Education FAQ’s

Our ACCESS FOR ALL program allows all families to participate in our programs regardless of income constraints. We just want your kiddo here!

Simply enter the amount you wish to pay (in increments of $25) into the code field. The number needs to be entered without a dollar sign, so just the numbers, like “100” for $100. Then they need to hit “apply”.

If you would like to pay an amount outside of a $25 increment or if you need to pay $0, please contact the Education Department and we can sign you up over the phone.

Yes! Students who are signed up for an AM and PM camp can stay for lunch at no extra charge. We will provide a space for them to eat their packed lunch and some items for unstructured play so they can relax a little before their PM class.

Yes! We host a showcase on the final day of our education program offerings. They are usually less than 30 minutes and fall within the specified class time. Photos and recordings are allowed as are invited family guests. You will receive an emailed *INVITATION* to the showcase one week prior to the class performance, or 1-2 days before the end of camp.

No. We do not allow parents to sit in the classroom during classes while their young performer works. All adults must pass a background check processed through OFT to work at OFT; the classroom is a student-centered environment. If your child is experiencing first day jitters, please contact the Education Department to create a game plan to ensure their success!

No. While we pride ourselves on being a community-centered institution, we cannot accept additional students who have not signed up with a parent signed liability waiver to attend a multi-session program. 

When you are signing up for Summer Camps, your child is available for camps based on the grade they will be entering in the Fall. Ex: When your child completed the 2nd grade, they are a “rising 3rd grader” for our Summer Program. 

In the event of bad weather conditions or staff illness, we may need to cancel an individual class. It is never our first choice, but it happens. If class is canceled due to staff illness, you can request a refund for that single class time which will be a prorated amount based on what you paid originally. We cannot extend a refund for cancellations due to weather. If we have to cancel a showcase day, there will not be a make-up performance.

We follow the Olympia School District with regards to canceling classes due to weather. If school is out of session, we will base our decision with family and staff safety in mind. In the event of a weather related cancellation, Olympia Family Theater staff will notify affected families by email and phone with as much notice as possible. Cancellations will also be announced on social media.

We follow the Olympia School District with regards to canceling classes due to weather. If school is out of session, we will base our decision with family and staff safety in mind. In the event of a weather related cancellation, Olympia Family Theater staff will notify affected families by email and phone with as much notice as possible. Cancellations will also be announced on social media.

When temperatures reach high and/or unsafe levels, OFT will review the possibility of cancelling or adjusting programming.

Between 90-99˚
An informed decision to continue, shorten, or cancel programming will be made by OFT staff (based on variables like air flow, room temperature, access to other spaces, age of participants, etc).

100˚ or Higher
Programming without air-conditioning capabilities will be canceled or rescheduled. 

When heat-related cancellations are probable in the weather forecast, OFT staff will notify families of the possibility of cancellation by 6:00 pm the evening before. And we commit to giving as much notice as possible in the event of heat-related cancellations.

Policy decisions reference different air quality levels, which are based on this air quality index from the Washington State  Department of Ecology

If a participant is at additional risk due to smoke and needs to stay home, they are encouraged to do so. OFT asks that you give written notice at least one hour prior, when possible, so plans can be adjusted as needed.

SAFETY PLANS BY AIR QUALITY LEVEL:

ORANGE (AQI 101-150)
No major changes. On-site adult (Educator, Staff, Stage Manager, etc.) uses their discretion to close windows and doors if needed, based on real time air quality. Limit outside time when possible.

RED (AQI 151-200)
Doors and windows remain closed for the entirety of the program time. Inside ventilation stays on for air filtration. 

PURPLE+ (AQI 201+)
OFT cancels programming, giving at least two hours’ notice (email, website, social media) of a cancellation. If cancellation is probable, we will give you as much notice as possible either in the morning for afternoon/evening programming or the day before for morning programming. 

Our HVAC system has been replaced with a brand new system that includes a REME HALO air purification system which uses UV light to disinfect the air as it passes through and is constantly running.

Yes! We will find a suitable place for them to eat with their mask off. Please contact the Education Department to create a game plan!

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