Production Contract
FVHS Theatre Productions are designed to be an educational and positive experience for all involved. In order to meet these goals, students participating in the show are expected to meet the following guidelines for participation:
CITIZENSHIP IN A COLLABORATIVE ARTISTIC ENDEAVOR
● Everyone involved in the show is part of an ensemble. All members of the ensemble are expected to approach the process prepared to work collaboratively and with all members of the production team.
● Students should come every day with a positive attitude and productive mindset. Speaking in a negative manner to or about another member of the production team (student or adult) is never acceptable.
● Rehearsals are intended to be enjoyable, but fun should come from the rehearsal process. Actors & Crew members' primary responsibility in rehearsal is working on the show, not socializing.
● Students must be in good academic standing in order to participate in the production. This includes a passing grade in academic classes and no outstanding discipline issues.
● The student handbook attendance policies require students to be in school for the full day in order to participate in after school activities. This includes performances.
● If an academic or disciplinary issue arises during a production, a student may be removed from the production or suspended for a period of rehearsal in consultation with school administrators.
RESPONSIBILITY AND SAFETY
● Rehearsals/Crew meetings always take place when there is an adult present.
● Most rehearsals are directly supervised by an adult member of the FVHS Theatre Staff, but there will be occasions when a Student Crew Chief or Assistant Director leads a rehearsal. Whether or not an adult is immediately present, it is important that respectful, appropriate and safe behavior is always practiced.
● Students must always treat school rehearsals/work spaces and equipment with respect, and help keep theater and backstage spaces clean.
● In the event of an injury or safety concern, a supervising adult must be notified immediately.
TECH CREW ATTENDANCE POLICY
● Members of a "Core Crew" (those enrolled in 7th Period Dramatic Production) are expected to attend regular crew sessions, but not all of them. Student Crew Chiefs will be in charge of communicating attendance expectations, and any questions or concerns about the schedule should be communicated to your crew chief.
● Members of "Volunteer Crew" are welcome to attend any crew meeting, with no set requirements for attendance. Whether you attend frequently or only twice all year, is up to you.
ACTOR ATTENDANCE POLICY
● Actors are expected to attend rehearsals to which they are called. Rehearsal schedules will be posted online at the start of each week of rehearsal.
● Although conflicts are allowed, there is a cap of three (3) allowable conflicts (whether they are known ahead of time or not) to ensure that rehearsals are productive and everyone in the show can learn all of the necessary material. Students who have indicated conflicts on their audition form will be excused from those rehearsals, and they will not impact their allowable conflicts.
● If you have to add a conflict, you must email the Stage Managers to let them know (this includes if you are out sick from school). Once detailed rehearsal schedules are posted online, you may not add a conflict except in the case of illness or emergency (in which case you must email the stage manager).
● If an actor misses a rehearsal for which no conflict was given, this will count as an unexcused absence. If an actor has three unexcused absences, he/she may be removed from the production and that actor's role will be reassigned.
REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ACTORS
● Actors should attend rehearsals prepared with script (in a binder) and a pencil.
● Actors & Crew should come to rehearsal in appropriate clothing. Clothes should not restrict movement or be too revealing. Appropriate footwear is also required-- for actors no sandals, boots or bare feet! For crew, safety appropriate clothing is required- no open toed shoes!
● Acting in a show requires taking risks, challenging oneself and committing to the difficult work of perfecting a performance. Actors are expected to engage in all rehearsal activities with an open-mind and maximum possible effort.
● If an actor has a concern about his/her ability to perform the requirements of a role, he/she must communicate this to the director in an appropriate manner as soon as possible.
● Actors are expected to spend time outside of rehearsal memorizing lines, learning music and practicing blocking & choreography. Actors should make practice part of their regular routine.
● Students will have some down-time during rehearsal. This down time can be spent observing rehearsal, memorizing lines, reviewing scenes, doing homework, reading or socializing quietly. Students should never wander from the rehearsal area without first getting permission from the director.
● Electronics are not to be used during rehearsal time: cell phones must be turned off or silenced (no vibrate mode) whenever an actor is in the rehearsal hall. If an actor/crew member has down time during rehearsal he/she may use electronics in an appropriate/non-disruptive manner. If a director or staff member asks a student to put away an electronic device at any point during rehearsal, he/she must comply.
● Students are not allowed to take pictures or video of rehearsals or performances, for personal use or to post online unless given explicit permission by a director. This is to ensure that rehearsals are safe spaces where students feel free to take risks and engage fully in the process.