ABOUT REGISTRATIONS:
When do your classes go on sale?
- Academic Year Classes go on sale each year on the third week of June
- Summer Stage goes on sale each year on January 15
How do I register for classes?
You can find our class selections under Class Finder on our website. Once you have selected the class you want to sign up for, click on the seasonal icon which will bring you our ACTIVE Network website. At that time, you can click “Add to Cart” to register for the class (or add your student to the waitlist if the class is full – if this is the case, you will see “Waitlist Only” in the price box). From there, you will be directed to either create an account or sign into your existing account. At that time, you can pay for the class by credit card.
How does the waitlist work?
- If a class is full, you will see “Waitlist Only” in the registration price box. Click “Add to Cart” to add your student to the waitlist.
- If a registered student drops a class, our registration system (ACTIVE Network) will automatically email the first family on the waitlist.
- If this is the case and your student is the first in the queue, you will have 72 hours to accept the invitation and set up your payment. (NOTE: If the class starts within two weeks, you will only have 24 hrs to respond to the class invitation. Please keep an close eye on your inbox and spam folder.)
- If you do not respond to the email or are no longer interested, the system will drop you from the waitlist and automatically invite the next family.
- If your plans change, please log into your account and drop your student from the waitlist (you will see a “Cancel” next to their registration).
How can I find out where I am on the waitlist?
Unfortunately, our registration system is unable to display where you are on the waitlist. In cases where you need to make a scheduling decision, you may reach out to the CTM Registrar (registrar@ctmtheater.org).
PLEASE NOTE: Your number on the waitlist may fluctuate due to our financial aid applicants.
Do you provide Payment Plans or Financial Assistance?
Yes! For more information about Payments Plans & Financial Assistance, click here. If you have any questions, contact the CTM Registrar at registrar@ctmtheater.org or 608-949-6584.
Are the grades listed for classes the rule or a suggestion?
CTM has a strict registration policy and will not allow students to attend a program that lists a higher grade than the grade of the student. Families must register for classes that align with the grade of their child, regardless of experience, interest, age range, or scheduling considerations. Please contact the education department if a student wishes to attend a class for a grade lower than their own for accessibility reasons.
What should my student register for if they have never done theater before?
CTM has a wide range of classes for students of all levels. For grades 4K-2, there is a range of experiences in all programs. From grades 3-12, each class description will specify what level of theater experience is needed.
What happens if my child has to miss a class?
For the purposes of community building and collaboration, it’s best for all students to have regular attendance in class. Absences do affect everyone involved as theater is a team sport.
We do have an absentee policy, so please contact us at education@ctmtheater.org before registering to discuss if known conflicts will be a barrier for participation.
Do you offer classes during the Academic Year for home school students?
Yes! Our Homeschool Theater Program is tailored for Homeschool students and families: held on weekdays, a split class based on student ages, and a place for families to work during class time. Based on your student’s date of birth, please assess what their current grade would be if they were to enroll in the public school district of your city or town. Then register for any CTM program that matches that grade level.
How will I know if a class is cancelled (due to weather or otherwise)?
If a class does not receive a high enough enrollment, we will cancel the class within two weeks of the start date. You will be given the option to allocate your tuition to your account for a future class or receive a refund.
If inclement weather / unforeseen circumstances occur, email education@ctmtheater.org if you suspect a class cancellation due to weather. When we know that MSCR or MMSD is cancelling in advance, we will follow suit with our own programs.
Can I buy a gift card for CTM Theater Classes?
Not at this time. As we have just transitioned to a new registration system, we will provide updates here if this changes. For further information, contact registrar@ctmtheater.org.
If our plans change, are we able to drop the class?
Yes, though we’d hate to see you go! If you need to drop a class, you can log into your account and click “Cancel” next to the registration. If applicable, you will be given the choice to allocate your tuition to your account for a future class or receive a refund. To see our refund and future class credit policies, click here.
ABOUT ACADEMY CLASSES:
Where does the program take place?
All CTM programs are held at Madison Youth Arts, 1055 East Mifflin Street. Please see program descriptions when registering for more information. For more information about Madison Youth Arts or ways to contribute, visit www.madisonyoutharts.org.
What happens if my child has to miss a class?
For the purposes of community building and collaboration, it’s best for all students to have regular attendance in class. Absences do affect everyone involved as theater is a team sport. If your child does have to miss a class due to illness or unavoidable conflict, please contact education@ctmtheater.org with as much advanced notice as possible. We do have an absentee policy, so please contact the Education Department before registration to discuss if known conflicts will be a barrier for participation. Safety is paramount – if your student is exhibiting signs of illness, please keep them home.
Can I watch my child in class?
CTM has a closed class policy (with the only exception being our Fam Jam classes). In our experience, we find that students focus better and participate more fully when family members are not in the room. If your child is nervous about class, you can reassure them by remaining in the building. Family members and friends are encouraged to attend the final class, sharing, showcase, or performance.
My child would benefit from knowing more about the building & the class before Day 1. How can I help prepare them?
We have created a social story for our Academic Year Classes. This will give students a glimpse of the spaces, expectations, and generally what to expect from the classes prior to Day 1. CLICK HERE for the Social Story.
What is the pick up / drop off procedure?
Click here for our Pick Up & Drop off procedures.
What should my child wear to class?
Students should wear comfortable clothing that they can move in. Gym shoes or dance shoes are the preferred footwear (no skirts/dresses, flip flops, crocs, uggs, backless shoes, open-toed sandals, or winter boots). Please bring layers as the temperature can fluctuate.
What should my child bring to class?
Please bring a labeled water bottle. Supply lists may vary from program to program, but common items needed may include a script, something to write with, etc. Cell phones should be turned off & out of sight (please see our Electronic Device Policy).
Will I be asked to bring items in from home for the performance/final showcase?
Typically, no. Sometimes we may ask students to bring in a prop and/or costume piece (out of materials they already have at home).
Do you provide food for any programs?
No. As classes are between an hour and an hour and a half, we suggest students eat prior to class. We are also a nut free campus.
Any other food restrictions? Can I bring in food for the class?
To ensure the safety of all of our students, we have a no-nut policy (including peanuts, tree-nuts, and hazelnut products). If a child in a particular program has an extreme allergy to another food or beverage, CTM will adjust this policy to accommodate the needs of that child. If your student’s birthday is on a class day and you want to celebrate, please consider something other than food to offer their fellow students.
Does my child receive any discounts or vouchers to CTM mainstage performances?
- Students taking Academic Year Classes will receive one voucher to a CTM performance occurring while the student is enrolled. Vouchers must be redeemed in person at the Ticket Office for free or via phone/email for a $4 convenience fee. We suggest redemption at least 48 hours prior to the show to ensure availability and best seating.
- All students taking CTM Classes receive a 20% discount all year long to all CTM mainstage productions (a code will be provided at Orientation).
My child identifies as non-binary and/or uses gender neutral pronouns. What is in place to support my child?
In our classrooms, we ask all who are willing to share their pronouns as part of our introductions. As a way to support all students in the classroom, we have open conversations about gender neutral pronouns so that everyone feels informed, included, and respected. To learn more about pronouns, click here.
What supports do CTM classes provide for youth with autism, disabilities, or medical needs?
CTM welcomes every child to explore, create, and express themselves through theater! All CTM classes are inclusive and we can work with each family to choose the class that’s the best fit. Supports for youth with autism and disabilities include accessible spaces, trained artistic staff, break spaces, sensory kits, and individualized learning plans. For students with specific medical needs, please email education@ctmtheater.org and we can build an individualized support plan for your student. CTM often offers self-contained classes for students with special needs, supported by Communication Innovations Pediatric Therapy Centers and Achieving Collaborative Treatment. Have questions or need an individualized plan? Contact education@ctmtheater.org.
Do we need to purchase tickets for my child’s final sharing?
No. The final sharings/showcases for our Academic Year programs are free and open to family and friends. However, there may be seat limits in terms of how many audience members you can bring due to space. This will be communicated to you prior to the start of class.
Should my child come to class if they sick?
If your child has symptoms of a communicable illness or virus, we ask that you inform us, and keep them home until the symptoms subside or they are cleared by a doctor. Should a child arrive at CTM presenting symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, severely red eyes, etc., related to a potentially spreadable illness, parents will be contacted immediately to pick up their child. Please see our policy on Illness & Spreadable Diseases for more details.
How will I know if a class is cancelled (due to weather or otherwise)?
Call 608-255-2080 x107 or email education@ctmtheater.org if you suspect a class cancellation due to weather. When we know that MSCR or MMSD is cancelling in advance, we will follow suit with our own programs.
For the cases when we are making our own call:
Who should I contact if I have questions about the class my child is taking?
For questions regarding the program, contact the Education Department at education@ctmtheater.org. For questions regarding payment, registration, or financial aid, contact 608-949-6584 or registrar@ctmtheater.org.
What if my child leaves something behind at class?
- Less valuable items (clothing, water bottles, etc) are stored in a labeled lost and found bin in the first floor lobby.
- More valuable items (electronics, IDs, keys, wallet) are stored in a lost and found safe. Please ask the MYArts front desk staff if you have lost a more valuable item.
- The end of the academic year (June)
- The end of summer (August)
- Before the Holiday break (December)
ABOUT SUMMER STAGE:
When does Summer Stage go on sale?
Summer Stage goes on sale each year on January 15.
Where does the program take place?
All CTM programs are held at Madison Youth Arts, 1055 East Mifflin Street. Please see program descriptions when registering for more information. For more information about Madison Youth Arts or ways to contribute, visit The MYArts website.
What happens if my child has to miss a day of camp?
For the purposes of community building and collaboration, it’s best for all students to have regular attendance in class. Absences do affect everyone involved as theater is a team sport. Before Summer Stage begins, you will receive the contact information for either a Teaching Assistant Intern or Stage Management Fellow. If your child does have to miss a class due to illness or unavoidable conflict, please contact them by phone or text with as much advanced notice as possible.
We do have an absentee policy, so please contact education@ctmtheater.org before registration to discuss if known conflicts will be a barrier for participation. Safety is paramount to us at CTM – if your student is exhibiting signs of illness, please keep them home and refer to our Illness & Spreadable Disease Policy.
Can I watch my child in class?
CTM has a closed class policy. In our experience, we find that students focus better and participate more fully when family members are not in the room. If your child is nervous about class, you can reassure them by remaining in the building in our third floor lobby. Family members and friends are encouraged to attend the final class, sharing, showcase, or performance.
My child would benefit from knowing more about the building & the program before Day 1. How can I help prepare them?
For our Summer Stage Programs, we hold two Summer Stage Tour / Orientations where families and students are invited to receive information prior to the program beginning, get a tour of the building, and get any questions answered. If you are unable to make it, rest assured that all families will receive the same information shared at the orientation via email two weeks prior to the start of camp.
We have created a social story for our Summer Stage Classes. This will give students a glimpse of the spaces, expectations, and generally what to expect from the classes prior to Day 1. SOCIAL STORY FOR SUMMER STAGE COMING SOON!
What should my child wear to class?
For the safety of your student, please send to CTM in sneakers, gym shoes, or dance shoes are the preferred footwear (no crocs, flip flops, uggs, backless shoes, or open-toed sandals). Students should wear comfortable clothing that they can move in (no skirts/dresses without leggings or bike shorts underneath). Please bring layers as the temperature can fluctuate.
What should my child bring to class?
Every student should bring a morning snack, a lunch for full day programs (we are a nut free campus), as well as a water bottle with their name on it. Depending on the program, common items may include a folder or binder for music sheets/scripts, a pencil, or a highlighter.
Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight, unless used as a therapeutic device (please contact education@ctmtheater.org if this accommodation is needed) or as an educational tool as assigned by a teaching artist. Parents are welcome to call the education department if they need to contact their student(s).
Can my student use their cell phone during the camp day?
Students may use phones during lunch w/ permission. Otherwise, cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight, unless used as a therapeutic device (please contact education@ctmtheater.org if this accommodation is needed) or as an educational tool as assigned by a teaching artist. Parents are welcome to call the education department if they need to contact their student(s).
What if my child leaves something behind at camp?
- Less valuable items (clothing, water bottles, etc) are stored in a labeled lost and found bin in the first floor lobby.
- More valuable items (electronics, IDs, keys, wallet) are stored in a lost and found safe. Please ask the MYArts front desk staff if you have lost a more valuable item.
- The end of the academic year (June)
- The end of summer (August)
- Before the Holiday break (December)
Should my child come to class if they are sick?
If your child has symptoms of a communicable illness or virus, we ask that you inform us, and keep them home until the symptoms subside or they are cleared by a doctor. Should a child arrive at CTM presenting symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, severely red eyes, etc., related to a potentially spreadable illness, parents will be contacted immediately to pick up their child. Please see our policy on Illness & Spreadable Diseases for more details.
Do you provide or administer medication to students? What if my child needs to bring their own?
We do not provide medication to any students. The exceptions are:
- if a student carries an epipen, we will make sure the staff of that camp knows how to administer it if needed
- if a student has minor pain (ie: a headache, cramps, etc.), we will contact the parent/guardian to ask permission for us to provide them with ibuprofen. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, we will not administer medicine.
In addition, our staff cannot be responsible for reminding students to take medication they brought with them. Students must manage their own medication during camp. If there is an extenuating circumstance or a higher need re: medication support, please contact us.
Do you provide lunch or snack for any programs?
For Summer Stage, parents are required to bring nut-free snacks and lunch for their child. However, for students enrolled in After Care, we do provide one snack.
Any other food restrictions? Can I bring in food for the class?
To ensure the safety of all of our students, we have a no-nut policy (including peanuts, tree-nuts, and hazelnut products). If a child in a particular program has an extreme allergy to another food or beverage, CTM will adjust this policy to accommodate the needs of that child. If your student’s birthday is during a CTM Summer Stage program and you want to celebrate, please consider something other than food to offer their fellow students.
Will my child be outside at any point during the camp day?
When the weather is nice, students will sometimes eat lunch outside on an unshaded patio at MYArts. Students will be outside for 20 minutes or less. Feel free to pack sunscreen or sun hats.
How does Pick Up and Drop Off work?
- For Pick Up/Drop Off Procedures for students entering grades 4K-K, CLICK HERE.
- For Pick Up/Drop Off Procedures for students entering grades 1-12, CLICK HERE.
Do you provide pre-care or after-care?
We provide after care until 5pm. After-care is registered on a weekly (not daily) basis. Click here to learn more. At this time, we do not provide pre care. However, all students may be dropped off 15 minutes before camp begins.
If I sign up my child for Self Sign Out, what does that mean?
If you have given your student permission to self sign out, they WILL NOT walk out with the group. They will be released at the end of the camp day and will no longer be under the care or supervision of CTM. Please arrange pickup with your student elsewhere if they are not walking / busing / biking home. If you would like to utilize the pick up lane, please do not give your student self sign out permission.
How will I know if a class is cancelled (due to weather or otherwise)?
Email education@ctmtheater.org if you suspect a class cancellation due to weather. When we know that MSCR or MMSD is cancelling in advance, we will follow suit with our own programs. For the cases when we are making our own call, we will make a decision and notify parents through ACTIVE by 8pm the night before.
My child identifies as non-binary and/or uses gender neutral pronouns. What is in place to support my child?
In our classrooms, we ask all who are willing to share their pronouns as part of our introductions. As a way to support all students in the classroom, we have open conversations about gender neutral pronouns so that everyone feels informed, included, and respected. To learn more about pronouns, click here.
What supports do CTM classes provide for youth with autism, disabilities, or medical needs?
CTM welcomes every child to explore, create, and express themselves through theater! All CTM classes are inclusive and we can work with each family to choose the class that’s the best fit. Supports for youth with autism and disabilities include accessible spaces, trained artistic staff, break spaces, sensory kits, and individualized learning plans. For students with specific medical needs, please email education@ctmtheater.org and we can build an individualized support plan for your student. CTM often offers self-contained classes for students with special needs, supported by Communication Innovations Pediatric Therapy Centers and Achieving Collaborative Treatment. Have questions or need an individualized plan? Contact education@ctmtheater.org.
How does casting work?
We consider all students for all roles, regardless of race, gender and gender expression, size, or age. We encourage your student to be open to a variety of casting possibilities. We take student’s preferences into account, especially when it comes to the gender of the role(s) they play. The staff works very hard to ensure that the distribution of responsibilities is as equitable as possible, though some roles require more responsibility than others.
Will I be asked to bring items in from home for the performance/final showcase?
Depending on the program, students may be asked to bring in costume items or prop pieces that they already own. For Blackbox Series & Production Series programs, students will be asked to supply their base costume (ie: shirt, pants, shoes) for the production. The CTM Production Team will supply costume pieces and accessories as part of the overall design. No one is required to purchase anything specific for CTM programs.
Do we need to purchase tickets for my child’s performance?
For Starlight Series performances, there is seating available at $12/ticket plus tax (tickets for the Advanced Starlight Series program are $20 plus tax). If this is a financial burden, please contact the education department. For Blackbox Series performances, there is a $5 suggested donation at the door & reservations are required beforehand. For all other one and two programs, our final sharings/showcases are free and open to family and friends.
Does my child receive any discounts or vouchers to CTM mainstage performances?
- Students who take a 3 Week Program during Summer Stage are invited to a see A Christmas Carol for free during the Summer in Winter reunion party.
- All students taking CTM Classes receive a 20% discount all year long to all CTM mainstage productions (a code will be provided at Orientation).
Who should I contact if I have questions about the class my child is taking?
For questions regarding the program, contact the Education Department at education@ctmtheater.org. For questions regarding payment, registration, or financial aid, contact our Registrar at 608-949-6584. or registrar@ctmtheater.org.