FAQ's 

Why participate in a drama seminar?

• Since 1971, The Academy of  Arts (“AOA”) has been on a mission to make the Bible come alive in minds and hearts through the power of storytelling. AOA’s traveling drama seminar is coming to our area (Boyds, Maryland) to train and equip homeschool students ages 6-18. Whether performing on stage or helping behind the scenes, students will experience the value of contributing with a humble heart and will have the opportunity to grow creatively and spiritually.

What is a drama seminar?

• The drama seminar is a hands-on, week-long (Mon-Fri for 6-11 year olds; Mon-Sat for 12-18 year olds) program that culminates in the performance of a theatrical show. Participants in the seminar receive professional training in both on-stage and backstage (makeup, costumes, lighting, sound, etc.) aspects of theater from a talented group of performers from the Academy of Arts. Think of it as a week-long intensive day camp for budding young performers! 

What is the time commitment for a drama seminar?

• Students are expected to attend auditions along with a parent or guardian (date TBD). 

• The bulk of the time commitment is during the week of the seminar (February 16-21, 2026). Students in the elementary play (ages 6-12) must commit to attend Monday-Friday from 9am-12:30pm, with an additional time commitment on Friday afternoon and evening when they perform their play. Students in the high school play (ages 12-18) must commit to attend Monday-Saturday from 9am-3:30pm, with an additional time commitment on Thursday evening for dress rehearsal (3:30pm-9 pm) and after their performance on Saturday evening.  Attendance each day of the seminar is mandatory for student participation. 

• In addition, students are expected to have any assigned lines fully memorized prior to the beginning of the seminar week. To aid in this, practices will be scheduled before seminar week. Attendance at these pre-seminar practices is highly encouraged no matter your role in the play. Note: parents are not required to stay on-site during pre-seminar practices or seminar week and may drop off students if desired. 

Are parents required to volunteer their time? 

While there’s no formal requirement for volunteer hours or points, the drama seminar depends on the support of our community to run smoothly and effectively. There are many meaningful ways to get involved, including:

• Providing breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks for the AOA drama team at the seminar venue

• Assisting with pre-seminar practices or shepherding the elementary group during seminar week

• Contributing financially to help cover seminar expenses not met by program fees (such as small thank-you gifts for the team)

• Hosting 2 or more AOA drama team members in your home

• Helping with clean-up after rehearsals, during seminar week, or after performances

• Photography throughout the seminar and/or recording the final production

What if I have a conflict with the audition date or the pre-seminar rehearsal dates?

• Please contact Jess Hawkins (jessica.hawkins99@gmail.com) to discuss possible options. 

Will every seminar participant have a part in the play?

• YES, every student registered with the seminar will perform on stage as part of the cast, however some students will have parts with little or no speaking lines. Students are expected to remain committed to the seminar regardless of the role they are given. In addition to having a role on-stage during the play, students will be instructed during the seminar week on the backstage aspects of performance, so it is a valuable week of education no matter the part the student is given!
  
  

What is the financial cost of the seminar?

• Tuition paid to the Academy of Arts: The cost for the elementary play is $120. The cost for the high school play is $157.50. AOA is offering a 25% discount for this year’s participants. 

• Program Fee paid to our group: $10 per student, payable to Jess Hawkins, to cover administrative expenses. 

Who is the drama seminar open to?

• The seminar is open to homeschooling students in the area, ages 6-18. Students ages 6-12 by the seminar date can join the elementary production, while those ages 12-18 can choose to participate in either the elementary or junior/senior high production. Feel free to spread the word to friends, but spots are limited.

When and how do I register? 

• Online registration will open in the fall. Stay tuned for more details. 

Contact Information 

• If you have questions about the drama seminar, please contact the seminar coordinator, Jessica Hawkins via email (jessica.hawkins99@gmail.com). 

• If you would like to learn more about The Academy of Arts, please visit their website: https://theacademyofarts.org/.