Electronics Policy

At Inspirations Theater we are here for theater and each other, not for the Internet, computer games, or phone calls. Students are not allowed to use any electronic devices during the day save for emergencies or pre-approved time-sensitive communication.

Inspirations Theater strives to create an atmosphere where students are engaged with our theatrical activities, present with their fellow campers and staff, and aware of themselves and their inner moods as they explore their theatrical expression. While we value alone time, reflection, and our students' need to unwind, we find that electronics and other media bring an atmosphere that is at odds with the goals we strive for in our time together here.

Although people use electronics and media in different ways, we have found that some can use them to isolate themselves, escape, or create cliques (certain people 'allowed' to see certain content, or play certain games, while others are excluded). During our sessions we want all students engaged with themselves, with each other, or with the theatrical activity at hand: being on a cell phone or playing a computer game do not support that goal. During our breaks we want our students to either enjoy each other's company or one of a variety of healthy reflection / rejuvenation activities, including outside play, games, and/or artwork / journaling--or just some time to oneself, perhaps reading. We believe that this array of options available during our breaks serve to balance our other activities in ways that are healthy and socially inclusive.

EMERGENCY / NECESSARY CONTACT EXCEPTION

We realize that on certain days, communication between students and their parents and/or people who are picking them up is necessary. For example, a parent still needs to work out who is picking a student up, and when; and that parent needs a way to leave a message with the child during the day, or communicate live / in real-time with their child sometime during the day.

For this situation, we allow students to bring a cell-phone (or computer, if absolutely necessary) that day, and use it at a pre-approved time away from the other students.

From arrival at camp to the end of our day, our campers focus on theater activities and each other. Iphones/phones, computer games, and personal music devices are not part of our camp environment. Students either leave these at home or check them in for safekeeping at the beginning of the camp day.