FAQs
PACA Programs & Age Groups
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PACA offers programming for ages 4–18.
AJT (Recreational Theater): generally ages 8–18, depending on the show.
ART (Advanced Theater): typically ages 13–adult, audition-based.
AMT (Introductory Theater): Mini Co Class series for ages 4-7
Dance Classes: ages 4–18, with classes grouped by age and ability. -
Yes—PACA is the new umbrella organization, and AJT still exists as one of the programs.
PACA = the overall organization
AJT = recreational theater program within PACA
ART = advanced audition-based program within PACA
Think of PACA as the parent organization, with AJT and ART as two branches.
We are also proud to introduce PACA’s School of the Arts, where classes can be taken in dance, voice and acting. -
Here’s the simplest way to choose:
AJT (Asheville Junior Theater)
✔ Best for beginners or recreational performers
✔ No experience needed
✔ Fun, supportive environment
✔ Focus on exploration, confidence, and teamworkART (Asheville Repertory Theater)
✔ Best for serious or experienced theater kids
✔ Audition-based
✔ Faster-paced, more competitive
✔ Focus on advanced skills, technique, and stage discipline
If you aren’t sure, our team can place your child based on age, experience, and goals. -
No. For AJT (the recreational program), all experience levels are welcome — beginners included.
For ART (the more advanced, audition-driven program), prior training is encouraged.
Registration & Applications
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Require an Application:
PACA Theater Productions (AJT + ART shows)
Homeschool Enrichment Fridays
Open Enrollment (no application needed):
Dance classes
Camps
Homeschool Fridays
Community workshops
Drop-in classes
Specialty classes
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No. Dance classes are open enrollment.
You can register immediately—no audition or application required. -
Simply visit the Dance section on the PACA website, choose your child’s age group, and register. No application is needed.
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All program details live on the PACA website, under:
Dance Program
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Please take a Level 1 or Beginner dance class if your child has no prior experience. If your child has taken a Level 1 class with us AND has received approval to move up from an instructor, they may enroll in a Level 2 class. Many dancers spend multiple years in a Level 1 or Level 2 class.
If you’re unsure, PACA’s School of the Arts staff will recommend the best placement based on your child’s background.
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Yes. PACA’s School of the Arts offers trial classes for most dance and acting classes.
Please register here.
You will be asked for a login and password, asked to sign our policies, upload your secure credit card information and then you will be given a Parent Portal account. After that, you can try any classes you would like. Then, you can Enroll in our classes after trying.
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Yes—dance classes run as weekly sessions, usually following the school-year calendar from May through September.
They continue weekly until the session ends.
Attendance is important for learning choreography and technique.
Make-up classes are available; your child can take any class in their level to make up for an absence
Theater Production Commitments
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AJT performances welcome all experience levels.
ART performances are audition-based, and require a higher level of raw talent and stage experience.
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All PACA theater productions (AJT and ART) require:
Attendance at scheduled rehearsals
Preparedness (lines and songs memorized)
Tech/Dress Week attendance (mandatory)
Ten volunteer hours per family, or the buyout fee
This ensures a supportive, professional rehearsal process for all performers.
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For all ART productions, one parent from each family must donate 10 hours of volunteer time (sets, props, costumes, fundraising, tickets, backstage help, etc.).
Families may opt out by paying a $300 buyout.
For all AJT productions, the minimum volunteer requirement is 10 hours. These hours are separate from the show week. We often ask parents to volunteer at the theater.
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Yes. After roles are assigned, PACA provides a detailed rehearsal schedule showing which scenes and songs will be covered.
Children must arrive prepared, with lines and music memorized for that day’s rehearsal. Rehearsal tracks are provided.
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No. PACA does not allow parents to observe rehearsals so that directors can work efficiently and so parents can enjoy the surprise of the finished product.
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No. All PACA programs maintain a strict no-phone policy during rehearsals to keep the environment focused, safe, and socially connected.
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Yes. PACA offers backstage and technical theater options including:
costume design
props
set building
hair & makeup
stage crew
sound & lighting
These topics are covered in our Friday Homeschool Tech class.
Other opportunities exist for volunteering in these areas: Email PACA for more information.
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Most PACA productions rehearse twice per week:
Fridays and Sundays at ART
Saturdays at AJT (Sunday AM for leads)
As performances approach, rehearsals increase.
Tech and dress rehearsals are mandatory for all programs, including AJT and ART.
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For AJT, children may have up to two planned absences (vacations, games, parties, etc.).
For ART, which is more advanced, fewer absences increase the likelihood of receiving a lead.
All planned absences must be listed on the audition form before auditions.
Sickness absences are excused, though private catch-up time with a director may be requested.
Homeschool Program
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Yes! Homeschool Fridays generally fit best for middle and high schoolers. However, we have had some focused younger kids succeed and enjoy our classes. Check the specific age group for each session, as offerings may vary.
If you’re unsure, PACA’s School of the Arts staff will recommend the best placement based on your child’s background.
Health Policies
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Children should not attend rehearsal or classes if they show any symptoms: fever, vomiting, cough, sore throat, headache, etc. This may change during TECH week, as we need all actors present.
We ask actors to be symptom-free for 48 hours before returning.
If a child arrives sick, they will be sent home.
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Please keep your child home if they have COVID or have had recent high-risk exposure. PACA does not encourage masks during rehearsals or performances because facial expression is essential to acting.
They should return only when symptom-free.
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That cast member will be asked to stay home until they no longer have symptoms.
Withdrawals & Refunds
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We do NOT encourage withdrawing because roles and casting affect the entire company. We ask that families only audition if they are ready to commit.
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No. Once casting is finalized, there are no refunds for any reason.
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Shows: no refunds after casting
Classes: limited refunds before the session begins (based on posted policy). If you need to withdraw for any reason, PACA asks for a 30-day notice. You are free to continue coming to class during the 30-day period.
Camps: There is a $100 non-refundable deposit once you register for camps. No refunds whatsoever will be given within 30 days of the camp’s start date.
Donations
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All donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive a receipt for your records.
Other Logistics
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Children should wear clothing they can dance and move in — similar to dance class attire.
Footwear:
dance shoes or socks in the studio
no street shoes on dance floors
“stage shoes” will be required later (reserved only for stage use
Dance classes: See our “Dress Code” information under DANCE
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PACA rehearses and trains students at:
174 Bradley Branch, Unit 4/5, Arden, 28704.
Questions? We got answers!
Contact us and we’ll get in touch with the next steps.
174 Bradley Branch, Units 4/5
Arden 28704
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