In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the students of the Molloy College/CAP21 Theatre Arts program implore the Molloy College President, Dean, and Board of Trustees to grant a partial tuition reimbursement for the spring semester of 2020. This request comes as a result of the essential needs of a musical theater education having been taken away in the recent, abrupt shift to remote learning.

Per semester, every CAP21 student pays an additional $3,000 to access and utilize the Manhattan studios and its resources. This charge comes in addition to the base tuition of $15,665 per semester and countless other fees, including technology, student activities, etc. The change to remote learning has denied students the ability to utilize essential studio space, technology, equipment, and, most importantly, hands-on experience. As a result of the cautionary measures currently in effect, the students of CAP21 are now receiving a substandard education for which their parents agree should not cost full tuition. Therefore, the parents and students of the Molloy College/CAP21 Theatre Arts program agree that Molloy College should reimburse each family for said fees, as the students are no longer utilizing and experiencing the resources for which these fees cover. 

We would like to acknowledge that the world, as a collective, is going through this pandemic together. We have the utmost appreciation and respect for both the faculty and administration at Molloy College, especially those at CAP21, who have devoted countless hours to safeguarding what is left of our education. However, we would also like to acknowledge that the price of Molloy College is by no means inexpensive. While we are amidst a pandemic, the staff at Molloy College is still working and educating via “Zoom”. Sadly, parents, caretakers and students themselves have been laid off, or lost their work entirely- work which undoubtedly pays the bills for this education. Parents have tirelessly worked to give a proper education to their children and are no longer receiving the product for which they have worked paycheck to paycheck to provide. 

We call on Molloy College to act now. We ask that the parents and students of the Molloy College/CAP21 Theatre Arts program are reimbursed for partial tuition in order to compensate for the recent loss of the essential needs a musical theater education requires. 

Please refer to the Molloy College/CAP21 Student handbook below:

From 2019-2020 Student Handbook

“The academic component of this training includes general education courses while the conservatory Studio courses focus on the practical application of musical theatre performance techniques.”

“The Molloy/CAP21 Center in Manhattan is a multi-purpose complex comprised of various classroom and studio spaces ranging from small one-on-one teaching studios, dance studios, medium and large acting studios and a production space.”

“Attendance at Molloy/CAP21 Manhattan Center: During their first year of studies, students will take Studio courses two days per week at the Molloy/CAP21 Center in Manhattan. During the subsequent three years, students will take Studio Courses at the Molloy/CAP21 Center in Manhattan three days per week. All other courses will be taken on the Molloy campus.
Student Performance: Although first-year B.F.A. students are not permitted to audition or participate in performances, they will enjoy numerous performance opportunities beginning in their sophomore year. These performances are held at the Molloy/CAP21 Center in Manhattan, at Molloy’s Hayes Theatre, or the performing arts center, The Madison Theatre.
In their final semester, B.F.A. students will participate in industry showcase opportunities in Manhattan designed to help them secure representation as they launch their performance careers.”

“Use of Equipment
Students are only permitted to utilize office equipment (including internet access) if the fulfillment of Work-StudyAssignments require such use. Students are expected to demonstrate proper care when using the company’s property and equipment. No property may be removed from the premises without the proper authorization of management. If you lose, break or damage any property, report it to your supervisor at once. The Internet is intended for business purposes only. The non-Work-Study related use of internet access is strictly prohibited. Students who choose to violate this policy may be dismissed from the program.”

“Students Reserving Space Policy

Students may reserve free studio space at the Manhattan Center.

Free rehearsal studios are on a space available, first-come-first-serve basis. Reservations can be made after 9 am 72 hours before the requested reservation or on the same day the space is to be used. To reserve spaces, students must email studios@molloy.edu. The following guidelines apply:

 The studios may be used for rehearsals for classwork, preparation for auditions, special projects, or other purposes designed to advance education.
 You may not reserve the rooms for anyone other than yourself and your scene partner(s). Each student must attend and stay present at their individual booking.
 Free studio space is non-transferable even to other students or instructors.
 Each student may reserve 60 minutes maximum rehearsal time per day on Mondays through Fridays 10
am - 10 pm and on Saturdays 10am - 6pm. Pending space availability, on the day of, students may request additional rehearsal space beyond the allotted 60 minutes. Students may not book a studio for more than one hour at a time to ensure that all students have an opportunity to request space.
 Studio space reserved between 9 and 10 am, Monday through Friday, does not count towards a student’s daily booking maximum.
 You will receive a confirmation once you are booked. If you do not receive a confirmation, please follow up.
 Students who abuse this reservation system or the space may have their reserving privileges revoked.”