These rules of etiquette were originally written by Mark Lewis for the Katie’s Hope world premiere in 2014.
1. Punctuality
You’ve heard about it your whole life and being a professional means there are no excuses for lateness to a rehearsal or performance. If lateness is truly unavoidable, you must call your Stage Manager and let him or her know your expected arrival time.
2. Cell Phones
Turn them off when entering a rehearsal or performance space. There are appropriate times to use them, and during rehearsal or performances is not one of those times.
3. Director’s Notes
Always be gracious, even if you disagree. Say “Thank you” after the director gives you the note, and do not discuss your notes in front of the cast. If you don’t understand the note or you disagree with it, find time for you and the director to discuss one-on-one.
As an actor, you should not direct others, or give notes to another actor. If you want some input or advice, please ask and then discuss with your directors.
4. Props
Two major rules here – never play with a prop and always check your props before each show. If there is an issue, please discuss with the prop master.
5. Costumes
Never change anything about your costume. Don’t add or remove anything. Everyone in a production has a specific job and it is the costume designer’s job to put you in something that works for the show. If you have suggestions or problems with a part of your costume, politely take them to the costume design team (Erin, Marsha, or Mary).
6. Being Quiet and Respectful
Please keep the noise down when you are backstage. Avoid all talking and/or whispering.
Keep your voice and laughter down even when in the green room…Voices carry.
Please respect your fellow actors, directors, and crew members during rehearsal. If you are making noise, walking around, or talking, it can be very disturbing and disruptive for those folks.
7. SCRIPTS
You have been provided scripts, so please write your name in the script and always know where your script is at all times. If you lose your script and need to have it replaced, there will be a $10 charge.
Please mark any blocking or notes you wish to make in your script in pencil in case you need to make any changes during the rehearsal time. It may be helpful to highlight your lines for reading through and memorizing lines. It can be useful to have your script available during times when you are at rehearsal but not on stage and maybe ask a fellow actor to run lines with you.
Don’t adlib or improvise in the script. The playwrights (Tom and Denise) wrote the lines that way for a reason. It’s the actor’s job to bring the playwright’s words and the director’s vision to life. If you have an idea or some change you feel would work for your character, please discuss in private with the director (Tom) or assistant director (David). Same goes with the music scripts and any ideas, changes, or concerns should be discussed with the music directors (Steve or Sue).