Frequently Asked Questions

Stage of Mind Performing Arts provides a safe and structured environment for your child to socialize, learn new skills, and receive high quality performing arts educational instruction. It also offers opportunities for physical activity, creativity, and personal growth. We do all of this while intentionally growing and building social and emotional skills. SEL is the heart of our entire program. 

The main educators are founders, Kristen and Sarah. We are a team of experienced and dedicated teachers who are committed to providing a high-quality experience for all participants. Kristen and Sarah both have extensive experience both performing and teaching performing arts in and out of the classroom. Kristen (professional member of NATS, EdTA) runs our musical theater program and Sarah runs our choral programs.  In addition, all staff members undergo background checks, hold current fingerprint clearance cards through the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and receive CPR/first aid training. We can't wait to meet you!

Auditions are not mandatory for Stage of Mind musical theater productions. Our productions are a community and everyone gets to participate in the fun! If children would like the opportunity for a solo singing or speaking role, we will be walking those interested through an empowering audition process. Creating a supportive and connected community is our goal, not competition. We highly recommend attending the Open House/Audition Workshop.

As parents of theater kids, we know how stressful costumes can be. Stage of Mind will provide all main costume pieces for our shows. We only ask that families provide appropriate base clothing and shoes. These requirements will be well defined and communicated to families once rehearsals begin. 

When we were first brainstorming the creation of Stage of Mind, we wanted first and foremost to foster a community feeling within our program. We want families to feel welcome to take part in the process of putting on a full musical production! It's no small feat, and we welcome all hands willing to share their passions with us. Volunteer opportunities will be communicated throughout the semester. On our main webpage we have a volunteer form we'd love for you to fill out if you have a special interest, talent, hobby, etc..you'd be willing to share with us. 

Stage of Mind is an open and inclusive space where students are free to express themselves in a safe environment. In order to maintain that level of trust and safety, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who violates these values and/or endangers our loving community.  

According to CASEL, "Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education  and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and  collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and  maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring  decisions.

SEL advances educational equity and excellence through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing  evaluation. SEL can help address various forms of inequity and empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy, and just communities."

www.casel.org

We weave SEL learning opportunities seamlessly and intentionally into every rehearsal.