Thread: How to phrase it so that they know it's not free...

I'm trying to put on a workshop for my sorority's alumni association sometime this fall. It will be a one-off super-basics-beginner type class, both for the purposes of introducing them to dance and for alum bonding.

I had initially sent out an announcement for my class on the alum email list, and got a response from the alum association president asking if I'd be interested in doing a workshop. I definitely am, but I want to make sure that I (tactfully) make it clear that they need to pay for the studio rental, and that it would be nice if there was a suggested donation. I know that they've done yoga workshops in the past, but that was held at a big gym, which was using the event partially as a promo for itself. Thus, I'm really not sure if the yoga instructor was paid, or how it was worked out with the facility.

She initially asked if I had a studio myself, so my thoughts in terms of phrasing it were explaining to her how most dancers rent studios by the hour and that the rent varies depending on room size. After that, I would say something along the lines of "A small donation from participants should cover the cost of the studio rental and the lesson."

Thoughts on this? Any better ways to phrase it? It's always so awkward to gracefully bring up money in these sorts of situation.

I wouldn't beat around the bush about it or feel like you need to explain yourself at all:

"I'd love to offer a workshop for the association! The cost for an X-hour workshop would be $XX per participant for a group of up to X. Let's work out a date as soon as possible so that I can rent studio space for the event."

Originally Posted by GenevieveOfAtlanta

I wouldn't beat around the bush about it or feel like you need to explain yourself at all:

"I'd love to offer a workshop for the association! The cost for an X-hour workshop would be per participant for a group of up to X. Let's work out a date as soon as possible so that I can rent studio space for the event."

This.

Originally Posted by GenevieveOfAtlanta

I wouldn't beat around the bush about it or feel like you need to explain yourself at all:

"I'd love to offer a workshop for the association! The cost for an X-hour workshop would be per participant for a group of up to X. Let's work out a date as soon as possible so that I can rent studio space for the event."

I thank you immensely for filling in for my brain while it was absent and couldn't think of anything ..l;,

Absolutely perfect! Exactly what I was trying to come up with

Originally Posted by najla86

I thank you immensely for filling in for my brain while it was absent and couldn't think of anything ..l;,

Absolutely perfect! Exactly what I was trying to come up with

You're welcome! ..l;, Let us know how it goes--sounds like a fun gig!

"... doing a workshop sounds wonderful! What kind of budget are you working with? Let's set up a meeting so we can discuss the details of the event. I look forward to seeing and speaking with you in person.

Yours, (sincerely, whatever)

So-and-So"

looks good- also, if that number is a discounted rate or if you are willing to offer a discount from this rate, make that clear as well.

Originally Posted by Lara L

looks good- also, if that number is a discounted rate or if you are willing to offer a discount from this rate, make that clear as well.

ah, sage advice