LAST UPDATED AUGUST 2024

POLICIES FOR PERFORMERS

INTRODUCTION

• StageWorks is an incorporated organization under 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) not-for-profit status in the state of Massachusetts. By participating in a StageWorks production, you are agreeing to join StageWorks in abiding by all Massachusetts State Laws during all rehearsals, performances, and any other StageWorks-sponsored events, in addition to complying with organization-wide and production-specific rules, guidelines, and conduct expectations.
  
  

GENERAL RULES AND EXPECTATIONS

• Drugs, Alcohol, and Smoking/Vaping: St. Bernard’s High School, which has generously donated their facilities to StageWorks free of charge, abides by all Massachusetts laws applicable to secondary school buildings. As such, absolutely no drugs or alcohol are to be consumed on school property. Smoking/vaping is only permitted outside the building, at least 20 feet from all entryways, as is Massachusetts law for public buildings. Furthermore, StageWorks requests that, apart from prescription medications, all performers abstain from attending rehearsals and performances under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Language: In compliance with business conduct, please make every effort to abstain from using profanity, crude, or otherwise language that might be deemed offensive.

• Public Displays of Affection: In compliance with business conduct, please limit displays of physical affection to consensual hugs and handholding. If you are over the age of 18, please be especially sure to verbally request consent from community members under the age of 18 before initiating any display of physical affection (I.e. “Would you like a hug?”).

• Confidentiality: Please refrain from sharing any audition, show, and casting information before StageWorks has announced it publicly. Furthermore, please also think critically about repeating personal details that you might learn or overhear about StageWorks community members during rehearsals, as not everything that is shared with some is intended to be shared with all. Lastly, kindly remember that remarks that are made about and within earshot of others are likely to be overheard or passed along, so please speak kindly to and about one another. If you believe a fellow community member is in violation of StageWorks policies, you are encouraged to complete a Policy Violation Concern Report, which will be reviewed by the StageWorks Board of Directors. Copies of this form will be available at all rehearsals.

REHEARSAL RULES AND EXPECTATIONS

• Attendance: You will be asked to sign your name and arrival time on a sign-in sheet for all rehearsals and performances. If you are going to be late or absent beyond what was previously denoted on your scheduling conflicts sheet, be sure to let a member of the Production Team know right away. Each production will have a maximum number of absences a performer can miss, so please be sure to take note of this number, which your Director will communicate to you once cast.

• Giving Notes: Never give another performer notes (i.e. direction). If anyone other than the Director or Music Director attempts to give you direction, please disregard the feedback and notify the Director immediately.

• Receiving Notes: It is important foremost to remember that any notes you receive are not intended to criticize, but to help develop and optimize the production in accordance with the Director’s vision. As it is part of the Director and Music Director’s expectations to give gracious and respectful notes, it is the expectation of performers to receive notes graciously and respectfully – even if you disagree. If you disagree with, or do not understand, the notes given, please speak with the Director/Music Director privately. Similarly, if the Director/Music Director feels you are not executing the Direction as-given, they will make some time to discuss this with you privately to determine the best course of action.
  
  

REHEARSAL BEST PRACTICES

• “On time” means being ready to begin at the start time. We encourage you to arrive with enough time to put away your belongings, use the bathroom, and warm yourself up.

• Pay attention during rehearsal, and please do not talk when the Production Team is talking. One side conversation, even if relevant to the show, could cause several people to not hear, or mishear, the direction given, and thus cause lags in rehearsal time due to notes needing to be repeated.

• Please be mindful that the rehearsal schedule, while carefully conceived, is just a guideline. Sometimes, due to certain numbers needing more attention than anticipated, absences, or technical difficulties, the schedule may need to change or extend past the expected end-time. Understanding and flexibility in response to these changes, as well as trust that the Production Team is doing their best to manage the time and needs of all involved, is greatly appreciated.

• As we aim to serve as many community members as possible, it is imperative to remember that learners, personalities, and demeanors will come in all forms. It is wise to avoid making assumptions or observations regarding how people learn, receive information, or “seem”/appear. (Example: “You look upset/tired” or “You seem overwhelmed.”) While well-meaning, these observations can feel inaccurate or worrisome to the subjects, as well as risk implying that there is a universally “good” way to be, seem, or appear. Additionally, some community members may be navigating emotions in their personal lives that they are attempting to “leave at the door” while within the StageWorks space, and calling attention to perceived distress can only serve to counteract their efforts to be present. Community members are encouraged to speak privately to a member of the Production Team if experiencing significant upset that prevents them from participating as expected, which will then allow the Production Team to devise a plan that is both as confidential, as well as minimally disruptive to the rest of the rehearsal process, as possible.

• Lastly – a positive attitude is everything! Please treat the Production Team, Crew, your fellow performers, and the entire process, with respect. As a community, we are only as strong as our weakest link, and therefore we count on each person to do their part in making everyone feel welcome, comfortable, and valuable.