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8/23/17
Mission: MET is dedicated to the creation and production of exceptional theatre art through a diverse ensemble of professional resident artists who are influential leaders in the community and visionaries in the art of theatre. MET creates a positive environment where artists and audience share an extraordinary theatre experience. MET provides theatre students education, training, and professional development opportunities that propagate MET artistic values into the American Theatre.
Our Ensemble Philosophy
We are inventive thinkers with passion for the collaborative creative process. We place equal value on all of our artists; from stage-hand to actor and from intern to director. We create a welcoming environment to our audience and a sense of family within our ensemble. Ensemble devised work and original projects are at the forefront of our aesthetic.
We respect other methods of working and have a strong commitment to personal and organizational growth. We encourage the evolution of our art form through MET sponsored workshops, outside education, on the job training and cross training between disciplines.
We resist complacency by challenging ourselves artistically and we recognize the need to evolve and grow to suit the needs and style of each particular project. We strive to bring diverse programming that will entertain, challenge, enthuse, and provoke discussion both within our organization and within our community.
Core Values:
Exemplary artistry
Extraordinary work ethic
Decisiveness
Proactivity
Consensus building
Positive environment
Open communication
Lifelong learning
Ensemble defined: The MET ensemble is committed to the elevation of ensemble theatre through group work that is built on trust, respect, selflessness, and an honor for the group process. Ensemble members value the process of theatre as much as the “product.” The ensemble oversees the artistic direction of the organization. An ensemble member is regarded as a “unique talent” that possesses a skill set that allows for creative learning from other ensemble members, while maintaining an interest in learning that will add to our creative pool of knowledge. Each ensemble member is encouraged to participate in other community organizations and promote our collaborative process into the psyche of the American Theatre.
Rules of Nomination, Voting, and Induction: All prospective Company Members must be nominated by Active Company Members, via email to ensemble@marylandensemble.org , a minimum of two-weeks prior to either of the bi-annual Company Retreats. The nomination will then be discussed at the bi-annual retreat.
To be considered a nominee for the MET ensemble, one must:
Have worked with the MET for one season as a non-company member
Demonstrate an exceptional and dependable work ethic
Show a unique interest in the MET and the ensemble process
Have a positive attitude
Possess a talent and skill set needed by Maryland Ensemble Theatre
Is a strong candidate and will easily integrate into the Ensemble
After a period of discussion, the Company may agree to table the nomination, push the vote of the nominee to the next retreat, or hold a confidential vote. If there is a vote of present Company Members, paper ballots will be distributed and a nomination will move forward to a full vote with with a simple majority. A full vote will require a “yea” vote from a majority of the full company. Votes will be private and taken via live, or digital form.
All MET Company members will be informed of the nomination and vote outcome from the retreat. If there is a “full majority” vote at the retreat, any Company member has the power to veto a nominee within three working days. If a nominee is vetoed, Active Members must hold a special meeting to further discuss the nomination. Active Members can overturn a veto with a two-thirds majority of the complete roster of Active Members. If membership is denied, the nominee can be re-nominated.
Inductions will be held during the next regularly scheduled Company meeting where Active members may interview the Inductee on expectations, responsibilities, goals, etc. The new Company member will be assigned a mentor from the active Company roster that will help the new member acclimate to the MET.
Initial induction to the MET Company will consist of a one-year probationary term. After the one-year term, Artistic Directors, Mentor and Company Manager will review the performance of the new Company Member. After the year term, the Team will bring a recommendation to the Ensemble who will have the option to renew or deny Full Active Company Member Status to the new member.
Company Member Status: There are three categories of MET Company status: “active,” “inactive,” and emeritus.
Active Company Member
Benefits Include:
Creative input in play selection
Creative input in the direction of Maryland Ensemble Theatre
Free classes (for company members and children of company members) at The Ensemble School (space permitting)
Free admittance to all MET or MET sublet events
Members’ photos prominently displayed in the lobby.
Featured in all MET programs
Directors have the option to pre-cast company members
Technical positions will be offered to the company before outsourcing
Authority to nominate prospective company members
May sit in on all auditions, “first read-throughs,” and rehearsals.
Option to join clubs in which the MET is affiliated (TCG, Sam’s, etc.)
Expectations*:
Attend at least half of all productions. This includes MET-X, Fun Company, Comedy Pigs and Main Stage productions.
Work on a minimum of 2 shows and/or major assignments, per season, that forward the mission of the company and the ensemble.
Must attend regularly scheduled meetings.
Fulfill monthly rotation of cleaning duty. (See cleaning procedures list on METSource.)
Perform at least one poster/postcard run per production.
Promote MET on your own personal social media sites.
Attend at least one company retreat per year.
Attend work calls as needed. (in lieu of work call, submit alternative plan for assisting for Production Manager’s approval).
Perform at least three Front of House assignments for each block of shows runs (Main Stage, Fun Company or Comedy Pigs).
Volunteer for Concessions or Usher positions on an as needed basis.
Represent positive nature of MET by promoting MET outside of the theatre and include “MET Company Member” in all non-MET show programs.
Represent the positive nature of the MET to the public and national theatre community
Work on MET fundraising events.
Participate in MET community outreach events (family fun day, in the street, Farts Fest, etc.)
Take part in the annual review process
*If a particular expectation is impossible to meet due to work, family, or other obligation, restriction, or preference; a specific remedy may be coordinated with the Company Manager and Staff.
Inactive Company Member: An Active Company Member may go Inactive with just cause. To go “Inactive” a Company Member must provide a letter or email addressed to the Artistic Directors and Company Manager (and can include the entire Company) stating the cause of the status change and an affirmation of the desire to remain a vital part of the Maryland Ensemble Theatre.
Inactive Company Member
Benefits:
Free admittance to all MET or MET sublet events for themselves. The seats cannot be reserved in advance.
May re-join as “Active” status within two years of becoming inactive without going through the nomination process.
Expectations:
Represent positive nature of MET by promoting MET outside of the theatre and are encouraged to include “MET Company Member” in all non-MET show programs.
Promote MET on Social Media sites.
Represent the positive nature of the MET to the public and national theatre community
Keep open communication as to your status situation.
Artistic Director (AD) - The MET Artistic Director is an Active Member of the MET Company. The Artistic Director has veto power over most governmental operations of the Company, has hiring and firing power of all artistic and production personnel, is the champion of the MET mission and leader of the MET Company's vision. The AD will, upon interview, hire directors and for each production and may appoint an assistant artistic associate or deputy to work with or in the absence of the AD. The MET Company may submit artistic proposals to the AD for review. Company directors and designers should contact the AD directly for options on selected plays in the MET season and other projects. In the case of director/designer negligence, apathy toward the MET mission or dereliction of duty, the MET AD must replace the hire with a qualified candidate or assume the duty. The MET AD has the authority to cast productions and has final casting and design approval.
Casting– Maryland Ensemble Theatre directors and/or Artistic Directors may choose to cast a performance solely from the roster of Active Company Members. It is not the design of the Maryland Ensemble Theatre to be completely insular in hiring artistic, technical or design personnel; therefore, MET should hold open casting calls for a minimum of production per year.
Annual Review– Ensemble members will each be required to complete a yearly self-evaluation. The self-evaluation will be distributed during the run of the final play in the MET season, and will be returned to the artistic director team no later than two weeks after the final performance of the season.
The artistic director team will review all self-evaluations and then set up appointments for one-on-one meetings with each ensemble member. If there is a question regarding the status of an ensemble member an ad hoc Review Committee will be selected by the artistic director team and will be asked to review the performance of each ensemble member in question.
The four-member committee shall be appointed and meet no more than 60 days after the final performance of each season.
This review shall assess the commitment and level of achievement of each Company Member in question. The committee will vote on each member’s status (the Artistic Director casting the deciding vote in a 2-2 split-vote). All “change in status” decisions will be given, in writing or by electronic means, to the Company Manager who will then advise the “change in status” member. If a company member feels this change in status is unfounded or unjust, he/she may appeal, in writing or by electronic means, to the entire Company. The Company will then meet for a special meeting where the appeal may be heard and the Company will vote with a two-thirds majority to uphold or overturn the change in status. If a two-thirds vote to uphold or overturn is not possible, the decision will default to the Artistic Director.
First year ensemble members will be reviewed through the self-evaluation process at the end of their first full year. At that time, the committee and/or artistic directors may recommend that the first-year member may be continued or denied as an active member.
Ad-hoc Policy Committee – The MET Company Policy Committee will write and review policy, procedures and rules governing the MET roster of Active and Inactive Company Members every 2 years or sooner if needed in special case. The committee shall meet, as often as needed, to create written proposals that will then be sent to review by the Artistic Director. After review, the policies, procedures and/or rules will then be rewritten and distributed to the entire MET Company for review. At a special meeting or annual meeting, the Company may then vote, by simple majority, to approve or deny the policy, procedure and/or rules.
Company Manager– The MET Company Manager will act as a human resource for grievances, a sounding board for Company Members on company policy and represent the entire company at MET Board functions. The Company Manager will serve as a liaison between the MET Company, staff, board and Artistic Directors. The Company Manager has the authority to appoint an assistant or deputy to fulfill the duties of the Company Manager in his/her absence.
Scheduled Meeting–The Ensemble will meet, at minimum, once a month for “Action” meetings. Action meetings are in place to keep quality communication among the ensemble members, to keep up to date on the actions of board of trustees, and to organize. In addition, workshops, training, seminars and the like will be scheduled ad hoc with a minimum of one workshop per month.
Play Selection - All Company members have the right to submit one or more plays for consideration for the following MET season. It is the duty of the company member to "lobby" for the play by circulating the piece through the company to be read. All plays under consideration will then be reviewed by the company at a special "play selection" meeting and a "short list" will be created of no more than 15 plays. This play selection meeting must take place no less than six weeks prior to the ensemble winter retreat. During the six-week period between the play selection meeting and the winter retreat, perusal copies of the chosen plays will be available for sign-out in the MET office. A play selection committee will be formed at the retreat consisting of all Ensemble Members that have read at least 80% of the "short list" plays. This committee may consist of Active members and Associate Artists. After a consensus building deliberation meeting of the play selection committee, the committee will present the season to entire ensemble for consideration. If a consensus of the selection committee cannot be reached, or the general membership voices a strong negative vote against the slate of plays proposed by the selection committee, then, the final selection of the season rests with the Artistic Director.
Company Member Dismissal – Upon recommendation of the Artistic Directors or Company Manager, any Company Member (active or inactive) may be dismissed for the following reasons:
Insufficient participation in MET Company events.
Failure to fulfill volunteer assignments.
Failure to complete an assigned duty.
Behavior or actions deemed disruptive or damaging directed to MET Company members, volunteers or staff.
Behavior or actions deemed disruptive or damaging directed to the MET organization.
Dismissal Procedure: All recommendations for dismissal shall remain strictly confidential. The Company manager shall provide to the Artistic Director a written recommendation of dismissal to include evidence of any of the above behavior. A review committee (the AD, Company manager, and associate artistic directors) will meet to review the charges and may interview the member in question. The Member may reply in writing to the Company manager with reasons why this dismissal should not take place. Response from the Member to be dismissed must be received by the Company manager and forwarded to the AD and associates by no less than three days after the aforementioned meeting.
No dismissal of a Company member (active or inactive) may be made based on hearsay. A Company member may be dismissed immediately by the Artistic Director (in cases of gross negligence). The review committee shall base its verdict of dismissal solely upon the evidence presented. Dismissal of a Company member shall require a majority vote of the review committee. The decision of the review committee is final and cannot be appealed. A dismissed Company member may reapply for Company membership after one year.
MET Associate Artist
Rules of Induction: The procedure for the nomination and induction of a prospective Associate Artist:
MET Ensemble will recommend candidates at one of the bi-annual retreats.
MET Artistic Directors will invite potential associate artists. A written document of expectations, policies and benefits will be given to candidate.
Associate Artists of the MET should:
Possess a talent that MET utilizes.
Have a history with MET production.
Agree with MET mission statement and philosophy.
Demonstrate an exceptional and dependable work ethic.
Show a unique interest in the MET Ensemble and the ensemble process.
Have a positive attitude.
Benefits:
Will have the ability join in the play selection process by recommending shows for the season.
Will have the ability to sit on the play selection committee.
Can attend MET meetings, workshops, retreats and committee meetings.
Will be listed in programs, website and other materials as MET Associate Artist.
Free admittance to all MET or MET sublet events.
Expectations:
Associate Artists are encouraged to include “An Associate Artist of Maryland Ensemble Theatre” in all promotional bios.
Promote the MET with enthusiasm.
Represent the positive nature of the MET to the public and national theatre community.
Emeritus Company Member
The artistic team will suggest company members who have retired but allowed to retain their title as an honor for at least 10 years of history and involvement with MET.
Benefits: Same as active company member without any of the requirements.
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