Weekly Class Policies
Programs at Kaleidoscope’s Performing Arts Studio foster creativity, self-expression and self-confidence; teach children and youth about history, diverse cultures, literature and the arts while making learning engaging and entertaining; and help to create in youth a lifelong appreciation for the arts in our community.
Theatre classes at Kaleidoscope’s Performing Arts Studio help young people learn life skills such as critical thinking, articulating a vision, developing self-confidence and self-discipline, problem solving, working in group settings and decision making.
All Kaleidoscope Education programs have set standards, policies, and procedures. Questions around policies and procedures should be directed to the Kaleidoscope Education Director.
Communication
Kaleidoscope’s primary method of communication to families is by email. Please ensure that your email address is kept up to date. Registered students can do this by logging into your Parent account. An invitation to create a parent account is sent to all new families upon registration for their first Kaleidoscope program.
Age
For Group Classes, Spring Break and Summer Camps: Students must turn the minimum age of the program by the end of the school term that the program is occurring in. Examples: End of August for summer programs, end of December for Fall programs, end of June for Winter/Spring programs). If you are having troubles registering your child due to their age, please contact our office. For Pro-D Day Camps: Students must be the minimum age required for the program on at the time of the camp.
Student Illness
Students who are exhibiting symptoms of illness, such as respiratory illness, should stay home until they are well enough to participate in regular classes or otherwise advised by a healthcare provider. We kindly ask that those experiencing certain illnesses, such as gastrointestinal illness caused by norovirus, stay home and refrain from attending classes or programs for a minimum of 48 hours to prevent spreading illness to other students. Students can attend classes if their symptoms are consistent with a previously diagnosed health condition (e.g., seasonal allergies) or symptoms have improved, and they feel well enough to return to regular activities. If you are unsure or concerned about your symptoms, connect with your health care provider or call 8-1-1.
Program Changes
Instructors or program content may change at Kaleidoscope’s discretion, without notice. Information on our online registration system should be considered the most up-to-date. If you have specific program related questions, please contact our Education Department.
Diapers
We can only accept students who are fully potty-trained and fully independent in the bathroom. Pull up diapers are not allowed.
Fees
Applicable program fees must be paid upon registration. Payment can be made by VISA or MasterCard – we do not accept personal cheques, debit, cast, or e-transfers at this time. Payment plans are available for most programs. Payment dates are pre-determined and are non-negotiable.
Payment Plans are not currently available for Summer Camps, Spring Break Camps, and Pro-D Day Camps.
Attendance
Every child who attends a class at the Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Studio must be registered in advance of the program start date. Instructors do not have the ability to register students.
If you are unable to attend a class, please contact our offices by phone at 250.383.8124.
Please note that Phone Lines and Email are not monitored outside of general office hours.
Removal for Conduct
Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People and the Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Studio reserve the right to remove any student or parent who fails to comply with its rules and regulations, or who engages in any activity deemed contrary to the fulfillment of KTYP’s objectives. In such an event, KTYP will be owed the fees for the complete session.
Dress Code
New for 2024-2025: We have removed the previously required all-black dress code.
We encourage students to dress comfortably in clothing that they can move around in and that won’t restrict their participation in class (i.e. active wear). Clothing that restricts movement (such as tight jeans) are discouraged. Clothing with offensive language or logos is not acceptable.
Students must wear clean closed-toed and flat shoes to class. Sandals, Flip-Flops, Rain Boots, or any shoe with a high heel are unacceptable. Indoor runners are a great option for class! Please do not send your child to class in shoes that are muddy!
Please refrain from wearing costumes from home (unless its Halloween week!)
Food and Beverage
Food is not to be consumed during class time. Suitable breaks may be scheduled during which time snacks and beverages can be consumed when appropriate. Food and beverages are not to be consumed in the studios, water is the only exception. It is the students responsibility to make sure that all garbage or recycling is removed from the studios. Chewing gum is not allowed.
Due to severe allergies among both students and staff, the Kaleidoscope Arts Centre is a nut free facility.
Class Cancellation Policy
Kaleidoscope reserves the right to cancel classes that do not meet minimum enrollment.
For weekly classes with low enrolment, classes will run for up to two weeks before a cancellation decision. A pro-rated refund will be issued.
For Day Camps (Spring Break / Summer): A cancelation decision will be made at minimum 1-week prior to the start of the program.
In the event of Instructor absence due to illness, every effort will be made to provide a suitable substitute instructor. If a substitute instructor is not available, a pro-rated refund for the affected class will be issued.
If a class is cancelled due to weather, a make-up date will be scheduled. Typically, a program be extended by an additional week. No refunds will be issued due to weather related cancellations, or if a student does not attend a make-up class.
Students are not eligible for make-ups, refunds, or credits for classes that they do not attend.
Parent Pick-up
Students must be picked up within 10 minutes of the end of their program. While we understand that delays can happen, repeated late pick-ups may result in a charge of $50/hour for additional supervision. Please note that Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People cannot provide care for students outside of scheduled program times.
Language
For safety reasons, all students must have a comprehensive understanding of English before attending classes.
Medical Needs
Parents/guardians are required to inform Kaleidoscope at the time of registration of any allergies, or medical conditions that may impact their child’s participation in the program. This allows our instructors to beset support your child during their time in our programs.
Important: We are a nut free facility. Do not send your child to our studios with nut products.
Accessibility Needs
Parents/guardians are required to inform Kaleidoscope at the time of registration of any accessibility or support needs their children may have. This allows our instructors to best support your child during their time in our programs. If you would like to discuss your child’s individual needs in more detail and in advance of the program, please contact our Education Department.
Weapons
Students are prohibited from possessing weapons of any kind, this includes prop firearms, knives or any device that has the appearance or function of a serviceable weapon in our around the Kaleidoscope Arts Centre.
Extreme Weather Closure Procedure
In times of extreme weather, Kaleidoscope’s Performing Arts Studio’s closure procedure aligns with that of the Victoria public school district. In the event that Victoria public schools (SD61) are closed due to weather conditions, Kaleidoscope classes are also cancelled. Please check local radio, television, and school board websites for school closures. Closure notices will also be sent by email and posted on KTYP social media platforms. More details about our Weather Policy can be found HERE.
Electronic Devices
Cell phones, laptops and recording devices are not permitted for use in classroom. Phones and devices (including smart watches) must remain put away in student’s bags for the duration of class.
Safe Space Policy
Kaleidoscope Theatre Productions Society is committed to providing a safe place for students, parents, faculty, and staff, without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of sex, race/ ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, age, beliefs, or physical or mental ability; a place where the rules guard each person's self-respect and dignity and strongly encourage everyone to respect others. Decisions by Kaleidoscope Theatre concerning casting, employment and every aspect of the individual’s relationship and participation with Kaleidoscope are based on talent and qualifications without regard to race, colour, sexual orientation, religion, sex, age, nationality or ethnic origin, disability, and/or other categories protected by law. In regards to casting - Kaleidoscope is dedicated to reflecting Canada's rich mosaic of cultural diversity, and encourages submissions from artists of all ethno-cultural backgrounds.
Students or adults who fail to respect other members or participants may be asked to de-register.
Kaleidoscope is committed to a safe, respectful environment for all and has clear policies on these issues.
Withdrawls, Refunds and Cancellations
Deadline to Withdraw: 7 Days prior to start of first class for full refund (less $50 cancelation fee), 24 hours prior to the start of the second class for credit (less $50 cancelation fee). Credit is valid for 1-year, after that time the credit expires.
How to cancel your registration: Parents have the ability to cancel their registrations via their online account, provided cancelation is made prior to the 7-day cancelation deadline. After this time, withdrawal and transfer requests must be received in writing by email to education@kaleidoscope.bc.ca. Non-attendance or non-payment of outstanding fees does not constitute a formal withdrawal. If you have experiencing difficulty cancelling your registration online, please contact our Education Department prior to the refund or credit deadlines. We will be happy to assist you.
Credits: Credits issued are valid for one (1) calendar year. They can be used for any educational program at the Kaleidoscope Arts Centre (Spring Break Camp, Summer Camp, Pro-D Day Camp, Group Class etc.). Credits cannot be applied to Birthday Parties, Production Tickets, or programs not offered at our downtown facility. Credits expire after 1-year. If you require assistance applying credits to a future program, please contact our office.
ACTIVE Refund: ACTIVE Refund is an optional add-on to ensure the participants' full registration fees are refundable if you are unable to participate in the program. This option is provided by the ACTIVE Network and not Kaleidoscope. If you purchased ACTIVE Refund you must cancel your registration using the ACTIVE Refund Service at refund.active.com. Please have your Reference ID or be prepared to login with the active.com account you used to register. You can request a refund for your registration anytime, so long as it is more than 48 hours before the program start date. This only applies to families who have purchased the additional ACTIVE Refund option. It is important to note that Kaleidoscope cannot see if you purchased this additional add-on. Please check your receipt form the ACTIVE Network prior to submitting a cancellation request.
Transfers to another weekly class: No Charge. Transfer must be into another weekly class within that term. Transfer requests will only be considered during the first two weeks of a term, subject to availability.
Method of Instruction
Instruction for all Kaleidoscope Programs is offered in-person in a classroom settings. Regular instruction is not available online or recorded. In the event that in-person instruction is not possible due to natural disaster, pandemic, government order, or other cause that is out of control of Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People, an alternate method of instruction will be provided ensuring a continuation of learning. In this event, all policies, including refund and cancellation still apply.
