Frequetly Asked Questions
We get many questions about our Free Program so please view the information below and hopefully this will answer all your questions.
Why are the classes FREE?
We have come across a numerous amount of people who would love for their children as well as themselves to be involved in the arts, whether it is dance, acting, singing, painting, etc. but financially found it very difficult to stay involved. When we started Shammah Dance & Art Academy we also found it difficult to build our client base due to once again people financially not able to participate. Well, one night one of the founders Tassie Small was awaken with the thought "make SDA Academy a non-profit and offer the classes for FREE" she had such a peace about it and started right away with the process as well as letting people know about the free classes.
We want to give back to our community and in the process build an arts program that not only trains and develops people in various art forms but also builds confidence and make a positive impact on their lives. This is not just for our young children but for every age. If it is your desire to learn and grow then it is our desire to help even if that means making our services available to you for FREE!
How are you financially able to do this?
Good Question! We are still in the process of obtaining our 501C3 status so we are learning how to go about getting grants and financial backing. Currently we have our $10 registration fee which helps but we also do quarterly productions which is considered one of our biggest fundraisers. Basically, fundraising will be a large part of what we do but also donations from anyone large or small that would love to see a program such as The Creative Arts Initiative move forward and flourish. Currently, the founders Kevin & Tassie Small are doing their best to maintain the program.
How long is the program?
We are a year round program and we have open enrollment until we reach our class size limits. We do a production every semester showcasing the growth of all students involved. Currently, we only hold classes on Saturday but the more the classes grow we will add days so that students can have more than one day to take classes. We understand in order to truly grow in any art form it will take more than just one day per week. Our goal is to offer various classes more than once per week.
What are the age requirements?
We start at the age of 5 and up! No matter your age if you want to dance, sing, act, paint or do anything we offer you are welcomed to come! If you have a child that is 4 and you feel may be ready to take any of our classes please contact Tassie at tassie@sdaacademy.com and she can speak with you further and determine if the program is right for them.
Is there an income requirement?
Currently, there is no income requirement. Our program is not targeted to an income level. If you feel you want to participate and finacially you can't afford to do so by all means come to SDA Academy. This pogram is not based on low income levels, it's open to ALL!
Do you ever have to pay anything?
Yes, all students are responsible for paying a production fee of $45 that is generally due 1 to 2 months before the production.
Will you be offering homeschool classes?
Yes, we are requesting that all homeschoolers contact us who may be interested and if we have enough interest to hold classes during the day, we will be more than happy to accomodate.
Where are you located?
We actually have the opportunity to share a space with Right Track Academy, which is a track out program that focuses on the arts (www.righttrackacademy.com). We utilize the facility on Saturdays and it is located at: 8340 Bandford Way, Raleigh, NC 27615. We are sometimes hard to find so here is our version of how to find us:
If you are coming up Creedmoor from Glenwood you will make a right onto Bandford Way which is located by The Red Cross building. Once you make the right follow that street all the way around until you get to a point where you can keep going straight or make a right, make that right which will lead you to the back of the buildings and we are located on the left hand corner.
If you are coming off of 540 (exit 9 Creedmoor) make a left off the exit and go to the Strickland Rd. light. Make a left on Strickland and then a right onto Jared Way (located in the Creedmoor Center) keep straight -you will see the dumpsters- Right Track Academy is to the right.
If you are coming up Strickland toward Creedmoor make a left onto Jared way, keep straight, and you will see Right Track Academy on the right.
Hopefully this helps but if you do however find yourself lost please be sure to have our number on hand (919-802-6750) call us and we'll help you find your way to us!
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank You!
With The Creative Arts Initative we hope to infiltrate the creative/performing arts community for ALL the RIGHT reasons!!
See you soon!