Frequently Asked Questions

 

What does the registration include? 

 

The registration includes admittance to all scheduled workshops, including the studio tour and transportation to Cinespace Studios Chicago, select meals and activities. 

 

Does the registration include hotel accommodations? 

 

The registration fee does NOT include accommodations. Please check the website for hotel recommendations.

 

Are participants required to stay at the recommended  hotels? 

 

You are not required to stay at the recommended hotels, but you may find they add convenience to connecting with provided transportation.

 

Is full payment required upfront? 

 

Full payment is required upfront. Take advantage of early bird pricing for a generous discount.

 

What is your refund policy?

 

Sounds Like Joy Writers’ Retreat rates are in USD per person. After successful payment of the single payment, you will receive a confirmation email. 

Payments are accepted in USD through the website. 

 

 

What if I need to cancel?

 

If you cancel your retreat reservation, Sounds Like Joy Productions does not offer refunds for any reason. A portion of your payment, or deposit payment, may be used as credit for another Sounds Like Joy retreat at a future date or toward online courses. The total dollar amount of the credit will be applied to current rates at the time of rebooking. 

We will gladly transfer your credit to the name another person upon your arrangement of that transfer in writing.

Depending on when you cancel, cancellation penalties may apply based on the following schedule:

• If you cancel more than 90 days before your Sounds Like Joy retreat package start date, 100% of your payment may be applied to another Retreat.
• If you cancel 60 – 89 days before your Sounds Like Joy retreat package start date, 75% of your payment may be applied to another Retreat. You will forfeit 25% of the price of your retreat.
• If you cancel 15 – 59 days before your Sounds Like Joy retreat package start date, 40% of your payment may be applied to another Retreat. You will forfeit 60% of the price of your retreat.
• If you cancel 14 days or less before your Sounds Like Joy retreat start date, you will forfeit your entire payment. 

Please note any credit amount from a cancellation will be applied to the retreat’s current rate at time of rebooking.

Exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason. We do not offer credit for guests arriving late or leaving early on your booked Sounds Like Joy Writers’ Retreat. You must submit your signed Participant Agreement form within one week of booking or 90 days before the retreat start date, whichever comes first. Guests who fail to do so may be subject to an automatic cancellation and the above policy will apply.

While Sounds Like Joy Productions or its subsidiaries has never canceled a retreat to date, if we (Sounds Like Joy Productions) must cancel a booked retreat date for any reason, you may transfer your full retreat payment to a future retreat date, or you may request a full refund of your payment to us constituting a full settlement. Note: Lodging fees are NOT included in any Sounds Like Joy Writers’ Retreat. Cancellations of lodging arrangements must be handled separately through booking organization.

Sounds Like Joy Productions is not responsible for your expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled retreat, such as airline tickets, loss of work, and/or other costs associated with preparing for your trip.

 

What should I wear?

 

Business casual dress is highly suggested. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the studio tour. 

Do I need a completed script to attend?

 

You do not need a completed script, screenplay, or book to attend.

Are there any age restrictions?

 

The Sounds Like Joy Writers’ Retreat welcomes writers of all ages. Anyone younger than 16 years old must accompanied by an adult chaperone.