Our Policies

Receipt of Confirmation

All of our classes are available for online purchase. Once your purchase has processed, you will recieve an email confirmation. This email is your receipt and confirms that you are registered for the class. Should you, for any reason, not receive an email confirmation for your registration, please contact us at (312) 300-6805 and we’ll get you all squared away!

Instructors and Canceling a Class

Advertised classes and instructors are not guaranteed and we’ll do our best to communicate changes as soon as we know them. On occasion, we might need to cancel a class. We’re sorry! Should this be the case and you’ve registered for the class we’re canceling, we’ll do our best to give you 48 hours notice that we are canceling and begin your refund process.

We know how frustrating it can be when a class is cancelled due to low enrollment. We don’t like it either. When a class doesn’t have the minimum required number of students to run as planned, Vagabond reserves the right to shorten the length of the class each week to make it feasible to proceed. For example, a class scheduled for 3 hours from 12pm-3pm, might be shortened to 2 hours and run from 12pm-2pm. We will always keep the start time the same, and adjust the end time of class. In cases of shortened classes, Vagabond does not grant refunds, transfers or credits. You will still receive the same amount of on-camera time you would have if it were a 3 hour class, and the class is not being cancelled.  The duration of our classes were built with a certain number of students in mind. Rest assured, we are not shortening your learning time, we are just taking out the excess time for student spaces that are empty.

Additionally, any workshop or class taught by an active casting director or agent is a learning experience. It is not an audition or employment opportunity.

Covid Policies

Studio Procedures: 

• Vagabond carefully monitors all state, city, and CDC guidelines regarding Covid-19.  We reserve the right to convert in-person classes to online (over Zoom) at any point to insure the safety of all students, staff and instructors. No cancellations, refunds or credits will be permitted if a class converts to online only.  

Class Make-up Policy

All schedules aren't perfect. We know that some times things pop up and a day you'd reserved for class now needs to be filled with something else such as a last minute audition, a shoot, or a show. Vagabond is working to be the most accessible acting school in Chicago. If you are unable to physically attend an in person class, we strongly recommend that you join via ZOOM! The ZOOM hybrid classroom will always be an option to those who are attending an in person class. You can either just sit and audit the class or feel free to participate remotely. If you have to miss a core class (on-camera or voiceover), you may hop into one of the other same level offerings the same week you are missing (ex. if you are in Michael's Monday class, you can take Robyn's Wednesday night or Holly's Saturday morning class as a make up).

However, we know that sometimes even THAT won't work. If you will be missing the whole week and still want to cover that week's material missed, you can schedule a private 30 minute make-up session w/your instructor, subject to availability. This costs $35 for a discounted 30 minute coaching session outside of class. Make-up classes/coaching for any other courses or workshops are up to the instructors’ discretion. Email us if you have questions about your class’ make up policy.

Refund Policy (Updated May 2023)

Cancellation Notice:

If you need to cancel your enrollment before the start of the scheduled class, you must provide our office with at least 48 HOURS' NOTICE prior to the commencement of your class, session or workshop. This will allow us to accommodate other students who may be on our waiting list.

Options for Cancellation:

Option 1: Credit Towards Future Class or Workshop: You may choose to have your non-refundable 30% deposit and any tuition paid credited towards a class, session or workshop of your choice within one year from the date of cancellation.

Option 2: Partial Refund and Deposit Credit: Alternatively, you may elect to have your non-refundable 30% deposit held on credit for up to one year, while receiving a refund for any additional tuition paid (minus a 5% credit card processing fee).

**If you are on a payment plan, 30% deposit is based on full price of class/workshop, not your first payment.**

Late Cancellation:

In the event that a student fails to provide us with the required cancellation notice at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled start of the class, session, or workshop, the student will forfeit the full price of the class, session or workshop. Please note that the payment will be non-refundable and non-transferable.

We value your understanding and cooperation regarding our cancellation policy. It allows us to maintain a well-structured program and provide the best possible experience for all our students. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office.

Recording Policy

To keep class a safe environment for creative learning and exploration, Vagabond School of the Arts does not allow any recording of audio or video by students or guests in our in-person or online classes. 

Photo Policy

We love our students and we love our teachers. As a result, we want people to see the incredible instructors and students we work with every day, to share your triumphs, and encourage more students like you to follow their own open road. As a result, by taking a class at Vagabond, you agree to grant Vagabond School of the Arts and its authorized representatives permission to take photos or videos of your participation in classes, workshops, and events. Any photos or videos made through this agreement may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other digital and printed materials used to promote Vagabond School of the Arts, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Vagabond School Code of Conduct

Vagabond School values the passion and personal vulnerability in taking an acting class, so we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment free of discrimination and harassment. This policy protects the rights of all members of our company, including students, staff, teachers, guest instructors and other persons who do business with Vagabond School.

It covers conduct and behavior, both online and offline, by or against the aforementioned parties, in all Vagabond School workspaces and related settings, including but not limited to:

• Meetings and correspondences

• Classes/Coaching Sessions

• Events and related social settings

• Social media

If you experience or witness suspected harassment or discrimination, please do not hesitate to contact the Vagabond School Office in person, by phone (312-300-6805), text (630-277-9554), and/or by emailing our Artistic Director, Michael McCracken (michael@vagabondschool.com) or Studio Manager, Angela Morris (angela@vagabondschool.com).

We are committed to empowering every Vagabond School student, employee, teacher and community member with the skills and knowledge to effectively assist in protecting a safe and respectful environment.