Ao1 FAQ’s

What is Audience of One?

Audience of One (AO1) is a 501©(3) support organization that offers after-school acting, singing, dance, media, and theatrical training for children ages 5 – 18 in your local community. AO1 instills confidence and promotes self-esteem in students through the performing arts, while fostering values such as honesty, integrity, teamwork, discipline, cooperation, and outreach. AO1 offers a broad curriculum of performing arts classes that provides our students a solid foundation of theatrical training. Our children have the opportunity to participate in a full-scale, professionally directed production that provides them the opportunity to gain first-hand performing experience. These AO1 productions provide our local communities the opportunity to experience a quality "night at the theater" at an affordable price.

In addition, AO1 students perform a service to local outreach programs each session. Targeting local and international organization in need, the children and families in the AO1 program use the gifts God has bestowed upon them to give back to the community through workdays and financial contributions from show revenues. This valuable training will equip these children to be future leaders through these acts of compassion and service.

How did you get the name Audience of One and what does it mean? 

Audience of One was started by a group of parents that wanted a safe place for their children to develop the theatrical gifts and talents God had placed in their hearts.  Ao1 believes in offering quality theatrical instruction without compromising the values and integrity so often associated with theater.  As in our daily lives, we perform for an Audience of One.     

Where does Ao1 currently meet and on what days of the week?

AO1 currently meets for classes in Highlands Ranch at Living Way Fellowship Church (Broadway and Wildcat Reserve Parkway) on Tuesday from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm and some Friday’s from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm, depending on the production schedule.   We are offering summer camps at Living Way Fellowship Church in Highlands Ranch (June 15-26) and in Parker at Crossroads Church (July 13-24.)  We currently perform in Highlands Ranch at the Wildcat Auditorium, Southridge Recreation Center and in Parker at the Parker Mainstreet Theater.   

I see that you have classes and productions.   Do you need to be enrolled in a class to be in the production?

Yes, we do offer both classes and full stage productions in the fall and spring semesters.   You do not need to be registered in a class to be in our productions.    Allowing both classes and productions in a semester allows more family and student flexibility with scheduling as well as a time to be either onstage, working backstage or working on training fundamentals in the classroom.   

Does my child need to audition for a production?

Yes, all students interested in being a part of a production must attend a scheduled audition workshop prior to auditioning.     Students can then register for a time slot for the assigned audition date and time.   Students are expected to perform a one minute monologue as well as a one minute song without background vocals.   On rare occasions, a dance audition may be necessary.  Callbacks will be announced at the conclusion of the auditions. You will be notified by phone if your child is needed for callbacks.   Obviously, lead roles are limited, but all students in the production have the opportunity to act, sing, or dance and be utilized in the production.    It takes everyone to make the show a success!

What is your class size limit and the number of students you cap in a production? 

AO1 prides our program on limiting class size and student production enrollment, therefore, allowing all children stage time, visibility and the opportunity to shine.   This number may vary depending on the specific needs of a production.   

What is the tuition for classes, productions and summer camps?

Tuition for Classes in our fall and spring semesters: Tuition is $150 per class.   Classes may include:   Improv, Backstage, Stage Makeup, Stunts/Combat, Voice, Dance, Acting, Auditioning Techniques, Media or Graphics.  

Production Tuition:  The price of tuition to be in a production is $175-200.  This price includes costuming for your child per assigned part.   The price of individual undergarments, tights, socks, jazz, ballet, or character shoes and your individual makeup kit, is not included in this price but is nominal.   For information about our Fall Productions, please click here.

Summer Camp tuition for two week sessions:  GO FISH (5-7 year old half day program) is $165.  Full day GO FISH extension class is an additional $165.   PIRATES, the Musical:  (8-13 year old full day program) costs $300.  AO1’s Academy of Arts half day electives cost $170, full day electives (2 classes) is $300.   For more information about our 2009 Summer Camps and dates, please click here.

What is my parental involvement with the production?

Ao1 relies on parent volunteers to help produce great shows, develop a community atmosphere, and keep tuitions reasonable. Therefore, each family is asked to volunteer for on a production committee.  Committee hours will vary depending on the director’s vision and needs.  Production Team Members will work with parent’s schedules to help accommodate busy schedules.

Is financial assistance available to help defray the cost of tuition?

Financial assistance and scholarships may be available by contacting our Program Director, Christine Kinsman.  Sibling discounts are also given as noted in the registration form.   We also offer a wonderful program that helps defray the cost of tuition by the purchase of goods and services from our SCRIP program.   Click here to find out more about SCRIP! 

How does your nonprofit organization finance your shows and programs? 

Great question!   First of all, we believe all blessings come from God above.  It is through HIM that our organization has continued to grow.  We are fortunate that through tuition costs, fundraisers and personal donations, we can offer a quality program and still be able to be a blessing back in the community through service and outreach.            

I see that you are a Christian organization.   Does this mean that only Christians can be a part of your youth theater?     

While Ao1’s staff, BOD, and leaders are all Christians; Audience of One welcomes children and families from every background to experience exemplary theatrical training through encouragement, teamwork, integrity, discipline, and cooperation.  Ao1 leadership encourages everyone to treat one another with the respect and love that Christ shows for us.  Through mutual respect, these children will learn valuable life skills that will make them great leaders of tomorrow. Ao1 is non-denominational and not affiliated with any church. 

Your website shows that you are a partner with the MacKenzie Grace Foundation.  What is this foundation? 

The MacKenzie Grace Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports, advocates and provides resources for families of children with disabilities.   AO1 currently has partnered with this foundation by offering financial support and a benefit theater production for their charity.   To learn more about the MacKenzie Grace Foundation, please visit www.themackenziegracefoundation.org. 

How do you schedule a Tour Group show?    

Ao1 would like to partner with your school, parent-teacher organization or church to offer a fun and exciting fundraising opportunity, a Night at the Theater! The evening will include a full performance of our current touring show (The Elves and the Shoemaker in Nov/Dec 2009) and an appearance by our Improv-Comedy team.  Our performers range in age from 8 to 18 and many are children from our local schools.

Enjoy a night of fun!   We will help coordinate the evening to work with your school or church. Choose from several different options, including: a Dinner Theater, Intermission-and-Dessert, Popcorn or Pizza Night or customize depending on your fundraising needs.  A small portion of ticket sales will help defer Ao1’s production costs, with the majority of money raised going to your PTO, school, or church!     The number of tours are limited, so inquire today. 

For more information, or to book your Night at the Theater, email Lisa Schuster.

I am looking for employment in your youth organization.   How do I go about submitting an application and resume?

We are always looking for experienced theatrical and musical professionals to educate and touch the lives of our youth and expand our programming!  Please fill out the employment application by clicking here or on the front page of our website.   Contact information on where to send your application and resume is included on the employment form.   Please note that we will do a thorough background check on all applicants.   Experience and performing arts training working with youth is a must!  A Belief Statement and Truth and Testimony questionnaire may also be administered.  AO1 is openly a faith based Christian nonprofit educational youth organization.       

As a nonprofit organization, do you have a Board of Directors?  What is their role?

Yes, Ao1 does have a BOD.  The role of this board is to provide support and guidance to the organization.  Please click here if you would like more information about possibly joining Ao1’s BOD.