4 years, students can also start tap, modern jazz, street & musical theatre. Students can start contemporary/lyrical from Year 7.

Are your classes suitable for beginners?

Yes! Anyone can start their performance journey at any age. In both our children and adult classes, we have mixed abilities with teaching assistants on hand to help anyone new.

How many students per teacher in classes?

We always try to have 7 students per teacher/teaching assistants in classes up to Year 6, to make sure each student gets the time and support they need.

Do you offer a free trial?

Yes we do for our children’s classes. If your child isn’t sure after their free trial, then you can do pay as you go for two more classes to make sure your child is happy.

FEES

How are fees paid?

Children’s class fees are paid termly. Adult classes are pay as you go.

We’ve done our free trial in the middle of the term and want to sign up. How does payment work?

That’s great! After the free trial, you just pay for the remainder of the term which we’ll work out for you.

Are payment plans available?

Yes, just drop us an email!

Do you offer discounts?

We do, we offer a 10% sibling/multi-class discount.

Do you offer refunds?

We don’t offer refunds for missed classes, but students can come and make up on other days and times. Just let us know & we can suggest the best class to come to.

Do you have a notice period?

We don’t, but we just kindly ask for you to let us know if you have decided to not come back to classes so we can offer the place to somebody else.

Do you have a uniform?

Yes we do which all students up to Year 9 should wear. For students Year 9 & older, suitable comfortable clothing should be worn to class, just have a chat with our teachers if you’re not sure. Dance uniform is required for exams for all ages.

Can I watch my child’s class?

We don’t allow parents to watch classes for child safety reasons, however you are more than welcome to come to watching classes & in-house performances!

LAMDA EXAMS

How do the LAMDA exams work at Chrystel Arts?

All students who attend our Speech & Drama classes cover the LAMDA syllabi & have the option to take exams if they wish to. No private lessons are necessary to take exams. Visit our LAMDA page for more information about each type of drama exam.

What age can my child start taking LAMDA exams?

Students can take exams from 4 years. We mainly follow the suggested age guidelines but students who start with us from a young age may be able to take exams younger.

Do I need to travel to LAMDA headquarters to take exams?

No! We are a Registered Lamda Centre & hold exams at our venues in Edgware & Chesham three times a year – usually at the end of each term.

How often can my child take LAMDA exams?

Students have the opportunity to enter for two drama exams a year if they wish – one from each syllabus in the relevant grade. Students preparing for Musical Theatre exams can take one exam a year as well as two drama exams.

Can my child take exams in only one genre, like Public Speaking or Acting?

During each year students cover aspects from both the Performance & Communication syllabi as the skills learnt in one syllabus compliments the each other. We advise that students take exams in each syllabi. This creates rounded performers with skills that they can use not only in exams but also in other aspects of their lives as they grow up. It also stops them from progressing too quickly and not being prepared for the maturity of the higher grades, meaning better results.

ISTD EXAMS

How do ISTD dance exams work at Chrystel Arts?

All students who attend our dance classes cover the ISTD work & have the option to take exams if they wish to. No private lessons are necessary to take exams. Take a look at the different dance genres we offer here.

PERFORMANCES

Do you offer performance opportunities?

Yes we do! We regularly have in-house performances, as well taking part in showcases & festivals through both solo and group work.

Are there additional costs for performances?

Not for our in-house performances. External showcases and festivals normally charge a performers fee. We sometimes have to hire/buy costumes for these performances which is covered in the overall amount we tell you when we send out information.

UCAS POINTS

How can my child gain UCAS points through LAMDA exams?

UCAS points can be gained in the LAMDA Communication, Performance & Musical Theatre syllabi from Grade 6 & above, & also from Level 3 Shakespeare. Take exams in all these syllabi helps to maximise the points they can gain. UCAS points are also awarded for the PCertLAM if students wish to gain even more points.

Can my child take exams in one syllabi in the higher grades to gain UCAS points?

They can, but if they go up a grade in same syllabi, the UCAS points gained from the previous higher grade exam cancels out, hence why we suggest that students take exams in all syllabi to maximise points.

AGENCY

Do you represent beginners or only experienced actors?

Our books have a big mix of abilities, from those just starting out on their professional acting journey to those who have been working in the industry for many years.

How do I apply to join your agency?

Just drop us an email so we can review your material! If we think you might be a good fit, then we normally ask for you to send us a self tape to see what you can do with a casting brief. Then if we think we could work with you, we bring you in for an in-person or Zoom meeting to discuss things further.

Is there a joining fee?

Agencies do not charge joining fees. We suggest all our clients join Spotlight as this is the main way we get our clients casting opportunities. This has a membership fee so that actors can have a profile on there and be submitted for castings by us.

Do I need formal acting training?

No, gone are the days that formal acting training is a must. We do suggest that you attend acting classes and workshops to keep working on your craft as well as building connections within the industry.

Do I need to attend your classes to apply for the agency?

No, although students who come to our classes don’t need to audition as we know what they can do through teaching them on a regular basis.

Do I need professional headshots?

When you are just setting up your CV, we suggest a simple head and shoulders shot against a blank background to start you off. However, professional headshots are needed once this is done so we can help give you the best opportunities. Our clients also need professional headshots approved by us to be included on our agency website page.

Do I need a showreel?

Not if you’re just starting out, but having self tapes scenes are always useful as they can show casting professionals what you can do!

What credits should be included on my Spotlight CV?

Ideally, only professional work should be included on your CV.

How often should I update my CV?

Every time you have something new to add! We suggest our actors check theirs every few months as Spotlight are adding new features all the time.

What happens once I become a client?

We send you a simple T&C’s form, and then we either help you get started on Spotlight or we transfer you to our books. Then we can start submitting you for acting roles!

Do you have a notice period?

We don’t, but we just kindly ask for you to let us know if you have decided to leave so we can stop submitting you for roles.

Are you sole agency?

We are in the sense that we prefer to be your only agent for film, TV and commercial work. However you are more than welcome to have separate voiceover/modelling agents.

How will I hear about auditions?

We use the Tagmin app to send you self tape/audition details. We send you a notification through the app, as well as by email.

What commission do you charge?

We charge 15% commission on completed jobs, but for low budget jobs we normally discuss a lower rate with our actors.