Frequently asked questions

Below are some of the questions we get asked on a regular basis. If none of the answers below help you, feel free to get in touch!

Is it too late to enrol?

Probably not!

You do not always need to begin at the start of term so if you discover us when term has already started it's worth getting in touch in case we can fit you in. Most of our courses run with the school term (the dates for term one are the 7th of February to the 5th of April).

I'm not sure if this is going to be my thing, can I trial the class before enroling for the whole term?

Yes, you can do a trial class. Trials cost $10 for children, $15 for teens and $20 for adults. We encourage people to trial in the first and second weeks only so as not to disrupt the class too much. If you decide to enrol after a trial, the trial fee will be deducted from the course fees. Bear in mind that trials may not be possible (or wise!) for classes which fill up quickly.

Do you offer full-time courses?

No. We are not a tertiary training institution. If you are a school leaver interested in doing full-time performing arts training in Auckland for a career in the performing arts, you'd be better to get in contact UNITEC or AUT. The NZ student allowance scheme will not cover our course fees.

How do I enrol for a course?

You can enrol online on this website by going to TIMETABLES on the main menu and then finding the desired course using the navigation panel on the left. You can also enrol over the phone, by email or by popping into TAPAC during our office hours.

I have enrolled and haven't received confirmation of my enrolment. Is that ok?

Yes, at the moment we do not provide confirmation of your enrolment although DPS will send you a purchase order if you enrol and pay online. Please feel comfortable just to turn up on the first day of class. If you're unsure whether you are enrolled, get in touch and we can confirm this for you.

When do I have to pay for the course?

We ask that all students pay their full course fees upfront before classes start however we are happy to set up installment payments if you can't pay for your fees upfront. If you pay your fees on or before the first day of your course, you will receive a 10% prompt payment discount.

Who can get a discount?

As well as our 10% prompt payment discount we also offer discounts for tertiary students, Western Springs College students, actors referred to us from agencies as well as discounts for family members and/or participants enroled in more than one class simulataneously.  It is your responsibility to let us know if you are eligible for a discount before payment. We do not offer discounts for our holiday programmes or youth companies.

I am eligible for a discount for one of the reasons above plus I am paying before the prompt payment discount expires, do I receive a double discount?

No!

What do I have to bring and wear?

For most of our classes you will need to wear comfortable clothing that you can move in. For Circus Arts classes is is recommended that you wear leggings or pants that cover the backs of your knees (for the trapeze). There is no uniform required for our Ballet classes although most of the kids wear pink leotards, leggings and slippers so you may be the odd one out if you come in orange overalls. You are never required to

I can no longer do the course I am enrolled in. Can I get a refund?

Fees are non-refundable unless we cancel the class. We can keep the money you have paid as a credit to go towards any other Performing Arts School course for you or a family member. For more important information on refunds and such things see our terms and conditions which can be downloaded here from our website.

Will I get the chance to perform?

There are a handful of performances throughout the year which most of the classes can perform in. These performances do not necessarily take place every term so you will need to be enroled throughout the whole year to take full advantage of these performance opportunities. Some classes will not perform at all and others will do small informal studio showings instead. If performing is your thing, get in touch about which classes are the most performance-oriented.