Let’s Talk: Studio Talent Collective Blog

Don't Wait! Your Re-Enrolment Process Starts Now

Every year around this time, I’m reminded of a conversation I had with a parent in my early Studio Owner days.

It was late November. Concert week chaos. I was tired, buzzing, and running on caffeine and adrenaline. A long-time dance mum stopped me at the front desk and said,
“Hey Jo, we’re just deciding what activities we are keeping next year. Do you know when we re-enrol?”

And my stomach dropped because the truth was…
I hadn’t planned any of it.

No deadlines.
No incentives.
No communication.
Nothing ready to go.

I smiled and said, “Yes, I’ll send it out soon!”
But inside I thought: Oh no… I’m already late.

The next year, I changed everything and I’ve never waited again.

Because here’s what most performing arts Studio Owners don’t realise:

Your families and students make their decisions before January.
If you’re not in their mind now, you’re already behind.

Why Re-Enrolment Starts Now

Term 4 isn’t just “wrap up the year” mode - it’s decision-making season.

Parents and students are:
• Reviewing their schedules
• Comparing activities
• Talking with kids about what stays and what goes
• Budgeting for the year ahead

If you wait until next year to communicate, the decision has been made without you.

Beginning the re-enrolment process now means:
✔ You keep more of the students you already have
✔ You reduce the enrolment dip in January
✔ You stabilise cash flow early
✔ You avoid the stress of chasing numbers later

This is retention, leadership, and smart business. Not pressure.

1. Lock In Your Current Students First

The goal for Term 4 is simple:
Make staying the easiest, fastest, most obvious choice.

This means offering:
• Early bird re-enrolment windows
• Priority booking
• Small incentives such as:

- First pick of classes
- Access to loyalty perks
- A small gift or surprise
- Discounted registration fees

You’re rewarding commitment and they love it.

2. The “Come Back To Us” Campaign

Not everyone leaves because they’re unhappy. Sometimes life gets busy. Schedules change or kids simply try something new.

A thoughtful, “We’d love to have you back” message works wonders, especially when you include:
• A warm personal note
• What’s new in the studio next year
• An easy way to rejoin
• A short-term incentive (e.g. waived fees or a 1 Month Free Class Pass). 

People return when they feel seen and unfortunately, most Studio Owners never take the time to do this.

3. THEN You Open to the Public

Once your current and past students have had first access, then you open up spots to new families.

This sequence matters.
It protects your retention and helps you launch into the new year with confidence, clarity and solid numbers.

By the time your Open Day arrives, you’re not starting from zero! You’re building on a strong foundation.

The Truth Most Studio Owners Learn Too Late…

Re-enrolment is not a January job. It’s a now job.

And when you show up early, clear, and organised, everything becomes easier:
✔ Your team knows the plan
✔ Parents feel supported
✔ Students feel excited
✔ Your numbers stabilise
✔ You step into the new year with less pressure
✔ Your studio feels in control, because you are

I learned this lesson the hard way.
But you don’t have to.

Start now.
Future you will thank you.

If you begin planting these seeds now, your re enrolment season won’t feel like a scramble... it’ll feel like leadership. Calm, intentional, and strategic.

🎧 If you want your next enrolment season to feel smoother, stronger and more predictable, take what resonates from the lessons in episode #223 of STUDIO TALENT COLLECTIVE ~ the podcast, titled "Don’t Wait! Your Re Enrolment Process Starts Now."

CLICK HERE to listen.

x Josephine