How ESPA works

Please note that these are the terms and conditions for enrolling at ESPA. By registering, you are agreeing to all terms and conditions listed on our website.

REGISTRATION

Registration for all classes is through our online registration system, CourseStorm. Click the “Enroll” button on the class webpage, which will bring you to the registration site and shopping cart for that class.

  • There is a non-refundable $50 deposit required for all classes that comes out of your tuition (it is not an additional fee). Deposits must be paid for each class at the initial point of registration with a credit or debit card.

  • When registering online, you can either pay in full or select “pay over time” on the payment page of your shopping cart to pay only your $50 non-refundable deposit and create a payment plan. Learn more about our Payment Plans here.

  • Remaining tuition may be paid by credit/debit card, cash, or check. If a check is returned for insufficient funds, you will be charged a fee of $35 and must pay all remaining balances by cash or credit card only.

  • There are no credits or refunds for missed classes. If for any reason payment in full is not made by the end of the semester, students authorize ESPA Administration to charge the card on file for any remaining balances.

  • ESPA faculty are professionals currently working in the field. While it is our goal to adhere to the class dates listed on the website and other registration materials, these dates are subject to change due to unforeseen changes in the instructor's schedule.

  • If a class is invitation only or requires approval for registration, please contact ESPA Administration at espa@primarystages.org or 212.840.9705 x215 to register as indicated on the class’ webpage.

WORK STUDY PROGRAM

Students are chosen for a Work Study position through an application distributed prior to the start of registration each semester. Only returning students to ESPA who are in good financial standing with the school qualify for Work Study. These Work Study participants act as the point person for a class, performing the organizational tasks for their class that are deemed necessary by the instructor, such Zoom coordination or in-person room set-up, relaying assignments, and the dissemination of important school announcements.

In exchange for this service, ESPA covers 50% of their work study class tuition. As with registration for any class, a non-refundable $50 deposit and signed contract are required, and payment plans are available. Should a Work Study participant drop out within the one (1) month prior to the class’ start date, the Work Study participant is required to pay any remaining tuition balance. Refunds will not be granted. Please note that all requests for withdrawal must be made in writing to ESPA Administration.

CANCELLATION POLICY

The following is our cancellation policy:

  • If a student withdraws from a class prior to ten (10) business days before the class’ start date, the $50 deposit will act as a cancellation fee.

  • If a student withdraws from a class within the six to ten (6-10) business days prior to the class’ start date, the student is required to pay 50% of the tuition.

  • If a student withdraws from a class on or after five (5) business days prior to the class’ start date, the student is required to pay 100% of the tuition.

Please note that all requests for withdrawal must be made in writing to ESPA Administration. These cancellation fees cannot be used as tuition for future classes.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Primary Stages expects our students to treat the instructors, space, staff of Primary Stages, and fellow artists and classmates with the utmost respect. See below for the outline of our Class Expectations.

TERMINATION

In its sole discretion, Primary Stages reserves the right to terminate a student without refund from a class for reasons including, but not limited to, the following: the student’s behavior violates the Code of Conduct and/or the student’s behavior is considered hostile, inappropriate, or disruptive toward the class, other students, staff, or faculty.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

  • Participants are expected to be in class on time and be ready to work at the beginning of their listed class session. Participants are also expected to be in class for the entire class period. If participants are going to be late or need to miss class for any reason, they will alert their WSP or ESPA Administration as soon as possible. Stay alert and participate!

  • Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all class sessions, both for their own experience and for their classmates’ experience, making them a good community member and supportive classmate.

  • Participants are to be attentive and engaged even when their work is not being presented. This means that participants will not be on mobile devices or do non-class work within the classroom unless absolutely necessary. If reading from a laptop or mobile device in class, they are to stay off of email and social media.

  • Participants are expected to follow any rules of the classroom or rules of discussion/feedback outlined by the instructor.

  • ESPA provides a safe place to express creativity, take risks, and grow as an artist. To create this safe space, all feedback on and reactions to other students’ work, if requested/permitted, will be respectful. If students do not know how to or do not feel comfortable with asking neutral, non-judgmental questions, they should ask their instructor for tips and techniques. This allows for all students to feel safe taking risks and sharing their work.

  • All participants are expected to come into class prepared. If unable to complete the assignment, students should let their WSP or instructor know as soon as possible.

  • For Actors:

    • All classes require a minimum of 1-2 hours of rehearsal between class sessions. Please note: ESPA is unable to provide students with rehearsal space at this time.

    • You are expected to be off-book for in-class presentations, particularly for Scene Study classes.

    • You are expected to do the necessary text analysis, character study, and research for your pieces outside of the classroom so class time can be devoted to delving deeper into the work.

  • For Playwrights:

    • Be committed. You should follow through on whatever project you undertake and push through any stumbling blocks with your instructor and classmates.

    • Know that people in your class might be at different stages of their writing. Respond appropriately.

    • Offer constructive feedback about the play that the playwright is trying to write, not the play YOU would write. If you are unsure how best to do this, ask your instructor for advice.

    • Be respectful of the ownership of your classmates’ work, and do not plagiarize pages shared in class.

  • For Directors:

    • The ESPA team will coordinate actor submissions and share self tapes and resumes prior to your first day of class. You are responsible for contacting actors and coordinating with them to rehearse. Please note: ESPA is unable to provide students with rehearsal space at this time.

    • You are to treat all actors with respect and generosity – this includes respecting their time, talents, and personal space.

    • You are to create a safe space for actors during all rehearsals and performances – pieces are to be well-rehearsed and always with the safety of the actor in mind. If something is too dangerous to ensure complete control and safety, you are not to ask it of your actors.

  • Online Class Expectations

    • Our online classes use the Zoom platform. It is completely free to sign up for Zoom, and using it for class sessions will come at no additional cost to you. You will receive an ESPA Zoom Handbook prior to your class, which will give you a comprehensive understanding of the Zoom platform. For an in-depth video tutorial on Zoom Meetings, click here.

    • Please find a quiet space, as free of noise and distractions as possible for class.

    • Participants are expected to be at the computer while others share their work. In playwriting classes, if you aren’t reading in the scene, we encourage you to keep your camera on, so that there can be an audience.

    • Based on teacher preference, students are welcome to snack during class. We ask that students refrain from having food delivered in the middle of class.

    • Participate - raise your hand, use the reaction button, respond to your peers’ work.

  • In-Person Class Expectations

    • ESPA classes take place in communal studio spaces for artists at ART/NY. Please respect all artists and administrators in these spaces, and follow all individual studio guidelines and directions. Do not speak loudly in common areas and throw away all trash prior to leaving the space.

    • You are to arrive at your studio space on time, accounting for wait times at check-in when planning your commute.

    • You will end class promptly at the scheduled time and not linger in the space after class time.

    • By registering for class, you agree to abide by our Covid Policy.