Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Where are classes?

Classes take place in The-Church-In-The-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Enter in the breezeway entrance (it is set back and the middle of the 3 entrances). If no one comes to the door, text or call 917-204-5647.

Can I watch the class?

Classes have in-class Sharing Days towards the end of the semester and/or performances. We do not allow parents to watch classes earlier since students may be distracted by parents in the room.

Are there one or two semesters during the school year?

We have two semesters. Most students do both semesters since each semester builds upon each other. Our first semester builds skills that are then used when we rehearse our original musical during the second semester.

You already started the semester. When can I join?

Yes. Join late and we will prorate! Contact us to find out if there is space.
If you are joining for the second semester, you should be ready to join the first week of January, which is 3 weeks before the end of the first semester. This gives us time to get to know your student before we go into musical auditions. (If your actor is joining the Rising Stars you can join when the 2nd semester starts the last week of January.)

Where are the Sunday rehearsals and the shows?

Sunday rehearsals and shows take place in The Community House, 15 Borage Place, Forest Hills, NY 11375, right around the block.

Which class should I register for?

Our main class is the Musical Theater class. This covers a full range of skills including acting improv, voice, monologues, scenes, movement, auditioning, and performing in a concert and a fully staged musical.

If I can’t do both semesters, is that still okay?

Yes. Although we encourage our students to do the full year, if you can’t join for both semesters, you will still have a wonderful experience. Please let us know if you will not return for the second semester so that we can prepare.

My student wants to audition for performing arts high schools. Can you help?

Yes. We do give tips during our classes. Private lessons are also a big help. Many of our students have gotten into LaGuardia H.S. of the Performing Arts, Frank Sinatra H.S., Talent Unlimited, and PPAS. We also help students with college auditions and professional auditions.

What COVID-19 safety precautions are in place?

  • All teachers are vaccinated.
  • Masks are required to be worn when the church building, city, state, or federal regulations are in place.
  • We practice social distancing.
  • Windows are open, fans are on, and we have HEPA filters on.
  • Children should not come to class when sick. Instead we will make sure you have a Zoom link and can join us online. You can also do a make-up class within the same semester on a different day.
  • If there is any kind of exposure that requires quarantine we will notify everyone and switch to online for the required classes.
  • Everyone 5 and up is encouraged to be fully vaccinated.

We will follow recommendations from the CDC and city and state departments of health, keep talking with other similar businesses to see what works for them, and welcome any of your own ideas. We also must follow the church building’s own regulations.

Our Policies

Before signing up for any class, please review the registration policies so that you have a wonderful experience with Garden Players.

COVID Safety Guidelines: Garden Players follows all current guidance via the CDC recommendations as well as the buildings we hold classes and shows in. All of our educators are 100% vaccinated.

Masks: Masks are optional except in the church building where masks are still required.

Student Expectations: Acting, singing and improv are vulnerable activities. The expectation is that all students will do their best to arrive on time, stay for the full length of the class, turn their phones to silent, and most importantly, be respectful towards one another in the class space.

Attendance: Students may miss no more than 3 classes and may not miss their Tech Rehearsal in order to be eligible to perform with their class in the showcases, concerts, and musical theater performance. There is no performance for Drop-in students, but all other levels do have a showcase, concert, and/or fully staged musical theater performance and the comfort level to perform within it relies on attendance for all students.

Payments: In order to purchase a class, you can pay in the following ways: 
Zelle (betina@gardenplayers.com)
Check (made payable to Garden Players) Mail to: Garden Players
The Church-In-The-Gardens, 50 Acan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Credit Card (+6% fee) via the Class Registration Page
Registration Complete Upon Payment: Registration is not complete and you are not placed in the class until payment is received in full.

Refund Policy: Exchanges or credits are allowed up to 48 hours before the class begins. There are no credits or exchanges after that time period or after the class begins. In the event of the course not being filled enough to run or an emergency on FoHi Improv’s end and the entire course needs to be cancelled, students can choose to have either a credit towards another course of the same value, or a full refund. If one class is cancelled due to an emergency, all efforts will be made to either find a substitute or to reschedule the class at a time that is convenient to as many as possible.