Guidelines/Responsibility Code

Guidelines for performers and technical crews

The following guidelines have been established for those participating in the performance aspect of all productions sponsored by the Theatre and Dance department.  In addition to these, the faculty of the Gustavus Theatre and Dance Department expects all performers and participants to exhibit the same high degree of professional behavior no matter the size, context of the work, or curricular commitment.

  1. Because theatre & dance are creative and collaborative, productions are at the heart of our curriculum. It is expected that all members of the production will treat the work with the same importance and responsibility as all other class activities. Actors, dancers, production team and crew members must work together to achieve something that cannot be achieved alone.
  2. All participants must register for production credit. The credit amount is variable and to be determined in consultation with your advisor or supervisor (a zero credit option is available).
  3. Time and its management are very important to any performance piece.  Everyone must be on time. Being on time also means being dressed, warmed up and psychologically prepared to work. As the saying goes “on time in theatre is being 10 minutes early.”
  4. Directors and stage managers must be notified of any schedule conflicts at the first cast meeting.  Conflicts with other classes, exams or field trips may be negotiated.  Conflicts with other co-curricular activities (e.g. choirs, band, sports, etc.) may also be negotiated, but top priority must be given to theatre production work.  As the audition form notes, you may need to make some hard choices in limiting your participation.  Sorority or fraternity activities will not be regarded as legitimate reasons for missing, leaving or rescheduling rehearsals. Production team members must provide the same information to the Production Manager upon acceptance of responsibilities.
  5. If family, health or other emergencies arise later in the rehearsal process, the director or stage manager must be notified immediately.  There is absolutely no excuse for an unexcused absence.
  6. If you are called to a rehearsal, you are expected to be present on time, at all times.  When you are not on stage, stay in the theatre unless the stage manager or director releases you.
  7. Outside preparation will be expected of all performers.  This includes picking up missed blocking, looking up foreign words and learning lines.
  8. Due to the nature of play production, actors and rehearsals must remain flexible.  The directors will make every effort to keep the rehearsal on schedule, but sometimes extra rehearsals may have to be scheduled.  Please keep your schedule (especially during the two weeks before opening) flexible.
  9. Production meetings are scheduled with each team member’s schedule (as provided) taken into account. Punctual attendance and participation is expected, and all deadlines are to be understood and met.
  10. All crew members must be present for all technical and dress rehearsals and performances.  Absolutely no excuses or variations from this rule will be permitted.  If you cannot be present for every single scheduled rehearsal and performance, DO NOT, DO NOT volunteer for the job. Schedule and sign up available through the Technical Director.
  11. All cast and crew members must sign in on the callboard every night
  12. Everyone involved in the performance must plan ahead to avoid mistakes and accidents. A prop left on the floor backstage can be dangerous. Playing with a prop offstage can be noisy and ruin a quiet moment onstage.
  13. Absolutely no smoking, eating or drinking will be allowed during the run in the backstage areas. A resealable water bottle labeled with your name is the only exception this rule. All areas must be swept and cleaned each night.
  14. While you are here, your allegiance and focus should be on the show in production.  You may do homework, needlepoint, etcetera, only if you can still do your job as actor, dancer or crew-member perfectly.  When you are offstage you must remain alert to the needs of the show. Cell phones must be silenced at all times, and there is absolutely no excuse for texting during rehearsal unless it directly relates to missing actors or emergencies.
  15. Represent the department with integrity and professionalism at all times—do not speak ill of a production; encourage people to come and form their own opinions.