Preface

1)The teachers who created this document used the Film Rating System from the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA) as the basis for content. While it is true that live theatre and film are two different things, there were 2 factors to why we chose to use the FRS:

1. This is a rating system most people are familiar with

2. Currently, live theatre does not have a universally accepted rating system

2)  A list of terms will be given below – however, when in question (as the creators of the document) the theatre teachers of Parkway will be the resource for defining all terms in question.

3) A list of musicals and plays is given to demonstrate what category we feel certain productions might be placed in and to be used as a guide for future production choices. It is not in any way to be considered a restrictive listing of choices – teachers will continue to choose productions based on the best educational interests and practices of the program they are leading.

4) In the event a production straddles categories (ie PG and PG-13) the production will be rated in the category it is most represented within.

5) Teachers will continue to follow their building’s practices of pre-production approval – but agree to place the rating system on any reasonably expected publicity (ie. posters, lobby displays, website advertising, etc.) for the production to help audience members make more educated choices of attending.

6) The borrowed phrase “most American parents would believe” (from CARA) will be used in determining rating criteria for productions. While we understand there might be special circumstances where individuals would consider productions at a higher rating it is the opinion of the theatre teachers of Parkway that we will follow the current practices of CARA as our model.

7)  As always Parkway teachers will make every effort to select material/content that has educational value first and entertainment value second. Teachers can provide (upon request) their reasons for a production choice to the administration as necessary.

8) It should be noted that it is the age of the characters within the world of the play and not the actors playing them that will determine whether the actions are considered illegal (ie drinking and smoking).

9) Suggested grade levels for ratings (assuming most students at grade level)

No Rating: Children’s Theatre – PreK-Second  G: Second-Fifth  PG: Sixth-Eighth  G-13: Ninth-Twelfth   R: Eleventh-College (would most probably not be considered appropriate for Parkway to produce)   NC-17: would not be considered appropriate for Parkway to produce