Conservatory Policies

Policies Hero.

Read in depth about the conservatory policies below.

Overview

THTC maintains a strict policy in regards to physical and verbal abuse, bullying, cyber bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, theft, vandalism, and the use of any and all illegal substances. THTC is committed to providing a safe and secure environment in which respect, tolerance and teamwork are the standards. Any student found to be in violation of this policy may be suspended and/or expelled and tuition refunds will not be considered. THTC reserves the right to dismiss any student from programs at any time due to inappropriate behavior. If actions do not warrant immediate dismissal (as determined by the director of education), we will use our discretion to begin the following procedure when possible:

  • First: The behavior will be addressed with the participant, in person, by an instructor or staff member. Parental figures or guardians will be notified of this discussion. Our goal is to develop a positive working relationship with the participant, and find a way to make sure that they can participate fully in our program.
  • Second: Should unacceptable behavior continue, parents or guardians will be asked to meet with instructors and staff. Our hope is that this meeting will help us learn more about the problem, and that we can devise strategies to both support the participant and the class moving forward.
  • Third: If the behavior continues, instructors and staff reserve the right to remove the participant from the class/lesson or production. We take our responsibility towards the safety and educational experience of all participants seriously and must ensure that the quality of our programs is preserved.

Behavior Related to Special Needs

We strive to be an inclusive environment. Special needs concerns are considered when a participant requires consistent attention from the instructor, struggles to operate in a high sensory environment, or has difficulty participating in group activities and/or following directions. Parents or guardians must notify us of any special needs of participants, particularly related to learning issues, behavioral issues, or relevant diagnosis so that we can insure the safety of all participants. If for any reason we question whether participation is in the best interest of the student or the program as a whole, the process will be as follows: Parent or guardian will be notified and consulted about suggestions for accommodating the participant – a group meeting including the participant will be suggested prior to the next class/session. If after the next class/session, the instructor feels that there is still concern, then the parent or guardian will be asked to attend and participate in the next class/session. There will be a group meeting following class to discuss and to create an action plan.

Attendance and Tardiness

Consistent attendance is crucial to the learning process. Please notify the security desk at 508.831.0800 ext 1900 to advise us of absences or tardiness. Tardiness is very disruptive to class, so please make every effort to be on time. No more than two unexcused absences will be permitted. Students should carefully review their schedules with parents before registering.

Consent

During the registration process, students (or parents when applicable) will be required to consent to and acknowledge the following: Photo & Video Consent, Release of Liability and Emergency Care Authorization.

Technology

Cell phones, iPads, and other electronic devices must be turned off or on silent during classes and rehearsals unless a faculty member specifically asks students to use them for an educational purpose.

Facilities

Parents, guardians, family members and guests are not allowed to attend classes or rehearsals unless they are invited by the teaching artist to do so. Students are not allowed in any area of The Hanover Theatre other than the conservatory without instructions or permission from a teaching artist. THTC is not responsible for any lost, stolen or misplaced belongings. Any food or drink, besides water, is strictly prohibited in any of the studios, practice rooms, tech lab or costume lab.

Dress Code Overview

In order to maintain a professional environment, all students must attend class in proper dress code (see below). Dress code is strictly enforced.

Students will have one month, at the start of the semester, to get dress code items in order.

Theatre and Music

Please wear clothing that is comfortable to move in and free of graphics and text. Teens should be dressed in all black for acting, improv and company classes. No dresses or skirts, please. Remove any jewelry that may hinder movement. For some classes with a musical theatre or dance focus, dance shoes may be required. See dance class dress code for details.

Technical Theatre and Design

Traditional technical theatre dress code requires black attire. Jewelry and loose-fitting clothing that pose a danger or hazard while working with technical and design equipment are prohibited. Any tools (like wrenches) must be secured to your clothing.

Dance

See individual classes below for details. Proper dance attire and neatness are required for all dance classes. No holes or runs in tights/leotards. All dancers must have their hair in a secured bun and away from their faces (ponytail okay for children under 7). Jewelry is not permitted. Appropriate and properly fitted footwear (leather or canvas) must be worn for each class. Skirts, shorts, leg warmers and warm up pants are not allowed. Additional dress codes vary by class and level (below). Please note that if a student arrives to class with the incorrect dress code color for his/her class, they will not be able to participate in class.

For dance dress code questions, contact:

Jennifer Agbay, director of dance
508.471.1794 or [email protected]

Ballet Class Dress Code

Updated for 2021-2022

Below you will find descriptions of the required dress code for each class. In an effort to provide students with more options, make the dress code more accessible, and serve all body types, we have decided to allow students to use a range of leotard styles within a specific color group per level. No sleeves, skirts, velvet, lace, cutouts, or trims in different colors please.

Note: Dancers are expected to enter and exit the building with clothing over their dance attire.

A Note on Tights & Ballet Shoes (Female-Identifying Dancers)

Tights and slippers must match in color. Although pink tights and slippers are traditionally worn in ballet, we encourage students to choose the color which is closest to their natural skin tone or the color. Please do not purchase ballet slippers to “grow into.” Ballet slippers should fit snug without knuckles crunching.

A Note on Leotards (Female-Identifying Dancers)

Leotard may be any style but must be in the same color picked for your assigned level. No sleeves or skirts. Please keep leotards simple. No velvet or lace. No side or front cutouts. No trims or accents in different colors. We prefer Bloch and Capezio Leotards.

Retailers

  • Dancewear stores near us: WOW Dance (Auburn), Dancer’s Image (Newton), Dancer’s Boutique (Fitchburg), Dance This Way (Concord)
  • Dancewear can also be found online at Amazon, Baltogs, Bloch, Capezio, Discount Dance, M. Stevens, Theatricals, Wear Moi, Yumico or any dancewear store.

Dress Code by Class Level

Please click here for a detailed guide with images and links to purchase.

Pre-School Dance

  • White Leotard
  • White Ankle Socks, Pink Ballet Slippers (Leather full sole)
  • Hair: Bun preferred, but ponytail accepted
  • Note: Please do not purchase ballet slippers to “grow into.” Ballet slippers should fit snug without knuckles crunching.

Creative Movement

  • Light Pink Leotard (Bloch, Capezio, M. Stevens, Wear Moi, Theatricals)
  • White Ankle Socks, Pink Ballet Slippers (Leather full sole)
  • Hair: Bun preferred, but ponytail accepted
  • Note: Please do not purchase ballet slippers to “grow into.” Ballet slippers should fit snug without knuckles crunching.

Pre-Ballet

  • Light Blue Leotard (Bloch, Capezio, M. Stevens, Theatricals); Sky Leotard (Wear Moi)
  • Tights and Ballet Slippers (Leather full sole)
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Primary I

  • Mint Leotard (Wear Moi), Cameo Green Leotard (Capezio)
  • Tights and Ballet Slippers (Canvas/Leather)
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Primary II

  • Lavender Leotard (M. Stevens, Theatricals), Lilac Leotard (Wear Moi, Bloch, Capezio)
  • Tights and Ballet Slippers (Canvas/Leather)
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Primary III

  • Candy Pink Leotard (Capezio) Mulberry Leotard (Theatricals) Rose Leotard (Wear Moi)
  • Tights and Ballet Slippers (Canvas/Leather)
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Teen Ballet Beginner I

  • Eggplant Leotard (Theatricals), Aubergine Leotard (Bloch, Capezio), Purple Leotard (Baltogs), Prune Leotard (Wear Moi), Quartz Leotard (Bloch)
  • Tights and Ballet Slippers (Canvas/Leather)
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Teen Ballet Beginner II

  • Hunter Green Leotard (Yumiko, M. Stevens, Baltogs, Wear Moi, Capezio, Bloch)
  • Tights and Ballet Slippers (Canvas/Leather)
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Teen Ballet Beginner III

  • Navy Leotard (Block, Capezio, Yumiko, Wear Moi)
  • Tights and Ballet Slippers (Canvas/Leather)
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Level A

  • Royal Blue Leotard (M. Stevens, Baltogs, Wear Moi, Capezio, Theatricals)
  • Tights and Ballet Slippers (Canvas/Leather)
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Level B

  • Burgundy Leotard (Yumiko, M. Stevens, Baltogs, Wear Moi, Bloch, Capezio, Theatricals)
  • Tights (may wear seams) and Ballet Slippers (Canvas/Leather)
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Level C

  • Black Leotard
  • Tights (may wear seams) and Ballet Slippers (Canvas/Leather)
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Level D

  • Black Leotard
  • Tights (may wear seams) and Ballet Slippers (Canvas/Leather)
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Pointe & Variations Classes

  • Any style and color leotard
  • Tights & Pointe or Soft Shoes of your choice
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Boys Ballet and Male Variations

  • White Motionwear Cap-sleeve Silkskyn T-Shirt
  • Black Capezio Mens Ultra Soft Footed Tights
  • White socks and Black Ballet Slippers
  • Dance Belt: Black or Nude Capezio Full Seat Dance Brief or Capezio Full Seat Dance Brief , or Capezio Lined Thong Dance Belt

Adult Ballet I and Inter/Adv

  • Black leotard (any style)
  • Tights & Ballet Slippers
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Adult Ballet II

  • Hunter Green Leotard (Yumiko, M. Stevens, Baltogs, Wear Moi, Capezio, Bloch)
  • Tights & Ballet Slippers
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely

Adult Ballet III

Navy Leotard (Block, Capezio, Yumiko, Wear Moi)
Tights & Ballet Slippers
Hair: Bun fastened securely

Youth Ballet Company

  • Focus Group Leotard: Sunshine (Bloch), Butter (Capezio), Buttercup (Theatricals)
  • Apprentice Division Leotard: White
  • Junior Division Leotard: Grey (Bloch, M. Stevens, Baltogs) Dark Grey (Wear Moi)
  • Senior Division Leotard: Black
  • Hair: Bun fastened securely or ponytail
  • Tights & Ballet Slippers or Pointe Shoes

Enrichment Class Dress Code

Contemporary

  • Black leotard
  • Barefoot and black footless tights.

Dance Improvisation

  • Black leotard
  • Barefoot and black footless tights.

Elementary & Pre-School Tap

  • Follow the dress code under ballet (above) for Pre-School Dance and Creative Movement, as applicable by age.
  • Footwear: Black Patent Leather So Danca TA35 (female-identifying) or Black Matte So Danca TA04 or TA05 (male identifying)

Jazz

  • Black leotard
  • Barefoot and black footless tights. (Jazz shoes may be required, consult instructor)

Modern

  • Black leotard
  • Barefoot and black footless tights.

Musical Theatre Dance

  • Female-Identifying Dancers:
    • Black short-sleeve shirt and black capri-length leggings
    • Black High Heeled Character Shoes (any height/style)
    • Hair for Females: Ponytail
  • Male-Identifying Dancers:
    • Black Shirt and black joggers, sweatpants, or shorts
    • Footwear: Black Jazz Shoes or Jazz Sneakers
    • Hair for Men: Groomed Neatly

Tap (Adult & Theatrical)

  • Black T-shirt and Black Capri-length Leggings. Tights are not required.
  • Footwear: Black Oxford Style tap shoes (Capezio Premiere preferred)
  • Hair: Ponytail

TV & Commercial Dance

  • Black leotard
  • Barefoot and black footless tights

West African Dance

Any clothing that is comfortable to move in and free of graphics, logos and text.

Overview

Every effort is made to operate classes on regularly scheduled days and times in order to avoid cancellations. Cancellations due to weather will be listed on the homepage of the theatre’s website at TheHanoverTheatre.org. A maximum of two weather-related cancellations will be made up per course. Classes cancelled by THTC for other reasons will be rescheduled without limitation. If students are unable to attend the makeup date, special arrangements can be made with administration to attend another group class in that same semester. THTC reserves the right to assign substitute teachers for group or private lessons without advance notification to parents and students.

Private Lesson Cancellation

Students must give 24-hour notice for cancellation of private lessons. The student can then reschedule the lesson within the semester. If less than 24-hour notice is given, or a student does not show for a lesson, the credit card on file will be charged for the amount of the scheduled lesson. No make-up lesson will be given. Missed lessons are non-refundable and non-transferable.

We are constantly monitoring the CDC’s recommendations in regards to COVID-19 and will continue to update our processes and policies accordingly. On June 1, 2022 we removed the mask mandate for the Conservatory and adjusted the quarantine and isolation protocols to align with the most recent CDC recommended measures.  However, masks are optional and both teachers and students may opt to wear a mask while in the studio or rehearsal.

For currently enrolled students who test positive for COVID or are a close contact of someone who tests positive, please notify us immediately at [email protected]. Click here to view the most up-to-date CDC Recommendations for quarantine and isolation measures.

Our top priority is the health and safety of our students and faculty, we will continue to navigate and will be ready to communicate changes if necessary.

*Please note that proof of vaccination for summer programs (not classes) is still mandatory.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at the email address above.

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