Waterford High School
WATERFORDrama Student Handbook 2019-2020 School Year
WATERFORDrama VISION The WATERFORDrama program (WD) is an extra-curricular organization focused upon improving students’ acting and technical theatre skills and promoting appreciation for the theatre and its conventions.
MISSION STATEMENT Though hard work, taking risks, trusting ourselves and others, and working as a team, we strive to provide our school and community with professional and high quality theatrical productions while having fun and learning about our craft.
WD supports all aspects of the theatre arts from acting, to stage management, lighting, sound, costumes, make-up, and hair. WD endeavors to provide students with an authentic experience in the theatre arts that will allow interested participants to transition into academic or recreational theatre studies. WD operates on a standard based upon discipline and focus, as well as a strong work ethic. WD recognizes innate talent in the various theatre arts and has a strong commitment to nurturing new talents. Students are also encouraged to become involved in different aspects of theatre within their four years at WHS, including acting, stage management, technical design, and technical running crews. WD produces up to three major productions per year, and as many as two smaller productions, including The Spotlight Cabaret and SHOWCASE. WD alumni have been accepted to and attended some of the finest academic Theatre Arts programs for acting, musical theatre, theatre studies, broadcast journalism and technical theatre including: Emerson College, NYU, Ithaca College, Smith College, Vassar College, Marymount Manhattan College, the University of Connecticut, Fordham University, Hofstra University, the University of Hartford, Pace University, Northeastern University, Western CT State University, SUNY Purchase, Manhattanville College, Marist College, and Skidmore College. In addition, highly educated and talented students who have participated in WD have gone on to study at Yale University, the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Tufts University, Brandeis University, Wheaton College, Connecticut College, and Clemson University.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT AUDITIONS AND CASTING CASTING IS NOT EASY. It involves the most crucial decisions a Director makes during the production process. The following areas are used during the process of evaluation: performance qualities, attitude, willing to take direction, ability to work with others and desire to commit to the project. All auditions and casting decisions are made by the production Director. Each year, plays are selected based on how they contribute to a varied WD repertoire; suitability for the student body; educational value and challenge; technical opportunities; licensing costs; and production costs. Every effort is made to select plays so that many students have opportunities. ALL students are enthusiastically encouraged to audition for any show they can, as we believe that the process of auditioning is an achievement in and of itself – regardless of the casting outcome. That said, auditioning is – by its very nature – a subjective process, insofar as the Director is interpreting a piece of dramatic literature and then choosing actors to realize that interpretation. Directors are casting an entire show out of a relatively limited casting pool – so that each actor is considered in light of what he/she can add to the production as a whole. Seniority is not a driving force in the casting process. The student who possesses the most potential for a given role will receive the part. This often leads to disgruntled students and at times even disgruntled parents. Any disagreement or anger will not serve the production. Once begun, all work must serve the demands of the play and ensure a high quality production worthy of WATERFORDrama’s tradition of excellence. Auditioning can be an incredibly stressful process for students who are basically putting themselves “out there” to be publicly evaluated. Auditioning can also be a stressful process for parents who ultimately have to contend with the aftermath of an audition in which the student actor does not receive a part or the part that he/she wanted. Auditioning is not for the faint of heart – and the WD staff believes that each and every student who auditions is to be commended and valued for his/her willingness to prepare an audition. Regardless of the outcome of your audition, you are given that rare opportunity to practice persistence; learn about grace and humility; and set goals for the future. Casting decisions are final: however, a student is welcome to schedule an appointment to meet with the Director to discuss the particulars of his/her audition. NOTE TO PARENTS - Please remember that the way parents respond to student disappointment (or elation) often has a tremendous influence on how the student processes the experience.
CODE OF CONDUCT for REHEARSALS AND PRODUCTION These rules of etiquette are modified from the Actor’s Equity contract and are in place in all professional, regional and collegiate theatres. Most are just common sense…some are theatre specific. Every WD member and his/her parents should become familiar with these guidelines as they are our standard operating procedure.
AD LIBS & CHANGES TO THE SCRIPT The answer to the perennial question of “do we have to say the EXACT words in the script?” is an absolute “YES.” Also, as the performances wear on, you may feel that you understand the character better than the playwright or that your ad libs are funnier or better. You don’t! They aren’t! So quit making up lines.
ATTENDANCE Rehearsals and performances are mandatory. All potential rehearsal conflicts should be made aware to the Director at auditions. Any request for an exemption from a scheduled rehearsal must be submitted in writing and approved by the Director two weeks in advance of the conflicting date, except in emergencies. Work is not an acceptable excuse for missing rehearsals on as regular basis. Our schedule is announced far enough in advance to avoid conflicts. Parents, please make every effort to make regular doctor’s appointments around the theatre schedule whenever possible. If a student misses more than one rehearsal for any unexcused reason, the Director reserves the right to dismiss the student from the show. -
Excused Absences – Sick and not in school, early dismissal by the school nurse, death in the family, religious holiday, extra help with a teacher, making up a test Unexcused Absences – Birthday, work, driving test, homework (time management is important), no transportation, attending a sporting event, etc. Exceptions can sometimes be made for college visits
Rehearsals, for the most part, are from 2:30 – 5:00 PM. We will be starting promptly at 2:30. This means that you should be at rehearsal before 2:30 each day. Please come to rehearsal prepared to work – physically, mentally, and emotionally. PUNCTUALITY Students are expected to arrive to rehearsal or performances on time. Lateness disrupts rehearsal and puts the entire ensemble behind schedule. If your lateness is truly unavoidable, you must contact your Stage Manager AND Director and let them know your expected arrival time.
ILLNESS Please let your Stage Manager AND Director know if you are ill and will not be at rehearsal. If you wake up, are sick and are not coming to school, please try and send an email or call your Stage Manager AND Director by 10:30 AM. FAMILY VACATIONS, TUBA LESSONS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES, THE BIGGEST BIOLOGY TEST OF THE CENTURY, HORSE SHOWS, ONE DIRECTION CONCERTS, etc. The governing principle of rehearsals is that YOU MUST be at all rehearsals that you are scheduled for. Each student receives a rehearsal schedule at the beginning of the rehearsal period. Directors must adhere to that schedule. Every time an actor or technician is absent, the entire schedule for rehearsals can fold like a house of cards. Consequently, each student is expected to be at rehearsal. Conflicts need to be communicated to the Director PRIOR to the first rehearsal and Directors will put forth their best effort to be accommodating. NO REHEARSALS SHOULD BE MISSED DURING SHOW WEEK AND THE WEEK PRECEEDING SHOW WEEK.
ATTITUDE A positive attitude and a strong work ethic are essential to be a part of WATERFORDrama. In theatre your will not always get a lead role and sometimes you will not get any role at all. If you love the theatre and are involved for the right reasons, you will be willing to take any new experience in the theatre and try and gain something from it.
AUDIENCES Sometimes and audience will seem “off” or a show may not be well attended. Please remember that ALL audiences paid the same price to see the show. You have a responsibility to all involved to perform the show as rehearsed and to do your best. If that doesn’t sway you, that lone audience member may be someone important in the business, a member of the press, or a college audition and admission counselor.
BACKSTAGE VISITORS No one besides cast, stage, booth, hair/makeup crew and WD staff should be backstage at ANY time. There should also be no visitors in the Booth.
BACKSTAGE DRAMA Just because we play dramatic characters on the stage does not mean we must portray them offstage as well. Don’t be the stereotypical diva or demanding actor. If you are cast in the play, be gracious and remember that many of your peers might have loved to be in your shoes. If you are appointed a Crew Chief, take pride in your role, but don’t become a tyrannical dictator. If love should bloom while in a show, keep it to yourselves and OUT of the rehearsal or show. If you have a personal struggle, please feel free to let a member of the Drama Staff know and we will do our best to help and support you, but do your best to keep it outside of the rehearsal. Our goals as a theatre company are greater than our individual personas. When you are in a show, the theatre becomes a tiny universe. Remember, it is temporary, and there is a REAL world outside those theatre doors that you need to return to. Enjoy the creative bubble of our theatre world and let it energize you. Be positive and helpful and if all else fails, remember…it’s Nice to be Nice.
CALL TIME The Director or Stage Manager may set ANY reasonable arrival time for any actors or techies in any show. You should welcome your time in the theatre. Get there early; there are many things to do.
CAST PARTIES Cast parties are a tradition after the final performance of a show. It is a time for the cast and crew to celebrate a job well done with food, friends and laughter. Please note that WATERFORDrama does NOT sponsor any cast party except for that of the Spring Musical and therefore Waterford High School is not connected to them. We do not participate in the organizing or the supervising of these parties. The musical cast party is a WHS sanctioned event held in the WHS cafeteria.
CELL PHONES Turn OFF all cell phones or any other noise making electronic devices and leave them on the phone table upon entering the rehearsal or performance space. These items can be picked up only when rehearsal ENDS. Texting or talking on the phone during rehearsal is unacceptable.
COSTUMES Do yourself a favor and NEVER upset a Costumer. Their job is harder than you could ever imagine and they do it simply because they enjoy helping you to look good for the part. -
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It’s not about what you like or don’t like – It’s about what your character would wear. Your opinion on whether you LIKE your costume (or anything you try on) doesn’t matter to the Director or Costumers. No eating in costume – EVER. Clear (regular) water is the only thing you should ever be drinking in costume. Please inform the Costume Staff immediately if there is a problem with your costume (zipper, missing button, rip in fabric, broken shoe, etc.) Please hang up all costume pieces on appropriate hangers AS SOON AS YOU HAVE TIME during rehearsals and shows. Do an inventory of all costume pieces before AND after each rehearsal/show. You are responsible for taking care and keeping track of your costumes. Your assigned gray bin should be used for shoes, socks, tights, hats, accessories and personal items only. Personal jewelry should not be worn without approval from a Costumer. Personal clothing/shoes should not be worn without approval from a Costumer. Actors are usually required to supply their own socks or pantyhose. You should have 2 to 3 pairs for Show Week. Male actors are usually required to supply their own plain white undershirts. You should bring in 2 to 3 for Show Week. They get smelly. It is suggested that female actors invest in their own pair of character shoes. Help other cast members out by: - picking up costume pieces if found on the floor - checking to make sure they look OK (collars down, ties tied, shirts buttoned, etc) - volunteering to help with quick costume changes if you can.
DRESS CODE Wear clothing that is appropriate for rehearsal. No flip flops, or clunky shoes/boots allowed. All people with long hair should have hair ties. Your clothing should never be an excuse for why you cannot participate fully in any rehearsal activity.
EXCUSES WATERFORDrama, or YOUR involvement in WATERFORDrama, should never be used as an excuse for any reason as to why you are not prepared for a class, a test, a project that is due, etc. Learning how to manage your time is an important part of your WD experience.
EXPECTATIONS WATERFORDrama has a Tradition of Excellence and incredibly high standards. Be professional in everything that you do and live up to those standards. By being a part of any show you have been chosen to carry on the Tradition. Take pride in that.
FOOD/DRINK There should not be any food or drink in any areas near make-up or costumes, or areas with props or electrical equipment (dressing room, band room, back hallway, backstage, booth).
HEALTH Each production demands endurance. Get rest, maintain your grades and homework, eat well, stay hydrated, take vitamins, and get some exercise. In order for you to do your job, either as an actor or a techie, you need your body to be at its best.
MAKE-UP & HAIR -
Please come to final rehearsals and shows with a clean face (no make-up, shaven) You may use your own make-up if approved by Make-up Coordinator/Crew Chief Once you have been cast in a show you should not get your hair cut, trimmed or colored without consulting your Director first. Veteran actors should help newer actors learn about make-up Clean up after yourself (throw away sponges, Q-tips, Kleenex, mint wrappers, etc.)
NOTES Getting Notes – Always be gracious, even if you disagree. Feel free to ask the person giving the note if you can speak about it later if you don’t understand the note or disagree with it. Giving Notes – Some people like constructive criticism and others do not. NEVER give another actor or technician a note and NEVER allow yourself to receive notes from another actor or technician. Many well-meaning folks might offer a “suggestion” on how to play a scene to make it “better.” A response could be, “Thanks for your help but I think it’s best we do this kind of thing through the Director.” There is no room for flexibility here. Actors and technicians must place their trust in the artistic judgment of the Directors.
OPENING NIGHT Congratulations! Just remember…you have a show tomorrow night.
PERSONAL HYGIENE The theatre can be a stinky place. Be clean, try and stay clean, and WEAR DEODORANT.
PHOTOS Show photos should not be posted anywhere without the consent of the Director. Photos should not be taken at shows. Backstage/behind the scenes photos should not be posted anywhere until after closing night, unless the Director has given permission.
PROGRAM ADS The financial investment to maintain the level of excellence in our theatre program is great; therefore we must do our best to supplement the school’s support of our program. All students involved in productions will be asked to help raise the funds necessary to continue our high quality productions. Most of these funds will come from the selling of ads in our programs. These ads help fund our productions and allow us to keep our ticket prices down.
PROPS There are two major rules here – NEVER play with a prop, touch a prop, or sit on a prop (furniture for the set) and ALWAYS check your props before AND after each show/rehearsal. These two rules seem instantly understandable but are not always followed. FOLLOW THEM. The first night you discover the all-important prop you need is missing before your entrance, you’ll understand. Other Prop Rules: - Take care of props and set pieces - Don’t touch a prop unless you are directed to use it - Do not put anything other than props on a prop table - Put props back on the appropriate prop table - Tell Staff (Props person, Stage Manager, ASM) right away if a prop is broken or missing - If there is a way to make a prop easier to use please tell a staff member your idea.
QUIET! Backstage – any noise made backstage could be heard by the audience and certainly by actors performing on stage. This disturbs concentration and spoils the suspension of the audience’s disbelief. Please remember that the hallway, dressing room, and band room are considered to be part of backstage. Noise made in these areas can still be heard by audiences.
REHEARSAL BASICS -
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Always bring your script, a notebook, and a pencil to every rehearsal. Using cell phones to take notes is NOT acceptable. Do not look at the Director when you are onstage unless you are directed to do so. Keep focus and do not break the fourth wall. If you forget a line, remain in character and request “Line.” Move on quickly, your missed line has already disrupted the rehearsal. If you are given a movement or a change in direction, DO NOT argue with the Director or Staff Member. Wait until after rehearsal and it can be discussed. Let’s not waste the time of others. Learn your lines precisely and give your cues consistently. A playwright is an artist who chooses each word he/she uses for a reason. Strive to be “word perfect.” Clean up after yourself at rehearsal. No food or drink (other than water) are allowed in the House. Don’t give away too much of the show when talking to people outside the cast and crew. Let them be surprised when they see the production. No gum chewing at rehearsal. Your job is to act…not direct.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE A rehearsal schedule will be given out in the first couple of days of rehearsal for each production. The Director reserves the right the make changes to the rehearsal schedule as needed. If rehearsals are added, students will receive at least one week’s notice.
RELATIONSHIPS Romantic feelings between drama students may arise from time to time. However, all members of WD are expected to act professionally at rehearsals and at shows. This means there will be no public displays of affection at any point in or around the theatre at rehearsals or during a show. Being professionally-minded also means you may need to put your jealousy aside at times if, heaven forbid, your boyfriend/girlfriend needs to ACT romantically towards another person/character in the play. Yes, he/she may have to sing a love song to, or even stage kiss, someone other than you.
RESPECT -
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Nothing spreads faster than your reputation. Value your contribution to the show. Respect your fellow actors and technicians whether you are working with them on a specific show or not. Everyone involved in WD is part of the same team. Badmouthing other actors and techies could result in your removal from WD completely. Treat all authority members with respect (Director, WD Staff, Stage Management) Do not lie to any member of the WD Staff
SAFETY -
No open toes shoes, No going barefoot Always foot ladders and work in pairs ASK FOR HELP if you are UNFAMILIAR with something. If you have any allergies, dietary restrictions, medical concerns or issues that the Director and staff should be aware of, please let us know.
STRIKE -
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The removal of set, props, costumes, etc. after a show is known as strike and is MANDATORY for all cast and crew associated with the show. Strike usually takes place on the Sunday morning of Show Weekend and typically only lasts a few hours. FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE IN A FULL DAY OF STRIKE WILL RESULT IN INELIGIBILITY FOR THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTION AND/OR POSSIBLE FORFEITURE OF ANY DRAMA AWARDS OR SCHOLARSHIPS.
TEAMWORK -
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This is an ensemble! Be nice to each other. Don’t gossip or spread stories about other cast members, crew members, or anyone else associated with the show. Good productions demand teamwork, consider everyone as a part of the team. Share scenes rather than steal them. Remember that you always look better with a strong partner. There is no room for drama queens or divas in WD. A team-first attitude is essential.
TECH REHEARSALS -
These are tedious but vital. Basic rules should not be forsaken during tech/show week. Respect props, clothing. Most tech rehearsals are night rehearsals.
TECHNICAL CREW GUIDELINES -
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Stage Management should arrive a half hour before the call for actors or any crew members. Dress in complete black for shows and dress rehearsals Do not wear noisy shoes, open-toed shoes, or jazz/dance shoes. Be quiet backstage (or in the booth) and while doing set changes. Once the House opens we will not see you on stage or in the House You should only go to the actor’s dressing rooms if you are told to do so. You have your world and they have theirs before and during a show When you do changes only enter the stage if you are required to, do your job quickly and get off stage. Do not run or draw attention to yourself All Backstage and Booth techies are required to have a small flashlight with you at all times for rehearsals and shows. During the intermissions make sure you wait two minutes or so before going on stage to do your change…let the audience start to leave. Booth and stage people should return to their assigned areas quickly…no hanging out in the lobby or anywhere else. If you have a headset, try to stay on it as much as possible during intermission. Try and stay out of the way of the actors and they will try and do the same for you. Do not engage them or other crew members in backstage conversations or antics, as some like to remain in character. Be respectful of this as they have a lot they need to be focused on. Remember that the chain of command goes Director then Stage Manager then Assistant Stage Manager then you. Do not do anything without approval of your Stage Manager. All questions should be directed to her/him and not the Director (unless it’s an emergency). When doing a change do not ever look into the audience or talk to anyone. Also, do not walk off stage into the House…EVER! At the end of the show do not enter onto the stage until everyone has left the auditorium or the curtain is closed. Be professional in everything you do. Have fun and realize that you are a VITAL part of this show. You are an important member of the WATERFORDrama family. Take pride in being a Techie!
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION -
Students are not required to participate in all activities offered. They may pick and choose according to their level of commitment. Sometimes actors in the Fall Play may not be allowed to audition for the Winter Play. Time commitments are based on the needs of each individual project. Tech Crews will work most intensely during the final two or three weeks before a production opens.
FINDING INFORMATION ABOUT WD - Facebook - Waterford High School Page - Twitter - Instagram - Email - Bulletin Board
WATERFORDrama www.waterfordschools.org/Domain/28 www.twitter.com/waterfordrama @waterfordrama waterfordrama@yahoo.com or svalle@waterfordschools.org Located at the end of the hallway between the Auditorium and the Band Room
WATERFORD HIGH SCHOOL POLICIES EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAM
Waterford High School is a conglomerate of curricular and co-curricular activities. The curricular classroom is the major learning station of the school and takes precedence over all activities. Co-curricular or extracurricular activities usually occur after the regular school day and are only indirectly related to any specific curricula of the school. Athletics, music, publications and special interest clubs are the most heavily subscribed co-curricular groups. Team membership carries with it an obligation to the team. Team coaches are required to inform all members of the rules of team membership. Failure to adhere to those rules can result in suspension or expulsion from the team. With the myriad of student activities, curricular and co-curricular, the students and staff will observe the following priorities when conflicts arise in the student's schedule: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Regular classes Detentions Team participation in contests Extra help with teachers Team practices
Students who are in doubt about their primary responsibility should seek direction from the administration. EXTRACURRICULAR and ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY
Any student representing Waterford High School in any extracurricular program must set a good example of citizenship. A student must receive passing grades in at least four units of work in the previous quarter to be eligible for any extracurricular activity. Academic Eligibility is determined at the time of grades being posted. Students who are not eligible cannot become eligible until the next quarter grades are posted. Fall eligibility is based on final grades from the preceding year. In addition, school attendance requirements must be met (see Attendance). During the period of suspension, students are not eligible to participate in or attend any school activity. SMOKING
Students shall not smoke or use tobacco products on school property or at any schoolrelated or school-sanctioned activity, on or off school property.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
(See BOE Policy) As stated in the STUDENT BEHAVIOR CODE/CONDUCT section of this handbook, the school prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcohol or controlled substances, including marijuana, or intoxicants of any kind, on school grounds or during school activities. Any student in violation of this will be subject to disciplinary action. Substance abuse or distribution of drugs and/or drug paraphernalia including alcohol may indicate serious, underlying problems. Every effort will be made to offer student assistance, including early identification, referral for treatment to private or community agencies, and aftercare support. Disciplinary procedures will be administered with the best interests of the students, school population, and community in mind and with due consideration of the rights of students. However, consideration must be given to the fact that substance abuse is illegal and subject to criminal prosecution. Unauthorized possession, distribution, sale, or consumption of dangerous or illegal drugs, controlled substances, narcotics, or alcoholic beverages are considered grounds for expulsion. Students are encouraged to consult with teachers, administrators, and other professional staff on substance abuse problems. A staff member who is contacted by a student regarding a drug or alcohol problem may elect to keep that information confidential and not disclose it to any other person in accordance with state law. However, the student will be encouraged at the earliest appropriate time to seek help from parents or guardians. In such cases, the decision to involve the parents/guardians will be arrived at jointly by the student and educator unless, in the judgment of the educator, the mental or physical health of the student is immediately and dangerously threatened by drug/alcohol use. If such danger is imminent, the parents/guardians and health officials will be notified so that appropriate action can be taken. BULLYING POLICY
(SEE BOE Policy) Board of Education Policies are published on the Website The Waterford Board of Education policy prohibits bullying, as defined in the policy, on school grounds or at school-sponsored activities. Board policy #5131.911 defines bullying as “any overt acts by a student or a group of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, humiliate or intimidate the other student while on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, which acts are repeated over time.� Any student found to have engaged in bullying as defined in Board policy #5131.911 will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and expulsion in accordance with Board Policy #5131.911.
Board Policy #5131.911 regarding bullying on school property or at school-sponsored activities, provides that a student who believes he or she has been the victim of bullying (or any other person, including parents or guardians) may report the matter, orally or in writing, to any teacher or member of the school administration. The policy also provides that students may anonymously report acts of bullying to teachers and administrators and that parents or guardians may file reports of suspected bullying A copy of the entire bullying policy may be obtained in the Administrative Office.
INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN SOCIETY All students active in WD are eligible to become members of the International Thespian Society (ITS) Troupe #6979 of Waterford High School. This honor association for theatre students is run on a points system. Students earn points based on their roles in specific productions. All points are awarded at the discretion of the Troupe Director. The International Thespian Society is governed by the Educational Theatre Association.
Friends of WATERFORDrama (FWD) This group, not unlike a typical Booster group, is made up of any interested current drama parents, alumni parents, our alumni themselves, and any other interested members of the community. The main function of the group is to raise money for scholarships to be awarded at the end of each school year. Other ways in which FWD assists WATERFORDrama‌ - Staffing Shows (selling tickets or merchandise) - Catering Drama Events (awards ceremonies, musical cast party) - Sewing/Costume Help - Set Building Help - Painting Help - Advertising/Marketing Help
The Ten Commandments of Theatre Etiquette 1. Thou shall not distract onstage performers or backstage personnel. This means no making of faces, gestures, or anything else that can affect their performance or their duties. 2. Thou shalt not intentionally alter blocking or lines. Acting is teamwork in its greatest sense. To do anything that might upset the concentration of another performer is atrocious conduct. 3. Thou shalt not be seen or heard by the audience except when directed. When offstage, be certain to stay out of sight. Watch carefully for set pieces or props. Better yet, stay out of the wings entirely unless you are about to go on. No talking backstage unless absolutely necessary. 4. Thou shalt not play practical jokes before or during a performance. Onstage pranks are bad enough, but anything that distracts an actor from his or her performance is a bad thing. 5. Thou shalt not have visitors backstage before a performance or at intermission. Such visitors get in the way, distract from concentration and “break the illusion.� Even after a show, backstage visitors should not be welcomed unless it is ok with the entire cast, Stage Manager and Director. 6. Thou shalt not appear in the lobby or any other public place in costume before, during, or after the show. The illusion of reality is a fragile thing, and it is harmful for the production to call attention to the unreality outside the theatre. 7. Thou shalt not eat or drink in costume. It does not take much to stain a costume. If you need to drink water just be careful. No food or drink of any kind should be in the wings either. 8. Thou shalt not watch from the wings unless thou art about to go on. Otherwise, you are in the way of the backstage crew and other actors. 9. Thou shalt not do anything backstage that does not bear direct, necessary relation to what is going on on stage during a performance. The best performance is a focused one, and most actors find it impossible to return fully to character when distracted by non-theatrical backstage activities. 10. Commit thyself equally to each performance. You may perform a play many times, but each member of the audience will probably see it only once. Make sure they are getting the best quality performance possible.
Theatre is filled with traditions of all kinds, including codes on how to act both on and off stage. This is evident from the following CODE OF ETHICS from The Circle Theatre, a professional acting company, circa 1945. WATERFORDrama members should adhere to this CODE OF ETHICS as well. A part of the great tradition of the theatre is the code of ethics which belong to every worker in the theatre. This code is not a superstition, nor a dogma, nor a ritual which is enforced by tribunals; it is an attitude toward your vocation, your fellow workers, your audiences and yourself. It is a kind of self-discipline which does not rob you of your invaluable individualism. “Those of you who have been in show business know the full connotation of these precepts. Those of you who are new to show business will soon learn. The Circle Players has always striven to stand for the finest in theatre, and it will continue to do so. Therefore, it is with the sincere purpose of continued dedication to the great traditions of the theatre that these items are here presented.” The “rules” follow: 1. I shall never miss a performance. 2. I shall play every performance with energy, enthusiasm and to the best of my ability regardless of size of audience, personal illness, bad weather, accident, etc. 3. I shall forego all social activities which interfere with rehearsals or any other scheduled work at the theatre, and I shall always be on time. 4. I shall never make a curtain late by my failure to be ready on time. 5. I shall never miss an entrance. 6. I shall never leave the theatre building or the stage area until I have completed my performance, unless I am specifically excused by the stage manager; curtain calls are a part of the show. 7. I shall not let the comments of friends, relatives or critics change any phase of my work without proper consultation; I shall not change lines, business, lights, properties, settings or costumes or any phase of the production without consultation with and permission of my director or producer or their agents, and I shall inform all people concerned. 8. I shall forego the gratification of my ego for the demands of the play. 9. I shall remember my business is to create illusion; therefore, I shall not break the illusion by appearing in costume and makeup off-stage or outside the theatre. 10. I shall accept my director’s and producer’s advice and counsel in the spirit in which it is given, for they can see the production as a whole and my work from the front.
11. I shall respect the play and the playwright and, remembering that “a work of art is not a work of art until it is finished,” I shall not condemn a play while it is in rehearsal. 12. I shall not spread rumor or gossip which is malicious and tends to reflect discredit on my show, the theatre, or any personnel connected with them - either to people inside or outside the group. 13. Since I respect the theatre in which I work, I shall do my best to keep it looking clean, orderly and attractive regardless of whether I am specifically assigned to such work or not. 14. I shall handle stage properties and costumes with care for I know they are part of the tools of my trade and are a vital part of the physical production. 15. I shall follow rules of courtesy, deportment and common decency applicable in all walks of life (and especially in a business in close contact with the public) when I am in the theatre, and I shall observe the rules and regulations of any specific theatre where I work. 16. I shall never lose my enthusiasm for theatre because of disappointments.
In addition, the document continued, “I understand that membership in the Circle Theatre entitles me to the privilege of working, when I am so assigned, in any of the phases of a production, including: props, lights, sound, construction, house management, box office, publicity and stage managing - as well as acting. I realize it is possible I may not be cast in a part for many months, but I will not allow this to dampen my enthusiasm or desire to work, since I realize without my willingness to do all other phases of theatre work, there would be no theatre for me to act in.” All members of the Circle Theatre were required to sign this document. And they must have - because the theatre, and the group into which it evolved, was successful for many years
STUDENT AGREEMENT
I, __________________________________, have read and understand the rules and regulations set forth in the WATERFORDrama Student Handbook. I will do my best to live up to the standards of WATERFORDrama and follow each of these rules, knowing that if I do not, I may be removed from a particular production or the extra-curricular program altogether.
________________________________________ Student Signature
________________________ Date
________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature
_______________________ Date
Please remove this page from the handbook and return to Shane Valle