FAQ:

QUESTION: I'm a Director (Professor, Artistic Director), with a theatre group (theatre company, acting class, students, department) of 8 students or more. Can we get a discount?

ANSWER: Yes! If you are a Director, Theatre Professor, Artistic Director of a Theatre Company, etc. and you have a troupe of at least 8 theatre artists, your trip will be fully sponsored. You will act as the director of the project, and will be assigned a DAT Staff Guide to help with the logistics.

 

QUESTION: What is included in the fee?

ANSWER: For a full list of fee's and what's included in each trip please click HERE.

 

QUESTION: Can anyone go? I'm not involved in the theatre, but I want to be a volunteer.

ANSWER: This is a theatre specific program. All artists must be working professionals or students pursuing a degree, a minor degree, or an emphasis in some aspect of the Theatre Arts (you don't have to be an actor) - exceptions may be made for students with an interest in theatre who are not pursuing a degree, but are actively involved in the theatre.

If you want to volunteer at the Quilotoa Community Center in a different capacity, please email Mary at maryk@dramaticadventure.com and perhaps we will be able to work something out.

For a full list of applicant qualifications, please click HERE.

 

QUESTION: We're traveling to 3 different climates! What am I supposed to pack??

ANSWER: Have no fear, our traveling artists have taken a lot of time to compile a complete packing list for you. These are our suggestions after many trips, including one to all of the locations you're headed. Click HERE for the PACKING LIST.

 

QUESTION: What about Travelers Insurance?

ANSWER: Great question and something we think is very important when you're traveling. Each student (and staff member) will be equipped with travelers insurance for the whole time they are in Ecuador. Our insurance company of choice is World Nomads.

 

QUESTION: Are there chaperones?

ANWER: There are NOT chaperons on this trip. Although, each team of 8 students will have a Director who will direct and coach their monologue/scene work. They will also be assigned a Guide who will coordinate their travel and attend to the logistics.

The Director and Guide will serve as a leader and confidant for each of the artists. They will take the students out on their excursions and will participate in the work and play. In an emergency situation, the Guide will handle all necessary arrangements.

That said, we are not simply tourists, we're also here to work and all artists will be expected to behave as such. DAT expects all the emerging artists to present themselves, their country, and our company with the utmost respect, openness, and sensitivity.

 

QUESTION: Where do the emerging artists stay?

ANSWER: The artists and their guides will stay in a variety of different hotels and hostals throughout Ecuador, ranging from fairly luxurious to downright roughin' it. From a top notch Eco-lodge in the Amazon to a rustic cabin high in the Andes. Each artist will receive an itinerary in advance and will be free to share that information with friends and family.

 

QUESTION: Is it safe to travel in Ecuador?

ANSWER: YES. Most of the places that we are visiting are relaxed, small towns with a very friendly atmosphere. Our biggest concern is Quito. Visiting Quito is as dangerous as visiting any new city. It's important to be street smart and alert at all times. Our director and guides will be there to encourage appropriate behavior, but it's important for each artist to take responsibiity for their own actions and to heed the advice of their director and guides. Here are a few just-in-case-senarios that the students should be prepared for.
- Always keep your passport on you while traveling. Buses are occasionally stopped when passing province boarders, and you'll just need to show ID and you'll be fine.
- Keep your personal belongings safe at all times. We recommend a small lock for your backpack zipper, and your around-town pack should not have lots of tiny compartments or a lot of expensive things in them.
- As a tourist, you're a target. The simple fact that you're there means you have more money than most of the locals. Don't flaunt your riches, and keep belongings on inside pockets.
- Quito is the most dangerous place you'll be during the trip. Keep your eyes open and play it smart. I would not walk around with an ipod on, my camera in hand, and a wallet in my back pocket in this city, you'll lose them all. Pickpocketing is a major problem in Quito.

For more info, check the U.S. Department of State (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1106.html) for current Ecuadorian Travel Advisories, and please feel free to do your own research. If you would like to share an important safety or travel tip, e-mail Mary at maryk@dramaticadventure.com and we'll be sure to pass that information along.

We will be briefing all artists on TRAVEL SAFETY prior to and upon arrival in Ecuador.

 

QUESTION: Is Dramatic Adventure a Non-Profit Company?

ANSWER: YES! We are currently in process for 501(c)3, non-profit status. Our organization is also currently under a Non-Profit umbrella group called The Field. We encourage you to use our non-profit status as a way to raise funds.

Please check out the fundraising page for some of our great ideas for fundraising, and we'd love to hear creative ideas of your own. You'll also find how to submit a non-profit donation.

 

QUESTION: All the trips seem so amazing! How do I choose just one?

ANSWER: All of the trips are amazing, and they're also really unique. If you're having trouble deciding, and money's not an issue, take a moment, sit down and think about these 3 locations. Each of them offers a very different experience and will impact you in a different way.

What type of experience do you want to have? What kind of people do you want to work with?

~Esmeraldas is home to a huge Afro-Ecuadorian community. They have music and food and life that can be found no where else in the world. This is also the only place where you'll have the opportunity to work with a professional theatre company, Teatro La Catanga.

~La Selva is a truly amazing experience as well. The Quechuan people you meet there will be nothing like those you worked with in Quilotoa. This trip includes adventurous hikes through the jungle, a lot of nature, possible pirana fishing, kayaking and night excursions with expert jungle guides. You're work will be in the El Pilche Community where you will play with the students as well as working in the Medical Clinic (possibly with a doctor, depending on your group) and helping the WMN Foundation make this community stronger for its inhabitants.

~Galapagos is like no where else on the planet. You will undoubtedly see things you've never seen and will never see anywhere else. Your work will take you to two different schools on the Isla San Christobal, and your excursions will take you to a new level of natural and self-discovery.

 

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Mary at maryk@dramaticadventure.com.