Terms & Conditions

Talking Props Stage School – Terms and Conditions

Website: www.talkingprops.co.uk

Email: info@talkingprops.co.uk

1. Tuition and Payment Terms

1.1. Tuition fees must be paid monthly to Talking Props no later than the 28th of each calendar month.

1.2. Tuition fees are calculated to cover 36 weeks of tuition per academic year (September to August), in line with Worcestershire County Council’s term structure, as adapted by Talking Props.

1.3. The monthly payment includes scheduled weekly classes, rehearsals, show preparation, performances, and staff attendance at competitions or third-party events. It is understood that the standard weekly timetable is amenable at any point leading up to events or performances or if decided by the principal to facilitate particular leading outcomes.

1.4. Any additional classes or events outside of term time, such as holiday workshops, private tuition, guest workshops, or trips, are optional and will be invoiced separately.

1.5. Talking Props reserves the right to amend timetables due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, the contact time will be rearranged and communicated via email.

2. Payment Schedule

2.1. If enrolling for a September start, your first payment is due on 28th July.

2.2. If enrolling after 28th July for an immediate start, a full month’s fee is due upon signing. Subsequent monthly payments resume on the 28th of the month.

2.3. This agreement operates on a rolling yearly basis, unless terminated per clause 3 below.

3. Termination of Agreement

3.1. This agreement may be terminated in the following ways:

a. Automatic termination in the academic year (September–August) when the student turns 18, typically at the end of Sixth Form, College, or Apprenticeship Year 2. Final payment will be due on 28th June of that year.

b. By notice: One month's written notice is required via email to info@talkingprops.co.uk.

4. Late Payments and Debt Recovery

4.1. Payments not received by 4:00 PM on the 28th will incur a £12 late fee starting on the 28th, with an additional £12 added every 5 days thereafter.

4.2. If no payment or written agreement is received within 20 working days, a £200 charge will be applied, and legal recovery action may commence.

4.3. In the event of legal action, the client agrees to cover all associated legal costs, including but not limited to solicitor fees, court orders, CCJs, and enforcement proceedings.

4.4. Failure to adhere to an agreed payment plan will result in charges being calculated from the original due date, not the rescheduled date.

5. Fees and Credits

5.1. Payments made towards uniform, tickets, or competition fees cannot be credited towards tuition under any circumstance.

5.2. If you anticipate difficulty paying, please contact us in advance. We may be able to offer temporary assistance without late fees. This contract is in place to protect the studio and its community.

6. Membership & Participation

6.1. Membership type may be changed at any time in writing to the Principal.

6.2. Casting decisions are final and based on auditions and previous performance.

6.3. Lead roles and competition entries may be reallocated if a student:

a. Misses three or more consecutive rehearsals, or

b. Is found to not uphold the studio’s ethos or expectations.

6.4. Students may not attend other stage or dance schools while enrolled at Talking Props without prior written consent. This is necessary to comply with safeguarding laws and licensing requirements.

6.5. With the exception of school-based activities, students must not participate in external productions, competitions, or events without written consent from the Principal.

7. Breach of Participation Rules

7.1. Breaching points 6.4 or 6.5 may result in removal from productions or events without refund to comply with licensing and safeguarding obligations.

8. Studio Policies and Conduct

8.1. All students and guardians are expected to adhere to the studio’s policies and code of conduct, available upon request or displayed at the studio.

8.2. Mobile phones must be silenced. Any phone in use during class will be confiscated and returned at the end of the session.

8.3. Talking Props is not liable for theft, damage, or loss of personal belongings on the premises.

8.4. Behaviour that is deemed inappropriate, disruptive, or disrespectful may result in the student being removed from class without refund.

8.5. Correct uniform and punctuality are expected at all times.

9. Intellectual Property and Recordings

9.1. All choreography, musical staging, direction, routines, and other creative works are the intellectual property of Talking Props and may not be replicated, recorded, performed, or distributed without written permission from the Principal.

9.2. Recording of performances, rehearsals, or classes—including at third-party venues—is strictly prohibited.

9.3. Any violation of intellectual property rights may result in termination of membership, legal action, and enforcement of clause 4 regarding unpaid fees. This clause remains enforceable even after leaving the studio.

10. Availability & Scheduling

10.1. Students are expected to be available for all scheduled events, rehearsals, and performances during the academic year. These dates will be released no later than July for the upcoming academic year.

10.2. Unavailability may lead to removal from productions or roles.

10.3. Students joining mid-year or changing membership may not immediately participate fully in upcoming events or shows but will be included as soon as feasible.

11. Social Media and Communication Policy

11.1. Students and parents must not contact Talking Props staff via personal social media accounts or phone numbers.

11.2. All communications should be made through official channels (e.g. email, studio phone).

11.3. All policies including safeguarding, data protection, and equality are available upon request.

12. Agreement

By enrolling your child at Talking Props, you confirm that:

• You have read, understood, and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions.
• You consent to the enforcement of all the above clauses, including payment recovery and intellectual property.
• This agreement will remain in place for the duration of your child's enrolment at Talking Props.