The Ten Commandments of NCHS Theatre

1st. I will not audition if I am not going to live up to the expectations

I will understand the time commitment – usually M-F 2:30pm to 5pm - and required dates such as tech week and performances

There are no stars; there is only a company, and every part and position is important and deserves the same respect and commitment

I can state that I will not accept certain parts on the audition form, but auditioning and then refusing a part is disrespectful to everyone, and prevents someone else from getting a part

I should not accuse the loss of a part on precasting; there are a great many variables that go into casting, and I may not be aware of all of them

1st. I will be respectful during auditions

I will not interrupt an audition by leaving or entering during a reading

I will not talk during someone’s reading

I should not approach the director’s table to see or listen to what is going on

I must state on my audition form if I am leaving early, and inform the director’s table when I do leave

2nd. I will maintain a C average in my classes in order to remain in the production

If I am unable to maintain your grades, an understudy will perform my part until my grades rise

It is the director’s discretion as to a cut off date for that reinstatement

3rd. I will commit to the rehearsal schedule and process

I will only miss rehearsal for the dates I listed as conflicts on my audition form, or for true emergencies

If I am too sick to go to school and therefore rehearsal, I will contact the director directly, not through someone else

I will allow extra time during tech week

4th. I will not alter my costume, character, stage business or any other part of the performance without the director’s approval

The audience may mean well, but they do not know what the director wants, and cannot be used to judge a performance

5th. I will obey the rules of the theatre

I will not leave the theatre after a call time without the approval of the director

I will check my props, perform my duties, and prepare for the show in a timely manner

I will follow all rules for checking out, handling, and returning costumes and props.

I understand that only company members are allowed backstage and in the green room

I will not touch anyone else’s props, costumes, or tools

I will not speak in the wings, only in whispers backstage, and quietly in the green room during a performance

6th. I will respect the audience

I will give my best, regardless of the size of the audience, the time of day, or my personal problems

I will not miss an entrance or cause the a delay of the show

I will maintain the illusion by not appearing before the audience in costume and makeup except onstage or after the show

7th. I will respect the company

I will treat all members of the company with respect regardless of my personal feelings toward the individual

I understand that all members of the company are important to the production and I will not be a diva

If I have a problem with an actor or a techie I will go to the director or technical director, not my peers

8th. I will respect the art

I will not alter the playwright’s words

I will memorize my lines by the director’s deadline, or learn my cues readily during tech week

I will not abuse the physical facility by breaking, ripping, staining or otherwise disrespecting it

I will create an atmosphere of support

9th. I will support the production and the program

I will attend tech week, performances, and strike; none of this is optional

If I do not get the part or position I want, I will volunteer to help the show in some other way; this proves that I am interested in the show and not just my own glorification, and creates opportunity for more fun and friendship