Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

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EDUCATION FAQs

A group of actors in costume smiling and high-fiving students

Camp COVID Safety

Are face masks required for camps? If so, what type of masks are acceptable?

Yes, all visitors and employees are required to wear masks during camps. Exceptions will be made for eating and drinking or outdoor activity.

Per CDC guidance, we recommend using procedural masks (either alone or with a cloth mask on top) or higher grade (such as a KN95) and avoiding the use of cloth masks alone. At the theatre’s discretion, participants may be asked to change out their mask with a provided CDC-recommended procedural mask when they arrive at the theatre.

It is not yet determined if young actors will be required to wear masks during their final performances, but students and their families will be informed before the start of camp.

Can my student wear a face shield instead of a mask?

Face shields can be worn in addition to a mask but cannot replace a mask. The CDC outlines which masks are effective here.

What is the hand sanitization protocol?

Students will wash and sanitize hands often and thoroughly! They will be required to sanitize their hands upon arrival and at other points throughout the day. Our facilities provide hand sanitizer along hallways, in restrooms, and at entrances/exits. Students are also encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer. 

What is your cleaning/sanitizing protocol?

High-touch areas such as doorknobs and light switches will be sanitized multiple times throughout the day. Our classrooms, bathrooms, and shared spaces are deep cleaned and sanitized daily with electrostatic spray cleaners using EPA-approved disinfectants. Classroom supplies such as markers, crayons, scissors, etc. will not be shared. Each student will have their own supplies to use for the duration of the camp. 

How will you implement social distancing in the classroom?

Each student will have a clearly marked designated space to ensure CDC recommended social distancing.

What should my child bring to camp?

Campers should dress in comfortable clothing they can move in, wear sneakers, and must wear a face mask! Each camper should bring a lunch, 2 snacks, a water bottle, and hand sanitizer (if desired). Please label all personal belongings.

Will you have outdoor camps?

Camps will take place primarily indoors due to access to a limited number of outdoor gathering spaces at our theatre. Students will take periodic breaks outdoors, weather permitting. This includes, but is not limited to, snack breaks, physical warm-ups, and end of day reflection exercises.

How will lunch work?

Campers will eat lunch in their studios or outside. They will have snack breaks in the morning and afternoon which will be held in outdoor spaces, weather permitting.

How will performances work?

Currently, performances are planned to be in person at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati at the end of each camp. Each camper will be allocated a set number of tickets to invite family or friends to their performance. These ticket allotments will be determined before each camp’s start date. Audience members at these performances will be required to wear masks and provide either proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Information about vaccination requirements is available on our Health and Safety Policy page.

Will you do temperature screenings when students are dropped-off?

At drop-off, we will check each student’s temperature. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4° or higher will not be allowed to enter the building for camp. Anyone with a fever must be fever-free for at least 72 hours without medication before returning to camp. Additionally, any staff member who runs a fever will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test before returning to camp. We highly recommend campers have a negative COVID-19 test before returning to camp as well.

How will drop-off and pick-up work?

During drop-off, every camper will undergo a temperature check and health screening survey before being allowed to enter the building. Camp staff will then walk young actors to their camp spaces. Caretakers will not be permitted to enter the building in order to limit exposure. Drop-off and pick-up will be in small groups at staggered times to limit crossover. More information on your time, location, and specific instructions will be sent out before your camp session.

What if I am transporting multiple campers with different drop-off/pick-up times?

If you are transporting campers in camps with different drop-off and pick-up times, you can drop off all campers at the earliest drop-off time and pick up all campers at the latest pick-up time. Students will be supervised by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati camp staff if they are dropped off early or awaiting pick up.

Will I be allowed to walk my student into their camp classroom?

In an effort to limit exposure, parents, guardians, and caretakers will not be allowed into the theatre facilities and will only be allowed at a designated drop-off location outside of the theatre. A camp staff member will walk your student to the classroom.

Can my student carpool with another family?

We encourage families to make the safest decisions for their students. In order to limit exposure for other campers, camp staff must know in advance which families are carpooling together in order to pod students together.

Will camp staff be tested for COVID-19 and at what frequency?

Yes, all camp staff, teaching artists, and interns will be required to be tested on a weekly basis.

What happens if a student or staff member experiences symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19?

If a student experiences COVID-19 symptoms while at camp, the student will be immediately quarantined and parents will be notified to pick up the student. If a student tests positive, the camp the student is enrolled in will transition to a virtual format. All families who have had contact with the student will be notified by Ensemble Theatre staff. 

What happens if a student's family member or someone in close contact with a student tests positive for COVID-19?

If a student’s family member or close contact tests positive for COVID-19, the camp the student is enrolled in will transition to a virtual format. All families who had contact with the student will be notified by Ensemble Theatre camp staff. 

Will the entire student population be notified of any positive COVID-19 case within the campus?

Yes, ETC staff will alert all families of any positive COVID-19 cases. 

What happens if a staff member tests positive for COVID-19?

If a staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the individual will be removed from campus. All families who have had contact with the staff member or teaching artist will be notified by Ensemble Theatre staff. 

Workshops

What are the benefits of taking classes and workshops with Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati?

At Ensemble Theatre we strive to create enriching, social, and supportive educational experiences to enhance all students’ artistic passions. Whether you wish to pursue a career in theatre, are looking to explore your creativity, or just try something new, we welcome new artists, professionals, and everyone in-between. Teaching artists and guest artists who work with us are all industry professionals and who are passionate about sharing their craft and fostering the creativity and curiosity of young minds. All classes, workshops, and programs encourage students to engage with ETC and be a part of our ever-expanding ensemble of students in the community of artists and collaborators. 

Is prior experience required to take classes and workshops at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati?

Experience needs vary depending on which class or workshop you’re interested in. Be sure to check the description for details and let us know if you have any questions!

Will you be adding more youth and adult classes and workshops?

Yes! If you’re looking for more programs from us please check back on our For Youth and For Adults pages, or contact our Education, Engagement, and Inclusion Department for specific workshop requests or needs.

Accessibility

What if a student needs specific accommodations, such as an advocate, visual guides, or materials in Braille?

It is ETC’s priority to offer an experience that can be fully enjoyed by all. We offer a variety of accessibility services to help ensure that all involved have a great experience. If you have a specific request or need, please share it with us at least two weeks before the start of any program. Requests are subject to availability and provided at the discretion of ETC.

Interested in learning more about our dedication to access and inclusion? Explore our Accessibility and Inclusive Programs pages for more information.

Scholarships

Are scholarships available?

We have a limited number of scholarships available for summer camps that range in amount depending on the ability to pay. There are subsidies available for all in-school programs and residencies. Scholarships and subsidies are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and we will try our best to honor your request. For more information about scholarships, please email education@ensemblecincinnati.org with the subject line Scholarship Inquiry.

Virtual programming

What online platform is used for virtual classes and what equipment is needed?

We use Zoom as the online platform for all of our virtual classes, workshops, residencies, and camps. Zoom is ideally run on a computer that has video and audio capability, but there are workarounds for phones, tablets, or a combination of devices. To become more familiar with Zoom, check out their helpful tutorial videos.

General

What is your cancellation policy?

Workshop and class dates, times, and teaching artists are subject to change, and classes may be canceled if the minimum number of students is not reached. In the event that a class is canceled, notification will be given to all students, and refunds and credits will be arranged accordingly. No refunds will be provided for teaching artists changes.

More questions?

Each program is different. If you have any additional questions or need clarification, we’d be delighted to assist you! Please email Victoria Aslanides, Director of Education.