bylaws- updated 2024
ARTICLE I - NAME OF ORGANIZATION
The name of this organization is EAST HARTFORD SUMMER YOUTH FESTIVAL, INC., hereafter abbreviated as EHSYF.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
EHSYF is intended to be a tax-exempt nonprofit charitable corporation, organized under the laws of the State of Connecticut for the express purpose of sponsoring and supporting community theater open to the youth of this community, and other interested persons, so as to allow them the opportunity to participate in all aspects of a theatrical production. EHSYF shall not engage in any political or partisan activity.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
Membership and participation shall be open to all.
Section 1: Members in Good Standing
All members considered to be in good standing must adhere to the Code of Conduct, Anti-discrimination, and Sexual Harassment policies set into place by EHSYF. Full documents with further guidelines will be provided with specific stipulations.
Section 2: Anti-Discrimination Policy
Anti-discrimination means to promote an environment that is free from discrimination based
on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, gender orientation, and other identifying characteristics in compliance with applicable federal and state anti- discrimination and harassment laws; to promote a safe environment for our membership that is free from harassment of any kind including sexual harassment; and to document a procedure
for complaint and resolution.
Section 3: Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which makes a person feel
offended, humiliated and/or intimidated. It includes, but is not limited to, situations where a
person is asked to engage in sexual activity as a condition of that person’s position or role, as
well as situations which create an environment which is hostile, intimidating, or humiliating for
the recipient.
This policy is intended to encourage and enable members of EHSYF to raise concerns in good
faith about behaviors in our organization that might violate this policy.
Reports may be made to a member of the production staff or the Board of Directors. Some
Board of Directors members have been trained to handle reports of harassment. An initial
report may be made in person, by phone, written or by email.
It is the responsibility of those who hear a report to share the information in a timely manner
with the members of the Board of Directors who have received training. The issue shall be
raised with the full Board of Directors in confidence, for the purpose of ensuring a safe
Environment.
ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS
Each member shall contribute toward the annual operating expenses of EHSYF. This amount will be due and owing at the start of the production year (first full rehearsal), or when a new member joins. The President may propose an amount in addition to this if circumstances warrant. This proposal must be approved by the Board of Directors. This additional amount will be due and owing at the time the Board approves the proposal or when a new member joins during the production year. Any member can make a request to the President that a personal waiver of those amounts be granted. The President will make a determination and notify the Treasurer.
ARTICLE V - GOVERNING BODY
EHSYF shall be governed by a Board of Directors, hereafter referred to collectively as “the Board”. The Board shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Chairperson, which will comprise the Executive Board. In addition, the Board will consist of seven-at-large members at least two of whom must be of high school/college age. Advisory members may be added to the Board at the discretion of the President. EHSYF shall indemnify the member of the Board against any claims, legal actions or any other harm as they may be named a party to, from actions arising while carrying out business for EHSYF, so long as they acted in good faith and with reasonable care. No officer or member shall receive or at any future time may receive any pecuniary profits from the operation of EHSYF. The Board may propose rules, policies and procedures to govern the day-to-day operation of EHSYF. These rules, policies and procedures will come into effect by a simple majority vote of the Board present. The Board will give the membership thirty (30) days notice of its intent to vote on these proposed rules, policiesrules policies and procedures. The governing body is responsible for maintaining adequate coverage for liability insurance to utilize any venues in use year to year.
ARTICLE VI - ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS
Section 1: ELIGIBILITY AND VOTING RIGHTS
Any member who is sixteen years of age or older and is in good standing may be considered for any at-large membership on the Board. Any member who is eighteen years or older may be considered for a position on the Executive Boardl. Only members in good standing may vote at these elections or on any other issue or petition put before the membership. A member in good standing shall mean any member who has no outstanding debts to EHSYF. Any member in good standing under 18 is not eligible to vote but will have a proxy vote from the parent or guardian who signed his or her membership form.
Section 2: NOMINATIONS
The President shall form a three person nominating committee, made up of members in good standing that will present a slate of candidates to be on ballot to the full membership no later than one week prior to the final membership meeting of the production year, to be held following the final performance of the season. The nominating committee will hold at least one open meeting to hear from interested members and gather information to aid them in presenting the slate, one person per office. Once the nominating committee has presented the slate of candidates to the membership at the final meeting, the President shall dissolve and dismiss the committee. Additional candidates may be nominated from the floor at the final membership meeting. The nominations must be made by a member in good standing. Members of the nominating committee should not be on thenot on the ballot.
Section 3: TERM OF OFFICE
The Board shall be elected to serve a two-year term. The term shall begin at the time that the results of the election are decided and terminate with the election two years after. The Executive Council and members-at-large shall be elected in alternating years. Any officer resigning their position must give written notice of this action to the Board two weeks prior to the next board meeting.
Section 4: FILLING OF VACATED OFFICES
The Board will hear nominations from the President for candidates to serve out the remaining term left of the vacated office. The Board members present will then elect by a simple majority one of these candidates. In the event of a tie, the vote will be put to the membership present at this meeting with the candidate who, receiving a simple majority, filling the office. All voting will be by written ballot.
Section 5: RECALLING OF A BOARD MEMBER
A Board member may have a recall action taken against them for dereliction of duties, or an act of gross negligence, or an act which caused irreparable harm to EHSYF, or for crimes against EHSYF. The Board can recall an officer by a 2/3 vote by those Board members present.
ARTICLE VII - DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1: THE PRESIDENT
The President’s duties and responsibilities shall be:
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to serve as the presiding officer at all meetings of the general membership and the Board.
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to form all ad hoc committees. The President can be compelled to form an ad hoc committee by a petition signed by a simple majority of the Board.
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to form all ad hoc committees in relation to the programming of each production.
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to oversee all committees in relation to the programming of each production.
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to appoint a three person nomination committee, made up of members in good standing, that will present a slate of candidates to the full membership no later than three weeks prior to the final membership meeting of the year.
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to appoint a show selection committee, made up of no more than five members in good standing.
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to serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.
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to call Board meetings and general membership meetings. The president can be compelled to call a board meeting or a general membership meeting by a petition signed by a simple majority of the Board or of the general membership, respectively.
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to prepare and present the agenda for these meetings.
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to only conduct business which is in keeping with the purpose of this organization and the laws governing tax-exempt nonprofit charitable corporations.
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to conduct interim business as related to this office.
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to keep and maintain records, files, notes, papers and any other documents related to the day-to-day operation of this office.
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to appoint subcommittees of this office as needed to assist in the fulfillment of this duties and responsibilities and to serve as its presiding officer.
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to inform the board of any possible conflicts of interest, or anything that may yield the appearance of a conflict of interest that arises while holding this office.
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to transfer this office to the President-Elect in an orderly and timely manner.
Section 2: VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice President’s duties and responsibilities shall be:
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to preside at all meetings of the Executive Board and general membership in the absence of or at the direction of the President.
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to attend the monthly meetings.
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to complete the unexpired term of the President in the event of the President’s resignation and/or incapacitation
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to serve at the President’s request as the EHSYF liaison to any related association, which would benefit EHSYF.
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to inform the Board of any possible conflicts of interest, or anything that may yield the appearance of a conflict of interest that arises while holding this office.
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to transfer this office to the Vice President-Elect in an orderly and timely manner.
Section 3: SECRETARY
The Secretary’s duties and responsibilities shall be:
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to attend the monthly meetings.
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to record and keep all action taken at Board meetings and at general membership meetings.
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to present such minutes at the next Board meeting for review and acceptance.
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to maintain a file of all official Board correspondence.
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to allow any member to review the minutes, corporate charter, seal, bylaws, correspondence, or historical items during reasonable hours with reasonable notice.
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to appoint subcommittees of this office as needed to assist in the fulfillment of these duties and responsibilities and to serve as its presiding officer.
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to inform the Board of any possible conflicts of interest, or anything that may yield the appearance of a conflict of interest that arises while holding this office.
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to transfer this office to the Secretary-Elect in an orderly and timely manner.
Section 4: TREASURER
The Treasurer’s duties and responsibilities shall be:
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to attend the monthly meetings.
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to maintain accurate accounting records and documents of EHSYF.
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to allow any member to review the accounts, documents, reports and other papers and files of this office during reasonable hours with reasonable notice.
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to promptly deposit all EHSYF monies into EHSYF accounts.
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to oversee the prudent placement of EHSYF funds, with review and approval by the full Board.
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to make timely payments of debts duly authorized and incurred by EHSYF.
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to keep and maintain the checkbook, and any other similar instrument of EHSYF.
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to ensure compliance with government requirements, such as but not limited to, the filing of tax returns, tax reports and any other obligation of a tax-exempt nonprofit charitable corporation.
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to present a written report to the Board of all significant activities at each Board meeting and at the annual business meeting. These reports will be placed on file with the secretary, and made part of the minutes.
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to conduct business which is in keeping with the purpose of this organization and the laws governing tax-exempt nonprofit charitable corporations.
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to conduct interim business as related to this office.
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to keep and maintain records, files, notes, papers and any other documents related to the day-to-day operation of this office.
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to appoint subcommittees of this office as needed to assist in the fulfillment of these duties and responsibilities and to serve as its presiding officer.
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to inform the Board of any possible conflicts of interest, or anything that may yield the appearance of a conflict of interest that arises while holding this office.
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to transfer this office to the Treasurer-Elect in an orderly and timely manner.
Section 5: MEMBERSHIP CHAIRPERSON
The Membership Chairperson’s duties and responsibilities shall be:
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to solicit new and continued membership in EHSYF.
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to develop, plan and oversee all activities related to this.
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to be present, or have a representative present, at all auditions to greet and provide information, which may help recruit new members.
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to collect membership contributions and any other amounts approved by the Board and turn the monies over to the Treasurer promptly.
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to keep an accurate and up-to-date record of all membership, and to provide the President and Secretary with a copy of said record.
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to keep this listing in such a way as to be able to distinguish those members in good standing from those who are not.
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to present this listing to the membership for review prior to any voting by the membership.
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to notify the membership of Board meetings and general membership meetings.
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to present a report to the Board of all significant activities at each Board meeting and at the annual business meeting.
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to transfer this office to the Membership Chairperson-Elect in an orderly and timely manner.
Section 6: AT-LARGE MEMBERS
There will be seven members-at-large. They will not have direct responsibilities for any function, but will select and serve actively on one standing committee and are expected to
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Be present at the monthly meetings.
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Attend and support year round events and fundraisers.
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Complete tasks and duties assigned by the Board.
Section 7: ADVISORS
Advisors are appointed at the discretion of the President. They are non-voting members of the Board. They will serve in voice only. They are encouraged to attend and participate in any of the group’s activities.
Section 8: CONTINUITY OFFICERS
Continuity officers will be a board appointed position. The Board may see fit to appoint up to 3 officers. To qualify as a continuity officer, the member must have served as an active board member for at least 2 years. They do have voting power. Duties include implementing and maintaining the Organization's Business Continuity Plan in conjunction with the President and Treasurer, and/or a committee. The purpose of the continuity plan is to effectively respond to organizational disruption, minimizing its impacts and ensuring operational continuity and resiliency.
ARTICLE VII - AUTHORITY TO INCUR DEBT
The authority to incur debt rests with the Board. The Board may pre-approve the incurring of debts for a production by approving a budget made up of line items of likely debts for specific items. The Treasurer will oversee and administer the production budget. At no time shall any one debt be represented as more than one debt so as to avoid the limits set here below. The President may authorize the incurring of debts no higher than $100.00 per expenditure so as to carry out the day-to-day operations of EHSYF, so long as the debt is not to the President or a party in which the President has a vested interest. The incurring of debt up to $100.00 per expenditure must be approved by the President OR Treasurer. The incurring of debts above $100.01-$499.99 must be approved by both the President and Treasurer; and the incurring of debts of $500.00 and above per expenditure must be approved by a simple majority of the Board present. The Production Staff must keep accurate records of all debts incurred and present these debts and supporting documents for payment in a timely manner to the Treasurer. The Board may review and revise a production’s budget at any time. Both the President and the Treasurer will each be vested with a $100.00 petty cash fund during production to carry out day-to-day operations of their office. These funds are to be used only for the benefit of EHSYF and remain the sole property of EHSYF. These funds, or the receipts for these funds, are to be surrendered to EHSYF at the end of each production, or when the board votes to revoke these funds.
ARTICLE VIII - AUTHORITY TO MAKE EXPENDITURES
The authority to make expenditures rests with the Board. No payment of a debt will occur without the debt having been properly approved according to the rules set forth in Article VII. The Board may pre-approve the payment of debts for a production by approving a budget made up of line items of likely debts for specific items. The Treasurer may authorize the payment of debts no higher than $100.00 per expenditure so as to carry out the day-to-day operations of EHSYF, so long as the debt is not to the Treasurer or to a party in which the Treasurer has a vested interest. The payment of expenditures up to $100.00 each, outside of the approved budget, must be approved by the President or Treasurer. The payment of expenditures above $100.00, the money must be approved by a simple majority vote of the Board present. At no time may any one expenditure be represented as more than one expenditure so as to avoid the limits of authority set here. The Treasurer will keep accurate records of the budget expenditures and not make payments for any debt that exceeds the approved line items. The status of production budget expenditures will be presented at each Board meeting. The President will be authorized to pay expenditures in the absence of the Treasurer, or if the need arises, expenditures to the Treasurer, as long as the expenditures are co-approved by one other Board member. These expenditures will be subject to the same constraints that are placed on the Treasurer. The Treasurer may not make expenditures to him/herself.
ARTICLE IX - SHOW SELECTION COMMITTEE
The Show Selection Committee’s duties shall be to suggest to the Board what shows to be produced for the coming season. The President will appoint the Committee members. The Board will charge the Committee members with a set of criteria and goals that the coming production should be able to meet. A simple majority of the committee members shall prevail. The Committee shall meet as needed and work in a manner, which suits the duties and responsibilities of the Committee. All committee meetings shall be announced and open to any member in good standing. Any member wishing to provide input to this committee may do so. The Committee shall present a slate of three prospective shows to the full Board no later than eight weeks before the scheduled production start date. The Board will vote on the presented selections, with the show receiving the simple majority of the votes as the final selection. In the event of a tie vote for simple majority, only those proposed productions tied for first place will be placed to a second vote, with any other proposed productions discarded. In the event of a tie, after the second vote, the President will cast the deciding vote. Once the final selection has been made by the Board, the Committee will be disbanded, but may be recalled if it is found that an alternate selection must be made. Any change in the show to be produced will be put to a vote by a simple majority of members present on the Board.
ARTICLE X - REHEARSALS AND PRODUCTION
Rehearsals will be scheduled according to each production’s needs and established by the production staff. The Director will be free to solicit help from any member or source to fulfill production needs. Any budgetary needs must be approved by the Board.
ARTICLE XI - MEETINGS
The meeting will use Robert’s Rules of Order when conducting a meeting. The Board will meet monthly throughout the year; and open to all membership. Invited guests may attend. The membership will be free to speak on all matters concerning EHSYF. The Board will have voice and vote. The membership will have voice only. The production staff will meet weekly throughoutthrough out the rehearsal period. The annual business meeting will be held immediately following the final production of the season. The annual business meeting will be open to all members’ voice and vote. The Board may meet and conduct business without the usual notice to the membership in casetime of emergency.
ARTICLE XII - DISSOLUTION
In the event of the dissolution of EHSYF all monies that remain after all debts are settled will be distributed to one or more nonprofit community groups. Miscellaneous items may be distributed in a prudent way. The Board will propose a distribution to the membership for their approval.
ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS TO THESE BYLAWS
Any voting member may propose, in writing, amendments to these bylaws to the Board. The Board will review the proposed changes and present them to the membership at a general membership meeting. The Board will announce no less than thirty days earlier to the membership that changes to the bylaws have been proposed and will be discussed at the upcoming meeting. Proposed amendments to these bylaws will be adopted by a resolution of the membership by a simple majority of the voting membership present at the meeting.
A committee of no more than five will be appointed by the President every three years to review these bylaws and propose to the Board any changes that may be needed. The Bylaws committee will prepare written proposed changes, if any, no less than thirty days prior to the annual business meeting. Once theirthere proposed changes have been presented, the President will dissolve and dismiss the committee.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Overview:
Creating live theater is a collaborative endeavor, and it takes cast, crew, production staff, and volunteers working together in harmony to produce a successful production. To this end, EHSYF has compiled guidelines to which members must adhere. We hold that the safety, respect, and rights of our members and staff are of the utmost importance. As members keep these important guidelines in mind, this summers’ rehearsal process and performances will be a wonderful experience for all. Please review this document so that you or your child will be aware of our policies and how we will enforce them.
Becoming a member
EHSYF performing members and backstage members are expected to contribute an annual membership fee, as ticket sales and ads only cover a fraction of operating costs.
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Scripts and music will be distributed when the cast member has paid a $10paid $10 script deposit.
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Annual membership dues are required for participation. This year, the East Hartford Commission on Culture & Fine Arts is subsidizing these fees, bringing total per member down to $25. These fees help us cover our liability insurance and they also include your cast/crew t-shirt and your admission to the cast party.
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If a prospective member cannot afford membership dues, special arrangements may be made with Greer, EHSYF President & Producer.
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Cast members have both an Onstage Role and an Offstage Role.
Your Onstage Role:
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learn lines, songs, dance steps and blocking by given timeline,
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show up on time for scheduled rehearsals,
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be a positive, supportive team member.
Your Offstage Role:
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Be willing to help in any way you can to make this a successful production. Community Theatre is a collaborative
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creation.
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Observe all expected “professional” behaviors,
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Promote the show, distribute posters and flyers, sell tickets, sell program ads,
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As capability and safety allows:
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help build the set and/or help find set components,
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assist stage crew with requested backstage assistance,
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assist during set-up and strike.
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Expected Attendance:
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Rehearsal schedule is created to utilize everyone’s time efficiently and takes into account any conflicts we have been made aware of. It is possible that you may not be called to attend all rehearsals, depending on the scenes, songs or dances being rehearsed that night. Otherwise, attendance is required at all rehearsals. If an individual cannot attend due to significant conflicts, emergencies or illness, the Stage Manager must be notified.
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ALL cast members are required to be at all rehearsals during the “tech” week prior to performance, as well as all performances. Excessive absences may result in recasting or dismissal from the cast at the discretion of EHSYF.
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Rehearsal call time is the expected ready-to-start rehearsing time not arrival time! Please arrive ready to begin.
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Cast members should have lines, blocking, and dancing memorized by the date established by the director.
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ALL cast members are required to attend and assist strike (taking down the set) on Monday 7/31
Responsibility for costumes, props, and show materials
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All rented show materials (scripts, music, etc.) must be signed out at the beginning of rehearsals when $10 script deposit is made AND must be signed back in, erased and clean, by 7/31. Once we have received your clean script, we will return your script deposit to you.
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The performer is to provide proper care to sustain their costume by avoiding damage other than normal wear and tear, by hanging up all costume pieces after use, and by practicing personal hygiene to keep costumes as fresh as possible. Do not eat anything or drink anything other than water when in costume. Costume pieces must be worn as directed by the Costume Coordinator or Director.
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Props provided may be rented, purchased, or borrowed. Treat these items with care and respect, and never touch or play with a prop that is not assigned to you.
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Setting and returning a prop is between the userbetween user and the Stage Manager or Crew Chief. To guarantee predicted placement, readiness and condition, only the staff and the performer utilizing a prop may handle or move a prop. All others must refrain from any handling.
Responsible “Professional” Behavior and Conduct
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“Professional” stage etiquette demands toleration, acceptance, kindness, and mutual respect of each cast member for all others, including fellow cast, crew, and staff, and at all times as each person prepares, develops and responds differently.
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Cast members should be direct-able and try the things asked of them, even if they disagree. A cast member should accept notes from the director or discuss concerns about them privately with the director, but the director has the final say.
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Cast members should respect others by remaining quiet and concentrated while they are working, whether onstage or off.
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No cast member should “helpfully” or disapprovingly instruct another cast member on performance, interpretation, or responsibility, unless that is an appointed duty.
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Cast members minimize interpersonal temperament, outbursts, tension, blame, criticism, remarks, gossip, ridicule, profanity, disagreements, misunderstandings, miscommunication etc.
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Consumption of alcohol, intoxicants, or illegal substances is prohibited before or during rehearsal or performance. It is unprofessional and a safety issue. Failure to adhere to this policy could result in dismissal from the show and possibly arrest.
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Personal smoking or vaping is strictly prohibited in all rehearsal and performance venues. Smoking outside the venue while in costume is also prohibited.
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Bare feet, open toed shoes, flip-flops and sandals are not allowed backstage or onstage (unless part of a costume)
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Personal electronic communicators must be turned off during rehearsals and performances, except for use during break time (unless there are extenuating circumstances, and the Stage Manager approves the exception).
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Voices & footsteps carry. All cast and crew must remain vocally and physically quiet backstage during performances; quiet demeanor should be maintained in dressing rooms, hallways, etc. Walk quietly backstage as heavy footsteps can be heard from the audience.
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Safety is a priority. Notify a stage manager of any unsafe obstruction, hindrances, etc.
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If an injury occurs, notify a stage manager IMMEDIATELY! Unless medically qualified, do not attempt to treat someone’s injury.
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Unwanted behavior such as inappropriate touching, conduct or comment, bullying, harassment, intentionally causing physical or emotional harm in person or by cell phone or online, should be reported to EHSYF President/Producer, Stage Manager, or Director whether experienced or observed. Physical confrontations, threats of physical harm, taunting, and personal insults are strictly prohibited and may result in dismissal from the organization.
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East Hartford Summer Youth Festival Inc does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, board members, membership, volunteers and supporters. Any inappropriate behaviors by cast, crew, board members or bystanders should be reported to EHSYF staff, whether experienced or observed, and may result in dismissal from the organization.
Special behaviors for the protection of minors and children
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There are important behaviors for the protection of minor children which ALL ADULTS are expected to observe, enforce, and report. We define “minor” as all individuals under the age of 18. We further define “child/children” as all minors under the age of 13.
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No adult should touch any minor in any way, however innocently, except as an accepted or directed part of the production.
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It is expected that children will be chaperoned by responsible volunteer parents. At least two parents or chaperones must be present in the children’s dressing area whenever any child occupies the area. This includes dress rehearsals as well as performances. It is our policy that children come already dressed in basic costume.
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Doors to occupied adult dressing rooms are to remain closed unless the room has been declared open for all cast to enter.
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Children are not permitted to enter occupied men’s or women’s dressing areas while cast is changing clothes or costumes. If an adult in the cast has a child in the show, the adult should maintain contact with the child outside the dressing room.
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Likewise, only designated adults are permitted to enter a children’s dressing area.
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Unless children are about to perform, they are to remain or return to their designated safe area (i.e., dressing room). They are not to congregate in open areas or backstage with adults. The chaperones need to maintain headcount and whereabouts at all times.
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A children’s chaperone will walk the child to the restroom, wait outside, and then accompany them back into rehearsal.
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All cast and crew must be mindful of adult costume changes that must be accomplished backstageback stage or in an open area, and all children must be removed or shielded from such events. Likewise, adults responsible for assisting children’s costume changes backstageback stage or in an open area must also assure maximum privacy from other children and adults for the change.
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Minor teenagers are permitted to participate as adults as long as parental permission is given, and for as long as the expected corresponding adult decorum is maintained by the minor teenagers. Failure to properly observe adult rules may mean notification of parents and/or dismissal from the cast.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of the Anti-Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy for the East Hartford
Summer Youth Festival is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all of our participants. This policy applies to all members of EHSYF, including members of the Board of Directors, production staff and assistants, volunteers, actors, and additional participants in EHSYF events.
It is the policy of the EHSYF to report, investigate, and handle all forms of harassment. Members of the organization are encouraged to stop harassment at all times.
Anti-Discrimination
Anti-discrimination means to promote an environment that is free from discrimination based
on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, gender orientation, and other identifying characteristics in compliance with applicable federal and state anti- discrimination and harassment laws; to promote a safe environment for our membership that is free from harassment of any kind including sexual harassment; and to document a procedure
for complaint and resolution.
Some forms of harassment include but are not limited to:
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Verbal conduct such as derogatory epithets, jokes, or comments, comments on a person’s age, private life, sexual orientation, etc., or the use of racial slurs
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Production staff disproportionately disqualifying performers from roles based on identifying characteristics protected under state and federal laws
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Retaliation for having reported or threatened to report unlawful harassment
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which makes a person feel
offended, humiliated and/or intimidated. It includes, but is not limited to, situations where a
person is asked to engage in sexual activity as a condition of that person’s position or role, as
well as situations which create an environment which is hostile, intimidating, or humiliating for
the recipient.
Examples of Sexual Harassment include, but are not limited to:
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Unwelcome sexual advances, sexual favors, or lewd comments
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Unwanted hugs, touches, and/or kisses
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Derogatory or pornographic posters
Reporting
This policy is intended to encourage and enable members of EHSYF to raise concerns in good
faith about behaviors in our organization that might violate this policy.
Reports may be made to a member of the production staff or the Board of Directors. Some
Board of Directors members have been trained to handle reports of harassment. An initial
report may be made in person, by phone, written or by email.
It is the responsibility of those who hear a report to share the information in a timely manner
with the members of the Board of Directors who have received training. The issue shall be
raised with the full Board of Directors in confidence, for the purpose of ensuring a safe
Eenvironment.
Reporting in Crisis
Individuals are encouraged to use this policy to report claims within the EHSYF. If an individual
does not feel safe in any way doing so within EHSYF, then they are encouraged to report claims
of misconduct to local, state, or federal authorities. An individual should call 911 if they are in
immediate need for help.
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The East Hartford Police Department can be contacted at (860) 528-4401
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The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities can be contacted at 860.541.3400 or go online at www.ct.gov/CHRO and report your complaint.
Confidentiality
Individuals submitting a report may ask for anonymity and can expect confidentiality among the
EHSYF Board of Directors. Reports shall be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent
with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
Sanctions and Disciplinary Measures
Anyone who has been found to have harassed another person, sexually or otherwise, under the
terms of this policy is liable to any of the following sanctions depending on the gravity of the conduct:
• Oral or written warning
• Release from their position with EHSYF, including but not limited to, membership on the
Board of Directors, member of the production staff, a cast member in any EHSYF
production
• Disclosure to appropriate authorities, if warranted
Links to Sources
https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources/whistleblower-protections-nonprofits
http://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/discrimination-employment.aspx
https://nonprofitrisk.org/resources/e-news/workplace-harassment/
https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/sites/default/files/documents/harassment-prevention-
policy.pdf