Frequently asked questions

 FAQs

General information

  • At Kids Make Theatre, we empower young minds and nurture confidence through hands-on theater education. Serving youths aged 3.5 to 18, our accessible programs, including camps, classes, and innovative 'shareformances,' cultivate friendships and creative skills in a supportive community setting. With the help of dedicated funding, we are proud to offer these enriching opportunities at just $5-$15, making our programs available to all families eager to join our collaborative theater journey.

  • We work with students ages 3.5-18 years of age. Programming is divded into different age groups depending on the type and focus of the theatre experience.

  • We have year-round programming including classes, camps, workshops and shareformances in our black box Lab space. Classes are often once a week for 8 weeks, workshops can range from one to several days and usually focus on specific skill-building or learning a particular design or tech element, camps range from three days to two weeks, and there are a variety of other programs in the mix as well.

  • At Kids Make Theatre, we are dedicated to fostering a creative and collaborative environment that benefits a wide range of children. Our programs are designed for children who can participate effectively in a group setting of up to 20 peers, and who can engage in activities independently as well as collaboratively, in alignment with age-appropriate expectations.

    We understand that every child is unique, and some may require more individualized attention or specific accommodations than we can provide. To ensure the best experience for all participants, we recommend that parents and guardians contact us to discuss whether our environment and program structure will meet the specific needs of their child. We are committed to being as accommodating as possible within the scope of our resources and aim to provide guidance or suggest alternative options if our program may not be the best fit.

  • We are located in the second floor of the Liberty Theatre in downtown Astoria, Oregon. Our entrance is at 1216 Duane Street.

  • The Liberty Theatre and Kids Make Theatre do not have dedicated parking available. There is a free parking lot across the intersection from Kids Make Theatre at 12th and Duane Streets. Spots there have time painted on the ground (example: “3” = 3 hours) or no painted number for a spot with no time limit.

    There is a variety of street parking all around the area.

    Parking can be hard to find where there are events going on in downtown Astoria, when there is sunny weather, and during summer months. Please allow extra time to find a spot!

  • Our staff and Teaching Artists are a dedicated, passionate and compassionate group of educators who come from a range of backgrounds including school teachers and theatrical professionals.

    All of our Teaching Artists and Staff are fully background checked.

    Check out the “Our Team” tab on this website to meet us!

  • Anytime we have a student with us there are always at least two instructors in the room with them.

    Our student-to-instructor ratio varies depending on the age group and program. The highest ratio is around 8 students to 1 teacher with two teachers in the room, and we drop that to as low as 3 students per instructor for some of the more advanced programs, or the programs with our youngest kids.

    There is also always a Staff member supporting the program any time students are in the KMT space.

  • At Kids Make Theatre, we are committed to fostering independence, confidence, and a strong sense of community among our students. To enhance this developmental experience, our sessions are structured for students to participate independently from their parents or guardians.

    While we welcome parents and guardians to briefly help their children settle in on the first day, especially for our youngest participants, we kindly ask that adults depart once activities begin. This approach helps streamline the start of the program and encourages a focused and immersive learning environment for all children.

    For those who prefer to stay nearby, we offer a comfortable waiting area equipped with books, games, and puzzles for siblings and adults. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in helping us create a nurturing space where all students can thrive creatively and socially.

  • Thanks to a generous sponsor, all programs cost between $5-$15 to attend. There are no extra fees for costume, prop or other materials.

  • We appreciate your interest in experiencing Kids Make Theatre firsthand! At present, due to our small team and the high demand for our programs, we are unable to offer open days or sample classes. Our focus remains on providing the highest quality experience to our currently enrolled students, ensuring each child receives the attention and care they deserve.

    We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm for our programs and are exploring ways to accommodate more community engagement opportunities in the future. Please stay connected with us for updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any further questions about our offerings. Thank you for your understanding and support as we grow!

registration & enrollment

  • You need to first create an account on this site: https://kids-make-theatre.jumbula.com/

    “Sign in/ sign up” is on the top right of the page.

    Once you create an account, you can add as many students as needed on your one account.

    Then, when you select a program on our “Offerings” tab on this website, you simply add that to your cart and then check out.

    You can register for multiple programs at once, and for different students.

    If you have difficulty setting up your account please email: adminkmt@libertyastora.org. It may take us several days to respond, so please plan ahead of programs closing for registration.

  • Programming is year round. We often will open registration several months in advance for programs like our summer camps or spring/fall classes and there may be late-breaking additions with registration happening only a couple of weeks before a program.

    We fill up programs very fast! It’s recommended to sign up to stay in touch with our e-newsletters.

    Click here to sign up & be the first to know when things happen!

    We also post on our Facebook/ Instagram pages.

  • At Kids Make Theatre, we strive to make our programming as accessible as possible with all fees set between $5 to $15. To maintain this affordability, we do not offer early bird discount or other promotional reductions. However, we do provide scholarships to further support those in need. Applying for a scholarship is straightforward, and we encourage anyone who may require this assistance to apply. Click here to apply for a scholarship.

  • The deadlines for registration for programs are year-round. Programs usually close either when they are full, or several days to two weeks before the start of the program. Waitlists are sometimes available at no cost. You must sign up for a waitlist just like you are registering for a program.

  • Yes!

  • We sometimes have a waitlist available when a program is full. If there is a waitlist, it will show that when you go to enroll your child in a program. You check out like normal to add to a waitlist, but there is no cost.

    Please note that we will contact you on the main email on the account if a spot opens up. We go in the order people signed up on the list. There is a 24 hour (or less if we are close to starting a program) deadline to hear from you before we move to the next person on the list.

  • The registration process will ask for contact, student, emergency and optional medical information. You will be asked to sign a behavioral and attendance policy as part of the registration. There is also a media release agreement you can choose to opt in/out of. That is all you need until you check out, at which time you will need a form of credit card payment.

  • The only fee is a $3.00 credit card processing fee per check out. If you bundle registrations to check out multiple enrollments at once, there is only the one fee.

  • You sign into your account and then will be able to update your information. Please do keep all of the information up to date for effective safety and communication with us.

  • We only take credit card payments at this time.

    If there is a situation where cash needs to be paid, please email adminkmt@libertyastoria.org. We can accommodate a limited number of cash payments but do ask for exact change please.

  • To dis-enroll a student from one of our programs, please contact us via email at adminKMT@libertyastoria.org. We will assist you with the process and ensure that your request is handled promptly.

    Refund Policy: If you cancel your enrollment up to two weeks before the program's start date, you are eligible for a full refund, excluding the $3.00 credit card processing fee. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations made less than two weeks prior to the start of the program, except in cases of emergencies. Additionally, no refunds will be provided for no-shows. We appreciate your understanding of our policies, which help us manage our programs effectively and maintain fairness for all participants.

Fees & payments

  • Thanks to a generous sponsor, all programs cost between $5-$15 to attend. There are no extra fees for costume, prop or other materials.

  • There are no additional fees for materials, props or costumes. At this time all sharings and shareformances in the Lab are free to attend. There may be a time in the future when licensing fees, which are very high, mean that we need to charge a small ticket price to attend a Lab performance. We will make sure to communicate this well in advance, and we will have a plan in place to support any families that could use assistance with the ticket cost.

  • We only take credit card payments at this time.

    If there is a situation where cash needs to be paid, please email adminkmt@libertyastoria.org. We can accommodate a limited number of cash payments but do ask for exact change please.

  • At Kids Make Theatre, we aim to keep our programs affordable, with fees ranging from $5 to $15. Due to the low cost, setting up payment plans generally results in higher processing fees than the payment amounts themselves. However, we understand that everyone's financial situation is unique, and we are committed to making our programs accessible. If you require a payment plan, please don't hesitate to contact us at adminkmt@libertyastoria.org. We're here to help find a solution that works for you.

  • Yes! Applying for a scholarship is straightforward, and we encourage anyone who may require this assistance to apply. Click here to apply for a scholarship.

  • At Kids Make Theatre, we understand that plans can change. To accommodate such situations, we offer a full refund for cancellations made up to two weeks before the start of a program. Please notify us of your cancellation by emailing adminkmt@libertyastoria.org to process your refund.

    Please note that the $3.00 credit card processing fee is non-refundable.

    No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than two weeks before the start date of the program, except in cases of emergencies.

    Additionally, we are unable to provide refunds for no-shows.

    We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with our policy to ensure fair and efficient management of our programs.

  • The only fee is a $3.00 credit card processing fee per check out. If you bundle registrations to check out multiple enrollments at once, there is only the one fee.

Policies & safety

  • We prioritize the safety and security of our students and staff with strict access control and comprehensive emergency preparedness. Our doors are securely locked outside of designated entry and exit times. Our space is equipped with first aid kits and an AED, and all staff are trained in emergency procedures and certified in first aid. We maintain updated medical information and emergency contacts for all students to ensure rapid response capability in any situation. Regular reviews of our safety protocols help us continually enhance security measures.

  • At Kids Make Theatre, we strive to create the best learning and developmental experiences for our students. To maintain a structured environment and ensure optimal participation, we request adherence to the following attendance policy:

    Notification of Absences: If your student will be absent from any class, workshop, rehearsal, or camp day, please notify us in advance. You can inform us by emailing adminkmt@libertyastoria.org or calling 503-325-5922 x 31.

    Excused Absences: An absence is considered excused if notification is provided before the student is expected to attend. This allows us to make necessary adjustments to the session and inform the instructor accordingly.

    Unexcused Absences: Failure to notify us before the student is expected to attend will result in an unexcused absence. Students with unexcused absences may be removed from the program to ensure fairness and opportunity for all participants.

    Emergencies: We understand that emergencies can occur. In such cases, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss the circumstances. We will consider these situations on a case-by-case basis.

    No Refunds for No Shows: There will be no refunds issued for no-shows. To register for future programs after a no-show, please contact us via email at adminkmt@libertyastoria.org.

  • When setting up your account and enrolling a student in a program, you will be required to sign a behavioral agreement. We strongly encourage you to review this policy with your child in an age-appropriate manner. This helps ensure that they understand the expectations and are prepared to participate successfully in Kids Make Theatre.

    Kids Make Theatre Behavior Agreement - this is what you will sign when you enroll a student in a program.

    Kids Make Theatre behavior management policy is a guidance policy and is focused on providing all students with opportunities for conflict resolution, self-direction, and behavioral success. Considering each child’s age, developmental stage, and personality we establish fair and reasonable expectations of behavior.

    Primary Guidelines

    While developmentally appropriate expectations are set for every student, specific guidelines are set out below.

    All students will respect the rights and feelings of others and will avoid disruptive behavior that would interfere with program activities.

    Violence or other aggressive behaviors, including kicking, hitting, spitting, biting, hair pulling, bullying, verbal “put-downs”, and other inappropriate behaviors will not be tolerated.

    All students will follow directions given by the staff regarding safety and will remain with the group for all scheduled activities.

    KMT operates with a strict zero-tolerance policy on the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, including the use of electronic cigarettes or vaporizer pens (whether nicotine-based or other.

    All students will respect the property of others and understand that stealing or vandalizing will not be tolerated. Repair for any maliciously caused damage will be the responsibility of the parent or guardian of the child who caused it.

    Students must not negatively affect or disrupt the experience of other students

    Behavior Management Procedures

    A positive attitude and cooperation from all students is vital to the success and happiness of the group as a whole and therefore any disruptive or violent behavior will not be tolerated. Kids Make Theatre reserves the right to determine who is and is not suitable for our programs. If a child displays persistent inappropriate behavior, or if they are violent or destructive to property, we may at our discretion dismiss the child from our program. There is no tuition refund for children who are dismissed due to behavior.

  • Kids Make Theatre Nut-Free Policy

    Purpose:

    At Kids Make Theatre, we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all our participants. Due to the increased risk of allergic reactions among children, we are implementing a comprehensive nut-free policy.

    Scope:

    This policy applies to all individuals on the premises, including students, staff, parents/guardians, siblings and families in the waiting area, and visitors, and covers all programs, events, and classes held by Kids Make Theatre.

    Policy Details:

    Prohibited Items:

    All forms of nuts, including but not limited to peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pecans, are strictly prohibited within the facility.

    Any food items containing these nuts or traces of these nuts are not permitted.

    We are currently reviewing our policy on coconut. Until a decision is made, we ask that you avoid bringing coconut-based products as a precaution.

    Packaged Foods:

    Only commercially prepared packaged foods that do not contain nuts and are manufactured using nut-free processes may be brought into the facility.

    Homemade items cannot be accepted due to the risk of cross-contamination.

    Label Reading and Vigilance:

    All community members are encouraged to read food labels carefully to ensure compliance with our nut-free policy.

    If you are unsure whether an item is nut-free, please err on the side of caution and do not bring it into the facility.

    Responsibility:

    It is the responsibility of everyone entering the facility to ensure they are not bringing nut-containing products into the environment.

    Staff will conduct periodic checks and provide reminders, but the cooperation of the entire Kids Make Theatre community is essential for this policy to be effective.

    Allergic Reactions:

    Immediate reporting of any allergic reactions is crucial and should be addressed to the nearest staff member. Our team is trained to respond appropriately in the event of an allergic emergency.

    Compliance:

    Failure to comply with this nut-free policy may result in disciplinary action to ensure the safety of all participants.

    We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to maintain a safe environment for all children and staff at Kids Make Theatre.

  • At Kids Make Theatre, we prioritize the health and safety of all our participants. During enrollment or account creation, we encourage families to voluntarily disclose any medical or allergy-related information about their children. This allows us to inform and prepare our staff and teachers accordingly.

    We are committed to creating a safer environment for everyone and are in the process of transitioning to a nut-free policy starting with our summer camps.

    Please note that while we strive to accommodate health needs, there are certain limitations:

    Medication: We cannot administer medication. However, we can oversee that students take their self-administered medication, but we are not able to assist in the administration.

    Allergen Exposure: As Kids Make Theatre is located within a professional, mixed-use theatrical building, we cannot guarantee that students will not be exposed to allergens.

    Complex Medical Needs: We are not equipped to handle medically fragile children or those who require more intensive medical care than we can reasonably provide.

    We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

  • Current Health and Safety Guidelines for Participants

    At Kids Make Theatre, we are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all our participants, staff, and visitors. In line with this commitment, we have implemented the following health and safety measures:

    Air Quality and Ventilation: We use commercial-grade air purifiers in all classroom spaces to ensure clean air circulation. Additionally, we open windows whenever possible and utilize fans to aid in air circulation.

    Cleaning and Disinfection: We disinfect all high-touch areas daily and perform regular comprehensive cleaning of all spaces to minimize the risk of infection. We also stringently disinfect all props, costumes, and mask elements used by students during programming. Any items that cannot be cleaned are either sent home with the student at the end of the program or are properly discarded or recycled.

    Hand Hygiene: Kid-safe hand sanitizer and hand wipes are readily available throughout our facilities. We encourage regular hand washing, particularly after using the bathroom and before and after eating.

    Stay Home if Unwell: We urge all students, families, and visitors to stay home if they are feeling unwell and to notify us of their absence at adminkmt@libertyastoria.org. Our staff and teachers adhere to the same guideline to help prevent the spread of illness.

    Masks: Disposable N-95 masks are available for both children and adults. While not mandatory, wearing masks is always welcome, especially if it makes individuals feel more comfortable and secure.

  • All students must be checked in and out of our programs. Upon registering, you will generate a unique PIN code for each adult listed on your account. This PIN code is used to check students in and out via an iPad located at the top of the stairs leading to the Kids Make Theatre spaces. One adult can use their PIN code to check in more than one child, provided that they are the parent, guardian, or another authorized adult for those children.

    The PIN codes are generated through the Jumbula registration site and will remain the same unless you choose to update them. For more details about managing your PIN code, please refer to the next FAQ.

    Students aged 9 and up may check themselves in and/or out, but only if a completed permission form is on file. You can find and fill out the necessary form here:

    https://forms.gle/kUtDHYQr2APHY8SH6

  • We only take credit card payments at this time.

    If there is a situation where cash needs to be paid, please email adminkmt@libertyastoria.org. We can accommodate a limited number of cash payments but do ask for exact change please.

  • At Kids Make Theatre, we aim to maintain an environment conducive to learning and engagement. Therefore, mobile phones and electronic devices are not allowed in the classroom or Lab theatre spaces. We strongly encourage students not to bring these items to the program. However, if necessary, electronic devices can be left in the Dragon Closet, which is monitored during programming, or handed over to our Staff on Duty.

    It is the responsibility of the students to remember to collect their devices after the program. We are also in the process of implementing a more secure solution: a locked, portable device carrier where devices will be kept in the KMT office during programming. This new system will further ensure the safety and security of all devices brought into our space.

  • What to Bring:

    Appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers, as our building's temperature can vary. Wear or bring appropriate shoes for active participation; sneaker-like shoes are ideal. Please avoid cleats, boots, high heels, character shoes, dance shoes (unless specifically requested by instructors), flip flops, slippers, and going barefoot or in socks only.

    Water Bottle: Bring a water bottle with a secure lid to stay hydrated throughout the class. We also have a water fountain available.

    Preparation for Advanced Classes: For more advanced classes that require preparation, ensure you come with work done and ready to engage.

    Positive Attitude: Bring a good attitude and leave any grumpies at the door!

    Craft Supplies: For classes involving crafting, wear older clothes that can get a bit messy.

    Specific Items: Anything else specifically requested by the instructors for your class.

    Snack or Lunch: Bring a snack or lunch if appropriate for the class duration, adhering to our nut-free policy.

    What to Not Bring:

    Jewelry and Accessories: Please do not bring in fancy or expensive jewelry. It’s best to avoid wearing any dangling jewelry to prevent accidents or losses.

    Hats: No hats are allowed in class unless specifically requested by an instructor.

    Toys and Personal Items: Please leave toys, stuffed animals, and other personal entertainment items at home.

    Dirty Footwear: Check your shoes for mud or dirt before entering the building to help keep our spaces clean.

    Pets: No animals are allowed, except for certified service animals.

    By following these guidelines, students can maximize their experience in our classes while maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

  • If health concerns or adverse weather conditions necessitate the cancellation of a class, sharing, or performance, the safety and well-being of our community is our top priority. Here's what you can expect:

    Notification: We will promptly inform all affected students and families via the main email associated with their accounts. Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date to receive these updates efficiently.

    Efforts to Continue: We will make every effort to avoid cancellations and explore all viable options to continue as scheduled. However, if cancellation is unavoidable, we prioritize the health and safety of our participants above all else.

    Refunds: In the event that more than one class session or a full day of a camp or workshop is canceled, we will issue refunds for the affected sessions.

    Handling of Performances and Sharings: The cancellation of performances and sharings will be handled on a case-by-case basis. We understand the unique disappointment these cancellations can cause, especially after much preparation by our students. We will communicate any alternative arrangements or compensatory measures directly to those involved.

    Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we navigate these situations with the health and safety of our community as our primary concern.

communication

  • To ensure streamlined and secure communication, we ask that all correspondence with instructors be conducted through Kids Make Theatre. If you have any questions or need to relay information to an instructor, please contact us at adminkmt@libertyastoria.org. We are here to facilitate and ensure that all communications are handled promptly and with the utmost care.

  • To share your feedback, please email us at adminkmt@libertyastoria.org. We appreciate your input and look forward to hearing from you.

  • We do not schedule regular parent/guardian meetings or conferences. However, should there be any concerns or issues regarding your child's behavior or progress, we will arrange a meeting to discuss these matters directly.

  • During programming hours, a Staff on Duty is always available. You can reach them by calling the KMT cell phone at ‭(503) 849-1922‬. Please note that this number is not monitored outside of program hours, and it is not appropriate for leaving absence notifications or general inquiries.

  • We'd love to include your kind words on our "Wall of Love." You can easily add your thoughts or stories by visiting our website. Whether you prefer to write something or share a video, just click on this link Wall of Love Submission Page to submit your contribution. We look forward to hearing from you!

Technical and logistical support

  • Currently, we do not offer transportation services or organize carpooling arrangements. However, as our community continues to grow, we are exploring these possibilities for the future. In the meantime, many families connect during check-in and check-out times, often arranging their own carpooling. This has proven to be an excellent way for families to meet new friends and strengthen bonds within the community.

  • Yes, we have a lost and found! If you've misplaced something, please check our "tub with the eyes," located either in the Dragon Closet or near the check-in/out desk.

    Be sure to look for your items promptly; we hold lost items for one week after the end of a program or series of programming. We encourage you to retrieve your belongings as soon as possible.

  • Please email adminkmt@libertystoria.org or call 303-325-5922 x32. We’d be happy to help!

  • During programming hours, a Staff on Duty is always available. You can reach them by calling the KMT cell phone at ‭(503) 849-1922‬. Please note that this number is not monitored outside of program hours, and it is not appropriate for leaving absence notifications or general inquiries.