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What if my child becomes homesick?

Beginnings students are constantly surrounded by mature, caring adults. Each room has two adult chaperones, both of whom undergo rigorous screening and many hours of training, (See Supervision). Much of this encompasses sensitivity toward the emotional needs of children and teens. In addition to their chaperones, every student has virtually unlimited access to Mr. Sklar at any waking hour of the day or night, to discuss any and all feelings, problems, questions or concerns directly with him. In the unusual event that homesickness is inconsolable, parents will be notified, and an appropriate course of action will be discussed which may or may not include having the child return home. No student who is adamant for a sustained period of time about wanting to leave will ever be pressured or coerced to stay. For perspective, there were approximately three hundred (300) workshop students in 2007. Of these, just four (4) found it emotionally impossible to complete the program.

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What is the difference between your workshop and other training programs?

Beginnings is the only performing arts program in the world that places as much emphasis on the physical and emotional needs of its students, as it does on their careers. In addition to fostering sound health habits and self-esteem, we are unsurpassed in the professional credentials of our instructional staff, and the career-relevance of our curriculum. The New York workshop is entirely unique in providing all of its students with a variety of industry-recognized credits for a full professional resume immediately upon completion, including many hours of work with current or recent Broadway/TV/ film professionals, and an Off Broadway solo showcase appearance before trade representatives at a major theater in New York City. In terms of cost-effectiveness, the Beginnings London workshop is the most thorough and intensive artistic and cultural learning experience ever offered to performing arts students in the United States who desire to study abroad.

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What percentage of your students has gone on to become successful/What will I (or my child) get out of this?

Although many of our alumni have become extremely successful, and in fact famous, the success of the vast majority of our students is measured in a far less spectacular manner. This includes improved health and nutritional habits, increased confidence and communication skills, superior study habits and self-discipline, heightened maturity, and the knowledge and perspective to make productive and realistic career choices in a variety of fields. These benefits are widely reported in writing, (see Testimonials), and apply to a large degree to virtually all alumni.

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What happens after the workshop?

Mr. Sklar is available following the workshop on a reasonable basis to provide career and personal advice and guidance for all students and parents. Normally, there is no charge for this. In addition, there are various low-cost mini-workshops and private coaching sessions with Mr. Sklar throughout the year for personalized training and occasional referrals to New York talent representatives. Fees range from fifty ($50) dollars to several hundred dollars, depending upon the length of each session and whether or not housing and meals are included. There are also a fair amount of post-workshop scholarships available to alumni each year, both full and partial. Statistically, about sixty (60%) per cent of workshop students are invited to return to the program the following year for more advanced training.

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In terms of training, do students concentrate in just one discipline- acting, dance, or voice- or do they study all three?

All New York workshop students participate in cutting-edge training in all three (3) disciplines, acting, voice, and dance. Additionally, students may attend classes in writing, directing, T'ai Chi, and other performance-related fields. Each individual student's class regimen is different, and may include more of one discipline and less of another. In general, classes are assigned on the basis of age, skill and interest level, and Mr. Sklar's determination as to what would best serve the career needs of each student. Your/your child's schedule will largely reflect the information you provide in your Registration form, as well as on Mr. Sklar's interview notes. London workshops tend to focus exclusively on acting, including scene work, improvisation, character study, and text, all based on a British theatre perspective.

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What's a typical day like?

Each New York workshop student's day consists of seven (7) hours of class time. This includes daily classes in acting, voice and dance, as well as private coaching sessions, and master classes with visiting VIP instructors. Additionally, there are near-daily lectures from industry professionals, and often elaborate artistic/cultural-based evening activities. (An example is this summer's [2008] 1940's Swing Dance, for which an authentic, live big band is hired, and students dress and dance in an era-appropriate style.) Wake up is usually 7:00 am. Bedtimes range between 9:00 pm and 11:00 pm, depending on age, and also upon each evening's activity. The daily schedule of course allows for normal breakfast, lunch, and dinner times. The London workshop curriculum differs sharply from New York. In addition to classes, students participate in a variety of backstage tours, special theatre workshops, cultural and historical activities and events, attendance at several major theater productions in London's West End, the National Theatre, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-on-Avon.

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Is there a contract or anything else we're required to sign?

No. There are no contracts whatsoever for students or parents to sign in connection with the Beginnings workshop. However, the New York State Department of Health requires that all students attending any resident program in the state must fill out, sign, and submit a proper, state-sanctioned health history form. This form must be submitted by fourteen (14) days prior to the workshop for review by workshop medical staff.

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