When

Wednesday June 22, 2016 at 8:00 AM EDT
-to-
Saturday July 2, 2016 at 9:00 PM EDT
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Where

Cortona, Italy

 

Why Cortona, Italy?

Ken studied in Cortona while at UGA, and really connected with the town.  The warmth of the people and the vibrant tranquility of the village has always stayed with him, and has called him back for a few visits over the years.  He has maintained friendships with locals and those friendships can now benefit you as some of Ken's friends will help host us and make our stay in Tuscany more enjoyable.

Contact

Ken Feinberg
Creative Studios of Atlanta
678-481-8191
ken@csatl.com

FAQ:

Q.  Do I need to speak Italian to go on this trip?

A.  No.  All excursions will be conducted in English, and our guides on all excursions  can also act as interpreters as needed.  When not with the CSA group, the hotel staff & local Italians are friendly and will usually be able to help you with directions or whatever else you may need; using laughter & lots of mimicry.  Be open to the next adventure that awaits you.

 

Q.  Is there a payment plan for this program, or do I need to pay everything when I register?

A.  If needed, you can make payments in 4 installments.  If you pay when you register, you can elect to pay with a credit card via PayPal, with cash, with a check, or with a cashiers check.  If you elect to make payments, you need to submit post-dated checks with your "Companion Enrollement & Travel Agreement" as outlined in the agreement.

 

Q.  I can't find the "CompanionEnrollment & Travel Agreement" that I need to fill out & send in to complete my registration.  How can I get one?

A.  Easy.  Either search your email for the confirmation email you received after registration & follow the link OR, if that doesnt work, email accounting@csatl.com and a PDF will be emailed to you.  After that, print it, fill it out, and mail to Creative Studios of Atlanta; 274 North Main Street, Studio A; Alpharetta, GA 30009

 

Q.  How many companions can one actor bring to the program who does not want to take the acting intensive?

A.  Non-participating companions are welcome to join their actor on this adventure and a minimum of 1 is required for participants who are younger than 18 years old.  We don't have a limit on the number of companions an actor can bring because we don't know how big your immediate family is, and we want this to be an option for a family work-study-vacation.

 

Q.  Will my actor & I stay in the same room?

A.  All rooms are based upon double occupancy, so we will place Actor & their companion(s) in the same room.  If your family needs a room that accomodates more than 2 people, please email accounting@csatl.com to get specific rates for your family.  

 

Q.  Can my actor and I come earlier, or stay longer if we want to travel in Italy or Europe before or after the intensive?  

A.  Yes.  Since the flight is not included, you can do whatever you want.  Monday, June 13 is a travel day.  The program in Cortona begins with our "Welcome Wine Reception"  on Tuesday, June 14, 2016.  You may arrive and/or leave on your own via the Venice airport or another location via bus, car, or train & bus (the train does not arrive directly in Cortona).  Florence, the city from which the group transport departs from; is beautiful, rich in art and history, and is worth exploring.  A common comment made by participants who did not spend time in Florence is that they wish they had arrived a bit early and spent time there.

 

Q.  Do we have to meet you at the airport in Florence, or can we meet you in Cortona?  Likewise, do we have to go to Florence with the group after the retreat ends?

A.  You do not need to meet us at the airport, nor do you need to return to the Florence airport from Cortona; but there is only 1 group transportation provided, and that is to/from the airport.  Any travel not desribed in the inclusions is not part of the cost of the program, and would be the participants responsibility.  In the past, there have been a few late flights, and the group transportation can't wait, so we do suggest arriving in Florence early in the morning, or a day early to avoid missing the group transport.  A bus from the heart of Florence to the airport is currently 6E, and a taxi is 20E.

 

Q.  What happens if I miss the group transport to Cortona?

A.  You will receive specific instructions at the orientation outlining how to arrive in Cortona on your own via taxi, bus, and/or train and the fees involved for each mode of transportation.  Also, at the orientation, you will be asked to sign a form indicating if you would like a CSA representative to wait for you in Florence & accompany you to Cortona with the understanding that you would be responsible for all fees incurred for their food/transportation/lodging, or if you would feel comfortable arranging your own transportation without the help of a CSA representative if you miss the group transportation.

 

Q.  Can I alter any part of the package?

A.  The package is a group package and the prices have been discounted to a group rate; however; you may elect not eat the group meals and/or to not attend any or all of the group excursions if you choose.  

 

Q.  Do I have to spend every moment with my actor?

A.  No.  Class time & shoot times are your own to do with whatever you wish.  If our actor is < 18 years old, we simply ask that you drop your actor off at all sessions and arrive to pick them up 15 minutes before the session is over.

 

Q.  If I have food allergies, can you accomodate my needs?

A.  If you notify us well in advance of any food allergies, we will do our best to accomodate your needs while offering the best variety we can in the meals you will eat.  Tuscn food is world renowned for their fresh ingredients and amazing flavors.  Please, be considerate of our hosts & their culture and introduce yourself to the wonder of Tuscan cooking.  We appreciate you limiting your special requests to true food allergies.

 

Q.  Why are all breakfasts included, but lunches & dinners aren't?  Why didn't you make it "All-Inclusive"?

A.  Like the rest of Tuscany, and Italy for that matter, the food is phenomenal and we feel that you should be able to experience multiple venues of your choice in addition to the food we provide to you.  We also believe that you need time for yourself that is not group time; and these times are a wonderful opportunites to explore the area and do some personal refelction.  In this way, you are free to choose when you eat, when you explore, and when you relax.  The actors lunches are included becasue they are working lunches that will be eaten as a group.