Is this normal for a School Nativity play?

[BoysBoysBoysAndMe]

Had a letter home today from the School to say the Receptions' Nativity will be on X day, maximum of 2 tickets per child, £2 per ticket?

I have to pay to see my DS1 in his Nativity? [shocked]

Not only that, but no cameras, phone cameras or camcorders are allowed to be used. If we want a picture of him as a King they will take the photo and I have to pay £1 for it!

Now, before I'm flamed, I'm going to pay. It is only £5 for the lot and it's for School Funds, which I understand. But couldn't they have just asked for a contribution on the day?

Is it normal practice? AIBU? I know I sound like a skinflint - I'm not

[southeastastra]

yes

[LingDiLong]

Yes, all totally normal.

[troisgarcons]

yes....

[Sirzy]

I don't think that's to unreasonable.

If any parent refuses to let there child be photographed then the school generally bans all but official pics where they can make sure that child isn't included. It would have been nice of the school to give that pic for free but at least they aren't charging an extortionate amount

[AnonyMaw]

Ours is free, I've been to 3 so far, 2 at school and one at nursery, and they were all free. I think they all had rules about photography, at nursery we all had to wait until the end then could take our own photos, school I think it's no photography but you can buy the 'official' DVD.

[bluerodeo]

I think it's grabby. Fair enough for the photo ( our PTA have considered doing this) but not for tickets. Captive audience and all of that

[slartybartfast]

we have never had to pay, for anything and filming is allowed, with the promise it is not put on the net.

[PontyMython]

Our tickets are free (2 tickets per child) and they are having a free crèche as little ones aren't allowed in. There are 4 performances and each year gets tickets for an allocated show, as the hall is small. They have a ticket-swap meeting.

They are also having 'dress rehearsals' where other relatives can pay to watch, and younger siblings are allowed there.

Seems like a fair compromise to me :)

No idea about camera rules though.

[workshy]

we have to pay and it's limited or the hall gets over crowded

you also can't take pushchairs in

and very strict about the no photo thing

[slartybartfast]

a donation at the end for a cause is more usual.

[Sparklingbrook]

Yes-and there will probably be raffle tickets and teas and mince pies after too. Take your purse!

(But enjoy and savour it because one day, like me you won't have a nativity to go and see because they are too old now)

[FunnysInTheGarden]

no, not normal.

[tiredteddy]

Never heard of that before ! I have heard of the no cameras rule but never heard if paying for nativity play tickets or photos before.

[snowmummy]

Ours is free but tickets are limited and yes, cameras not allowed. The fund raising gets expensive!

[Sparklingbrook]

Cameras not allowed so they can flog you the DVD in January.

[troisgarcons]

School funding is reduced ..... LAs are cutting back .... I cant reacall anything I've been to lately where I havent been required to make over my pay cheque buy a ticket, over priced cakes, coffee, provide the costume and have 2 hours sucked out of my evening AND make a donation to the local hospice.

[swallowedAfly]

free here. so not normal and other children in the family whose plays i've been to have always been free too (couple of different schools).

so, no, not normal to my experience.

[FFSEnid]

We pay for tickets, and photos and dvds. Its a VA school though so money has to come from somewhere.

[ChocHobNob]

Absolutely the same here. £2 a ticket. No photos/ video cameras and they sell a DVD. I don't mind as it's raising funds for the school

[Beamur]

No charges at DD's school and no restrictions on photos either (unless there are and I just don't know about them)
That seems really tight to charge like that.

[rushofbloodtothefeet]

Free here, but limited to 2 tickets. Pre-schoolers only allowed at dress-rehersal (and don't need tickets). No mention of cameras.

[BoysBoysBoysAndMe]

Now, I wouldn't mind paying for a DVD!

I might even suggest it to the Teacher!

[Dee03]

£4 per ticket here but they are using the local theatre.....