FAQ

Search the Prema website:

Prema is a family friendly Arts Centre, promoting performance, live music and art exhibitions as well as accessible workshops, classes and creative experiences for kids and adults.

Prema, near Dursley in the Stroud valleys, offers an affordable day out for all folk in the South West.

Become a Friend of Prema!Donate to Prema Now!

FAQ - Performance

Page Content Images/Lucinda"Can I bring my kids to one of your performances?"

Yeah, we love it when families come along to our gigs and performances. Make sure that your kids want to be there and have a good think about how long an attention span they might have. We respectfully remind all family members that they must consider others' enjoyment whilst at Prema and therefore a responsible adult will need to keep an eye on the youngsters to ensure that everyone's evening is a delight. If a show is appropriate for a young person we always mention it in the listing for the event, usually suggesting a minimum age for attenders.

"Is there audience participation?"

Prema's performances are often a very immersive experience and from time to time the visiting theatre companies do interact with the audience. This is never done in a cruel way and if you're ever approached and don't feel comfortable just keep your head down. Prema shows never work like a comedy club and so there's never a sense of being "picked on" by a performer. You're perfectly safe to sit back and enjoy the show!

"What time will it finish?"

Generally our performances start at 8pm and go on until around 9.30. If you know that you'll need to leave earlier then we'd suggest that you park on the main street in Uley so that you can make a swift exit and get home in time.

 

FAQ - Music

Page Content Images/Gaskell1"Can I bring my kids to one of your live music gigs?"

Yeah, we love it when families come along to our gigs and performances. Make sure that your kids want to be there and have a good think about how long an attention span they might have. We respectfully remind all family members that they must consider others' enjoyment whilst at Prema and therefore a responsible adult will need to keep an eye on the youngsters to ensure that everyone's evening is delightful.

"What happens if I don't need all my tickets?"

If you've booked and paid for tickets then we are generally unable to offer a refund or transfer. If we reach a sell-out situation we may be able to sell unwanted tickets on but cannot guarantee that we'll be able to do so - your safest bet if you find that you're left with spare ticket is to give it to a friend or sell it on to an acquaintance.

"What time will it finish?"

Generally our gigs start at 8pm and go on until around 10.15/10.30. If you know that you'll need to leave earlier then we'd suggest that you park on the main street in Uley so that you can make a swift exit and get home in time.

 

FAQ for live events

Page Content Images/JustTerrifying"What happens if I don't need all my tickets?"

If you've booked and paid for tickets then we are generally unable to offer a refund or transfer. If we reach a sell-out situation we may be able to sell unwanted tickets on but cannot guarantee that we'll be able to do so - your safest bet if you find that you're left with spare ticket is to give it to a friend or sell it on to an acquaintance.

"Can I just rock up and get tickets on the door?"

Well, you might be lucky and we'll have a ticket left for you but so often our performances have sold out and we wouldn't be able to squeeze you in. Your safest bet is to book and pay in advance - that way you'll be sure to get in. Do note that tickets not booked and paid-for in advance will be charged the "on the door" price as illustrated on this site and in our published programme.

"Why do you need my phone number and email when I'm booking in?"

Sometimes things go wrong and we need to contact audience members to let them know that things are running late or that we have needed to postpone an event (very, very rarely). So if you can, let us have a landline and a mobile so that we're sure to get you in plenty of time. Also, we need your email address so that we can send you our a confirmation of booking via an email.

"How do I pay for my tickets?"

You can book everything right here, right now. Just add your chosen events into your basket and then go through the checkout process.

The Prema website incorporates the latest technology and leading payment platforms to manage your online experience in terms of ease of use and payment security.  All our payment pages are protected through a secure connection; which is shown as a padlock symbol on the bottom bar of the browser window and/or the URL address starts https: meaning this site is secure - so you have complete peace of mind when making online payments on our website.

We also offer the option to make a payment via PayPal - this means that if you have a Paypal account, you won't need to type in your card details or personal information, just an email address or phone number - another easy, safe and secure way to make an online booking with Prema

"We're running late, will you let us in?"

We recognize that sometimes time runs away with itself and so will make sure you get in. However, we may ask you to wait for a suitable break within the show so that other folks and the performers are not disturbed.

"Are the seats numbered?"

Nope. People who arrive early tend to get the best choice of seat. If you have a mobility issue and need to have an aisle seat we may be able to reserve that for you but please give us plenty of notice.

"What if you've sold out?"

Often we reach our maximum capacity for gigs and shows and we'll generally add people to a waiting list. If we then have any cancellations we contact people in order from the waiting list. To have your name added to the waiting list either call or email us at hello@prema.org.uk

"What do you mean by a "concessions" price?"

Prema's qualification for a concession is if you are SOLELY reliant on a state benefit to survive. If you can afford to pay the full price please do so as it often affects the amount earned by the visiting musicians. Please help to keep live music alive by paying what you can afford.

"What is a Friends' price?"

People who have paid for a Friends' Subscription are entitled to reduced prices on everything we do in our programme (prices clearly marked on each activity). Individuals who have taken out a subscription to the Friends of Prema are eligible for a reduced price ticket (only the individual member). If you have taken out a Family or Life Subscription then everyone in your party will be eligible for a reduced-price ticket. People find that if they come to just a couple of gigs throughout the year plus one course that they have earned their Friends membership fee back in next to no time. You can join the Friends today by clicking the link on this site. Rather than you having to remember a membership number, your email address and log-in password will give you the Friend pricing option throughout the site.

"One of my party uses a wheelchair - can they get in?"

Sure! All of Prema's public areas are fully accessible by wheelchair. However, we'd urge you to turn up in plenty of time so that you can park as near the building as possible. When making your booking please advise us if one of your party uses a wheelchair so that we can make sure that there's a space left within the seating area to accommodate the chair.

"Where do I park?"

We have a small car park and we'd urge you to park there - you're all here for the same event and you'll all be leaving at the same time. However, many people will need to use the streets in Uley for parking and we ask you to park carefully and sensitively - not blocking any drives, double parking or using lanes marked as private. We ask that all of our patrons are vigilant not to park in such a way that South Street (and nearby roads) are made so narrow that other vehicles cannot access their roads and drives. It's really important that all people visiting Prema park sensitively and intelligently - partly to keep our immediate neighbours happy, but also make sure that any emergency vehicles are able to get through.

"Is there a bar?"

Yup, we have a bar in the Prema Arts Café on the ground floor of the Chapel. Generally, we stock lagers, wines, bottled beers and soft drinks. The bar is generally open 30 minutes before the start of the show and is usually staffed by Imogen and Adam. As well as cold drinks, there'll be coffees, teas, hot chocolate on offer in addition to a range of cakes and flapjacks.

 

FAQ for Classes and Workshops

Page Content Images/OllieDance"Can I come on the first session to see if I like it?"

When booking a place on a course or class we need you to pay for the entire term or session. We are unable to offer taster sessions but have a range of much shorter courses - Mum's Night Out etc. - which are really affordable and work a bit like a taster session.

"How do I sign up for a class or workshop?"

You can do that by simply putting it into your basket and going through the checkout process.

"I've double booked myself, can I get a refund?"

We are only able to give a refund if the activity is sold-out unless there are exceptional circumstances. If we are able to offer a refund, we will withhold 10% of your booking fee to cover administration and the card processing costs. However, please remember that we are generally unable to give refunds.

"Is everybody going to be much better than me on the class?"

Everything we do at Prema is suitable for all levels of dexterity and experience. The likelihood is that the course will be attended by individuals with a whole range of levels of experience and learning styles. All of the artists running participatory sessions are hugely experienced and are sure make you feel welcome, empowered and comfortable whatever your level!

"Is there homework?"

Not "homework" as such although sometimes you might be set a few assignments to help consolidate your learning or for you to try out some of your newly discovered skills back at home.

"Do I need to bring my own materials?"

Some of our courses need you to bring specific items. If you need to bring anything along we will have spelt it out clearly in the information about the course as listed here. We try to devise workshops that don't need you to already own (or need to buy) lots of kit and materials.

"I don't have any experience, can I still come along?"

Of course, we'd love to see you. And you'll be made to feel most welcome.

 

FAQ for Kids & Families

Page Content Images/InkyFace"Do I need to fill in a registration form?"

We need you to fill in a registration form for each workshop or class that your child is attending. We do not keep these details after the event for data protection reasons. The form covers emergency contact information for you on the day, medical details - conditions, allergies or requirements that we need to be aware of, your consent for emergency medical treatment and consent for photographs to be taken. Our registration forms will be emailed out in the days leading up to the course or you can fill one in when you drop your child off for their workshop/class.

It is essential that both your child and Prema know who will be collecting them at the end of the day. Please note the finish time for each workshop/class and be on site in ample time to collect your child.

"Can I drop my child off earlier?"

You are welcome to arrive earlier but you must stay with your child until the workshop or class begins. We do not have enough staff to be able to oversee children in the building outside of workshop/class times.

"Is it ok if I stay with my child?"

If you are concerned about leaving your child we recommend hanging out in the cafe for the first part of the session so you are around if they need you. Though in our experience once the activity begins most children are engrossed and mums and dads are happy to leave. Some parents choose to wait for the whole duration of a class (usually about an hour and a half), if that's your preference you are very welcome to have a cuppa in our excellent cafe!

"My child is younger than the minimum age can they still attend?"

The minimum age is a guide for parents to assess the suitability of the individual workshop or class for their child. In some instances your child may be a year below the minimum age but very confident and able, in which case we are happy for them to attend. Give us a call if you're not sure.

"What happens at lunch time?"

A day workshop starts at 10am and ends at 4pm, there is usually a morning and afternoon break, with about 45 mins for lunch. Please ensure you furnish your child with a packed lunch, and plenty to drink.

"Does Prema have a code of conduct?"

Prema's workshops are an exciting, creative opportunity for young people. We ask all of our workshop participants to adhere to a code of behaviour to ensure the safety and happiness of others. Any child behaving inappropriately or putting the safety of others at risk will be required to leave the session.

"The workshop sounds great, can I come too?"

Yes if it's a parent and toddler session or a family event. But no if it's kids only as you may not be CRB checked.

"Has everyone been CRB checked?"

Yes. All the staff at Prema and anyone running or helping on a kids' workshop or course have been CRB checked.

"My child has individual needs, is that ok?"

Our building and all our courses and workshops are fully accessible. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements prior to your visit.

"Why do you want to take pictures of the workshop?"

It's great to have an archive of what's been happening. From time to time we like to update the pictures on our website, or we need images to promote similar future events at Prema in the press, in our printed programme or in the building. On occasion professional photographers from the local press may come to Prema to take pictures that may be used in their publications to advertise Prema and the activities it promotes. You'll be given the opportunity of opting-out if you would prefer that your child is not in any picture - this is one of the sections on our registration form for kids' workshops and classes.

"Do you have any workshops for under 5s?"

Yes, we try to regularly offer something for our youngest audience members. These are always for parent and child. Sadly, we don't run anything for under fives without their grown-up in tow.

"The course looks great but I just can't afford it..."

That's no problem. If we can we'd really like to help you find an easier payment solution. We'd hate to think that the price gets in the way, we are always happy to figure out a solution.

 

   

Prema is a family friendly Arts Centre, promoting performance, live music and art exhibitions as well as accessible workshops, classes and creative experiences for kids and adults.

Prema, near Dursley in the Stroud valleys, offers an affordable day out for all folk in the South West.

Become a Friend of Prema!Donate to Prema Now!