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Welcome to The Vagabond Players

As a Theatre Arts student you are an important part of our theatre family. You are becoming involved in theatre arts through William Blount High School. Every year, students, staff, and friends of the school create an exciting season of music, and theatre. Audiences come from the campus, Maryville and communities all over East Tennessee. You don't have to have experience, you just have to want to make friends, to learn, and have fun.

Actors can come to open auditions for main stage productions. Backstage workers can help create the sets, properties, costumes and makeup, or even coordinate the publicity. For each type of production work, you earn credit (for Theatre Arts II and III or extra credit for Theatre Arts I), arrange your own work times, and help create successful productions. AND, you have a great time seeing the results of your efforts win applause from an audience.

Theatre is the result of a great deal of effort, with long hours put in by many different people with many different jobs. No job is small, for if any tasks are left incomplete; it can result in the failure of the production. Sharing in the work or doing your job to the best of your ability is what makes theatre a fun and rewarding experience. Remember that while tour job is important, there are other people involved. Give your BEST effort. Do your job. If you have any questions, ask. Above all, try to keep it all in perspective. Things will not always go the way you want them to, so be calm and work with what you have. We are here to help guide you. Have an open mind, be PATIENT and you will learn as much as you are willing to learn. William Blount's theatre program is for teaching, and we are all here to learn.

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Company Policies

You are now a part of the Production Company-the group who puts on the production. It includes cast and crew members-all of whom will remain with the company until after strike (when the set is taken down and all materials used in the production are put away). To make life a little simpler, there are guidelines to be followed by all members of the company. These rules are designed to promote safety, responsibility, and as little stress as possible before and during a production. Help new company members learn and understand them. (Remember: There are always ways to find out what you need to know-asking questions is a good starting point).

1. Production staff positions are based on the number of people needed for the crews (members of groups responsible got different aspects of the production), the experience and ability of the students involved.

2. The cast is selected based on the abilities of the actors, as seen at tryouts, and the demands of the production.
   1. All casting or crew assignments are tentative and any member of the cast or crew may be reassigned or dismissed at any point in the production by the Director.

   2. During performances, all crew members will check in with the Stage Manager and all actors will check in at the callboard.

   3. Always initial notes left for you on the callboard so that we can be sure you got them.

   4. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS check the callboard every 24 hours, when in production (other than 2 seconds before rehearsal or show). All changes in schedules will be posted there. "I didn't know," is never an acceptable excuse, it just shows negligence.

3. It is our policy that company members do not miss rehearsals, work calls, meetings, performances, costume fittings, dress parades, or assignments. By joining this company, it is taken for granted that you will follow this rule.

4. ONLY Miss Housam will excuse absences. Absences need to be discussed PRIOR to being out, and it's a discussion process, not merely a "Hey, I've got work or ________"

5. Students selected as Stage Managers, and Crew traditionally should have respect of all members of the company. Remember there is a reason they hold their positions, listen to them and co-operate with them fully. Also remember that socially, it is quite difficult to "boss" your peers. In most cases, the SM or Crew Head is directly following the orders/requests of the DIRECTOR.

6. Always be on time. If possible be early to meetings and rehearsals.

7. All company rules apply to all of the company.

8. All students are encouraged to make crew preferences known to the Director or the Stage Manager.

9. All company members are expected to remain for strike.

10. NO eating or drinking (water is an exception) in costume. NO food or drink backstage during a performance.

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Actor Guidelines

Actors are the means of communicating the play to the audience and are the outward representation of the entire company's efforts.

1. Auditions and Casting: When possible, scripts will be available for reading prior to the auditions. Auditions are open to all students. Auditions will usually consist of readings from the script, sometimes followed by callbacks or final auditions. Audition notices will be posted on the call board by the Director, Assistant Director, or Stage Manager.

   **Do Not come by with questions about casting before the cast list has been posted on the call board. Check that call board first!!!!

2. Actor Responsibilities: Every role is important to the production of a show, therefore do not consider any part too small for your efforts. Actors should accept all roles gracefully and play them to the best of their ability.
   1. Actors shall be considerate and respectful to all company members. Treat the crew the way you want to be treated if you were a crew member. Because this is a small theatre, most students who act will be called upon in the future to be a crew member. Treat crew and the Stage Manager, ASM with the respect.

   2. The actor will treat all costumes, props, equipment with respect, and will return them to their proper places.

   3. NO GUM! NO GUM! NO GUM! NO GUM!!!

   4. Obey immediately all instructions of the Director and Stage Manager. Your safety could be in jeopardy.

   5. If you use rehearsal props, put them back where they belong. If you pick up a prop that was carelessly left backstage by a fellow member, give it to the Stage Manager or Property Crew Head-who will then suggest that your associate take more care of it next time or the prop could be lost.

3. Actors Costumes: Costumes are an important part of performances. One is specifically designed for the role of the actor, and the actor should learn to understand and use it to the benefit of the performance.
   1. Co-operate fully with the Costume Crew Head and the Director to work out fittings, etc.

   2. Find out from the Costume Crew Head, Costume designer, or Director what sort of special rehearsal clothes are required. Actors will use their own rehearsal clothes. Actors will be in full dress and make-up for dress rehearsals and performances.

   3. You are responsible for your costumes. When on stage treat you costumes as the character would treat the clothes. When off the stage, treat your costumes with respect and care. A good actor always takes good care of costumes.

   4. Hang them up, keep them together, and notify the crew head of needed repairs or cleaning.

   5. No costume is to leave the theatre during dress rehearsal or performance period.

11 Rules For Actors

1. Memorize your lines as soon as possible, making an extra effort if you have a large role.

2. Go over lines and blocking before every rehearsal.

3. Always be on time for auditions, rehearsals, and performances.

4. Clear your calendar of ANYTHING that conflicts with rehearsal schedules. This INCLUDES Work and "Retreats."

5. Always treat the technical crew with respect.

6. Whenever possible, ask questions before or after rehearsals, so you won't interrupt the flow of a scene.

7. Worry about your own performance, not the performances of other actors - that's the director's job.

8. Keep the noise level down backstage, even in dressing rooms.

9. Keep track of your own costumes and props at all times.

10. Always accept compliments on your performance graciously, even if you think you were having an "off night."

11. Take conflicts to each other before they become major problems-it is easier to work out something in advance. If you cannot come to a reasonable compromise, you must at least maintain civil professionalism. "Gossip Camps" will NOT BE TOLERATED.

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Production Personnel

In most cases, these jobs are performed by the same person. The purpose here in going into specific job descriptions is to keep you aware of all the people involved with professional productions as well.

• Director of Theatre: The Director of Theatre directly administers Vagabond Players and supervises all aspects of the management of the season including: publicity, marketing, determining the season, "hiring" (or choosing) personnel, fund raising, and recruiting volunteers. The Director has final approval for all elements specific to production.

• Scenic Designer: The Scenic Designer sets the style of the production in conjunction with the other designers and the Director. The Scenic Designer determines the ground plan and oversees the appearance of the stage, including the completion of scenery and stage properties (such as furniture and set décor).

• Lighting Designer/Technical Assistant: The Lighting Designer enables the audience to see the actors, helps to enhance the style and mood, and executes special effects. The Lighting Designer determines a light plot, and oversees the hanging of the plot and the setting of cues for the performance.

• Costume Designer: The Costume Designer enhances the style and mood of the production and supports the characterizations of the actors. The Costume Designer draws the costumes, oversees the purchasing of the materials, and supervises and assists with building of the costumes.

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Assistant Director Guidelines

The Assistant Director is the second in command and answers to the director. The AD is the link of communication between the company and the Director until the Stage Manager takes over the production. Due to our small size, here at William Blount , the SM generally acts as the AD.. The AD is to support the Director and follow all instructions given.

1. Duties
   1. Prepare a prompt script. Include title page, mark all blocking (in pencil), warnings for all sound/light cues, plan showing scene layouts, list of company addresses and phone numbers, rehearsal schedule, work schedule, and blank pages for notes.

   2. Prepare room for auditions to Director's specifications.

   3. Handout and collect audition sheets.

   4. With the Stage Manager, mark the stage for rehearsals, set up stage and personal properties for rehearsals, keep track of prop placements, and reset rehearsal hall afterward.

   5. Help set up a production schedule and check times and dates with the Technical Director and Costumer.

   6. Work with Publicity crew head to create the program.

   7. Keep track of all directions, cues and changes during the rehearsal period.

   8. Work out when Stage Manager and Crew Heads should attend rehearsals.

   9. Notify Director of set and prop problems.

   10. Be prepared to prompt actresses/actors and to also read roles in case absences during rehearsals, should the prompter be absent.

   11. Know where actresses/actors are at all times. You make sure they are there for each rehearsal and give them permission to leave the rehearsal area when necessary.

   12. Plan with the Publicity Head the time for publicity photos, notify Technical Director and actors of what is needed for shots.

   13. Set up production photos with the Director.

   14. Keep the cast aware of all-important decisions.

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Stage Manager Guidelines

Once the production goes into tech week and dress rehearsals, you are in charge backstage. Once the show starts it is up to you to see that it goes on. Actor problems become your responsibility. You must maintain discipline and organization. You are required to attend production meetings.

1. Duties
   1. You are required to become fully familiar with the play. If you are not, you cannot do your job.

   2. With the AD, the SM lays out the floor plan on stage or in the rehearsal hall.

   3. Check prop placement on stage with the Property Person and the AD.

   4. Check all light cues with Light Crew Head.

   5. Check all sound cues with Sound Crew Head. (if there is one)

   6. Keep and up-to-date company phone list.

   7. Know location of fuse boxes and circuit breakers.

   8. Have and up-to-date rehearsal and work schedule.

   9. Attend rehearsals and take notes on technical matters. Check with Director for notes for the tech crew.

   10. Inform cast the keeping dressing rooms clean is their responsibility.

   11. It is your responsibility to keep the stage clean. Either sweep it yourself or assign it to your crew, but get it done.

   12. Time length of scenes, acts and intermissions.

   13. Supervise all backstage management, see that lights and mics are checked prior to the rehearsal/show and have props and scenery set and ready.

   14. Make sure all rules are followed by all of the cast/crew.

   15. Keep a "To do" list, making sure to check items off as they are complete!

   16. Set times with Director, and Crew Heads for calls prior to tech/dress rehearsals and have a sign in sheet for the entire company. They are to initial by their name and on the correct date and note their arrival time.

   17. Have a prop and set diagram for each scene, have a pre-and post-show checklist. Have a listening of all necessary cues. Have a spare list. You are responsible are for calling all of these cues during the show.

2. Running the Show
   1. Supervise and help with the setting of the stage.

   2. Check that all cast and crew are present, check that the stage is set, check with light operator and sound operator, before allowing the House Manager to open the house.

   3. Give a 30 minute to curtain warning and have the cast come in stage to check prop placement.

   4. Call cast to greenroom at designated time to meet with the Director.

   5. 5 minute to curtain call "places".

   6. Call all cues during the show.

   7. You are responsible for the show. Do not stop except for emergencies; try to make any necessary stops at scene changes.

   8. Be sure that all running crew is wearing appropriate costumes or dark clothes, black or dark blue. No white.

   9. You are to set number of curtain calls with Director, and if necessary call extra ones. Be discrete.

   10. Work with the Director to direct the company in strike. Make sure that all the company knows that they are expected to stay for strike following the final performance.

Continue on to Part 2

Vagabond Player's Handbook