Mettlesome Lab Policies & FAQ
FAQ
ClassES
Do I get into shows for free as a student?
Yes! All students can attend Mettlesome produced improv and sketch shows for absolutely free, so long as the show is not sold out (paid tickets will take priority over student seating).
Non-Mettlesome performances (i.e out-of-town performers, or otherwise non-Mettlesome acts) are still full price.
I don’t have any comedy or writing experience. Can I still sign up for classes?
Absolutely! Our classes are welcoming to all ranges of experience, whether you are a beginner or have experience.
Additionally, our Improv and Sketch programs are independent of each other - you don’t need any improv experience to take a sketch class, and vice versa.
I have prior improv experience. Can I skip ahead to a more advanced level?
Students with significant prior improv experience may be eligible to register for Improv 201.
We do not allow any students, regardless of prior experience to skip past Improv 201. Every school of comedy approaches improv differently, and Improv 201 is where we explore Mettlesome’s specific approach. Even if you are experienced, this ensures that all students have a shared understanding in the upper levels.
To inquire about skipping Improv 101, reach out to us here.
I have prior sketch experience. Can I skip ahead to a more advanced level?
All students must start at Sketch 101, regardless of prior experience. Every school of comedy approaches sketch differently, and Sketch 101 is where we lay the foundation for the rest of the program. Additionally, Sketch 201 & 301 build directly off of what is learned in Sketch 101. Even if you are experienced, this ensures that all students have a shared understanding in the upper levels.
How old do I need to be to register for a class?
You must be 18 years of age or older to sign up for Mettlesome Lab coursework.
If you are 16-17 years old, you may take a course with parent/guardian permission. Have your parent/guardian contact us here. Have them send us a message letting us know: Your name, which class you are signing up for, and that they consent to you joining the program. Please make sure your parent/guardian reads all of the policies on this page before agreeing.
If you are under the age of 16, you can not participate in the Mettlesome Lab at this time.
Can I audit a class?
Since building trust with classmates is a core part of our classes, we do not permit prospective students to audit our classes.
What is the class attendance policy?
Students are allowed to miss up to two classes per course to be eligible for completion. The class showcase does not count towards your allotted two absences.
What happens if I miss more than 2 classes?
Students who miss more than 2 classes will not be permitted to perform in the student showcase, and will not be able to continue to the next level of classes. If you miss more than 2 classes and would like to continue in the program, you will be required to retake your current level.
This policy ensures that all students have the tools needed to properly support each other as they perform and continue through the program. Critical content is taught every week, and missing too many weeks will set you back too far and prevent you from properly supporting your classmates.
Do you offer makeup classes?
In instances where multiple sessions of the same class type are available within a term, students are allowed (and encouraged) to attend an alternative session if they miss their scheduled class. This will also count as attendance, and will prevent an absence from being recorded.
What is your refund policy?
Refunds are available seven days ahead of the start of class through Eventbrite. After that, Mettlesome Lab is only able to consider class credit.
Can I get a partial refund for missing classes or joining late?
No. Class fees will not be pro-rated for students who join late or miss sessions.
Can I switch into a different class?
If your course has not started and you want to switch into a different session that costs the same, is not sold-out, and has also not started, you may do so. Once your class has started, you can not switch into a different session.
COVID-19
How is Mettlesome handling COVID-19?
Mettlesome follows local mandates set by the City of Durham and Durham County. See our full Covid Policies for more information.
Am I required to wear a mask?
Masks are currently optional. We fully support any participants who would like to continue wearing a face mask indoors or outdoors. Wearing a face mask does not impact a participant’s promotion to the next level, nor does it impact potential future casting decisions.
CONTACT
I have a question about one of these policies. Who should I talk to?
Students are always welcome to contact Mettlesome here. Students are also welcome to set up an in-person meeting.
Mettlesome Lab Policies
Accept or Deny Anyone
Mettlesome Lab reserves the right to accept or deny any individual's enrollment.
Instructor Attendance
Mettlesome Lab reserves the right to replace a course instructor at anytime with another equally qualified instructor, without notice.
Cancellation
Mettlesome Lab reserves the right to postpone or cancel a course if they do not reach a minimum number of students. Fees incurred by student for travel/lodging etc will not be reimbursed.
Registration Processing Fee
Registering for courses includes a non-refundable processing fee from Eventbrite. If the Lab cancels a class or changes dates after you have enrolled, you will be able to get a full refund.
Show Attendance Benefits
As a perk of joining a Lab course, registered students may attend Mettlesome produced shows for free. Some exceptions may apply. In general, tickets are walk-up only and are distributed on a first-come, first served basis. However, space is not guaranteed. Furthermore, students are not guaranteed or otherwise implied tickets or discounts for shows not solely produced by Mettlesome.
Competency
Students are not guaranteed promotion to the next course level. Promotion is contingent on attendance, seeing shows and a demonstration of course concepts through application in class, during performances or writing.
Appeals Process
If you would like to appeal any decisions made by the Mettlesome Staff, please contact us here.
Registration is Non-Transferable
Only students who have registered and paid will be allowed in the course.
Conduct
Mettlesome Lab believes that all of our students have the right to learn and practice their craft in an open, non-threatening, creative environment. In order to achieve this environment, students are asked to agree to certain ground rules in regards to course conduct before enrolling in the course. Appropriate action is further detailed in our Student Bill of Rights and our Code of Conduct.
Inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to:
Inappropriate verbal, physical or sexual conduct with other students or the course instructor.
Consumption of drugs or alcohol during class.
Wanton destruction of physical class space, which includes but is not limited to walls, chairs, lights and doors.
Additionally, students are asked to help foster a creative and supportive learning environment without distractions. Students are asked to support their fellow students in class by abstaining from eating in class and talking while fellow classmates or teachers are talking. Students must also abstain from using electronics in class, including audio or video recording devices and cellular phones (this includes texting and using the internet in class).
Inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated and will result in suspension and removal from the course.
Refunds in the event of termination follow the same guidelines as voluntary withdrawals.
Destruction of Property
If you destroy any property during a Mettlesome Lab course, whether it is by accident or on purpose, you will be liable for the cost of repair.
Liability
You agree that you choose to voluntarily participate in the course with full knowledge that the activity may be hazardous to yourself and/or your property. You voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks of loss, property damage or personal injury, including death, that may be sustained as a result of participating in the activity. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Mettlesome LLC, any performance or class spaces and its employees, members & volunteers for any loss, liability, damage or costs, including court costs and attorney fees, that may occur as a result of your participation in the activity.
We are not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Show Placement
Participation in or completion of Mettlesome Lab courses does not guarantee an audition for, or placement on a show or project.
No Large Items
Mettlesome Lab’s class space is not equipped to store large student possessions like bicycles. Please lock these items up outside or leave them at home.
Learning Aids
Students with alternative learning styles need to get written permission from the Lab if they wish to use PDAs, audio recording devices or other learning aids in class. Students who are approved to use such devices must agree to our specific terms of use. Any students that want to use special learning aids in class must contact Mettlesome here to arrange a meeting. Mettlesome reserves the right to request medical documentation to support your request.
Inclement Weather
In the event that classes are cancelled or postponed, students will be contacted. If you do not hear from us, assume that classes will proceed as planned.