DFT’s Culture, Rules & Guidelines

Nurturing a Family Atmosphere for Adults and Youth

Mission Statement

DeSoto Family Theatre seeks to serve DeSoto County and the surrounding communities in a manner that honors God by:

• Providing opportunities for education and participation in the theatre arts and
• Producing live entertainment appropriate for the entire family

Rules

These rules are meant to enrich everyone’s enjoyment of the theatre process, not to lessen it.  The DFT staff and Board of Directors have instituted these rules in keeping with our organization’s mission.

The rules are to be followed regardless of whether children are present.

The rules should be followed by all individuals involved in DFT, including staff, board/committee members, volunteers, paid and unpaid artists and workers,  youth and parents.

The rules are to be observed while participating in the following functions:

• DFT Classes and Workshops
• DFT Rehearsals
• DFT Performances
• DFT Parties
• DFT Meetings (All types:  formally called, impromptu, committee, etc.)
• All other functions where DFT is the producing or sponsoring agent.
• All other functions not produced by DFT, if you are serving as an official representative of DFT.

Failure to comply with the rules may result in your temporary or permanent removal from DFT projects.

• No Profanity.  (This includes DFT-related emails, telephone calls, and letters.
• No alcohol is allowed on the premises.
• No illegal substances are allowed on the premises.
• No inappropriate/immodest dressing or appearance will be accepted.  Messages/Images on clothing should be in keeping with the spirit of DFT’s Rules and Culture.  (Please direct any specific questions regarding appropriateness of clothing to Cindy Lipscomb or Michelle Jerome.) 
• No intentional harassment of any kind will be tolerated.
• No intentionally unsafe behavior will be accepted.  (When in doubt…don’t.)  Safety hazards and obviously unsafe behavior must be reported immediately to any person in charge of the project.  If the person in charge is not present, please report immediately to any present DFT staff or board member.  Project leaders and DFT staff/board members must attempt to remedy any immediate danger and report all unsafe incidents to the Risk Management Committee.
• The DFT Risk Management Policy will be upheld at all times.  It may be obtained from the DFT staff, the Risk Management Committee Chair (Harry Snelling), or the professional Risk Manager (Mat Lipscomb).

Guidelines for Participating

Attendance

You are expected to be present and on time to each rehearsal or meeting unless otherwise arranged with your instructor.  If you have an emergency and are running late, please call your instructor.  Leave a message if there’s no answer.

One Unexcused Absence – You may be asked to apologize to the rest of the cast and crew.

Two Unexcused Absences – Without an acceptable explanation, you may be cut from the Intern Program.

Teamwork

For the show to succeed, we must function as a team.  People with various levels of experience are involved.  Think of this as a level playing field.  Each person is important and deserves respect.  Unless requested to do so, please do not direct your fellow classmates.

Positive Energy

Positive energy is the best atmosphere for artistic success.  For it to thrive onstage, it must exist onstage as well as offstage!  So encourage your fellow cast and crew.  Challenge negativity when you hear it.  When necessary, be flexible.  Trust your teachers and your fellow crew members.  Let them know you believe in them.  If being positive is not your usual nature, then be positive for practical reasons:  it’s the best thing for the show.

Problems/Issues/Differences of Artistic Opinion

Questions and creative ideas are encouraged at the appropriate time.  But, if you have serious problems with the way things are going, don’t grouse to your fellow crew members or actors.  Gossip threatens our artistic success.  Instead speak directly with you instructor at the appropriate time. 

If you have a concern or suggestion, feel free to bring it to your instructor’s

attention outside of rehearsal. If we don’t see eye to eye on an issue, do it your instructor’s way.  DFT will not tolerate ongoing arguments, lobbying or sulking.  Bad times to discuss major differences are in the middle of rehearsal and during notes.  Best times to discuss major differences are during a break and after or before rehearsal.

Notes

When your instructor corrects you or offers suggestions, respond with a spirit of eagerness to learn.  One great response is “Thank you!” 

Stike   

            After the final performance, plan to be available to assist with striking the set.

I agree to abide by DFT’s Culture Rules and Guidelines and understand that failure to observe the rules and guidelines listed above will be grounds for dismissal from the Intern Program.  I have also been provided with a copy of DFT’s Risk Management Policy.

_______________________           _______________________           _______________

Student Name (please print)                               Student Signature                                                Date

Risk Management Policy

The purpose of this Risk Management Policy is to: (1) ensure the safety of all DeSoto Family Theatre participants, (2) to enhance the enjoyment of the DFT experience, and (3) to protect DFT and its board members.

The policy guidelines include the following:

1.      No minor shall be left alone at the theater or temporary location without the presence of a responsible adult.

2.      Minors may not leave the theater or temporary location without the approval of DFT.

3.      All participants will act responsibly and treat others with respect.

4.      No offensive language will be permitted at any DFT gathering.

5.      Any directing of a minor shall require the presence of at least two adults.

6.      DFT will require background checks on any employee who will be working directly with minors.

7.      No alcohol or illegal drugs or substances will be allowed on any DFT premises or gathering.

8.      No one, excepting DFT lighting designers and their assistants, will be permitted on the catwalk, without the approval of the Risk Manager or the board.

9.      Any violation of this plan should be reported to any board member immediately, who then must report it to the Risk Manager or board chairman.

The Risk Manager will read and distribute this policy to the entire cast and crew of each production at the first rehearsal or as soon as it is practicable.