Welcome to the SVSU Department of Theatre Summer Youth Theatre Classes. We are thrilled to have you participate with us this summer.

This handbook includes important reminders, expectations, policies, procedures and other information to help prepare students and parents or caregivers for a fantastic summer in our theatre classes.

Contact Information

Summer Youth Theatre Classes Director:
Peggy Mead-Finizio
mameadfi@svsu.edu
989-964-7371

Summer Youth Theatre Classes Administrative Specialist:
Kelly Helmreich
kjh@svsu.edu
989-964-4019

Summer Class Dates

Classes will meet June 23, 24 and 25, 2026.

Drama Explorers

For students going into grades 3-5

• Class time: 9 a.m.-noon
• Drop-off/check-in: 8:45-9 a.m.
• Pick-up/check-out: noon-12:15 p.m.

Building the Scene

For students going into grades 6-8

• Class time: 1-4 p.m.
• Drop-off/check-in: 12:45-1 p.m.
• Pick-up/check-out: 4-4:15 p.m.

Instructors and Staff

• Peggy Mead-Finizio, Lead Instructor
• Kelly Helmreich, Summer Theatre Classes Administrative Specialist
• SVSU Department of Theatre students, Instructional Assistants

Sample Daily Schedule

Drama Explorers

• 8:45-9 a.m. Drop-off/check-in
• 9-9:10 a.m. Attendance and meet/greet
• 9:15-10:15 a.m. Theatre skill-building activities
• 10:20-10:35 a.m. Snack
• 10:40-11:55 a.m. Theme exploration activities
• Noon Pick-up/check-out

Building the Scene

• 12:45-1 p.m. Drop-off/check-in
• 1-1:10 p.m. Attendance and meet/greet
• 1:15-2:15 p.m. Theatre skill-building activities
• 2:20-2:35 p.m. Snack
• 2:40-3:55 p.m. Character-building activities and scene work
• 4 p.m. Pick-up/check-out

This schedule is subject to changes and additions. Drop-off/check-in and pick-up/check-out times will remain the same. Students will be supervised during all transitions between locations.

Facilities

All locations are in or near Curtiss Hall at SVSU.

• Dance Studio C181
• Black Box Theatre C180
• Amphitheatre, weather permitting

Check-In and Check-Out Procedures

• Students are required to be signed in and out each day as part of the SVSU Minors on Campus policy.
• Students must be accompanied to and picked up from classes by an authorized person who is 18 years or older.
• Drop-off/check-in will begin at 8:45 a.m. for Drama Explorers and 12:45 p.m. for Building the Scene.
• Check-in and check-out will take place just inside the revolving doors of Curtiss Hall.
• Families are encouraged to park in Lot J and walk students to the check-in table.
• Students may not check themselves in or out.
• Students will only be released to people on their authorized pick-up list.
• People unfamiliar to staff may be asked to provide photo identification.
• Alternate pick-up people must be added to the authorized pick-up list in person before the day of pick-up.

Daily Health Policies

• Please check with your student daily about their health and wellness before coming to class.
• If your student is not feeling well, please keep them home and notify the Administrative Specialist.
• If your student has a fever over 100 degrees, they must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to class.
• If a student becomes ill during class, they will be separated from the group and supervised by a staff member. A parent or caregiver will be contacted if needed.
• Minor cuts or scrapes will be handled by staff using basic first aid. Serious injuries will include contacting parents or caregivers.

Medications

If a student needs medication, including over-the-counter medication, please contact the Lead Instructor and Administrative Specialist.

• Medication must be in its original pharmacy or over-the-counter container.
• Medication will only be dispensed if it is listed on the Participant Release Form or accompanied by a complete, written and signed request from the parent or caregiver.
• A parent or caregiver must hand-deliver medication to the Lead Instructor or Administrative Specialist.
• Students may not possess medication during class.
• For severe allergies, provide the Lead Instructor or Administrative Specialist with the student’s EpiPen or other plan of action.
• All medications will be kept secure by the Administrative Specialist.

Name Tags

All students, instructors and staff will wear provided name tags. Name tags will be available daily at drop-off/check-in and left with staff at pick-up/check-out. Students may take their name tags home after the last class on Thursday, June 25.

Class Attire

• Students should wear comfortable and practical clothing, such as a T-shirt and shorts or pants.
• Skirts can inhibit participation in some activities.
• Sturdy shoes, such as tennis shoes, are highly recommended.
• Sandals and flip-flops are not practical for class activities.
• Students may bring extra clothing items, such as a jacket or sweatshirt.

Student Personal Belongings

• Please put your student’s name on all items they bring to class.
• Students are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle.
• Students may bring a backpack or bag for personal items.
• Please keep valuables, sentimental items, stuffed animals, toys, games and electronics at home.
• The SVSU Department of Theatre cannot be responsible for lost or broken personal items.
• Students should not bring money to class.
• Possession of marijuana or illegal drugs, weapons or items feared to be harmful, tobacco or alcoholic beverages will result in immediate dismissal without tuition refund.
• Lost and found items will be taken to the pick-up/check-out table daily. Items left after the showcase performance will be kept in the Theatre Office for one week and then donated to charity.

Cell Phone Policy

Students may bring cell phones to class, but they will only have access to them during breaks. A cell phone check-in/check-out system will be used. This policy supports a distraction-free class experience. If a student does not need their cell phone, it is recommended that they leave it at home.

Snack and Food Policy

• A daily snack is provided during class.
• Every effort will be made to accommodate dietary needs and restrictions provided on the student’s registration materials.
• Students should not bring extra snacks unless necessary.
• Bringing candy to class is discouraged.
• The Department of Theatre has a no-gum policy to help prevent choking and damage to clothing or hair.

Emergency Procedures

• In the event of a fire or emergency evacuation, students will be taken from the building by a staff member to a safe location designated by the fire department. Staff will remain with students until the “all clear” is given.
• In the event of a tornado warning, students will be taken to the closest sheltering area by a staff member. Staff will remain with students until the “all clear” is given.
• If needed, parents or caregivers will be notified, and students will be released to designated people on the Participant Release Form.
• If class must close before the scheduled pick-up time, parents or caregivers will be notified.

Participant Behavior Management Policy

To maintain a friendly, fun and safe environment, the Summer Youth Theatre Classes have adopted behavior management policies to help each student have the fullest positive experience possible.

Participants Will

• Exhibit proper manners.
• Be respectful and courteous to other participants and staff.
• Respect equipment, supplies and facilities.
• Pick up after themselves during activities and snacks.
• Be responsible for their own actions and recognize their responsibility to the group.
• Communicate directly with other participants and staff.
• Respect the belongings of others.
• Listen to and follow instructions from staff.
• Ask for help when needed.
• Participate in activities.

Participants Will Not

• Use violence, force, intimidation, bullying, harassment or other inappropriate behavior.
• Use inappropriate language or name-calling.
• Damage supplies or property.
• Bring inappropriate items to class.

Summer Youth Theatre Staff Will

• Treat each student with respect.
• Listen to students’ ideas and encourage creativity.
• Provide the best possible instruction.
• Honor students’ emotions and help with conflict management.
• Challenge students to try new things.

The staff’s response to behavior challenges will be calm and consistent. Every effort will be made to set students up for success. Consequences for disruptive or unsafe behavior will be discussed with participants at the beginning of classes. Staff will be positive, encouraging and caring when implementing behavior consequences.

Factors Staff Consider

• The level of safety risk and impact on others.
• Whether the behavior is a first occurrence or part of a pattern.
• The participant’s intent and cooperation after staff intervention.
• The participant’s age and developmental understanding.

Key Definitions

Disruption

Repeatedly interrupting activities or failing to follow directions after reminders.

Unsafe Behavior

Actions that could cause harm to individuals or property, such as throwing objects or misusing tools.

Bullying/Harassment

Targeted and repeated behavior intended to harm, intimidate or exclude another person, including identity-based behavior.

Note: A one-time conflict is typically addressed as conflict. Repeated or targeted behavior may be treated as bullying.

Response to Disruptive and Unsafe Behavior

1. Be fair and hear all sides of a situation.
2. Listen to the student.
3. Focus on a solution rather than a punishment.
4. Give the student an opportunity to change.
5. Use descriptive feedback to support the student.

Four-Step Behavior Response Process

Overview of the four-step behavior response process

Step	Staff Response	Family Communication
Step 1	Reminder and redirection	Typically, no formal contact
Step 2	Warning, reflection and documentation	Same-day contact when needed
Step 3	Final warning and behavioral plan	Direct family contact required
Step 4	Dismissal from classes	Immediate call for pick-up

Contact the Summer Youth Theatre Classes Director for more information about each step.

How Parents and Caregivers Can Be Helpful

Summer Youth Theatre Classes are active and exploratory experiences. Please remind your student that this is a special program designed to meet their needs and interests. Cooperation and teamwork are vital for safety and fun.

The Summer Youth Theatre staff appreciates parents and caregivers keeping staff informed of a student’s special needs or transitions in home life. This helps staff remain sensitive to students’ needs. All information shared will remain confidential.

Reporting Child Abuse

In compliance with Michigan’s Child Protection Law, all Summer Youth Theatre staff are mandatory reporters and must immediately report known or suspected mental or physical abuse or neglect of a child made known to them in their professional or official capacity directly to the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Protective Services.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Saginaw Valley State University does not discriminate based on age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status, weight or any other basis protected by state, federal or other applicable law.