VIII. Theatre Participation Code

Section 1 – Philosophy

Section 1 – Philosophy

Our theatre policy is aligned with our academic philosophy. To that end, we use theatre to encourage our students to become productive, responsible citizens in their community. Students in our productions will experience how theatre is run professionally from the beginning audition process to the final curtain call. Theatre offers the opportunity to teach our students desirable 21st Century skills, including character and working traits setting apart from the traditional classroom. Our students can learn to be lifetime achievers by practicing self-discipline, loyalty, responsibility, commitment to a group effort, as well as develop self-esteem through public performance. Our entire community of students, parents, directors, teachers and administrators will work together to produce in our students an appreciation for those values, principles, and goals which produce a student performer who is prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Section 2 – Student Responsibility

A. Participation

Theatre participation is a privilege, not a right, extended to all students. In accepting this privilege, our student performers must assume certain responsibilities. We expect student performers to show their appreciation by their appearance and conduct. Only those students capable of assuming these responsibilities will be permitted to share this privilege.

B. Attendance Requirements

In order to protect the well-being and safety of the students and produce a good show, the following policy is in effect:

• Any theatre participant must be in school for half a day in order to be eligible to practice or perform on that day. Examples of acceptable excuses are dental/doctor appointments, funerals and college visitations.

• Students must attend rehearsals on time. To be on time is to be at least 5 minutes early! If an emergency prevents your attendance, you or your parent/guardian must contact the director immediately.

• Students must attend all practices. Absences from school due to illness, an athletic competition, or other valid school approved activities will be considered legal absences, however the student should give the director a list of conflicts prior to the beginning of the rehearsal process.

• All students must be present at every rehearsal for the last two weeks of production. Exceptions must be discussed with the director 1 month in advance.

• Repeated absences and tardiness may lead to discipline actions, including non-participation in certain scenes, musical numbers, or dance numbers or removal from your part.

C. Equipment

All student theatre participants are responsible for any equipment used during a production. The following policies are in effect regarding equipment:

• All student issued scripts and vocal parts must be returned to the director by the final performance of the show. Failure to return rented materials will result in the student being billed for the missing materials (most cost approximately $40.00 each).

• All costumes and props must be returned to the director following the final performance before the student greets the public. If a costume or prop is lost or damaged through the student’s negligence, he/she must pay for it. (These costs can arrange from $25.00-$300.00)

• Students are responsible for supplying their own shoes and make-up. Information regarding these requirements will be given to participants at the initial rehearsal/information meeting. Fundraising opportunities exist for those who need it.

D. Injuries

All injuries must be reported to the director and parent or guardian immediately.

• The director will fill out an insurance form. (If no insurance form is filled out – payment for medical treatment will not be made).

• The insurance form will be sent to the parent/guardian with instructions on how to complete it.

• The student performer may go to the school or family physician for treatment.

• The school will accept the responsibility within the limits of legal liability and the insurance being carried.

• Questions regarding insurance should be directed to the school nurse.

E. Academic Requirements

A student performer is eligible to participate if they are a bona-fide student of Central Valley Academy. Due to the uniqueness of theatre, details on Academic eligibility are spelled out in the Performing Arts Extra-Curricular code. Evaluations will be made periodically by the committee.

F. Citizenship Requirements

Good behavior is expected. Rude or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated on or off the stage. Any insubordinate or disorderly behavior that endangers the health, safety, rights or property of others is prohibited. Students engaging in such activities are subject to suspension, and the case will be referred to the principal for further action.

• Students must dress in the appropriate attire as directed by the director.

• A student may be dismissed from the production by the director if he/she is affecting the morale of the production adversely, is uncooperative, skipping rehearsal or continually reporting late to rehearsal.

• Any student who steals or defaces personal or school equipment will be asked to quit the production. The case will be referred to the principal for further action.

• A student performer shall not host parties where alcohol, tobacco, vapes, Juuls or any controlled substance are present and/or used, NOR remain at parties where such illegal activities are taking place.

• Students must not post negative remarks or comments on social media.

Section 3 – Parent/Guardian Responsibility

• Prior to the start of a production, parents/guardians and students must meet with the director and school officials to review the entire participation code and expectations. The student will be ineligible to participate until such a meeting takes place.

• Parents / Guardians must be knowledgeable of the rules and regulations their child has committed to as a student theatre performer and community member and must know the consequences of any violation of the rules and regulations and assist in their enforcement.

• Parents/Guardians must be supportive and encourage their son/daughter to demonstrate appropriate behavior while representing Central Valley on stage.

• Parents/Guardians must hold their child accountable for his/her their actions and help guide him/her in making proper decisions.

• Parents/Guardians must be knowledgeable of the director’s theatre philosophy and expectations and address concerns regarding their child or the child’s program to the director.

• Parents /Guardians must be knowledgeable of theatre etiquette and be role models for good citizenship. They should applaud our success, encourage our efforts and respect and understand the director’s wishes and intentions.

• Parent/Guardian volunteer work is welcomed upon the director’s request, however, all decisions and directions must go through the director of production (a hired school official) first, before they are passed on to the students.

• The directors assigned to our theatre program are well trained and educated. Each of them performs a necessary and difficult task. We could not run a quality theatre program without them. Even when a parent may disagree with a director’s decision, casting or direction, they should remember that these individuals are human beings and deserve respect.

Section 4 – Director Responsibility

• A director must keep foremost in mind the safety and welfare of all participants at all times.

• A director must be educated in elements of theatre production and teach all performers the correct rules, skills, tactics and strategies.

• A director must respect and gain respect of all performers, control the performer’s behavior in a positive manner, and have good communication with all student participants.

• A director must be able to meet and work with parents/guardians effectively.

• A director must control their emotions and actions in order to set a positive example for performers and continue to direct during complications.

• A director must understand and cooperate in carrying out and state policies, procedures, rules and regulations as they pertain to theatre and extracurricular activities.

• A director must place directing and theatre production in their proper perspective.

• A director must monitor closely the taking of attendance and the updated afternoon attendance roster of their participants.

• The director will develop a system to communicate with participants if there is an emergency.

• If the director needs to make any changes in student participation, he or she will notify the student(s) and parent(s)/guardian(s) prior to making an announcement to the cast.

• A director should continue to stress the importance of professionalism, good academic work and attendance.

Section 5 – Consent

The Consent Form duly signed shall be required of every student participant qualifying for any production. A Parent/Guardian and student must attend a required information night.

Section 6 – Code Application

The Performing Arts Theatre Participation Code and the entire Central Valley School District Code of Conduct applies to all persons addressed in Part V of this code.

(return to Student Handbook index)