Behavior Expectations

1. Be on time. Rehearsals start at exactly the time specified on the schedule. Be ready to work at call time. If you are early, you're on time. If you are on time, you're late. 

2. Be respectful. Respect the production staff, your fellow actors, the crew, and the facilities we practice and perform in. 

3. Turn off your phone, and keep it put away (unless you have permission from the stage manager). Silenced is okay, if they are put in a bag. You can learn even when the director isn't working with your group specifically. 

4. No parents or guests at rehearsal. More often than not, they are a distraction. Any exceptions must be approved by the stage manager before you arrive at rehearsal. (This is a requirement to comply with our licensing contract for the show.)

5. No obnoxious food at rehearsal. That includes stinky, smelly, or loud food. 

6. No food backstage. Not in the dressing room, and not in the prop room. Water only. This is for two reasons: first, we get mice in the dressing room if there is food. Second: we need to protect the costumes, props, set, and the facility. 

7. Be memorized when told to be off-book. Everybody else is taking this seriously, and we ask you to take it seriously too. If you need a cue, say "Line." It's ok if you forget a line. Just ask for it. 

8. Take personal issues to the pro team. We're there to help. If you have a problem with another actor, or a member of the pro team, talk to the stage manager or the assistant director. We'll keep things confidential and help in any way we can. 

9. Only positive social media posts. We float or sink together. We expect you to be kind, and to promote the show and our entire team in positive ways. Cyberbullying will not be tolerated in any form and may be grounds for immediate dismissal from the production.

10. No cell phones or cameras in the dressing room. The dressing room is a safe space. No one may take photos or videos in the dressing room. There can be very serious legal consequences if you violate this rule.

11. Make sure to write down your notes and apply them.  When a member of the pro team staff gives you a note, write it down every time. You should have a notebook and pencil at every rehearsal, and in your hands every time we're giving notes. We really don't want to give you the same note twice. 

12. Only the Pro Team gives notes. If another actor offers you notes, say "Thank you, but we should check with the director." Don't offer notes or ideas to other actors. 

13. Make good use of time but be patient. We want rehearsal time to be time well spent for your and your fellow actors, and we'll try to stay on schedule and only call you when you are needed. However, there will be down time. Be prepared. Think ahead about what you can do during down time. You could work on memorization, or practice choreography. Don't talk to your fellow actors during down time. It distracts those who are working. 

14. Do not touch props and costumes not assigned to you. Do not bring props or costumes home with you without permission. Even if it is something you brought from home, it stays at the pavilion unless you have been told to take it with you. (For example, if the costume manager told you to wash your costume.)

15. If there is any problem with your costume, talk to Emily ASAP. If you get a hole, or if you spill something, talk to Emily. If your costume doesn't fit correctly, talk to Emily. If you need help adapting to a quick costume change, talk to Emily. She can solve ALL of those problems. Don't try to fix it yourself. 

16. DO NOT AD LIB. Our contract requires us to present the show exactly as it is written. You may not add or remove words from speaking parts or songs. Don't pull pranks or try to make other actors laugh on stage. These behaviors can get us barred from licensing future shows, and actors who deliberately participate will not be invited back for future productions. 

17. Stay positive, patient, and respectful. Together we are going to create magic. It's a lot of hard work, and it takes a lot of time and energy. More than 5,000 volunteer hours will be poured into this production. Things are going to be messy at times, and some things simply won't work like we plan, that's just theater. But we are going to make a bunch of great memories together as we come together as a cast family to create that magical experience. 

Remember, we are all bound by the Friends of Herriman Participant Agreement. If you can't abide by these rules, let us know now so we can part ways before things get uncomfortable for everybody. 

-Adapted from 20 Ways to Be the Actor Everyone Wants to Work With, by Adriana Nocco, published on OnStage Blog, July 15, 2024.