FAQs
What is the difference between Musical Theatre and Performing Arts Classes?
Our Performing Arts Classes are after school classes which take place in various primary schools around Auckland. The material covered in class comes from a number of different genres - for example, students may dance a ballet routine and a jazz routine in the first term, yet learn a hip hop routine and a lyrical routine in term two. As well as this, songs vary from Pop and Eighties, to Jazz and Modern. Drama pieces can be taken from films, plays, musicals or can even be devised by the students themselves.
Our Musical Theatre Classes all take place on a Saturday. This are different from our Performing Arts Classes in that they only cover material from the Musical Theatre repertoire. Recent musicals we have drawn inspiration from have included, 'Annie', 'Mary Poppins', 'Wicked', 'Phantom of the Opera' and 'Bugsy Malone'. As well as script work, songs and Broadway-style Choreography, these classes focus on technique work also that is carried through the three disciplines of Musical Theatre.
What does the class consist of?
Each class begins with a warm up of some sort - these consist of drama exercises, vocal warm ups, physical warm ups or stretches and games, and warm ups are varied week by week. Once the students are warm and mentally prepared for the lesson, we begin our course work. Our average Performing Arts or Musical Theatre classes will break down the time evenly into three sections, learning or rehearsing dance routines, songs and drama pieces. Intertwined with this will be games and activities to keep the students motivated throughout the lesson. Some classes are tailored to a certain activity (e.g. Film Making) and will spend the majority of the lesson on this. In the lead up to show time, tutors may use their discretion to focus the class more on a particular routine, song or script if they feel it requires more time before being performed on stage, rather than spending equal time on various material. The class will usually conclude with a small game, warm down activity or discussion on the day's progress.
What is Green Door Youth Theatre?
Peaches and Pickles Limited are very excited to launch our new Youth Theatre Programme "Green Door - Unlocking Potential". Run by the same great Peaches and Pickles Staff, this one hour weekly class is aimed at 13-17 year old students who want to take their theatrical training to the next level. Broken down into modules throughout the year, Green Door will not just be a performance class. Although technique and performance in Dance, Singing and Drama will be worked on each week, the class will also educate students on other aspects of the theatre. For example Stage Management, Lighting Design and Theatrical Make-Up. All of this practical work will be visible in a portfolio which students take home as a tangible example of their new found skills and the progress they have achieved over the year. Contact sophia@peachesandpickles.net for more information.
What does the Uniform consist of, and is it compulsory?
The uniform for Peaches and Pickles Performing Arts and Musical Theatre classes consists of the white Peaches & Pickles T-Shirt (available for purchase from our Online Shop), self provided leggings (Girls - NO Skirts), self provided loose shorts or trackpants (Boys) and a comfortable shoe (preferably students will wear a Jazz Shoe/Sneaker or Ballet Flat, but trainers or canvas shoes are fine - NO Jandals/Slip Ons as these are not able to be danced in). Our Uniform is compulsory for all classes and we will be making sure students are dressed correctly for every lesson.
What is the Major Musical and how can I be involved?
From 2013 onwards, Peaches and Pickles Ltd. intends to stage one well-known musical a year, to give the students of Peaches & Pickles and Green Door Youth Theatre an opportunity to perform a full scale musical production in a professional theatre, with an audience over a season of matinees and evening performances. While lead roles are auditioned in a workshop environment, every student that puts their name forward will be invited to be a part of the ensemble (providing we have not already reached full capacity for cast numbers, and the student is currently enrolled in a Peaches & Pickles or Green Door class). The rehearsal process is very different from a standard class, so students will get the opportunity to experience a rehearsal environment that is similar to that of most musicals produced today. To be a part of the cast, an administration and costume fee will be charged. It is a huge fund to put on a musical to this scale, and therefore please understand why we must incur this fee to all cast.
We are always in need of parents who can volunteer their time or services to the production, whether this lies in sewing, set design or construction, props, administration assistance, marketing, backstage supervision, or anything else. If you feel like this is you, please get in touch. We are extremely grateful to anyone who can offer their assistance, however small or large.
2013 saw Peaches and Pickles produce a classic, colourful and delightful musical - "Disney's Alice in Wonderland Jr". In 2014, we will bring to life the popular musical "Oliver!". If you would like to stay up to date, or be involved, please check out our Musical page.
How do I pay my fees?
Each term, you will receive an invoice for the term ahead. Payment instructions will be on the invoice. Please pay this fee promptly within 7 days of the first class of term. We do not want to have to implement a 'late payment fee' so please make sure fees are paid on time. If you have difficulty paying your bill on time, please get in touch with us. We may be able to set up a payment plan for you.
What is your refund policy?
If your child signs up for a term, but within the first two lessons decides they would like to discontinue lessons, we may be able to offer up to a 50% return on paid fees. This will be on a case-by-case basis, so please get in touch with us so we are aware of the situation and can deal with it accordingly.
After three lessons or more, we regret we can no longer offer a refund on term fees.
I want to watch my child's class - Is this a possibility?
Unfortunately, no. We have learnt from experience that the overall performance from the classes decreases when there are unfamiliar eyes watching the lesson. In the past, parents have asked to stay due to their child getting upset when they leave - however in nearly every instance, that same child has completely sparked up a few minutes after the parent is away from the classroom, as they can now solely focus on the class material. Please do trust us with this new policy; it is one we feel works best for every party. Thank you for your understanding.
If you are confused by any of the above information, or have a question that has not been answered here, please do not hesitate to Contact Us
