TheatreWings Participation Guidelines
TheatreWings Participants are expected to strictly adhere to these guidelines.
Students in the program participate in 2 ways. The first way is working on the construction side of each show, building the sets, props and costumes for every production. This is done by attending weekly crews in one of the Charleston Stage Shops. It is our goal that each student during their time in the program gains experience and know how in every area of a production.
The second way each student participates in the program is being a crew member on two productions each season. This can include being on the Stage Management team, joining the backstage running crew and dressers, or sound and light board operators. It is our goal that each student, during their four year tenure in the program experiences each area of theatre and can work in every position on a show.
Grades
TheatreWings students must maintain an overall B average or better. Students must submit a copy of each report card to the program Coordinator, Stefanie Christensen.
See The Shows
Students are required to see all of the shows Charleston Stage produces. To this end, each student will be given 2 complimentary tickets to each production during the year in which they are members of the company.
Periodic Evaluation
Each student will be evaluated at scheduled intervals throughout the year. This is a chance for each student to learn of areas that they need improvement on as well as to give feedback and suggestions for ways to improve the program and their remaining time involved.
Disciplinary Actions
Warnings will be issued for minor violations of TheatreWings guidelines, which will be documented in your file. Once you receive two warnings, you will be placed on probation. If you fail to complete the disciplinary action from any warning in a timely manner, you will be placed on probation. Probation consists of a set period of time where the student will be closely monitored for improvements in behavior and responsibilities. Additional punishment may be necessary and the entire TheatreWings Staff will review each case. Repeated or major violations will result in dismissal from the program.
Guidelines for Work at the Shop
Attendance
Each TheatreWings Student joins a shop crew either in the area of costumes, sets, props, sound or lights. These shop crews meet once a week for 36 weeks from August to May at the Charleston Stage Scene Shops located downtown, 19 Warren Street. Part of the students training and work experience will take place with the use of a time clock to record attendance. Students must clock in before 4:00 and cannot clock out until clean up is completed at 6:15. The students will keep a record of jobs or services performed on the back of the time cards. Over the course of the 36 weeks each student will complete 75 hours of work in their shop area.
If a student has to miss his/her regular crew, they must notified their supervisor 24 hrs prior to the absence and at that time arrange for a time to make up the hours they are planning to miss. All absences without such notification will result in double crew make-up time. Time sheets will be closely checked and students will receive a warning if they have excessive make-up time. Excessive absence will result in PROBATION. Failure to make-up missed time will result in EXPULTION FROM THE PROGRAM.
Students who work School Shows or tech rehearsals for a show and have crew the same day will not have to report to crew on that day, as those hours will be waived.
Leave of Absence
A student may request a leave of absence if faced with extraordinary circumstances such as long-term illness or major problems in school. Such leaves will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests for a leave of absence must be submitted in writing. You are urged to talk with your supervisor as soon as you realize you need a leave of absence rather than repeatedly missing crew calls as this could lead to dismissal from the program. Participation in other activities is not grounds for a Leave of Absence. This is reserved for dire circumstances only.
Transportation and Parking
You and your parents are responsible for providing your own transportation to all TheatreWings functions. “Not having a ride” is not a valid excuse for tardiness or absences - you should arrive a few minutes early and be picked-up promptly at the end of sessions. For students who drive, parking is not provided for weekly crews, but may be available on a first come first serve basis. Parking is provided during tech rehearsals and performances for each show that a student is working the crew for when they reach driving age.
Clothing at the shop
Always wear comfortable old clothes and shoes. No open toe, platform or high heel shoes are permitted in any of the shops or rehearsal settings. Dresses, skirts, short shorts, skimpy tops or bare midriffs are also unacceptable. All long hair must be tied up for safety purposes while working in the shop.
Crew Chiefs
Each daily crew will have a crew chief that will be responsible for attendance, organization, safety, job completion and clean up.
Guidelines for Working on a Show
Attendance for shows
Students are given schedules for all rehearsals and performance of the shows they will be working on at mid summer. This is to allow students time to clear their schedules for this commitment. Students are required to attend all technical rehearsals at the theatre and all Performances of the show they are working on. Students who are on the Stage Management Team for a show are also required to attend all rehearsals at the studio before a show moves to the theatre.
Crew Replacement Protocol
Wings students who have accepted the responsibility of a running crew position are expected to fulfill their obligation. If for some pre-approved reason, this is impossible, it is the responsibility of that student to find a replacement. CSC staff must be notified at least 2 weeks before the first tech rehearsal. The replacement must meet the Wings supervisors and Production Manager approval and shadow the Wings student for at least 2 public performances. The Stage Manager must also be notified of any change to the running crew, including shadowing.
Absences From School
Wings Students will be used on running crews for school day performances during the year and will have school day absences of up to but no more then four days for each production they work on. Charleston Stage will provide written excuses and each student should speak to their teachers as soon as possible. Students will be released between 1 and 1:30pm and are encouraged to return to school at that time. Charleston County Schools considers these excused absences. Students from other counties or private schools should schedule a meeting with their principal or Headmaster/mistress to discuss the requirements of this program. These activities are not only educational for the Wings students, but also for the more than 20,000 tri-county public and private school students who see Charleston Stage Company shows.
Protocol For After Rehearsal/Performance Events
TheatreWings students are welcome to join cast and crew in attending CSC sponsored cast parties and social functions. Parents will receive written invitations/directions if the function is CSC sponsored. Adult staff members will be in attendance at these functions. Cast members hold social functions, which are not CSC sponsored. For these events, Wings students must bring written parental permission stating date, place of event and time of pick-up. All cast and staff members have signed contracts acknowledging that care should be taken at social functions where alcoholic beverages are being served. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation to and from these events.
Attire and Supplies
Black pants, long sleeve shirts, shoes and socks are required when working backstage. Each student must have a notebook, a small “mag” flashlight, mechanical pencils, high lighter, nylon erasers, and an 8” crescent wrench. And should have paper at all rehearsals and performances. It would also be a good idea to have a pouch in your notebook to keep your supplies.
