code of conduct
Revised, adopted and made effective by the Sun Prairie Civic Theatre Board of Directors on November 13, 2023.
Engagement in any Sun Prairie Civic Theatre production or event signifies acceptance of this Code of Conduct.
OVERVIEW & PURPOSE
To clarify the expectations of Sun Prairie Civic Theatre (“SPCT”) on how members, performers, production staff and all volunteers should conduct themselves while involved in the activities of the theatre. By following this Code of Conduct, your reputation, and the brand and reputation of SPCT, will be upheld and protected. The Code also seeks to provide for a safe, enjoyable, and equitable environment for all, in the undertaking of their role within SPCT.
BASIC INCORPORATION OF STANDARDS
• Treat everyone with dignity and courtesy
• Be fair, considerate, and honest in dealings with others
• Refrain from any behavior which may bring SPCT into disrepute
• Display control, respect and professionalism in all activities
• Observe proper meeting conduct and protocols
• Control one's temper: excessive profanity or the verbal abuse of others in the course of SPCT activities is unacceptable
• Abide with the code of conduct or conditions of use of the venue being used
• Take responsibility for the space, equipment, and belongings of others
• Use good judgment and demonstrate respect to other members and the SPCT organization as a whole, as it pertains to any/all postings/comments on both personal and SPCT social media sites
DISCRIMINATION, SEXUAL HARASSMENT, AND BULLYING
Members, performers, production staff, and volunteers are expected to respect the rights, dignity, and worth of others regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, or religion or of their physical or psychological disabilities.
SPCT will not tolerate discrimination. Discrimination is any behavior or practice which reflects an assumption of superiority of one group (or individual) over another or disadvantages people on the basis of their real or perceived membership of a particular group and includes such behavior as less favorable treatment, unfair exclusion and asking discriminatory questions.
SPCT will not tolerate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is any unwanted, unwelcome, or uninvited behavior of a sexual nature that makes a person feel humiliated, intimidated, or offended.
Equally, SPCT will not tolerate bullying. Bullying is behavior that intimidates, offends, degrades, insults, or humiliates another person. Bullying can be physical or psychological. Examples of bullying include: aggressive or frightening behavior (e.g. shouting or threatening violence); threats of assault against a colleague or damage to their property or equipment; rude or belittling comments; and standing in someone's way or deliberately blocking their path in an intimidating manner.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Everyone has the right to participate in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe. Members, performers, production staff and volunteers are asked to take responsibility for their own health and safety, ensuring that their actions do not risk the health and safety of others. All should take reasonable care at all times by following all lawful instructions from those in authority at SPCT in its efforts towards providing a healthy and safe environment. All hazards, accidents, or injuries should be reported to the SPCT representative in charge of the activity.
For the health and safety of all involved, rehearsals and backstage areas for any performance are considered closed. Cast, crew and volunteers may not invite friends, family, or anyone else to attend rehearsals or to visit backstage without prior approval from the producer, director, stage manager or SPCT representative for the event.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN YOUTH WILL BE PRESENT
Youth (minors under the age of 18 and those still attending high school or in their first summer post high-school graduation) MAY NOT attend a SPCT sponsored event or party where alcohol is being served unless they are accompanied by a parent (guardian) over the age of 21.
No individual who is 18 or older or a production team member who is a high-school student should be one-on-one with a youth in a private space. There should always be at least three people in the space when a youth is present.
However, if an adult or production team member needs to work one-on-one with a youth such as at the beginning of rehearsal while waiting for others to arrive, at the end of rehearsal while waiting for youth to be picked up, or for individual coaching THEN, the door to any private space will remain fully open providing visual and audio access.
Adults and production team members who are high-school students may not accept invitations to show-related parties hosted by a youth or their family, unless the entire cast and staff is invited or the youth’s parents/guardian are present.
Adults and production team members who are high-school students are prohibited from dating youth involved in the SPCT activity or encouraging an emotional and/or sexual relationship with another youth who is in any way connected with SPCT. In the case of a pre-existing relationship, the parties will disclose the relationship, are expected to follow the guidelines regarding use of space and having others present, and will not engage in any “public displays of affection” while at a Civic Theatre related activity.
Youth shall not create any social media “groups” that appear or imply that they are associated with Sun Prairie Civic Theatre, a production or sponsored event without the approval of the Board of Directors.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG CONSUMPTION
Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed by performers, production staff and volunteers in any manner that would result in them being impaired while performing their duties. Exceptions to this are SPCT sponsored events on the premises or at other locations (e.g. Opening Night after-show parties, Official Social Mixers, etc.) where legally-permitted alcohol or controlled substances may be consumed.
In the context of this provision, anyone exhibiting signs of being impaired will be prevented from commencing, or continuing their activity in relation to the current production and may be barred from future productions.
Additional rules or regulation of facilities used by the organization are to be followed. For instance, the school district does not allow the possession, use, distribution, or sale of tobacco products on school property. This includes any device used for smoking purposes such as e-cigarettes, hookah pens, nicotine fluid or any other related items or substances.
USE OF FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT FOR REHEARSALS, PERFORMANCES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
Cast, crew and volunteers are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the spaces and facilities rented or used for performances, rehearsals or other related activities. If there are any questions about what those regulations allow or don’t allow, the person is responsible for asking the producer or director of the production (or the designated SPCT representative for the activity).
SPCT has the use of specific spaces within each facility (which may vary by show) during specific time periods each day. Those spaces and time constraints will be reviewed with the cast and crew by the producer, director, stage manager or designated SPCT representative for the event. Everyone is expected to remember these spaces are not own. Do not wander around to other areas. Do not remove anything from the spaces and do not write on the chalkboards/whiteboards, work/play on the computers or musical instruments, or use anything but the items SPCT brought in for the event or production.
Theatrical equipment, such as body microphones, set pieces and props, is expensive. Everyone is expected to take special care of these items, so they do not get broken or damaged. Misuse that results in damage may result in individuals being assessed a replacement cost.
At the end of each day, we must put away equipment and leave the facilities we use clean and neat. Cast, crew and volunteers are expected to help and clean up after themselves.
PROCEDURES
If anyone feels there has been a breach of the code of conduct, they should contact the President ([email protected]) or any Board member for immediate and confidential assistance. If contacted, members of the Artistic or Production team are obligated to report the incident to the President or another Board member not directly involved with the production or event as well.
Individuals who are or may be in violation will be contacted by a Board member (who is not directly involved or impacted by the violation) to confidentially discuss relevant details.
Disregard of any of the Code of Conduct and Policies may jeopardize an individual’s current or future ability to work with Sun Prairie Civic Theatre.
OVERVIEW & PURPOSE
To clarify the expectations of Sun Prairie Civic Theatre (“SPCT”) on how members, performers, production staff and all volunteers should conduct themselves while involved in the activities of the theatre. By following this Code of Conduct, your reputation, and the brand and reputation of SPCT, will be upheld and protected. The Code also seeks to provide for a safe, enjoyable, and equitable environment for all, in the undertaking of their role within SPCT.
BASIC INCORPORATION OF STANDARDS
• Treat everyone with dignity and courtesy
• Be fair, considerate, and honest in dealings with others
• Refrain from any behavior which may bring SPCT into disrepute
• Display control, respect and professionalism in all activities
• Observe proper meeting conduct and protocols
• Control one's temper: excessive profanity or the verbal abuse of others in the course of SPCT activities is unacceptable
• Abide with the code of conduct or conditions of use of the venue being used
• Take responsibility for the space, equipment, and belongings of others
• Use good judgment and demonstrate respect to other members and the SPCT organization as a whole, as it pertains to any/all postings/comments on both personal and SPCT social media sites
DISCRIMINATION, SEXUAL HARASSMENT, AND BULLYING
Members, performers, production staff, and volunteers are expected to respect the rights, dignity, and worth of others regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, or religion or of their physical or psychological disabilities.
SPCT will not tolerate discrimination. Discrimination is any behavior or practice which reflects an assumption of superiority of one group (or individual) over another or disadvantages people on the basis of their real or perceived membership of a particular group and includes such behavior as less favorable treatment, unfair exclusion and asking discriminatory questions.
SPCT will not tolerate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is any unwanted, unwelcome, or uninvited behavior of a sexual nature that makes a person feel humiliated, intimidated, or offended.
Equally, SPCT will not tolerate bullying. Bullying is behavior that intimidates, offends, degrades, insults, or humiliates another person. Bullying can be physical or psychological. Examples of bullying include: aggressive or frightening behavior (e.g. shouting or threatening violence); threats of assault against a colleague or damage to their property or equipment; rude or belittling comments; and standing in someone's way or deliberately blocking their path in an intimidating manner.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Everyone has the right to participate in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe. Members, performers, production staff and volunteers are asked to take responsibility for their own health and safety, ensuring that their actions do not risk the health and safety of others. All should take reasonable care at all times by following all lawful instructions from those in authority at SPCT in its efforts towards providing a healthy and safe environment. All hazards, accidents, or injuries should be reported to the SPCT representative in charge of the activity.
For the health and safety of all involved, rehearsals and backstage areas for any performance are considered closed. Cast, crew and volunteers may not invite friends, family, or anyone else to attend rehearsals or to visit backstage without prior approval from the producer, director, stage manager or SPCT representative for the event.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN YOUTH WILL BE PRESENT
Youth (minors under the age of 18 and those still attending high school or in their first summer post high-school graduation) MAY NOT attend a SPCT sponsored event or party where alcohol is being served unless they are accompanied by a parent (guardian) over the age of 21.
No individual who is 18 or older or a production team member who is a high-school student should be one-on-one with a youth in a private space. There should always be at least three people in the space when a youth is present.
However, if an adult or production team member needs to work one-on-one with a youth such as at the beginning of rehearsal while waiting for others to arrive, at the end of rehearsal while waiting for youth to be picked up, or for individual coaching THEN, the door to any private space will remain fully open providing visual and audio access.
Adults and production team members who are high-school students may not accept invitations to show-related parties hosted by a youth or their family, unless the entire cast and staff is invited or the youth’s parents/guardian are present.
Adults and production team members who are high-school students are prohibited from dating youth involved in the SPCT activity or encouraging an emotional and/or sexual relationship with another youth who is in any way connected with SPCT. In the case of a pre-existing relationship, the parties will disclose the relationship, are expected to follow the guidelines regarding use of space and having others present, and will not engage in any “public displays of affection” while at a Civic Theatre related activity.
Youth shall not create any social media “groups” that appear or imply that they are associated with Sun Prairie Civic Theatre, a production or sponsored event without the approval of the Board of Directors.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG CONSUMPTION
Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed by performers, production staff and volunteers in any manner that would result in them being impaired while performing their duties. Exceptions to this are SPCT sponsored events on the premises or at other locations (e.g. Opening Night after-show parties, Official Social Mixers, etc.) where legally-permitted alcohol or controlled substances may be consumed.
In the context of this provision, anyone exhibiting signs of being impaired will be prevented from commencing, or continuing their activity in relation to the current production and may be barred from future productions.
Additional rules or regulation of facilities used by the organization are to be followed. For instance, the school district does not allow the possession, use, distribution, or sale of tobacco products on school property. This includes any device used for smoking purposes such as e-cigarettes, hookah pens, nicotine fluid or any other related items or substances.
USE OF FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT FOR REHEARSALS, PERFORMANCES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
Cast, crew and volunteers are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the spaces and facilities rented or used for performances, rehearsals or other related activities. If there are any questions about what those regulations allow or don’t allow, the person is responsible for asking the producer or director of the production (or the designated SPCT representative for the activity).
SPCT has the use of specific spaces within each facility (which may vary by show) during specific time periods each day. Those spaces and time constraints will be reviewed with the cast and crew by the producer, director, stage manager or designated SPCT representative for the event. Everyone is expected to remember these spaces are not own. Do not wander around to other areas. Do not remove anything from the spaces and do not write on the chalkboards/whiteboards, work/play on the computers or musical instruments, or use anything but the items SPCT brought in for the event or production.
Theatrical equipment, such as body microphones, set pieces and props, is expensive. Everyone is expected to take special care of these items, so they do not get broken or damaged. Misuse that results in damage may result in individuals being assessed a replacement cost.
At the end of each day, we must put away equipment and leave the facilities we use clean and neat. Cast, crew and volunteers are expected to help and clean up after themselves.
PROCEDURES
If anyone feels there has been a breach of the code of conduct, they should contact the President ([email protected]) or any Board member for immediate and confidential assistance. If contacted, members of the Artistic or Production team are obligated to report the incident to the President or another Board member not directly involved with the production or event as well.
Individuals who are or may be in violation will be contacted by a Board member (who is not directly involved or impacted by the violation) to confidentially discuss relevant details.
Disregard of any of the Code of Conduct and Policies may jeopardize an individual’s current or future ability to work with Sun Prairie Civic Theatre.