HELD2GETHER CLASS POLICIES

ATTENDANCE AND LATENESS

If you are going to be late, please text the instructor to let them now.  The Expo Arts Center has a strict door policy, and doors must be locked when class begins.  The instructor will give you directions on what to do when you arrive if the doors are locked.

DROPS, MAKEUPS & TRANSFERS

There are no refunds for classes two weeks prior to the class start date.  Classes may be transferred to a future session if dropped after Class One of the course.  

Held2gether does not offer make-up classes, however, if there are two days of the same course offered simultaneously in one session, you may contact the instructor to make up a missed class on the other day of the week. Please email your instructor to do so.

PARKING

Parking is available in the Expo Center Parking lot, which is located on the north end of the building.  There is also street parking available on Atlantic Avenue.  When parking on Atlantic during the day (Saturday and Sunday classes), it’s advisable to move your car to avoid a ticket for the 2-hour time limit.  While not enforced often, it has happened.  All 3-hour classes include a break at the halfway point.

ATTENDANCE AND LATENESS

If you are going to be late, please text the instructor to let them now.  The Expo Arts Center has a strict door policy, and doors must be locked when class begins.  The instructor will give you directions on what to do when you arrive if the doors are locked.

HARASSMENT AND BEHAVIOR

It is our intention at The Held2gether School to ensure a safe and positive experience for our students. We believe everyone, regardless of race, age, gender, sexual identity, or sexual orientation should experience the gift of improv and have the opportunity to discover and share their creative voice. Please know that, due to the creative process in the classroom, you may be exposed to dialogue or physical gestures that could be considered offensive. Students should feel free to take risks without feeling disrespected. Fellow participants should give their classmates their attention, their support and encouragement at all times in class. However, if at any time you feel any action has crossed into the territory of harassment, you are encouraged to bring any and all concerns to the class instructor for confidential review. Communicating with the School Manager or your teacher will in no way affect your progression 

Putting yourself out there in an improv class is brave and courageous! Held2gether students are expected to behave in a professional manner and be respectful of fellow students and the instructor. Taking phone calls , texting or using the phone in any manner during an improv scene will not be tolerated.  If you must use your phone, please leave the room to do so, and reenter in-between scenes or exercises.

Please refrain from chewing gum while onstage, or attending class under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  In addition, comfortable closed-toed shoes are recommended to encourage freedom and safety for physical activity.

STUDENT PROGRESSION

All students begin at Improv Level 1, Foundations, regardless of previous experience.   Completion of Level 1 is not a guarantee of eligibility to take Improv Level 2, Scenework.  There is a big jump to Level 2, and many students repeat the Foundations course to become confident with the development in Level 2.  Students will receive an evaluation at the end of the course to determine the best route for students’ growth.

In addition to the instructor’s permission to move forward to the Level 2 class, other prerequisites include seeing at least one Held2gether performance and attending at least 6 of the course sessions (no more than two absences) for the 8-week course, and at least 5 of the courses sessions (no more than one absence) for the 6-week course.

Once you are enrolled in Level 2, you are eligible to become part of a Student Team.  The Students Teams perform 20-minute sets at the H2g Jam, which performs the third Friday of each month.

Beyond Level 2 Scenework, students may be invited to participate in Performance based classes, Long Form Improv, Narrative and more! 

Song Improv, Sketch Writing and Stand-Up Comedy require completion of Level 1 Foundations class only.  Specialty one-off drop-in classes may be available as well.  Please check prerequisites for these classes.

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL MEDIA

Held2gether has a warm, open community and we are delighted to have you join us! You can participate with us at Student Jams and special events, and connect with other on our social media pages:

Facebook: Held2gether Students (request an invite)
Instagram: Held2gether
Yelp!: Held2gether, Improv for Life
YouTube: Held2gether

A weekly Held2gether newsletter will be sent on Fridays as well, with reminders of upcoming shows, classes and drop-ins.

CORPORATE & GROUP WORKSHOPS

In addition to the Held2gether Improv Comedy School, Held2gether also offers workshops for companies, organizations and parties.  To find out more, please contact Darren at darren@held2gether.com.