Q: How does your Build Your Book waiting list work?

A: Anyone who is currently studying with me or has studied with me in the last six months gets priority. After that, master class slots are offered on a first come first served basis from email notifications sent out prior to workshop or class. Once that notification is sent via email, I allow anyone to sign up for available slots whether you are Alumni or not. I'm super fair when it comes to this because of the high percentage of returning students and limited availability.

Q: What happens if I pass on an offer to jump into the master class?

A: You stay on the notification list as long as you wish.

Q: How long is your notification list and how many slots are available each time?

A: It totally varies on how many classes I'm teaching and the time of year. I find it gets tight when I am approaching my summer and holiday break, but usually can get people in within a two month period.

Q: Can I audit the master class?

A: I encourage it! You won't work one-on-one, but it's free and I guarantee you'll walk away with something useful...including the information you need to see if my master class is a good fit for your audition goals.

Q: Can I stay in your master class for a long time?

A: That depends on what you consider "long". I think it is important to study with different folks for a varied approach to the work so I do encourage people to explore other options at some point to keep it fresh for everyone involved.

Q: Can I come late or leave early for class?

A: Yes. I prefer that it not be a weekly occurrence out of respect for your peers, but if you are having travel issues or dealing with auditions/callbacks, of course that is acceptable! Please just email or text me to give me a heads up so that I can manage class time appropriately.

Q: Why don't you offer make-up classes?

A: My costs are fixed regardless of attendance. I hire Broadway-level audition accompanists and pay for AEA approved studio space so that a set number of people can work every week. If I stockpiled a list of people that could (and would) skip a class knowing that they could attend a makeup session at their leisure, I would have additional costs for more studio time and more accompanist time. I would end up paying you for the missed class, which was not my fault in the first place! I learned through hard experience that my attendance policy must be a black and white issue.

Q: How do I use the MaxTheatrix texting service for Build Your Book?

A: I distribute intructions at the first class for everyone so that they may take advantage of the Build Your Book texting service. That information will not be posted publically for obvious spamming reasons.

Q: Why can't I find a substitute for myself in the workshops?

A: There are no substitutions in workshops because the requirements are very specific and participants must audition to participate in the workshops. Also, each week builds on work done previously (class exercises, journal work, homework) and there is no way to integrate a new participant for one night. Lastly, it is unfair to the other participants to alter the supportive group dynamic.

Q: Why do I have to find a substitute for myself in the Build Your Book master class? Can't you find one for me?

A: I know that life brings surprises, especially in New York! I offer one of the most flexible, yet self-initiated substitute policies in the industry so that you can handle your life responsibly and your class commitment with integrity. Once the class has started, any conflicts that arise are responsibility of the participant. If you cannot attend class on any given night, you are welcome to replace yourself with another person of your choice. Students are financially responsible for the entire session, so the student and the substitute must handle any reimbursement for missed classes directly. Additionally, I provide a texting service to assist all participants seeking a substitute, but this does not guarantee replacement! I offer up substitutes whenever possible, but again stress that it is your responsibility to fill your slot for any conflicts prior to or during class. If I had to personally negotiate everyone's life in every class, the joy of teaching would be gone! There is so much administrative effort involved in coordinating these classes that conflicts arising from things such as booking work, illness, family matters, etc. are simply yours to handle.