Many Arts & Learning Conservatory donors want to do more to help Arts & Learning Conservatory, but also want to make sure their loved ones, especially children and grandchildren are taken care of. A charitable lead trust is a way of making a gift to Arts & Learning Conservatory that enables you to reduce gift and estate taxes while controlling the timing of passing assets to your children and grandchildren. You contribute securities or other appreciating assets to a charitable lead trust. The trust makes annual payments to Arts & Learning Conservatory for a period of time. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal is paid to your heirs. Benefits to You: The present value of the income payments to Arts & Learning Conservatory reduces your gift/estate tax. All appreciation that takes place in the trust goes tax-free to your heirs. The amount and term of the payments to Arts & Learning Conservatory can be set so as to reduce or even eliminate transfer taxes due when the principal reverts to your heirs. You have the satisfaction of making a significant gift to Arts & Learning Conservatory now that reduces the taxes due on transfers to your heirs later.

Charitable gift annuities are a popular way of providing financial security to a loved one. You make an irrevocable donation to Arts & Learning Conservatory to create a gift annuity with two beneficiaries, for example, a spouse or adult child. You receive fixed annual payments — for as long as either beneficiary lives — at an attractive payment rate and a charitable deduction, too. Plus, you enjoy the satisfaction of making a gift that benefits you now and, in the future, helps fund innovative research and compassionate patient care.

A charitable remainder trust with Arts & Learning Conservatory can provide you and/or other beneficiaries with income for life or for a fixed number of years. For your donation, which can be appreciated securities or real estate, you receive an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of your contribution to the unitrust and savings on capital gains taxes, too. You will also have the satisfaction of making a significant gift that benefits you now and Arts & Learning Conservatory later. With this type of gift you can: 
Avoid paying capital gains on sales of appreciate stock and real estate.
 Convert the full value of your asset into a lifetime income stream.
 Receive a significant charitable income tax deduction.
Remove assets from your taxable estate.

Because retirement plans are taxed differently than most assets, they may actually become a tax liability. Naming Arts & Learning Conservatory a beneficiary of your retirement account can be an attractive option for leaving a legacy and reducing income and possibly estate taxes for your loved ones. *Tax Rates shown here reflect 2017 tax law changes.
Estate tax is not shown because it applies infrequently. Making Arts and Learning Conservatory a beneficiary of a retirement account is easy. Simply ask your plan administrator for a beneficiary designation form and include Arts & Learning Conservatory as the beneficiary of a specific percentage of the account value or as a contingent beneficiary.

Arts & Learning Conservatory supporters, age 70 ½ or older, can get a tax break while supporting breakthrough treatments and research with a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) gift. With a qualified charitable distribution, you get many benefits. Make a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA to Arts & Learning Conservatory and avoid paying income taxes on your donation. You can donate up to a total of $100,000 each year ($200,000 for married couples) and exclude the gift from your taxable income.* Advance lifesaving research and patient care. *Complete your transfer before December 31. You should initiate your year-end transfer prior to December to ensure that the transfer is completed by December 31. Gifts made by IRA checkbook and received by Arts & Learning Conservatory after December 16 may not arrive in time for the IRA custodian to count the gift as a distribution for the current year. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement (SECURE) Act The SECURE Act raises the required minimum distribution (RMD) age. If you reached age 70 ½ in 2020 or later, you must take your first RMD by April 1 of the year after you reach 72. You can still make a gift to Arts & Learning Conservatory and other charities through a qualified charitable distribution starting at age 70 ½. However, if you make IRA contributions after age 70 ½, as allowed under the SECURE Act, the amount you have available for qualified charitable distributions is reduced. Please consult your tax or financial advisor to learn how this may impact you. The SECURE Act repeals the maximum age for making IRA contributions. You can now contribute to your IRA even if you are over age 70 (subject to annual limitations). The SECURE Act decreases the time over which inherited IRAs may be distributed. Inherited IRAs must now be distributed completely within 10 years of the IRA owner’s death, unless the IRA beneficiary is the surviving spouse, disabled or chronically ill, less than 10 years younger than the owner, or the owner’s minor child. Under these rules, naming Arts & Learning Conservatory as a beneficiary of your IRA while using other assets to benefit family members may be a smart charitable planning decision.

What is a Donor Advised Fund?
 A donor advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that provides an immediate tax benefit to you, and allows you to grant funds to charities of your choice. A donor advised fund is a great way to manage your giving to Arts & Learning Conservatory and other charities in a simple and efficient way. Did you know there are two ways you can support the Arts & Learning Conservatory through your donor advised fund? As with many financial accounts, final distribution of contributions remaining in a Donor Advised Fund is governed by the contract you completed when you created your fund. We hope you will consider naming Arts & Learning Conservatory a successor of your account. Alternatively, you may name Arts & Learning Conservatory the successor for a portion of the account value, leaving the remaining portion for your children or grandchildren to continue to provide to other charities. Give from a Donor Advised Fund 
You may want to continue making an annual donation to Arts & Learning Conservatory but may no longer be able to itemize and deduct your donations each year as a result of the tax change. You may choose to make a gift to a donor advised fund (DAF) in an amount greater than the standard deduction, allowing you to receive the tax advantages of giving in that year. You can then maintain your regular annual support to Arts & Learning Conservatory through annual recommended grants from your DAF in subsequent years when you do not itemize. Direct the final distribution of contributions remaining in your DAF to Arts & Learning Conservatory When you create your donor advised fund or update your existing succession plan, you can indicate whether assets remaining in the account will be distributed to charities of your choice or whether you would like to appoint successor advisors to continue to make grants from the account. If you do not name beneficiaries or create another succession plan for your DAF, these funds may be distributed to your financial services firms’ general giving account and may not be used to support the people and causes you might like to designate. We hope you will consider naming Arts & Learning Conservatory as beneficiary of your account. Or you can name us to receive a portion of the account value, leaving the remainder for your children or grandchildren to continue your legacy of philanthropy.

If you have stock that you have held for more than a year and have increased in value, you can use them to fund an Arts & Learning Conservatory gift annuity, and you will bypass a significant portion of the capital gains tax. The remaining gain will be apportioned over several years of your annuity payments rather than being taxed all at once. Plus, you will enjoy the other benefits of a gift annuity, eligibility for an immediate income tax deduction and a fixed annual payment for life, at an attractive payment rate.

A charitable lead trust is a way of making a gift to Arts & Learning Conservatory that enables you to reduce gift and estate taxes while controlling the timing of passing assets to your children and grandchildren. You contribute securities or other appreciating assets to a charitable lead trust. The trust makes annual payments to Arts & Learning Conservatory for a period of time. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal is paid to your heirs. Benefits to You: The present value of the income payments to Arts & Learning Conservatory reduces your gift/estate tax. All appreciation that takes place in the trust goes tax-free to your heirs. The amount and term of the payments to Arts & Learning Conservatory can be set so as to reduce or even eliminate transfer taxes due when the principal reverts to your heirs. You have the satisfaction of making a significant gift to Arts & Learning Conservatory now that reduces the taxes due on transfers to your heirs later.

A charitable remainder trust with Arts & Learning Conservatory can provide you and/or other beneficiaries with income for life or for a fixed number of years. For your donation, which can be appreciated securities or real estate, you receive an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of your contribution to the trust and savings on capital gains taxes, too. You will also have the satisfaction of making a significant gift that benefits you now and Arts & Learning Conservatory later. With this type of gift you can: Avoid paying capital gains on sales of appreciated stock and real estate Convert the full value of stock into a lifetime income stream Receive a significant charitable income tax deduction Remove assets from your taxable estate

Because retirement plans are taxed differently than most assets, they may actually become a tax liability. Naming Arts & Learning Conservatory a beneficiary of your retirement account can be an attractive option for leaving a legacy and reducing income and possibly estate taxes for your loved ones. Making Arts & Learning Conservatory a beneficiary of a retirement account is easy. Simply ask your plan administrator for a beneficiary designation form and include Arts & Learning Conservatory as beneficiary of a specific percentage of the account value or as a contingent beneficiary.

An immediate gift of real estate. 
Donating property outright to Arts & Learning Conservatory frees you from the costs and responsibilities of ownership. If you have owned the property more than a year, you will enjoy a charitable income tax deduction equal to the property’s full fair market value. You will eliminate any capital gain and the gift reduces your future taxable estate. A gift of real estate in your will or trust. 
 You can include a gift of real estate to Arts & Learning Conservatory in your will or living trust and you will be eligible for a charitable estate tax deduction upon your passing. A life income gift funded with real estate. 
 Convert your real estate investment into a predictable income flow and realize capital gains and other tax benefits.

When you give appreciated securities, you may receive an immediate income tax charitable deduction as well as savings on capital gains taxes. Your gift of stock or mutual funds can also be used to generate income for life through a charitable gift annuity. You can make a gift of appreciated securities to Arts & Learning Conservatory while diversifying your portfolio and/or securing a stream of income. For direct information about gifts of stock, or more information about establishing a charitable gift annuity with appreciated securities please give us a call.

You make a gift to Arts & Learning Conservatory. In exchange you receive fixed annual payments, for as long as you live, at an attractive payment rate and a charitable deduction, too. Enjoy the satisfaction of making a gift that benefits you now and in the future, helps fund innovative arts and learning education. Maximum Flexibility One of the reasons gift annuities are so popular is because they are so flexible. Here are a few of the most common options.

The most common type of gift annuity. In exchange for your donation, Arts & Learning Conservatory will make annual fixed payments to you for as long as you live, starting when your gift annuity contract is signed.

If you have stock or mutual funds that you have held for more than a year and that have increased in value, you may use them to fund your gift annuity and you will bypass a significant portion of the capital gains tax. The remaining gain will be apportioned over several years of your annuity payments rather than being taxed all at once.

One of the great things about gift annuities is that they can be set up to benefit two people, making them an ideal tool to provide financial security for a spouse or other loved one.

If you don’t need more income immediately, a “deferred gift annuity” might be right for you. The older you are when your payments begin, the higher your payment rate will be. You schedule the payments to begin when you will need them and enjoy a higher payment rate than with an annuity that pays you immediately.

Convert your real estate investment into a predictable income flow, realize capital gains and other tax benefits. If you are interested in making a gift of residential or commercial real estate to Arts & Learning Conservatory you may wish to explore whether such a gift of real property is a beneficial financial and philanthropic strategy for you. If you make an immediate gift of real estate, if you have owned the property more than a year, you will enjoy a charitable income tax deduction equal to the property’s full fair market value. If you convert a current real estate investment into a predictable income flow, you may realize capital gains and other tax benefits.

Help Arts & Learning Conservatory while you save on taxes You avoid paying immediate capital gains taxes and receive a charitable income tax deduction. You can make a gift that provides immediate support for Arts & Learning Conservatory or you can establish a gift that pays you a life-time income in return.

A charitable remainder trust with Arts & Learning Conservatory can provide you and/or other beneficiaries with income for life or for a fixed number of years. For your donation, which can be appreciated securities or real estate, you receive an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of your contribution to the trust and savings on capital gains taxes, too. You will also have the satisfaction of making a significant gift that benefits you now and Arts & Learning Conservatory later. With this type of gift you can: Avoid paying capital gains on sales of appreciated stock and real estate Convert the full value of stock into a lifetime income stream Receive a significant charitable income tax deduction Remove assets from your taxable estate

Because retirement plans are taxed differently than most assets, they may actually become a tax liability. Naming Arts & Learning Conservatory a beneficiary of your retirement account can be an attractive option for leaving a legacy and reducing income and possibly estate taxes for your loved ones. *Tax Rates shown here reflect 2017 tax law changes.
Estate tax is not shown because it applies infrequently. Making Arts & Learning Conservatory a beneficiary of a retirement account is simple. Ask your plan administrator for a beneficiary designation form and include Arts & Learning Conservatory as the beneficiary of a specific percentage of the account value or as a contingent beneficiary.

Many of us have life insurance policies that have long since served their purpose. Perhaps you purchased a policy to make sure your children’s tuition needs were accounted for. But now the kids are on their own and doing well. Or perhaps you have a policy your parents purchased for you years ago. These policies can make a wonderful gift to Arts & Learning Conservatory. Start by requesting a beneficiary designation form from your life insurance company and make Arts & Learning Conservatory a full, partial or contingent beneficiary. Then sign over a fully paid policy and you will be allowed a tax deduction for your generosity.

If you have savings bonds that have stopped earning interest, they may be a tax liability for you. If you redeem your bonds, you will owe income tax on the appreciation. Leaving them to loved ones means they will owe income tax when they cash the bonds and perhaps estate taxes, too. In the end, your heirs will receive only a fraction of the value of the bonds in which you so carefully invested. You could these avoid taxes and give your savings bonds new life. Simply bequeath them to Arts & Learning Conservatory. Because Arts & Learning Conservatory is tax exempt, we will receive the full value of your savings.

What is a Donor Advised Fund?
 A donor advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that provides an immediate tax benefit to you, and allows you to grant funds to charities of your choice. A donor advised fund is a great way to manage your giving to Arts & Learning Conservatory and other charities in a simple and efficient way. Did you know there are two ways you can support the Arts & Learning Conservatory through your donor advised fund? As with many financial accounts, final distribution of contributions remaining in a Donor Advised Fund is governed by the contract you completed when you created your fund. We hope you will consider naming Arts & Learning Conservatory a successor of your account. Alternatively, you may name Arts & Learning Conservatory the successor for a portion of the account value, leaving the remaining portion for your children or grandchildren to continue to provide to other charities. Give from a Donor Advised Fund
 You may want to continue making an annual donation to Arts & Learning Conservatory but may no longer be able to itemize and deduct your donations each year as a result of the tax change. You may choose to make a gift to a donor advised fund (DAF) in an amount greater than the standard deduction, allowing you to receive the tax advantages of giving in that year. You can then maintain your regular annual support to Arts & Learning Conservatory through annual recommended grants from your DAF in subsequent years when you do not itemize. Direct the final distribution of contributions remaining in your DAF to Arts & Learning Conservatory When you create your donor advised fund or update your existing succession plan, you can indicate whether assets remaining in the account will be distributed to charities of your choice or whether you would like to appoint successor advisors to continue to make grants from the account. If you do not name beneficiaries or create another succession plan for your DAF, these funds may be distributed to your financial services firms’ general giving account and may not be used to support the people and causes you might like to designate. We hope you will consider naming Arts & Learning Conservatory as beneficiary of your account. Or you can name us to receive a portion of the account value, leaving the remainder for your children or grandchildren to continue your legacy of philanthropy.

Many Arts & Learning Conservatory donors have assets, often overlooked, that make a fantastic gift. These include certificates of deposit, bank accounts and brokerage accounts. These assets only transfer to Arts & Learning Conservatory when you no longer need them and you can designate Arts & Learning Conservatory as the recipient of the account proceeds simply by naming Arts & Learning Conservatory as the pay-on-death or transfer-on-death beneficiary.

Yes! We strive to be a comfortable place for your first audition. If this is your first time, you may want to read the following: Tips for Auditioning Be prepared If you are asked to present a song or monologue, prepare your piece well. Memorize your selection and practice it many times. Be kind to everyone and smile Remember that your audition for every show begins the moment you walk in the door. You may be perfect in the audition room, but rudeness or misbehavior in the lobby will be noticed. Be on time for your appointment We ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment so that all of your paperwork can be completed before you go in for your auditions. Arriving early also gives you time to relax and focus and not feel rushed. Use your waiting time wisely It is great to see old friends and make new ones at an audition, but be sure to take some time to focus on your audition. Dress appropriately At Stages theatre Company, we always ask that actors come dressed for movement. This means you should dress in clothes that are comfortable and will not impede your movement, but still be neat, clean and nice looking. (Please, no flip-flops, boots, high heels, wheeled shoes, etc. Sturdy shoes that stay on your feet are a must. Dance shoes are appropriate). Introduce yourself When you walk into the audition room, tell us your name and the name of the piece you have prepared. This makes a good first impression. Don’t watch the directors While doing your audition, do not look directly at the people you are auditioning for, unless specifically directed to do so. Mistakes happen If you make a mistake, do not apologize. Remember that others may not even notice a mistake, but if you point it out to them, they will know for sure. It’s OK to be nervous Don’t worry about being nervous. Just about everyone is nervous. Do your best to smile and have a good time.

Registration can be done through ALC’s website here. You can also call 714.728.7100

No. ALC is a great fit for new children and, teens with or without prior experience. ALC welcomes beginners to advanced students but more importantly people that want to learn, experience theater, and grow as an artist.

Yes. Everyone who registers for ALC’s productions will be in the show and will audition. Placement auditions take place to determine which part each student will receive.

Production sizes range depending on enrollmen,t however all actors are given the best opportunity to learn and grow with our directors. Our productions are large scale in quality and professionalism.

Rehearsals are held at the ALC studio: 151 Kalmus Drive, Suite G-3, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Everyone who completes the enrollment process will be cast in the production Each cast member will receive a libretto (script and music) not to keep, t-shirt, and invaluable experience working on a production. This fee also provides 60+ hours of exceptional training and instruction throughout the rehearsal process, costumes, sets, make-up, and other production value. Training in acting, movement, and even stage combat are also part of being in an Arts & Learning production.

Cancellation Policy: All student registration, course and installment fees are non-refundable except when a course is canceled by the Arts & Learning Conservatory or a student provides staff with a Notice of Withdrawal prior to the first class session. Exceptions for exigent circumstances are granted by the CEO on a case by case basis and may be applied on a pro-rata basis. Musical Theater: While we realize that unforeseen circumstances occur, it is difficult to recast a role after casting decisions have gone out. As a result, you are responsible for paying the entire tuition cost, regardless of whether you choose to attend rehearsals and/or participate in the production. No refunds will be given.

We assure students that regardless of what part they receive they will have opportunities to stand out and be showcased during the production. With many students auditioning for a limited number of roles, the decisions of the Directors are challenging. This is admittedly the most difficult aspect of their job. We do encourage each actor to take the role and lines they receive, and perform them to the highest of their ability. We encourage growth and give quality training to create the most talented actors possible.

ALC has closed rehearsals. Parents are allowed to wait outside the rehearsal area but are not allowed to be inside of the rehearsal.

For each audition you should dress nicely, but in comfortable clothing that you can be free to move around in. You should not dress in costume. Please wear shoes that will stay on your feet and are easy to move in.

No, unless otherwise specified for a particular show.

If you have a resume and headshot, please bring them, but we do not require a resume to audition. We will have a form for you to fill out. It is helpful to bring a picture. Please see official audition notice if a headshot is required. If you are required to have a headshot, here are some tips: Make sure you can see your entire face in the shot. This must be a recent picture of yourself Be sure to smile! You don’t need fancy equipment; your Smart phone will take a nice picture. Standard headshots are 8×10 inches A recent school picture is fine too!

For musicals, all actors will be required to sing at the audition. Shows and roles will vary as to how much singing will be required in the performance.

The best choice would be something that suits your age and type. It should be from a musical if possible. If you’ve auditioned for us many times, it’s always a good idea to prepare something new. Popular songs are usually not a good choice, as they do not show the same range and vocal qualities as songs written for the stage.

No. We will teach you a short dance combination at the audition.

You do not need to prepare a monologue unless specifically noted in the show audition information.

An invitation to return for a second audition based on the directing team wanting to see you for one of these reasons: You are being considered for a particular role and they want to see you do short excerpts of the requirements for that part (dance, music, acting, etc.) You are being considered for multiple parts. They need to see you paired with other people that are being considered for roles you will interact with for pairing. If you are not called back it may mean the directors have already cast you in a particular role and you will not need to go through the 2nd process.

There will be many ways that parents can help and assist with the musical production. Following is a sampling of how family members can assist: Set construction/painting Costuming resources Front of house: Ushers, Concessions, Gift table, Box Office Show week snack preparations Community gift baskets/cards We have days where families/staff/cast come together to help the designers have extra hands in getting the set, props, and costumes finished in time for the show. These are shared in advance so that all may plan to be present.

If your child has the experience or confidence to be in the Mainstage produciton but is under nine, ALC will consider moving up your child if the maturity and casting is available for a particular show. Please email info@artsandlearning.org

You can learn all about our talented teaching artists here. In addition, ALC interns may be assisting on a production-to-production basis.

For more information, contact the ALC team at 714.728.7100