THE LA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered
HOW DO I JOIN A CLASS FOR THE FIRST TIME?
Just contact us using the contact page or emailing emmalowndesmasterclass@gmail.com. You can then come along for a FREE first session to make sure our drama club is what you are looking for and for us to assess if you are the right fit to join.
DO I NEED PREVIOUS ACTING EXPERIENCE TO PARTICIPATE?
No, not for the youth company. You don't need any previous acting experience to join our Academy. It will be on a first come, first served basis. There is a code of conduct to follow and the Academy can terminate your membership if it is seen to be broken. We want to see our members open, playful, supportive, attentive and equitable. We do not tolerate any disruption or language and behaviour that we deem unacceptable.
It is preferable to have some acting experience if you are joining the adult company as the work is more advanced eg GCSE drama, acting courses, A level, degree or amateur dramatics experience.
HOW OFTEN DOES THE LOWNDES ACADEMY MEET?
We meet once a week for two hours. We run 10 classes each a term. Dates and venues will be given once you become a member. There are also regular showcases giving members a chance to perform on stage.
WHAT IF I CAN'T AFFORD THE FEES?
Please talk to us if you wish to be considered for The Lowndes Academy Scholarship. We will award this to a passionate student so they can do their training for free. The first scholarship will be for 2022-2025 and will be awarded to one lucky applicant after an informal interview and a free trial session with the group.
HOW DO I PAY AND HOW OFTEN?
Once you have joined we will email you, at the start of each term, the bank details for bank transfer. Most members pay for a block of 10 classes, but there is an option for a flexi 5.
You must give notice before the start of the new term if you are cancelling your membership.
IS THERE A SIBLING DISCOUNT?
Yes, we will give a 25% discount for a sibling.
WHAT IF I MISS A PAYMENT?
We will give two reminders to pay and then you will, unfortunately, lose your membership.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING AND WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A CLASS?
Bring your enthusiasm, a bottle of water, a snack, wear comfortable clothes and trainers/shoes (that you can move easily in). Classes will involve a warm up, scene work, improvisation, ensemble collaboration and devising. You may be required to read from a script and the classes may involve physical contact. We will always check consent, but a lot of movement work, scene study and choreography can involve working closely with your company to bring the scenes to life.
WILL YOU USE MY CHILD'S IMAGE?
The LA will use photographs and videos of their members. You will be asked when you join if you agree to this.
WHAT IS THE LA CODE OF CONDUCT?
The Lowndes Academy code of conduct means displays of any negative "phobia" or "ism" will not be tolerated. This is not a space for racism, sexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, xenophobia or bullying of any kind. The Academy also expects focused, playful and open contribution to the lessons and will not tolerate the deliberate disruption of classes. We do not tolerate any behaviour or language that is deemed unacceptable in a setting where there are children. You will be sent a TERMS and CONDITIONS contract which must be signed by a parent or guardian when you sign up.