Policies, Tuition & expectations

TUITION

  • Full tuition is due the first of the month. Tuition is not deducted for absences.

  • Tuition for the Skylight Asylum in person class is $180 in the three class months and $240 in the four class months. Zoom class continues with the same tuition. 

  • Payments after the 1st of the month incur a $20 late fee.

  • Submit your tuition via PayPal link: kaustintuition. Please click ‘friends & family’ button. If you don’t, I’ll be charged 3% that I will expect you to refund.

  • A missed credit can be exchanged for a 1/2 hour of private audition coaching: either over zoom or the phone. You may can combine two missed classes for an 50 minutes in person coaching. The credit is good within the calendar year of the absence. Honor system - you keep track of your missed classes. 

  • If I must cancel a class, it will be credited to the next month. 

  • Entering students agree to a 3 month ‘trial’ with tuition paid monthly. Subsequent commitment is month to month. 

  • Recurring auditors pay a reduced rate. You may not switch back to auditing once you have become a performing member. 

  • VISITORS are welcome to observe one class in your search for a creative home; there is no charge for your visit. 

Attendance

  • The class size is limited - your tuition holds your seat. 

  • When a member withdraws, they may re-enter study any time (if there is a seat open). 

  • There are a limited number of seats for auditors, who attend but do not perform. Auditing is appropriate for writers, directors & actors waiting for a member seat.

  • When you withdraw, your seat will given to a wait listed actor. If the roster is full when you request to re-enter, you may audit till a seat opens. 

  • Returning members have priority over new students. 

  • If you must miss a class, let me know why. Stay in touch with the community.

EXPECTATIONS

    1. What goes on in class, stays in class. Period. The agreement of confidentiality is imperative. Actors must feel safe to take creative risks. Protect your classmates privacy

    2. Honor your commitments. Respect your agreements about rehearsals & your scheduled performance slots.

    3. There’s only one teacher: do not critique other members’ work outside the theatre. Encouragement or future scene work ideas are welcome but specific acting advice must come only from the teacher.

    4. If you have a burning issue about another actor, come to me.

    5. No drinking or drugs before or during class. My goal for each of you, individually and collectively, is to get more conscious. If you don't want to feel what you feel then this class is not for you.

    6. Speaking of concious, stay present with you classmates. No phones out in the theatre. If you have to check your phone, step outside.

    1. If you are chronically late, it is a toxic pattern. Change it.

    2. Professionals are punctual. It's a work skill; employers don't care WHY you're late to set.

    3. Being late is disruptive. It is disrespectful to other class members.

    4. There is traffic in LA. Duh. Allow travel time so you can arrive early, park & get settled.

    5. If you will be late because you are stuck at work, txt me or another student so we know when to expect you.

    6. If will be late, without informing me ahead of class start time, your performance slot will be last on the schedule.

    7. Punctuality includes being on time for scene rehearsals. It shows respect for your scene partner.

    8. Don't be late. Just don't.

    1. PHONES OFF. Vibrate is unacceptable. Do not check your phone on the break. Do you unconsciously grab your phone to avoid feeling uncomfortable? Stay present . Discover where you retreat.

    2. No photos or filming

    3. No chewing gum.

    4. No eating.

    5. No cross talk, please. Help us stay focused. Hold comments from your seat till you get my attention.

    6. We take one break. If you need to to step out, wait till actors are off the stage.

    7. Class contact sheets are only for contacting class members about class. Let us know when you are appearing in anything. But no jokes, politics or email chains.

    8. Buss your trash; restore order. We leave the theatre better than when we arrive.

  • The Skylight is our creative home. Please leave it better than we found it:

    1. LEAVE THE SET ALONE

    2. The stage door must stay closed for everyone’s safety. Do not prop the stage door open at any time- it must stay locked. Take breaks outside on Vermont Avenue

    3. Only closed water bottles are allowed in the theater. No food; no drinks. NO GUM. You may eat only in the dressing room.

    4. We may use the acting blocks and folding chairs. They must be returned to their exact spot by the actors who use them.

    5. Please, please return everything, including furniture and acting blocks, to its original position. Bus trash even if it isn't yours. Food items go out to the dumpster or take it out and away. Ask me if you need a bag.

"find a place you trust and then try trusting it for awhile."

— Corita Kent