Running Your Theater: sex offender policy?

sex offender policy?

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Category: Theater Administration
Forum Name: Running Your Theater
Forum Discription: General questions about how to make it work
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2464
Printed Date: 11/22/24 at 12:48pm
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Topic: sex offender policy?

Posted By: 75director
Subject: sex offender policy?
Date Posted: 6/21/07 at 11:40am

We're looking for some guideance regarding an issue we're facing for the first time.

We found out that a new actor who was just in a production is listed on a sex offender registry. The show is closed now, and nothing happened, in fact he really kept to himself the whole process.

Our concern now is, do we allow him to volunteer again in the future? If not, are we obligated to tell him why he's not being cast? What about anyone else in the future? Do we need to create a policy saying if someone is on a sex offender registry they can't do anything with the organization, or do you limit it to just working with youth?

It seems to me we obvisouly need to create some kind of policy on this topic, but the dynamics of that policy are a bit beyond me at the moment.

What are other theatres doing in regard to this sort of thing? I've spoken to a couple of other theatres and non-profits in my neck of the woods and they are all looking at modifying or creating policies on this topic right now too.

Any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated!!

Replies:

Posted By: biggertigger
Date Posted: 6/21/07 at 9:29pm

This is a huge topic that seems to be popping up everywhere now a days. Unfortunately this is a legal issue that can only be handled by lawyers. I would work with your theater lawyers on this one. They will research your local ordance on this issue, (are the required to remain so far from certain areas? Is he in violation of his parole or other laws, etc.)

Another issue is asking the question on audition/worker applications. Can you legally do this, will the person be honest about it, can I research their names on the internet (here in New York we have a sex offender registry and can look at who is registered in our area).

Just a side note, every theater company (or what ever you want to call yourselves) should have an attorney readily available for them. Some of these lawyers may offer their services for free (pro bono) or at a reduced rate. This is important for looking at legal issues like this, creating polices and just being on retainer for any injuries or other issues.

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The two greatest days in a theater persons life, the day you start a new show and the day the damn thing closes.

Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 7/17/07 at 4:46pm

I work in Corrections in Ohio. I'm a Case Manager at a corrections/treatment facility and deal with these offenders on a daily basis. As was mentioned above most every state has a sex offender website where you can look up a name or most sites put in an address and see who is near.

http://www.familywatchdog.us - http://www.familywatchdog.us

This is a good site to check offender status. Most state Attorney General sites will have a sex offender link as well.

I understand the need to ensure the saftey of the group but I would be remiss in my personal ethics if I did not warn not to paint all of these people with the same brush. Check the victims status on the web site is the person a predator or was he 19 sleeping with his 16 year old girlfriend (I know its still wrong but there is a world of difference in the mindset of the offender).

You have to be comfortable with your cast. If you are worried check the sites ahead of casting. Be careful dropping someone from the cast if you dont have a written policy ahead of time.

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Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

Posted By: 75director
Date Posted: 8/01/07 at 12:08pm

Just wanted to update on how we've dealt with this issue. Our board adopted the following policy, additionally we added background checks into our hiring policies for the staff.

4.1.7. Disqualification/Restriction of Sexual Offenders from Volunteering

Community Players seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for all volunteers and employees. Therefore, the organization has the right to disqualify, or limit participation from individuals found to have been convicted of any criminal offense which requires placement on any sex offender or sexual abuse registry. This may include barring said individual from organization property, other than as a paying patron to a Community Players production.

An individual affected by this policy may appeal the decision by making a formal request in writing to the President of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee of the Board will conduct a confidential hearing with the requesting individual within two weeks of the request to determine what, if any additional action may be warranted. The Executive Committee will present a recommendation of action to the Board. The decision of the Board of Directors at the conclusion of this appeal process will be considered final.

Community Players reserves the right to bar any person from the theatre premises for any lawful reason.

Posted By: biggertigger
Date Posted: 8/02/07 at 7:16pm

This sounds really good, I am glad you posted it for other people to have some concept of what they may want to ad to their policies.

Just to again plug attorneys, I assume you ran this by one to eleviate any future problems.

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The two greatest days in a theater persons life, the day you start a new show and the day the damn thing closes.