FAQ

What is StartaTheatreCompany.com?

StartaTheatreCompany.com is your essential online guide to starting and developing a performing arts company.

 

It’s an e-learning course with 6 comprehensive modules, covering all you need to know about how to build a successful and sustainable enterprise.

 

What is e-learning?

Check out this definition in Wikipedia.

 

My definition of e-learning is to deliver information and knowledge in an accessible and engaging way without participants being restricted in terms of location and time.

 

StartaTheatreCompany.com uses a full range of delivery methods, audio, video and text, in order to create an engaging environment for all to learn, regardless of your learning style.

 

I want to start a dance, street arts or circus company. Is the course still relevant for me?

 

YES! The course is not just for theatre companies – the content is relevant to anyone wanting to start a performing arts enterprise and uses examples and case studies from all areas of the performing arts: theatre, dance, street arts and circus.  

 

Sounds great. So, what exactly is in Modules 1 to 6?

  • Module 1: Planning and Support (which is free for you to access) focuses on those first steps you need to get started: skills, support and planning;
  • Module 2: Money Matters covers essential financial knowledge that you need to know;
  • Module 3: Funding and Income Generation looks at sources and strategies for raising funds and generating income for your company;
  • Module 4: Presenting the Work concentrates on ways to get your work out there and seen;
  • Module 5: Legalities of Creativity delves into the legal minutiae of starting your own company; and
  • Module 6: Personal Productivity gathers together the latest thinking and resources on building a more streamlined enterprise.

 

For full details of the content and benefits of each of the Modules, please visit our Membership page.

 

How are the Modules delivered?

Module 1 is free and ready NOW for you to access here. To access Modules 2 to 6, you will need to subscribe to the course. Please visit our Membership page for full details of how to sign up.

 

When you sign up as a member to StartaTheatreCompany.com, you will receive a welcome email giving you a username and password that will allow you to access the content of Module 2 on the site immediately.

 

The content of Modules 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be available to you every 2 weeks over a 3 month period and, as long as you remain a member, a new password will be automatically emailed, allowing you to access the Modules.

 

What does ‘lifetime access’ mean?

Lifetime access means that when you sign up as a member, you will be able to access the lessons and materials any time that you wish, not just for the duration of your 3 month subscription. This means that you can complete the course in the 3 months or dip in and out of the course as you wish, time permitting.

 

You will also benefit from being able to access any updated materials that are added to the course in the future and receive special ‘subscriber only’ updates and offers. You can unsubscribe from the mailing list at any time to stop the updates and access to the site.

 

Why are Modules 3 and 4 delivered in two parts?

Good question. Both Module 3 (Funding and Income Generation) and Module 4 (Presenting the Work) contain so much information and great resources, it makes sense to split these Modules into two parts so that you don’t feel overwhelmed and can take ACTION on the lessons included.

 

Can I have access to all the Modules from Day 1?

The short answer is no. And there is a good reason why. I am sure that you have sat in training courses and been completely inspired and ready for action … and then you go home … and real life kicks in and nothing really happens. Your notes gather dust, and soon you have forgotten all the great action steps you were going to take. This scenario is so familiar to me …

So … this course is designed for ACTION! I want you to take each Module (or part Module) and actually DO something that week with the ideas! You don’t have to do everything – just do something. Each Module has a Next Steps Action Plan template in the Resources section. Print this out before you ‘do’ the Module and fill out your action steps as you go along. You have two full weeks to listen to, and action, the steps in the Module, before the next access password is emailed to you for the next module.

 

Can I get extra support or ask questions about the course materials? Where’s the Green Room?

 

Of course! The original launch of the site had a Member’s only Green Room but it was not used that much. So instead, please email me to ask questions about the lessons and the materials; ask for feedback on ideas and projects; and share opportunities and news.

 

What are the technical requirements of the course?

All the course content is delivered online and therefore the minimum requirement is access to a computer and the internet. Some of the audio and video lessons are big files so access to broadband (not dialup) is recommended. Your computer also needs to have an inbuilt sound card or external speakers in order to listen to the lessons.

 

For the audio lessons, you can learn and be inspired where and when it suits you: listen online by clicking on the embedded media player, or download lessons to your computer, burn them to CD or listen on your iPod or mp3 player.

 

The video lessons are embedded into the site and will play automatically when clicked. All other resources link to external websites or downloadable documents. If you are familiar with browsing the internet, the course should not pose any difficulties.

  

How much does it cost and how do I pay?

Course Membership is £47 per month for 3 months. That’s only £141 for the entire course.

  

All payments are made on a subscription basis through PayPal. If you have a PayPal account you can pay through this or you can use a credit or debit card. If you are not based in the UK but would still like to take the course, you can pay in your equivalent local currency through PayPal.

 

What if I am not happy with the content?

If you read the materials, listen to the audio lessons and watch the video lessons, and put in a good-faith effort, I am not allowed to keep your money if it doesn’t work for you. You have to let me know if this happens, and I have to refund your money promptly. You have 60 days before I return your money.

 

Is the course only for someone starting a performing arts company in the United Kingdom?

 

The honest answer is: that depends on what you are looking for. The majority of the content is generic to any country, however, some of the resources specifically refer to the particular situation in the UK, for example, with regard to tax. Remember the content comes with a no-risk guarantee so if you want to try out the content, then have a go.

 

If I sign up to the mailing list, how will my data be used?

 

We take your data and privacy very seriously. We will only use your data to contact you with updates about the course and to offer you special ‘subscriber only’ offers. You can unsubscribe at any time.

 

 

Disclaimer: StartaTheatreCompany.com is not responsible for any advice or information provided by any external organisation referenced to or linked to in the site.