Augusta Mini Theatre, Inc.
Community Arts and Life
Skills School
2548 Deans Bridge Road
Augusta, GA 30906-2202
(706) 722- 0598
Email: info@augustaminitheatre.com
Website: www.augustaminitheatre.com
PARENT/STUDENT
HANDBOOK 2021-2022
Revised March 2022
Motto: “God”, Tears, Hopes, and Dreams As A
Child, Now “Reality”
Founder: Tyrone J. Butler
October 8, 1975
MISSION
To provide affordable arts instruction, performances and develop artistic and life skills.
HISTORY
Augusta Mini Theatre, Inc., Augusta, Georgia’s first community arts school to focus on multi-art disciplines, under one roof was founded on October 8, 1975, by Tyrone J. Butler as a 501(c) (3) non-profit agency. Although offerings are relevant and open to the entire community, the Mini Theatre, for the past forty years, has filled a void by giving special attention to the artistic needs of the areas historically underserved. And because of that, no student has ever been turned away from our classes or performances because of the inability to pay. Over the years, thousands of persons have benefited from our programs and services.
Our main staff, the founder, Tyrone J. Butler, artistic director/drama instructor/director of plays, Judith Simon-Butler, and executive assistant, Earnestine M. Robinson, has been with the Mini Theatre since its inception in 1975.
Administrative Staff
Founder/Executive Director Tyrone J. Butler
Deputy Director Judith Simon Butler
Board Liaison Earnestine M. Robinson
Development Director Reishal Cummings
Executive Assistant Shantelle Wheeler
Grant Manager Beth Gore
Bookkeeper Sandra Johnson
Artistic Director Judith Simon Butler
Program Director Allyssa K. Blair
Artistic Staff
Monday
Piano Judith F. Ruffin 4:00 – 5:10
Visual Arts Adriyah Smart 4:30-7:00
Dance Jena Ja’whann Wittke 4:30-7:00
Drama Judith Simon Butler 5:00-7:00
Tuesday
Visual Arts Adriyah Smart 4:30-7:00
Dance Jena Ja’whann Wittke 4:30-7:00
Drama Judith Simon Butler 5:00-7:00
Wednesday
Visual Arts Adriyah Smart 4:30-7:00
Dance Jena Ja’whann Wittke 4:30-7:00
Drama Judith Simon Butler 5:00-7:00
Thursday
Visual Arts Adriyah Smart 4:30-7:00
Dance Jena Ja’whann Wittke 4:30-7:00
Drama Open Studio/rehearsals 5:00-7:00
School Hours:
Monday- Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. & Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Summer Hours/AMT School Breaks
Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. & Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Contact Information: phone (706) 722-0598 fax (706) 722-3968
Email – info@augustaminitheatre.com
2021-2022 School Year Calendar
• Second Semester February 7– May 4, 2022
• Spring Break April 4-8, 2020
• Piano Recital May 10, 2022 6:30 p.m.
• Visual Arts Showcase May 12, 2022 6:30 p.m.
• “CAGED” TBD
•Sunshine’s Roast & Toast TBD
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS/CLASSES
•DRAMA (Ages: 6-19): Students are introduced to basic acting techniques and theatre terminology through theatre games and improvisations to develop acting skills.
•VISUAL ARTS (Ages: 6 – 19): Introduction to visual awareness and development of traditional drawing skills and techniques used in painting.
•PIANO (Ages: 7 & Up-Senior Citizens): Students are taught piano techniques and music theory.
•DANCE (Ages: 9 – 19): Dance introduces the basic mechanics of movement, dance terminology, musicality, proper alignment and music from various cultures.
REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION
Please note all correspondence will be done primarily by GroupMe & email or by landline phone if parent does not have a cellular device
A. Parent(s) will be contacted by mail for registration
B. Students 18 and under must have a parent or guardian present during orientation/registration.
C. Registration is mandatory (Student will not be allowed to attend class if he/she is not registered).
D. Parent/Guardian must complete and sign all required registration forms.
E. The first month’s tuition fee is due at time of registration.
F. All outstanding balances must be paid prior to registration, unless arrangements have been made with fiscal.
G. Parent/student applying for tuition assistance must provide income verification prior to or during time of registration.
TUITION PAYMENT (all fees are currently WAIVED)
•Payments are divided into two semesters
First Semester: waived
Second Semester: waived
Non- Financial Aid tuition payment for the first class and/or first child
•First class: $100.00 per semester for a total of $200.00 for the school year
•After the first child’s enrollment, tuition fee is half price for each additional class and sibling: $50.00 per semester-per class
Financial Aid tuition payment
•First Class: $50.00 per semester for a total of $100 for the school year
•After the first child’s enrollment, tuition fee is half price for each additional class and sibling: $25.00 per semester-per class
Tuition Payment Plan
•Payments are due by the 5th of each month
•Payments may be made in Full (for entire school year) or half (total for first semester) or monthly
•Fees may be paid Monday- Thurs., 30 minutes prior to office closing
•Payments mailed or paid through pay pal should be received in the office by the scheduled payment date
•If parent cannot make payment according to payment schedule, parent should contact fiscal department to set up an arrangement
•Failure to adhere to payment schedule may result in cancellation of payment arrangement and student being
dropped from class
•Returned checks: A $40.00 fee will be charged for any returned checks. The parent/adult student may be required to pay fees in cash or by money order in the future
TUITION GUIDELINES
•Parents will be informed at registration and orientation that no student will be dismissed from Augusta Mini Theatre (AMT) because of the inability to pay. This rule applies to financial aid and non- financial aid students.
•A student is dismissed from class because parent(s) fails to correspond with the Fiscal Department or Program Director (PD-Ms. Blair) to set-up tuition payment arrangements or discuss financial hardship.
•Parents will be sent a tuition payment reminder notice the week before payment is due.
•If parent is facing financial hardship, please contact the FD to set-up a payment arrangement, before your child’s next class.
•If payment or arrangement has not taken place prior to student’s class, instructor will issue the student a hall pass to see PD
•PD will contact parent, if contact is successful, parent can make arrangements with the FD via phone and student will return to class.
•If contact with parent is not successful, student will be given a reading assignment in the media center until parent returns.
•Upon parents’ return, PD will speak with parent to review the steps of what took place and inform parent to contact FD by the next business day.
•If arrangement is not kept or parent does not make contact with FD by the next business day, student will be dismissed from class.
•Parent may appeal dismissal within two business days with the PD and PD will present appeal to Executive Director (ED) for approval or disapproval
•If parents cannot pay, parents must inform FD and FD will present to ED.
TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS
AMT makes tuition scholarships available through grants.
Eligibility Requirements:
a. Income must fall within the national guidelines.
b. Parents must provide proof of ALL household income.
c. Acceptable documents: Check stubs, DFCS verification, disability, social security, income tax verification, etc.
WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASSES
Any student desiring to withdraw from any class must provide reason and reason must be accepted by AMT for student to be placed back on the waiting list.
A. EARLY WITHDRAWAL
a. A prorated refund will be given, if a student withdraws during the first 2 weeks of the semester (no refund will be given if student withdraws, after 2 weeks).
b. If a student withdraws after 4 weeks, the parent or adult student is responsible for remaining balance for the semester.
B. WITHDRAWAL/DISMISSAL PRODUCTION
a. If a student withdraws or is dismissed from a production, he/she will not be allowed to participate in the next production or recital. This action will be noted in the student's file.
TRANSFER/ WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASSES
A. If AMT transfers a student for any reason, prior to the start of classes and student has a conflict with the transfer, student will receive a full refund.
B. If a parent requests a transfer and there is no area to transfer the student after the withdrawal period, there will be no refund.
ADD POLICY
A. Group classes (drama, dance, visual arts): New students from the waiting list will be added within the first three weeks of the semester if space becomes available.
B. Private lessons (piano): New students, from the waiting list, will be added anytime during the semester, if space becomes available.
DROP POLICY
A. Students cannot miss more than 3 classes for classes held once a week and more than 4 classes for classes held twice a week class.
B. If a student misses more than the allocated number of classes (3excused absences); parent will receive an email to meet with Artistic Department Assistant or designee
C. If a student misses more than the allocated number of classes (3 unexcused absences). Student will be dropped and parent may request a meeting with the Program Director or designee.
D. If a student misses 2 consecutive classes and parent has not contacted the theatre, parent will receive an email stating that the student is in jeopardy of being dropped from the program and parent must contact the theatre prior to the next class in order for student to remain on the roll.
ATTENDANCE
Students are required to attend all classes.
Absences from classes will fall under two categories: Excused and Unexcused
Parents are encouraged to contact the Augusta Mini Theatre, at least 30 minutes prior, in the event that a student cannot attend class. Students will be marked absent called (AC).
NOTE: Absent Call is still considered unexcused.
A. Excused Absence: The following are legitimate reasons for excused absences.
i. Sickness
ii. Severe illness or death in family
iii. Court appearance
iv. Medical or dental appointments
v. Exposure to contagious disease
vi. Religious holidays
vii. Extremely Inclement Weather: To verify if classes are canceled for the day
you should contact AMT for further details.
B. Present Performing (PP) is an excused absence due to an artistic performance with another organization.
i. The student will not receive a PP without informing the Program Director prior to the event. (This will result in an unexcused absence.)
C. Unexcused Absence: Unexcused absences are absences incurred by the students that are not listed above.
i. 3 unexcused absences are considered a drop from class
ii. When dropped, parent/adult student may request an appeal with the Artistic Department Assistant
D. Tardiness
i. Students should arrive 5 minutes before class is scheduled to begin.
ii. 3 tardies in a semester will constitute one unexcused absence.
E. Late Pick-Up: There is a $10 late pick-up fee
i. Regular Class: Students picked up 10 minutes past scheduled end time.
(Ex. 5 – 6:00 class – 10 mins. past 6; 6:00 – 7:00 class – 10 mins. past 7)
ii. Rehearsals: Students picked up 10 minutes past scheduled end time.
iii. Recitals & Performances: Student picked up 15 minutes past scheduled end time.
iv. NOTE: The parent(s) of student with two late pick-ups will be contacted by phone, mail, or email to discuss students' continued status with AMT.
COMPLETION & INCOMPLETION OF SEMESTER
A. Completion (Certificate for the school year)
i. In order for a student to complete a semester, he/she cannot have missed more than 3 classes per discipline in which he/she is enrolled (excused or unexcused).
B. Incompletion
i. Students with 3 unexcused absences will not only receive an INCOMPLETE but will automatically be dropped from the program.
C. AMT will contact parents by email stating when and why the student has been dropped.
D. In order to return the parent or adult student must request an appeal within 10 business days of being dropped.
E. If no appeal request is made within 10 business days of being dropped the student cannot return to the program.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE
A student will receive a certificate of perfect attendance for the year (September – May) if he/she has not missed any classes during the school year.
CANCELLATION OF CLASSES
Cancellation of Classes: To verify cancellation of classes contact AMT for further details. AMT classes may be canceled for the following reasons:
1. Inclement Weather (AMT will close with Richmond County Schools)
2. Very low enrollment – Full Refund
RECITALS, PERFORMANCES, AND SPECIAL EVENTS
1. Recitals- students will participate in recitals as recommended by instructors.
2. Special Events- instructors will recommend students that are performance ready to the Artistic Department Assistant or designee.
*A request form giving permission for the students to participate in a performance or special event must be signed and dated by the parent.
3. Performances- students and parents are required to support ALL AMT performances. If parents are experiencing financial hardships, parents should inform Artistic Director.
* Parents are responsible for two tickets per AMT performance or event. (i.e. to purchase or sell).
BREAK ROOM POLICY
1. Food and drinks are allowed in the break room only.
2. Only students who are consuming food/drinks are allowed in break room.
3. Students are allowed 15 min in the break room to consume food/drink.
4. Refrigerator: STUDENTS CANNOT STORE FOOD OR DRINKS OR REMOVE ANY ITEMS FROM REFRIGERATOR OR BREAKROOM.
5. All food and beverages that are not consumed in the break room must be discarded. Food and drinks cannot be left in the break room or carried to classrooms.
6. The breakroom is currently CLOSED to students.
MEDIA CENTER
1. Students must have homework or reading materials to sit in media center.
2. NOTE: If rules are not followed, student may lose break room and media center privileges.
3. The media center is currently CLOSED to students.
EARLY DROP OFF OR LATE PICK-UP
1. Parents are encouraged to drop off students no more than 5 minutes prior to the start of class.
2. Parents dropping off or picking up siblings with back to back classes: Student that is waiting for his/her class to start or his/her sibling class to end must have homework or reading material and wait in the media center. If student does not have work, parent must drop student off at proper time and pick student up after class ends.
STUDENT DROP OFF AND PICK-UP
1. Students should be dropped off and picked-up in the designated area, as discussed in orientation.
2. Parents must remain in the pick-up line when picking up students. Students cannot walk across to parking areas.
3. Student drivers must park in the designated pick-up parking area (parking lot near: pick-up exit)
4. Parents, siblings, friends, and other relatives are not allowed in the classrooms with students unless prearranged by the Artistic Department Assistant or designee. (Only AMT students may be left at the theatre)
CLASSROOM DRESS CODE AND MATERIALS
1. Drama: loose fitting t-shirt, warm-up/sweatpants; soft bottom shoes (no heels)
i. Materials: 3 ring binder with pockets, paper and pencil
2. Piano: regular clothing (no tight pants or low cut tops, short skirts/dresses)
i. Materials: Piano/Theory book (s) assigned by instructor, notebook and pencil
3. Art: regular clothing (no tight pants or low cut tops, short skirts/dresses)
i. Materials: Art carrying case for all supplies, mixed media sketch pad (11 x 14), 1 pack of #2 pencils, 12inch ruler, sharpie markers (1 fine tip & 1 regular), sheets of poster board, 1 roll of 2inch masking tape, mini glue gun (optional), glue sticks (optional)
4. Dance:
i. Girls: solid black leotard (any style that does not show your undergarments) Suggestions – Leotard (sleeves or sleeveless), Footless tights (Danskins or Capezio), biker shorts are ok
ii. Guys: solid black form fitting t-shirt (not baggy), black sweat pants or jazz pants (Capezio), biker shorts are ok
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Clothing which overexposes the body is unacceptable.
2. Belts must be worn with pants and no pants below the waist.
3. Lewd or suggestive attire may not be worn.
4. Apparel which advertises, glorifies, or symbolizes any illegal substance or substances illegal for use by minors may not be worn.
5. Apparel that is gang related may not be worn.
6. Cellphones, electronic devices (i.e., mp3 players, iPod, etc.) are not allowed in the classroom.
7. Students must get permission from the instructor to leave the classroom.
8. No chewing gum, food, or drink in classes. Please use Break room.
MARIAH MCKIE-BUTLER MEMORIAL
COLLEGE BOOK SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility Requirements
1. Student must be enrolled in the AMT for 4 years without interruption and must be enrolled at the time of high school graduation (4 years begin with the 9th grade.)
2. Student must receive class completion during the 4 consecutive years
3. Student must participate in all classroom demonstrations/recitals, if performance ready.
4. Student must support all AMT actives, as a performer, volunteer, or audience member (if financial hardship, please see Artistic Director)
5. Student must volunteer, at least, one day per semester for the four year time frame.
6. Proof of college enrollment each semester/quarter
Ineligibility
1. Non participation in financial scholarship fundraiser(s)
2. Misuse of social media during AMT enrollment/college enrollment
3. Interruption in college pursuit (exceptions: medical/ death of parent/ guardian/sibling)
WAITING LIST
1. If classes are filled, student’s application will be placed on a waiting list
2. Applications are filed according to class, age and date applied.
3. If an application has been on file for more than a year, letters will be sent to see if the applicant would like to remain on the waiting list.
DISCIPLINARY POLICY
1. If student is suspended from school, on the day of his/her class at AMT, parent must inform Artistic Department Assistant and student will report to the media center with homework/reading material
2. Damage, Destruction or Theft of school Property
i. A student shall not cause or attempt to cause willful or malicious damage to school or property on school’s grounds. In addition a student shall not mark, deface or destroy school property.
1st offense: Termination from program and require parent or adult student to pay for damage.
3. Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
i. A student shall not possess, handle or transmit the following: a razor, razor blade, ice pick, knife, pistol, rifle, shotgun, pellet gun, or other objects that can reasonably pose a danger to the health and safety of students, teachers or any other person.
1st offense: Termination from program
4. Alcoholic Beverages
i. A student shall not possess, use, transmit or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind.
1st offense: Termination from program
5. Narcotics, Drugs and Controlled Substances
i. The illegal or improper use of drugs and controlled substances is prohibited and harmful. A student shall not possess, sell or attempt to sell, use, transmit or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, marijuana or intoxicant of any kind.
1st offense: Termination from program
6. Commission or conviction of a crime
1st offense: Terminated from program
i. If a student has been accused but not convicted, student will take leave from theatre until issue has been resolved
7. Disrespect/Misuse of social media (vulgar/offensive language)
1st offense: Counseled
2nd offense: Termination from the program
8. Combative behavior with teachers, students or staff
i. ALL AMT students are expected to respect themselves, other students, and staff. Any offensive language, aggressive non – verbal gestures, physical run- ins, or disruptive behavior will be defined are unacceptable.
1st offense: Meeting with accused and parents, suspension from upcoming productions and extra – curricular activities
2nd offense: Termination from program.
STUDENT/PARENT APPEAL
A parent/student has the right to appeal any final disciplinary action he/she feels is unfair. The appeal steps are as follows:
1. Student
2. Teacher
3. Artistic Department Assistant
4. Deputy/Artistic Director
5. Executive Director
6. Special Board of Directors Committee
7. Board of Directors
STUDENT HEALTH
AMT’s goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment for students to be themselves and support each other 100%. Please help us maintain this goal by informing PD, in writing, of any/all physical, emotional, intellectual, social or mental challenges that your child may face.
The PD should be informed in writing if a student requires medication, has any serious illness or special conditions.
When a student is attending class they are to wear a mask. Student’s temperatures are checked upon entering the building and they are expected to sanitize their hands when entering and exiting the classroom. We also require students to keep a safe distance at all times.
TRAVELLING OFF-CAMPUS
Student drivers are allowed to leave campus for emergencies.
Breaks between performances with written parent permission.
ADA must have written parent permission (signed by both parents) for his/her child to ride with another student. (concerning all performances, classes, rehearsals, performance breaks and related events)
If a student’s ride changes (someone other than their parent) ADA must be notified by phone call. NO TEXT. NO GROUPME.
PARENT/STAFF COMMUNICATION
GroupMe/email will be the main form of communication. It is an application that can be accessed by downloading on cellular devices or desktop computers. If you do not download the GroupMe app, you will automatically receive the messages via text.
Parents will be listed in the group that correlates with the day and time of his/her child’s class.
The app is strictly for AMT staff to communicate easily with parents, not for full conversations. If a parent has in-depth questions, please call AMT at (706)722-0598.
Numbers logged into GroupMe will be taken from information on application at time of registration. Once you receive the 1st message, YOU MUST REPLY! If you do not reply within 24 hours, the app will automatically delete your number from the group and you will not be able to receive messages.
When AMT staff need to contact individuals, we will reach out by phone call.
CELL PHONE USAGE
ALL cellphones and other technical devices MUST be turned OFF during classes, rehearsals, performances and other AMT related events.
AMT’s front office phone will be available for students to contact parents and parents to contact students. (students must request permission)
AMT is not responsible for personal property.
Special Note: A detailed phone policy will be issued within the next 3 weeks as a handbook addition.
Additional rules/regulations may be added to the handbook during the school year at the discretion of the Executive Director. Parent/Adult Students will be informed by email of any/all additions.