1

TheStaplesPlayersHandbook

2013

ObjectivesofStaplesPlayers

oToencourageanddevelopgreatersupportandrespectforthetheatreinasupervised
learningenvironment.

oTogivetoeachstudentparticipatingintheprogramanopportunitytolearnandbe
involvedineveryaspectofproducingaplay.

oToofferstudentsextensiveexperiencesthatwillnotonlyhelpthemintheatrebut
promoteanattitudeofsupportandcooperationinanyfutureendeavor.

oTouseknowledge,talentandhardworktopresentproductionsofthehighestquality.

StaplesPlayersProductions

MAJORPRODUCTIONS:
MainstageProduction
AnyproductiondirectedbyDavidRothandKerryLong,performedonthestageinthe
auditorium.ThereisaMainStageproductionperformedinNovemberandcustomarilyasecond
productionperformedinMarch.

BlackBoxProduction
AshowproducedbyDavidRothandKerryLong,performedintheBlackBoxtheatre.This
productionisusuallyperformedinJune,thoughanadditionalproductionissometimes
performedintheBlackBoxinMarchasanalternativetoasecondMainStageproduction.

SummerProduction
AproductionontheMainStagedirectedbyDavidRothandKerryLong,inconjunctionwith
WestportContinuingEducation.Opentostudentsenteringninthgradethroughcollege.

STUDENTDIRECTEDPRODUCTIONS:
OneActPlayFestival
Aseriesof10minuteplaysdirectedbyjuniorsandseniorsinDavidRothsdirectingclass.
MidJanuary.Allstudentsareeligibleto

audition.

StudioProduction
Anyfulllengthproductiondirectedbyastudent.DirectorwillhavetakenStaplesTheatre
classes,includingDavidRothsdirectingclass.Therearetypicallytwostudioproductionsina
year,oneinwinterandoneinspring.Eachstudioproductiontypicallyhasacastof1015people
andtakeplaceatToquetHall.TheAssistantStageManageristheSMinchargeofthis
productionandthestudentdirectorchoosesapeerwhohastakenDirectingClasstobean
AssistantDirector.

TheatreClasses

TheatreclassesarecoursesofferedatStaplesHighSchooltaughtbythefacultydirectorof
StaplesPlayers,DavidRoth.ItisnotarequirementofStaplesPlayerstobeenrolledinatheatre
class,howeverduetothestrongcurricula,itishighlyencouragedthatmembersofPlayers
enroll.Conversely,beingenrolledinatheatreclassdoesnotmeanthatyouhavetobeinvolved
inPlayers,although,onceagain,itisencouraged.ThepossibletheatreclassesofferedatStaples
are:

Theatre1:ActingFundamentals
Intheatre1,studentslearnallofthefundamentalsofactingandtheatrehistory.Basic
principlesoftheatre,suchasobjective,tacticsandstakes,arehighlyemphasizedthroughoutthe
courseandarecommonthemesthroughoutthecurriculum.Studentslearnaboutgroup
improvisation,scenesandtheatrehistory.Gradesarebasedonparticipation,effort,assignments
andquizzes.Earnsstudent1semesterofcredit.Canbetaken4daysaweekduringthefirst
semester,or2daysaweekforthewholeyear.

Theatre2:AdvancedActing
*prerequisitemusthavetakenTheatre1
Intheatre2,studentsbuildupontheskillsthattheyhaveobtainedfromtheatre1,and
applythemtomorechallengingtheatricaltasks.Studentslearnaboutcharacterdevelopment
throughprofoundcharacteranalysisandimprovisation.Scenework,monologues,andstage
combatareincludedinthecurriculumaswell.Gradesarebasedonparticipation,effort,
assignmentsandquizzes.Earnsstudent1yearofcredit.Taken2daysaweekforthewholeyear.

Theatre3:ActingTechnique
*prerequisitemusthavetakenTheatre2
Theatre3culmulatesallthatwaslearnedintheatre1and2andfinalizesconceptsdiscussed
throughouteachcourse.ThisclassteachesthetechniquesrefinedbyStanislavskiandViola
Spolin.Improvisation,scenework,exploringworkwithmasks,andstudyofShakespeareare
primaryactivities.Someyearsstudentsinthetheatre3classmaypairupwiththecorresponding
radioproductionclasstoproduceaholidayradioshow.Gradesarebasedonparticipation,effort,
assignmentsandquizzes.Earnsstudent1fullyearcredit.Taken4daysaweekforthewhole
year.

Theatre3Directing
*prerequisitemusthavetakenTheatre2
Intheatre3directing,studentslearnthefundamentalsofdirectingsmallscenes,andwork
towardstheirmainassignment:a10minuteOneActplay.TheseOneActplaysfeature
auditionedactorsfromPlayersandarepresentedinlateApril.Studentslearnaboutblocking,
bodypositioning,levels,andsomegeneralstrengthsandweaknessesofthestage.Studentswill
critiqueotherstudentsscenesbasedontheaboveaswellasthefundamentalstheyhavelearned
intheatre1and2.Gradeswillbebasedonparticipation,effort,assignmentsandquizzes.Earns
student1fullyearcredit.Taken4daysaweekforthewholeyear.

CostumeandDesign
Thiscoursecoverstheprocessofdesigningcostumesforthestage.Studentswilllearn
howtoanalyzeandresearchgarmentsappropriateforaproductionsperiod,charactertypes,and
physicalstageconsiderations.Playswillbeselectedandpresentationboardswillbecreatedto
demonstratestudentsproposedcostumedesigns.Gradeswillbebasedonparticipation,effort,

4
assignmentsandquizzes.Earnsstudent1semestercredit.Taken4daysaweekduringthe
secondsemester.

Stagecraft:SceneDesign&Construction
Thiscourseisdesignedforstudentsinterestedinthetechnicalaspectsoftheater.Students
willfocusontheroleoftheartistasadesignerofthesettingandlighting.Instructionwill
includesetdesignandconstruction,lightingandaudio.Studentsareencouragedtoworkon
majorproductionsthroughouttheyearinadditiontothecourse.Earnsstudent1semestercredit.
Taken4daysaweekduringthefirstsemester.

Theofferingofstagecraftandcostumedesignarestronglybasedonstudentenrollment.Classes
willonlybeofferedifsufficientdesiretobeintheclassisexpressed.

Casting

Castingisnoteasy.
Itinvolvesthemostcrucialdecisionsadirectormakesduringthe
productionprocess.

Thefollowingareasareusedduringtheprocessofevaluation:performancequalities,attitude,
willingnesstotakedirection,abilitytoworkwithothers,anddesiretocommittotheproject.

StaplesPlayershasalwaysenjoyedanenormoustalentpool.Seniorityisnotadrivingforcein
thecastingprocess.Thestudentwhopossessesthemostpotentialforagivenrolewillbegiven
thepart,whichincludesfreshmenandsophomores.Thoseseeminglybestsuitedfortheroleswill
begiventheparts.Thisoftenleadstodisgruntledstudentsandattimesevendisgruntledparents.
However,everyonemustunderstandthatcastingisthejobofthedirector.Anydisagreementor
angerwillnotservetheprocessofproduction.Oncebegun,allworkmustservethedemandsof
theplayandensureahighqualityproductionworthyofPlayersreputationofexcellence.

Therearenosmallparts.
Everyoneonstageisintimatelyconnectedtothewhole.Theapplause
isfortheshow:actors,technicians,musicians,designers,directorseveryoneconnectedwith
theproduction.WEAREACOMMUNITY.Aplayisacollaborativeeffortrepresentinghours
ofimportantworkonandoffstage.Weallmustlookbeyondourindividualconcernstothetotal
productionvaluesofthepiecewearepresenting.Pleaseavoidfeelingsorryforyourselfand
havinganegativeattitudeandinsteadfocusontheproductionasawhole.Ifyoucandothis,
you'llfeelbetteraboutwhatyoudoandcontributetothepositiveattitudeofthePlayers
community.
Note:AlloftheinformationfoundinthissectionappliestobothMainStageandStudiotheatre
productions.

DoubleCasts

Weoftendoublecastrolesaswefeeltwoactorscanplaytheroleequallywellandbothdeserve
thechancetoperform.Beingagooddoublecastnotonlyalleviatesthestressesofbeingalead,
butalsocatchestheeyeofthedirectors.Allresponsibledoublecastsadheretothefollowinglist
ofresponsibilities.

Alldoublecastsshouldbeattentiveatalltimesduringrehearsalsandmusttakedown
blocking,choreography,andgeneralnotesforallscenesrehearsed.

Alldoublecastsshouldberunningscenesoffstageastheothercastrehearsesonstage.
ThisismostcriticalduringTechandHellweek.

Ifadoublecastmissesrehearsal,heorsheisresponsibleforgoingoverwhatthey
missedwiththeircounterpartand/oranA.D.

Doublecastsarealsoresponsibleforbeingthereforwarmups(45minutesbeforeeach
show)eveniftheyarenotintheshowthatnight.

6
Beingdoublecastinaroleisnotanexcusetoputlesseffortintoarole.Infact,itoftenrequires
asmuchorevenmoreworkfromtheactorinordertobesuccessful.Ifyouaredoublecast,
pleasefollowtheguidelinescloselyinorderbeassuccessfulaspossible.

Understudies

Amajorityofleadroleswillbeassignedanunderstudy,someonewhoknowstheroleandis
preparedtogooninthatroleincaseofemergency.Thereareafewbasicresponsibilitiesthatan
understudymustkeepthroughouttheprocessofashow.

Anunderstudymustbeateveryblockingrehearsal(notcharacterwork)fortherolethey
arecoveringunlesstheyhavetheirownrehearsal.

Theyareresponsibleforknowingandtakingdownblockingforeveryscene.Ifthey
missarehearsal,theyareresponsibleforgettingtheblockingfromeithertheADorthe
personwhohastherole.

Linesshouldbememorizedoneweekafterlinesareregularlydueandtested.Iftheyare
understudyingmorethanonerole,thisdeadlinecanbenegotiated.

Wheneverpossible,theunderstudyshouldbedoingchoreographyorblockinginthepit
orofftothesideduringrehearsals/runs.Itistheunderstudysresponsibilitytomakesure
thattheyhaveallmaterials.FeelfreetoapproachADsaboutgettingrecordingsof
musicalnumbers/choreography.

itisimportanttoacknowledgethatbeinganunderstudyisabigresponsibility.Ifyoudonotfeel
asthoughyoucanfulfilltherequirementsthatbeinganunderstudyrequires,indicatethisonyour
auditionform.

AttendancePolicy

AllcastmembersmustinformDavidRothBYEMAIL,ofascheduledabsenceatleasttwo
weeksinadvance.

Absencesaffecttherehearsalschedulemakingitcrucialthatplayersinformthecreativeteamas
earlyaspossibleforthesakeofplanning.

Ifyouaresickandoutofschool,itisalwayssuggestedthatyoustayathomeinordertoprevent
thespreadofthesicknessthroughoutthecastandcrew.Ifyouaresick,pleaseemailDirector
DavidRothby9AMatdroth@westport.k12.ct.usorcallhisofficelineat(203)3411305.If
youareinschoolyouareexpectedtobeatrehearsal.

Playersarerequiredtoattendallrehearsalsexceptforexcusedabsencesandillnesses.Repetitive

7
tardinessand/orunexcusedabsencescouldresultinremovalfromaproduction.

CastMembersareallowedtwoscheduled(nonillness)excusedabsences.Exceptionsmaybe
madeforpeoplemakingcollegevisits.

Preplannedabsenceswillnotbeexcusedduringthelasttwoweeksofrehearsal.

NOABSENCESAREEVERPERMITTEDDURINGPERFORMANCESEXCEPTFOR
SEVEREILLNESS.

RehearsalInterruption

Effectiveuseofrehearsaltimeisvitalinthesuccessofaproduction.Thisentailscastmembers
remainingfocusedandrespectfulthroughoutadailyrehearsal.Ifanindividualisfoundtobe
disruptivetotheprocess,theyaresubjecttothefollowing:

1) AwarningfromStageManagementoranAssistantDirector
2) AdiscussionwiththePresidentregardingtheirbehaviorduringrehearsal
3) AdiscussionwithMr.Rothand/orKerry.

Iftheindividualcontinuestobeadisruptionduringtherehearsalprocess,itispossiblethatthey
willbetakenoutofanumberorsceneentirely.

StaplesPlayersTechnicalCrews

WehopethateverymemberofPlayersgetsinvolvedinacrewduringtheirfouryearsinour
organization.Belowareourdifferentcrewopportunities.Talktoaseniormanageraboutjoining
acrewtoday!

Sets
Thecrewthatworkstobuildourimpressivesets.Meets3daysaweek

ScenicArts(Paints)
Thecrewthatpaintsoursetandcreatesstunningvisuals.Meet23daysa
week.

Lights&Sound
Thecrewthatdesignsthedazzlinglightingandoperatesthesoundduring
performances.Meetsfourdaysaweek.Allmembersoflightingcrewarerequiredtobeatevery
dayoftechandhellweek.

Costumes
Thecrewthatsewsanddesignstheintricatecostumesouractorswear.

Props
Thecrewthatmakesandorganizesallthepropsseeninourshows.Meetsonceaweek.

Publicity
Thecrewthatsetsupthelawnsigns,hangsposters,andcreatespromosthatgooutto
publicizeourshows.

Hair&Makeup
Thecrewthatorganizesthewigsandmakeupthatouractorsuseonstage.

Fundraising&Outreach
Thecrewthatraisesmoneyandgetsadsfortheplaybill.

FrontofHouse
Thecrewthatmanagesusheringforallourshows.

Photo
ThecrewthatputstogetherthephotoboardsandmanagesthePlayersInstagrampage.

Web
ThecrewthatupdatesthewebsiteandmanagesPlayersYoutubepage.

OtherOpportunities
Thefollowingrequirecommitmentanddedication.Usuallymustbeatrehearsal5daysaweek.

AssistantDirector(AD)
ThestudentwhoassistsMr.Rothbytakingnotes,runningrehearsals,
andcontributingtodirectingeveryshow.

StageManager(SM)
Thestudentwhocuesandcallstheshowduringperformances.

AssistantStageManager
AssistanttoSM.Takesattendanceandtypicallysidemanages
shows.

SceneShopManager
Thestudentwhomanagesinventoryandactsasaliaisonbetweentechcrews.

ProductionAssistant(s)
ThestudentswhorunmusicandhelpADsandSMs.Usuallygivento
freshman,beingaP.A.istypicallythefirststeptobecominganADorSM.

TechHourRequirements

StaplesPlayerspridesitselfonbeingacommunityofengaged,talented,hardworkingtheatre
artists.Whilemanyactorsstriveforsuccessonstage,wefinditequallyimportantforactorsto
experiencethetechnicalsideofourproductions.
AllfreshmenandsophomorePlayerswho
auditionforaproductionwillberequiredtocompleteasetnumberoftechhours.

TechhourscanbefulfilledthroughinvolvementonANYStaplesPlayerscrew,including,but
notlimitedtoSets,ScenicArts,Costumes,Web,Makeup&Hair,Sound,Fundraising&
Outreach,Props,Publicity,etc.

Therequirementforthefallmusicalis25hours.
Anyfreshmanorsophomorewhoiscastin
thefallmusicalwillreceive10hoursforbeingintheshow.He/shewillneedtocompletean
additional15hoursoftechwork.

ThetechrequirementsfortherestoftheseasonwillbedeterminedbytheStaplesPlayers
OfficersandDavidRothduringeachyear.

Uponcompletingyourhours,pleasereportyourhourstoaSeniorManagerorCrewHeadin
ordertobeeligibletoauditionforfutureproductions.Keeptrackofyourownhours
electronicallyaswell.

Ifonedoesnotcompletetherequiredhours,he/shewillnolongerbeaPlayerinGood
Standing.Thismeansthat
theywillnotbeabletoauditionforanyfutureproductionuntil
theirhourshavebeencompleted.

9
IfaPlayerdoesnotcompletetheirhoursintimetoauditionforthesecondshowoftheyear,they
shouldbegincollectingtheirhoursassoonastheycaninordertoauditionforthethirdshowof
theyear.
Insomecircumstances,aplayermayhavecompletedMOST,butnotALL,oftheirhoursintime
forthenextauditions.Atthistime,hemaychoosetopetitiontheofficersfortheabilityto
audition.Thisrequiresfillingoutacontract,ensuringthathe/shewillnotonlycompletetheir
unfinishedhoursfromthefirstshow,butalsowillcompletetheadditionalhoursforthethird
show.TheOfficersandDavidRothwillthendecideifthestudentspetitionwillbeaccepted.

10

TechHourPetitiontotheOfficers/Director

Name:
_______________________________________________________
Grade:
_______________________________________________________
TechHoursCompleted:
________________________________________
TechHoursRequired:
__________________________________________
Petitiontoauditionfor:
_________________________________________

Whywereyouunabletocompleteyourtechhours?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________

Ifyourpetitionisaccepted,howdoyouplanoncompletingyourtechhours?(whatcrews
doyouplanonworkingon,etc)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________

I,___________________________,understandthatifmypetitionisaccepted,Imust
completethe_____hoursthatIdidnotcompleteforthelastshow,inadditionto
completingtherequired_______hoursforthenextproduction.

SignatureofPlayer:_________________________________________

SignatureofDirector:________________________________________

11

TheatreEthics

Donottouchanypropthatisnotyours.Alwaysreturnpropsfromwhencethey
cameortoaspotassignedbythepropsmaster.
Rememberthatanynoiseoffstagerightorleftcanbeheardbypeopleonstage
andoftenbytheaudienceaswell.Thisdisturbsconcentrationandspoilsthesuspension
oftheaudiencesdisbelief.Donottalk!
Donotbotheractorswhoaregettingintocharacter,especiallypriortoanentrance.
Youriskbreakingtheirconcentrationandthrowingthemoff.
Donoteatincostume.Besuretoreturnyourcostumeattheendofashowinthe
sameconditionyoureceiveditin.Attheendofeachperformance,returnyourcostume
neatlytotheproperrack.Ifacostumepieceislost,thenitisyourresponsibilitytofindit.
Withoutcertaincostumepieces,onemightnotbeabletogoonstageforaparticular
scene.Keeptrackofyourcostumesandkeepthemingoodcondition!
Alwayslistentothesidemanagers,stagemanagers,andotherbackstagecrew
members.
Beontimeandreadytoeveryrehearsal.
Treatoneanotherasafamily.Respectdifferencesandworkforthetotaleffectof
theshow.
Alwayslistentotechniciansintheirworkspace,theyarelookingoutforyour
safetyaswellastheproductivityoftheircrew.

Forms

Thereare3mainformsthatarefilledoutbyPlayersduringrehearsalprocesses.The3formsare:

1. CharacterBios
2. DinnerOrderForms
3. PackageOrderforms

CharacterBios
areformsthatallmembersofthecastarerequiredtofillout.Theyarean
analysisofeachindividualscharacter,andareextremelyhelpfulonceyougetonstage.Adue
datewillbeassignedbytheAssistantDirector(s)towardsthebeginningoftherehearsalprocess.
Castmemberswillberequiredtocompletetheformelectronicallywithinaweek.Theyare
requiredofeverycastmemberineveryproductionthroughouttheschoolyear.

DinnerOrderForms
areformsthateverymemberofthecastANDtechcrewsareallowedto
filloutinordertoreceivedinnerduringscheduleddaysofhellweekandperformances.Theyare
notrequired,howevertheyareSTRONGLYrecommended.Therewillalwaysbeascheduled
dinnerbreakinorderforpeoplewhoordereddinnertoeat.IfyoudecideNOTtofilloutadinner
orderform,youareinchargeofsupplyingyourowndinner.Membersofthecastandcrewwill
notbeallowedtoleaverehearsaltogopickupfood.

PackageOrderForms
areformsthateverymemberofthecastANDtechcrewsareallowedto
filloutinordertoreceiveadmissiontothecastparty,ashowTShirtandDVD.Theyarenot
required,howevertheyarestronglyrecommended(mostlyfornostalgiassake).

PackageOrderFormsandDinnerOrderformsarenotnecessarilyusedforeveryproduction,
howevertheyareavailableandutilizedbymost.

12

PreShowAttire

Thereareafewdaystowardstheendofarehearsalprocesswheremembersofthecastandcrew
areaskedtodressincertainattire.Twodayspriortoanyshow,allmembersofStaplesPlayers
arerequiredtowearlogoweartoshowsupportfortheirpeers.Duringtheschooldaybeforethe
preview,studentsareaskedtoweartheirpurchasedshowTShirtsinordertopromotetheshow
totherestofthestudentbody.Duringtheschooldaybeforeaperformance,studentsareaskedto
dressupinniceattire(boyswearashirtandtie,somewearjacketsandsuits,girlswearskirtsor
dresses).

Strike

Aftertheclosingnightperformanceofeveryshow,apartialsetstrikewillcommence.All
membersofthecastandcrewwillbeassignedjobswhichmustbecompletedbeforethelocation
ofthecastpartyisdisclosed.
Participationinthisstrikeismandatory
.Certaincrewshavejobs
thatmustbecompletedbeforethispartialstrikeisfinished.Theseinclude:
The
ClearCom
systemmustbecompletelydismantledandstored
neatly
inZeighans
office(
Sound
)
All
followspotsights
mustberemovedfromfollowspotsandstored
neatly
inZeighans
office(
Lighting)
Allrentedequipmentmustbedismantledandfullypreparedforreturn.
Allpropsmustbereturnedtothepropsroom.
(Props)
Allcostumepiecesmustbeorganizedandputaway.
(Costumes)
Afewdaysafteraproductionhasclosed,anotherstrikewillcommencetofinishdismantlingthe
set.Whilethisstrikeisnotmandatory,attendanceishighlyencouraged.

CastParties

Castpartiesareatraditionafterthefinalperformanceofmainstageandstudiotheatre
productions.Theycelebrateajobwelldonewithfood,friendsandlaughter!

Pleasenotethat
StaplesPlayersdoesNOTsponsortheseactivitiesandthereforeStaples
HighSchoolisnotconnectedtothem
.
Wedonotparticipateintheorganizingorthe
supervisingoftheseparties.

Whilethecelebrationoftheculminationofaproductionisadeservedreward,studentsand
chaperonesshouldrememberthatunderagedrinkingandtheusageandpossessionofdrugsis
illegalandcouldresultinarrest.TherearenoreportsofthishappeningataStaplesPlayerscast
party,butwestillfeeltheneedtofullydisclosetoparentsthefactthatthesearecelebrations
plannedandexecutedentirelybystudents.

Castpartiesareonclosingnight,afterapartialstrikeofthesetfollowingthefinalperformance.
Theytypicallystartverylate,butonlylastforanhourortwo.Castpartiesareheldatthehome

13
ofavolunteercastorcrewmember.

TheOfficersofStaplesPlayerswillbecompletelyinchargeofsetupandcleanupfortheparty.
Theywillsupplyanyfoodorsuppliesneeded.Theyknowthatiswhatisexpectedofthemand
areaccustomedtoperformingthosetasks.

TheOfficersofStaplesPlayersworkhardtoensuresuccessofStaplesPlayersevents,bothon
andoffstage.Officerswilldotheirbesttomakesurethepartyisresponsiblyrun,buttheycan't
doitalone.AllmembersofStaplesPlayersareexpectedtoobeytheStaplesPlayersCodeof
Conduct.

14

CodeofConduct

STAPLESPLAYERSCODEOFCONDUCTCONTRACT
StaplesHighSchool

AsamemberofStaplesPlayers,Iunderstandthatmyparticipationinthisorganizationisa
privilege
anda
commitment
.Iamdedicatedtokeepingmyselfinthebestphysicalcondition
possibleinordertoperformtothebestofmyabilityandtocontributetothesuccessofthe
organization.

Thefollowingrulesareineffectduringtheentireschoolyear.
Reminder:thisisa24hourrulethatincludesbeyondtheschoolday
andappliesbothonandoffcampus.

MembersofStaplesPlayersareprohibitedfromthefollowing:
1.

Possession,saleand/oruseoftobaccoproductsoncampus
2.

Possession,saleand/oruseofalcohol
3.

Possession,saleand/oruseofillegaldrugs
4.

Knowinglyhostinganeventinwhichalcohol/drugsareused

Ialsoknowthatinadditiontorefrainingfromuseorpossessionofdrugsandalcohol,it
isexpectedthatIconductmyselfatalltimesinamannerwhichreflectspositivelyonour
organizationandschoolcommunity.

BysigningthiscodeofconductcontractIacknowledgethefactthat,asamemberof
StaplesPlayers,myviolationofanyoftheseruleswillresultintheprescribedresults(next
page)asinstalledbytheDirectorofStaplesPlayers.Ihavereadandunderstandthiscodeof
conduct.

SIGNATUREOFPLAYER_________________________________________
DATE__________

STUDENTNAME(print)_________________________________________
GRADE_________

ForParents:
Wehavereadandweunderstandthiscontractandwehavediscusseditwithour
son/daughter.Werecognizeourresponsibilityinensuringthatourson/daughterabidesbythe
provisionsofthisagreement.

SIGNATUREOFPARENT/GUARDIAN__________________________________
DATE_________

PRINTNAMEOFPARENT/GUARDIAN
______________________________________________

15

Results
Whenaviolationofthiscodeofconductduringthisseasonisreportedandverifiedbythe
DirectorofStaplesPlayersand/ortheadministrationofStaplesHighSchool,thefollowing
processwilloccur.Theregularschoolandlegaldisciplinarypoliciesandproceduressupersede
thiscontract.Whenthosedisciplinaryprocedureshavebeencompleted,theprovisionsofthis
contractwillcommence.

FIRSTOFFENSE:
TheplayerinquestionwillhaveameetingwiththeDirectorofStaplesPlayersand/orthe
officersofPlayers.

A.
Ifthestudentadmitstotheviolationinthismeeting,he/shewillbeputonprobation
andwillservetheequivalentoffivepractices(15hours)withtheDirectorofStaplesPlayers.

B.
IfthestudentdoesNOTadmittoaviolationbutitissubsequentlyshownoradmitted
thataviolationdidoccurtherulesforthesecondoffensewillcommence.

SECONDOFFENSE:
Ifasecondviolationoccurs,thestudentwillbepunishedwithsuspensionfromStaplesPlayers
fortheremainderofthesemester.ThestudentwillnotbeallowedtoparticipateinStaples
Playersevents,includingbutnotlimitedtoshows,trips,andPlayersfunctions.Aplayermay
bereinstatedifhe/shemeetswiththeDirectorofStaplesPlayerstoreviewacorrectionalpathfor
him/herself.

Incasesofseverebehavioralorcriminalinfractionsincludingbutnotlimitedtostudent
arrestbothonandoffcampus,theadministrationofStaplesHighSchoolreservestherightto
excludeastudentfromparticipationinStaplesPlayersforatleastaportionoftheremainderof
thecurrentproduction.Inmoreseriousincidents,theexclusionmaycarryoverintothenext
season/schoolyear.
Aswithalcohol,tobaccoordruguseorpossession,thestudentwillbegrantedtodue
processrights,andtheadministrationwillconductathoroughinvestigationofanyallegationor
incident.

Inordertobeanactivememberof
any
theaterorganizationonemustremainintop
physicalcondition.Alcohol,tobaccoandillegaldrugsseriouslyaffecttheusersphysical
condition.Beforeyouthinkabouttakingpartinanyactionsthatareinviolationofthiscodeof
conductrememberthat
youarehurtingyourselfmorethananyoneelse.

16

ResponsibilitiesofPlayersOfficers

Officersareelectedbytheirpeersbasedonleadershipqualitiesanddedicationtothe
organization.ElectionsoccuraroundAprilandthenewofficersareswornintoofficeattheend
oftheschoolyear.Whilemostofficersserveduringtheirsenioryear,itispossibleforajuniorto
holdthesecretarialposition.
AsmembersoftheBoardofDirectors,theseofficersparticipateatalllevelsofdecision
making:settinggoals,solvingproblems,determiningstudiotheatreproductions,planningevents
andservingasrolemodels.
Eachofficerisinchargeofoverseeingafewtechnicalcrews.Theofficersoftenactasa
liaisonbetweenthedirectorandseniormanagers.Officersmustensurethatstudentsenior
managersmeetdeadlinesandcompletetasks.
Theresponsibilityoftheseofficersistoworkcloselywiththedirectorsofthe
organization.Keepinglinesofcommunicationopenisamajorpartoftheirresponsibility.They
mustpromoteagoodattitudeandsetapositiveexampleforthestudents.
President:
ThePresidentofStaplesPlayersmustoverseeallaspectsoftheorganization.This
includesactors,technicians,parents,andnewmembers.ThePresidentmustfacilitate
communicationbetweencrewsandtheDirectorofStaplesPlayers,DavidRoth.Furthermore,the
PresidentisresponsibleforreachingouttonewmembersofStaplesPlayersandwelcomingthem
totheorganization.CommunicatingwiththewidearrayofPlayersparentvolunteersisavital
taskofthePresident.Mostimportantly,thePresidentservesasapeerwhomanymemberof
StaplesPlayerscanaskquestions,voiceconcernsandsuggestideas.
VicePresidentofActing:
TheVPofActingwithholdsfairlysimilartasksofthoseofthe
President.Firstandforemost,theVicePresidentisinconstantcommunicationwiththeother
officers,ParentBoosters,Directorsandoverseesseveralcrews.VPActingwilltake
responsibilityofthetasksthePresident,orothertwoofficers,cannotfinish.Inaddition,VP
Actingisalwayswillingtocomeintocontactwithneworoldstudents,unfamiliarfaces,and
answerthequestionsofanyonenomatterhowmucholderoryoungertheymaybe.Theyalways
worktogetherwellasagroup,andarethekindfacethatpeoplefeelcomfortablegoingtowith
concernstheywantexpressedtoothersapartoftheproduction.VPActingiswellorganized,
easilyreachable,andsignificantlyeasytotalkwith.
VicePresidentofTech:
Theyareinregularcommunicationwiththedirectorandthetechnical
DirectorofPlayers.Theyconcernthemselveswithalltechnicalareasofproduction:design,
construction,lighting,sound,andscenicarts.Theyactasconsultantsforallstudiotheatre
productions.Additionally,thenewlyelectedVPTechsarechargedwithcreatinglinesof
communicationwitheighthgradersinterestedintechnicaltheater.Thisincludesplanningan
incomingfreshmaneventandmakingthemselvesaccessibletoeighthgraders.Asecure
knowledgeoftech,responsiblenature,approachablepersonality,andagoodattitudearethe
requirementsonemustmeetinordertofillthisposition.

Secretary:
TheprimaryjoboftheSecretaryisto

recordminutesatallweeklyofficermeetings.
TheycreateagendasforeachofficermeetingandgeneralPlayersmeetings.Theyareincharge
ofprogramcoordinationincludingassemblingthenamesofcastandcrewmembers,andcreate
programsforallstudioproductionsandtheoneactplayfestival.Thesecretarykeepsan
inventoryoftheshelfofsuppliesinMr.Rothsofficeandmakessurethesuppliesarealways
organizedandwellstocked.Theyassistwiththetasksofanyoftheotherofficersasnecessary
andkeepPlayersorganizeddowntothelastfile.

17

ResponsibilitiesofAssistantDirectors

TheroleoftheAssistantDirectoristokeepeverythingatrehearsalsandperformanceson
scheduleandrunningsmoothly.Itisaveryimportantjobthatrequiressomeonewhoisfocused,
organized,dedicated,responsible,andcreative.Theyareateverysinglerehearsaland
performance.Beforeashow,theassistantdirectorisresponsibleforcopyingthescriptand/or
musicforcallbacksandrehearsal.Theyalsomustcompleteascenebreakdownandoutlined
rehearsalscheduleforthedirector.Theassistantdirectorisinauditions,callbacks,andcasting
forasecondopinionandtokeepeveryoneorganized.Theassistantdirectorisalsoresponsible
forhandlingcharacterbiosandmakingsureeverycastmemberhandsonein(seeabove).
Duringrehearsals,theyhelpblockscenesandtakenotesforthedirector.Theymayrunsome
rehearsalsbyhisorherselftoreviewasceneordocharacterwork.Beforeashow,theassistant
directorhandlesdinnerorderforms.Duringperformances,theassistantdirectorwilltakehisor
herownnotesaswellasnotesforthedirector.Theyalsotypeupthenotes(sortedbyactor)to
giveoutthenextmorning.

ResponsibilitiesofStageManagers

TheStageManagerensuresthateverythingisrunningsmoothlyatalltimes.Theydowhatthe
director,codirector,choreographer,vocaldirector,actors,andtechniciansneeddone.Oneofthe
manythingsastagemanagerdoesistomakesurethateveryoneisontime,notbeingdisruptive,
andobeyingthepersonincharge(sometimesthatpersonbeingthemselves).Theyarealsoin
chargeofgettingthestagesweptandpreparedforwhattherehearsalcallsforthatday.Theyare
responsibleforcheckinginandmakingsurethatallofthecrewsarestayingontaskand
finishingontime.Forrehearsaltheytapeoutthestage(s).Duringtechweek,theyputtogethera
runcrew,whichisagroupofstrong,responsiblepeoplethatwillmovethesetsduringblackouts.
Asfortheactualshows,theyflashanddimthelightsatthebeginningandduringthe
intermissionoftheshow.Theycallthelightsandshifts(includingthosetheflygallery),andif
theresanytroublebackstage,theytellthepeopleresponsibleforbackstagehowtodealwithit.
Aftertheshow,theyhelpdirectstrikeandgetpreparedforthenextshow.

TheroleoftheAssistantStageManagerarebasicallythesameastheStageManagers.He/she
hasmanyresponsibilitiesrangingfrommakingcopies,toplayingmusicfordancerehearsals,to
writingblockingandmuchmore.NotonlydoestheAssistantStageManagerworkheavily
involvedonmainproductions,theyalsohavethechancetostagemanagetheirownStudio
Productionsduringwhichastudentcanlearnhowtoruntheirownrehearsals,manageacast,
andcallashowontheirownonasmallerscale.

ResponsibilitiesofSceneShopManager

Attendance
takeattendance(ofanyoneworkingintheworkroom)atthebeginningofeachcrewcall
ifsomeonecantcomethentheyletyouknow
trytoenforcecommitmentwithmembersoftech(dependability)
Timemanagement
letPeterknowwhenthereisonlyahalfhouroftimeleftinwork

18

makepeoplecleanup
Shopmanagement
takeinventory
letPeterknowwhensuppliesneedtoberestocked
haveanoverallideaofwhattheentiresetisandthesubprojectsnecessarytobuildit
helpdictatejobstopeoplebasedonwhatjobsneedtobedone
actasaliaisontoothercrewsthattechneedstoworkwith(mastercarpenter,stagemanager,
props,paints,lightingandsound)

19
STAPLESPLAYERSOFFICERCONTRACT

IunderstandthatbeinganOfficerforStaplesPlayersisahugecommitment.AsanOfficerIwill
attendmeetingsaminimumofonceaweekandupholdthedutiesIamassigned.IknowthatI
willsometimesneedtoputbeingaleaderaheadofmysocialwants.

IagreethatIwillparticipatefullyinshowsduringeveryseasonoftheyearthatIwillserveasan
officer.Iwillbeinattendanceatleasttwotimesaweekormoreifmyparticularpositioncalls
forit.

Pleasethinkhardbeforesigningthiscontract.Discussthiscommitmentseriouslywithyour
parentstomakesuretheyunderstandtheresponsibilitiesyouarecommittingto.

Iagreetoallowmychild,_________________________________________,acceptaposition
asaStaplesPlayersofficerifheorsheiselectedtothispost.

___________________________________
_________________________________
PARENTSNAME

PARENTSSIGNATURE

IagreetoupholdallresponsibilitiesofbeingaStaplesPlayersofficer,

___________________________________
_________________________________
STUDENTSNAME

STUDENTSSIGNATURE

20

ForMoreInformation

ForTicketSales,RehearsalSchedules,CastLists,CallbackLists,andallotherimportant
informationcanbefoundat
www.staplesplayers.com
!

Forrehearsalandproductionphotographs:
http://kerrylongphotography.zenfolio.com/

StaplesPlayersCostumeRental:
http://staplesplayerscostumes.weebly.com/

Forcurrent,uptodateStaplesPlayersinformation:
http://currentplayers.weebly.com

Topurchaseanadintheprogram:
playersads@gmail.com

GeneralQuestions?Email:
michele.players@gmail.com