Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: handbook/code of conduct

At the first read thru we had out an "Actor Expectaction" sheet that explains all the rules of doing a show at our theatre. Sorry for how long this post will read, but here's what we give our cast:

Cast Expectations

To ensure a fun and successful production for everyone involved, I agree to abide by the following expectations:

· will arrive on time for all rehearsals and performances, this means being ready to begin at the time indicated on the rehearsal schedule, not walking in the door at that time. If I will be late I will call the director at least half an hour ahead of time.

· provide the director with as complete a list of conflicts as possible at the beginning of the rehearsal period.

· will come to all rehearsals with something to write with.

· will have lines learned by off-book rehearsals. Of course lines will not be perfect, but won’t be calling “line” on every sentence.

· it is the actor’s job to act. It is the director’s job to direct. Therefore, actors should not tell other actors how to act or what to do with their characters. If I have an idea for someone else’s character I will tell the director and let them tell that actor.

· mice are not nice. I will clean-up any food brought to the theatre, and help keep the Green Room clean.

· return any rented materials (costumes, scores, etc.) in good condition.

· will consult the director before making any drastic changes in my physical appearance. (i.e. hair color/length, piercing, etc.)

· all rehearsals except final dress are “closed”. Therefore, I will not invite guests to a rehearsal unless I have cleared it with the director in advance.

· be here for all rehearsals during tech week, with no exceptions. I will make arrangements and cancel other plans to be here during this important week of rehearsals.

· the use of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated during rehearsals or performances.

· will turn off and refrain from using cellular phones during rehearsals, I will wait to check messages and place calls when the company is on break, so as not to be a distraction to the other performers who are rehearsing.

· conduct myself in an appropriately professional manner.

· will treat all theatre volunteers and staff with respect.

· participate in strike following the final performance.

· have fun!

If I fail to meet these expectations, for the good of the other actors in the company, I should and will turn in my script and leave the production.

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I think that you wouldn't need a code of conduct for anyone if they just "behaved" properly. But, they don't, ergo the code. I'll add the list of etiquette items I've compiled for actors who come to my theater, or for actors in general. I can't think of anything else to add right now, but I'm open to suggestions!! Wink

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Author	Message
Nanette Celebrity Joined: 8/01/06 Online Status: Offline Posts: 399	Topic: handbook/code of conduct Posted: 10/10/07 at 10:01am
	Any theatres out there with a handbook on expectations/consequences of the cast/crew?! (EG: Off book, behavior, make-up, costumes, etc.) We have a situation involving an actor being hung over at a performance. (Nice, eh?!) We just found out ... show's closed ... calling the parents today ... getting something worked up REALLY fast for future productions ... We would like to see what other troupes have in place already before we reinvent the wheel. Thanks!
	In a world of margarine, be butter!

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75director Celebrity Joined: 8/19/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 122	Posted: 10/10/07 at 11:43am
	At the first read thru we had out an "Actor Expectaction" sheet that explains all the rules of doing a show at our theatre. Sorry for how long this post will read, but here's what we give our cast: Cast Expectations To ensure a fun and successful production for everyone involved, I agree to abide by the following expectations: · will arrive on time for all rehearsals and performances, this means being ready to begin at the time indicated on the rehearsal schedule, not walking in the door at that time. If I will be late I will call the director at least half an hour ahead of time. · provide the director with as complete a list of conflicts as possible at the beginning of the rehearsal period. · will come to all rehearsals with something to write with. · will have lines learned by off-book rehearsals. Of course lines will not be perfect, but won’t be calling “line” on every sentence. · it is the actor’s job to act. It is the director’s job to direct. Therefore, actors should not tell other actors how to act or what to do with their characters. If I have an idea for someone else’s character I will tell the director and let them tell that actor. · mice are not nice. I will clean-up any food brought to the theatre, and help keep the Green Room clean. · return any rented materials (costumes, scores, etc.) in good condition. · will consult the director before making any drastic changes in my physical appearance. (i.e. hair color/length, piercing, etc.) · all rehearsals except final dress are “closed”. Therefore, I will not invite guests to a rehearsal unless I have cleared it with the director in advance. · be here for all rehearsals during tech week, with no exceptions. I will make arrangements and cancel other plans to be here during this important week of rehearsals. · the use of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated during rehearsals or performances. · will turn off and refrain from using cellular phones during rehearsals, I will wait to check messages and place calls when the company is on break, so as not to be a distraction to the other performers who are rehearsing. · conduct myself in an appropriately professional manner. · will treat all theatre volunteers and staff with respect. · participate in strike following the final performance. · have fun! If I fail to meet these expectations, for the good of the other actors in the company, I should and will turn in my script and leave the production.
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Nanette Celebrity Joined: 8/01/06 Online Status: Offline Posts: 399	Posted: 10/10/07 at 12:01pm
	Thank you, 75director. We have a Code of Conduct in place, but it doesn't cover the problem we have encountered. It's great to be able to see other "agreements" and note what is the same and what we might need to add.
	In a world of margarine, be butter!
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theactordavid Lead Joined: 5/29/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 44	Posted: 11/23/07 at 9:39am
	I think that you wouldn't need a code of conduct for anyone if they just "behaved" properly. But, they don't, ergo the code. I'll add the list of etiquette items I've compiled for actors who come to my theater, or for actors in general. I can't think of anything else to add right now, but I'm open to suggestions!!
	IP Logged

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Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Other Topics

Topic: handbook/code of conduct( Topic Closed)