FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is parking like on Granville Island and how do I pay?
Parking on Granville Island can be challenging especially at peak hours, like after school and on weekends. Pay parking is in effect 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (free before and after that window), and costs $3.00 per hour on weekdays and $4.00 per hour on weekends and statutory holidays. To pay, you can use the pay stations located across the island or you can use select mobile apps. Our favourite spot to park is in the parkade behind Arts Umbrella, which is accessible via Old Bridge Street. There are also several free, five-minute drop-off spots available outside the Arts Umbrella building. Please note that all parking on Granville Island is managed by CMHC.
What are other ways to get to Granville Island?
Aside from arriving by car, you can get to Arts Umbrella Granville Island by foot, bike, bus, and ferry. In the summer, CMHC-Granville Island offers a free bike valet to safely store your bike free of charge. The #50 bus makes regular scheduled stops at Granville Island; check the schedule by visiting translink.ca. False Creek Ferries docks on Granville Island and has regular service with many stops throughout False Creek to allow you to travel by water with ease.
Who is teaching my class?
Staffing is finalized about 2 weeks before the start of each season and will be updated online as soon as instructors are confirmed. If your class has an instructor listed online as “Faculty AU” that means we’re still in the process of finalizing staff for that class.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my class?
Yes! Just give us two weeks’ notice for Spring Break and Summer camps or before 48 hours after the second scheduled class of the season for seasonal programs. Before these deadlines, you have the choice of getting either 90% of your money back or a class change free of charge. Yearlong programs are subject to their own unique refund policy. Contact Student Services at info@artsumbrella.com for more information.
Does someone supervise my student between classes?
Arts Umbrella only provides supervision during scheduled class times. The exception to this rule is during yearlong class packages and spring and summer camp packages when break time between classes is supervised. If you’re unsure about your class, contact Student Services at info@artsumbrella.com for details.
Can I transfer my student to a different class?
Yes! Just give us two weeks’ notice for Spring Break and Summer camps or before 48 hours after the second scheduled class of the season for seasonal programs. Before these deadlines, you can change classes, get 90% of your money back, or get a full, non-refundable class credit for future classes at Arts Umbrella. Yearlong programs are subject to their own unique refund and transfer policy. Contact Student Services at info@artsumbrella.com for more information.
How do waitlists work?
You can add your student to a waiting list through our online registration system. You can join as many waitlists as you like, free of charge. If a spot were to open up for your student, the Student Services team would get in touch with you right away. Once contacted, you would have 24 hours to claim the spot by registering and paying for the class by phone at 604-681-5268 x1. If you do not register within the 24-hour period, you will lose your place on the list and we will offer the spot to the next person. Please note that waitlists for summer camp packages are recorded manually, so if you are looking to join a waitlist for a Summer camp package, please contact Student Services at info@artsumbrella.com.
Where can I find information on Yearlong classes?
Great question. We offer Yearlong programs in Dance, Theatre, Music, & Film, and Art & Design. For more information on each department’s offerings, you can email dance@artsumbrella.com, theatre@artsumbrella.com, or artanddesign@artsumbrella.com.
How long are the classes?
Fall, Winter, and Spring Sessional classes range between 9-13 weeks long, depending on the length of the Season. These classes meet once a week for between 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the program and age of your student. Yearlong programs run from September to June and range from meeting an hour a week to every day for 3+ hours, depending on your student’s age and the program. Spring Break and Summer Camps and Intensives are typically 5 days long unless listed otherwise.
Can I come into Arts Umbrella and look around?
We are closed to the public, but can schedule tours with prospective students, families, and loved ones! Send us an email at info@artsumbrella.com to arrange a date and time.
Can my 3-year-old take ballet?
Ballet classes begin in Grade 1. For dancers aged 1-6, we offer Creative Dance classes and Pre-Ballet options. Contact Student Services or dance@artsumbrella.com for more details.
Can I try out a class before I commit?
We do not offer trial classes at this time, but if you are interested in a yearlong program please contact the departments for more details at dance@artsumbrella.com, theatre@artsumbrella.com, or artanddesign@artsumbrella.com.
My student is neurodivergent, is Arts Umbrella accessible for my student?
Yes, we strive to make our classes accessible to everyone! Depending on your student’s unique needs, we may ask that you fill out an Accessibility and Additional Learning Needs form so we can learn how to best support them and accurately recommend classes. For more information regarding accessibility, please visit our Accessibility and Learning Supports page and/or contact student services at info@artsumbrella.com.
My student is younger than the age listed for the class I want to take. Can I still register?
Arts Umbrella’s policy for sessional classes is that students must be the age of the class by the time it begins. For yearlong classes, students must turn the age of the class by December 31. We encourage students on the older end of a class to take on the opportunity to develop leadership skills and be a role model for the younger students in the class.
Do you offer drop-in classes?
At Arts Umbrella, our classes are designed to build upon one another, scaffolding learning and together supporting each student’s artistic and personal development. To support this process, our shortest regular classes run weekly, for 9-13 weeks at a time. Or, if you’re looking for a sampler of what we do at Arts Umbrella, we also offer 5 day long camps during Spring and Summer break.
Can I join my child in an independent Early Learning class? Even just for the first day?
We appreciate that going to one’s first independent class is a big transition, so we offer Parent & Me class options for young students who are not yet ready to attend class on their own. Early Learners can graduate to independent classes once they are ready to attend by themselves – without their parents or caregivers.
How do I get tickets for an event you’re hosting?
Tickets to our public events can be bought in advance on our website. You can get tickets here.
Do I need to bring any supplies for my class?
All supplies are provided for our Art & Design classes. For older students in Dance and Theatre classes, it is always a good idea to bring a pencil and notebook, along with a water bottle.
Can I rent space for a rehearsal?
We are excited to be opening our doors for rentals! If you are interested in booking our space or organizing a tour for a potential booking, please contact Alina Blackett at rentals@artsumbrella.com.