TG Actor Code of Conduct
Rules of appropriate actor conduct during rehearsals, tech and performances.
To be read and signed by all TG students.
• THIS IS A KINDNESS ZONE. Everyone should feel safe and respected here. Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. Bullying consists of but is not limited to: name-calling, violence, theft, threats, rumors, exclusion, intimidation, and pranks – including anything said or posted on Social Media. It can be physical, emotional, or verbal.
• Consequences of bullying - First report: Student will meet with the Directors to discuss the
nature of the incident and may be referred to the Dean’s Office and/or counselors. Second
report: Student will be dismissed from the show and possibly future shows at Totino-Grace and
the student will have to meet with the Dean and their counselor.
• Attend all rehearsals to which you’re called. Unless you have an approved conflict, if you are called to rehearsal you are expected to attend for the full time you’re called. No conflicts are allowed the last 2 weeks of rehearsal without prior approval!
• Please be on time.Tardiness is not permitted. There is an old theater adage: Arriving early is on time, arriving on time is late and arriving late is unacceptable! Please arrive at rehearsal early so you are ready to begin rehearsing at the time you are called.
• If you feel sick - STAY AWAY (said with love). Truly. I would GREATLY appreciate an email from you or a parent if you will not be attending rehearsal so I can adapt, but please, if you’re not 100% go home & rest!
• Bring all materials with you to ALL rehearsals (scripts, pencils, water, clothes for movement,
recording device) and respect the script. Unless you’re using a photocopied script or otherwise
informed, you’ll need to return your script after performances. DO NOT use pen or highlighter in your script, DO NOT spill food or drink on your script. If you damage your script, you’ll be charged a fee.
• No taking pictures, video or audio recordings of rehearsal. We want to maintain the integrity of the show and our rehearsal process. We also want to maintain the trust of all involved in our production. Because of that, no images or recordings can be taken, sent or posted via social media without receiving permission from the director.
• Keep talking to a minimum. Talking makes it difficult to get things done, shows disrespect for the work that’s being done and indicates inattentiveness.
• Remember actors act and directors direct. Do not confuse the two. This rule is necessary to create an environment where it’s safe for actors to take risks. I am open to and welcome your suggestions. But please bring them to me, do not offer them directly to your fellow actors. If student actors offer suggestions to other actors, those students may perceive it as criticism rather than support. We also want to make sure that every direction given to actors stays true to the overall vision for the show.
• Once you’re cast, changes in appearance are not allowed without first checking with the director. This includes haircut, hair color, piercings, tattoos, shaving of facial hair, etc.
• Follow all safety rules. There may be different, specific safety rules for each show, but some general safety rules are:
◦ Wear closed-toe shoes on stage until you get the “all clear” from the director and tech director
◦ Be respectful of each individual’s personal space
◦ Be careful when walking on platforms, levels, stairs, etc.
◦ Do not touch any set pieces or equipment without getting approval from director/tech director
• Work on your music, lines and choreography DAILY outside of rehearsal. In order to get the best performance possible, each actor will need to review their music (lyrics and notes), lines and choreography outside of rehearsal every day.
• Exercise healthy habits. Keep yourself healthy and injury free - wash hands, don’t share food/drink, eat well, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and avoid high-impact/risky activities.
• Never touch a prop unless it has been assigned to you! The importance of this rule is to protect props from being broken or misplaced. Do not eat/drink consumable props unless you’re instructed to do so.
• Do not sit on the stage furniture stored backstage. This has value both for protecting the furniture from breakage or wear and tear and for speeding up scene changes during rehearsals and performances.
• Stay backstage - out of sight and silent - during a performance. Once you begin getting into costume and make-up, the only time anyone in the audience should see you is ON STAGE.
◦ You must use the backstage bathrooms
◦ You must not go out into the commons or hallway if any of the public are out there
◦ When backstage you must stay out of view of the audience
◦ When backstage you must stay silent so the audience cannot hear you speaking or moving
• Do not eat or drink while in costume because spills and stains happen.
• Sign in at every tech/dress rehearsal and performance. If you are not signed in by call-time, the stage manager will be calling &/or texting you to ensure you’re on your way.
By signing the Actor Code of Conduct, you are agreeing to all the above. If it is discovered that an actor is in violation of any part of the Code of Conduct, it may result in immediate termination from the project.