2015-2016
Lassiter Theatre
Department
Handbook
Trust-Excellence-Tradition
Since 1982
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I. Attendance and Promptness
A. It is a custom of this department that one never misses a rehearsal, performance, a costume fitting
or a strike. You should accept this rule without hesitation. Unexcused absences or too many
excused absences could result in your dismissal from the cast or crew. An unexcused
absence from a dress rehearsal or performance is an automatic dismissal from the cast/crew.
There are no excuses for missing a dress rehearsal or performance!! An unexcused absence
from a dress rehearsal or performance will dismiss you from the cast or crew and also more
than likely keep you from working in any future Lassiter productions!!
B. A schedule of rehearsal days and times is provided to the cast and crew during the first week of
rehearsals. You will be asked to fill out a conflict sheet that tells the Director and Stage
Manager when you cannot be at a particular rehearsal. Only school related conflicts will be
acceptable. OTHER NON-SCHOOL RELATED CONFLICTS WILL BE DEALT WITH
ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS WITH YOUR DIRECTOR. PARENTS: PLEASE
SCHEDULE DOCTOR AND DENTIST APPOINTMENTS AROUND REHEARSAL
TIMES. NO CONFLICTS WILL BE HONORED AFTER THE CONFLICT SHEET HAS
BEEN SUBMITTED. You can either talk to a director in person or call the director. (
C. BE ON TIME ALL THE TIME!! No more important rule exists in the theatre!! If you are two
minutes late to a rehearsal or performance call then you are still late!! Frequent tardiness
could dismiss you from the cast or crew. If you really need to be tardy due to tutoring in a
particular subject or need to make up a test then you will need to let the Stage Manager
know in advance. .
NOTE: IF A REHEARSAL IS SET TO START AT 3:45 THEN YOU NEED TO BE
THERE AT 3:30 FOR WARM-UPS AND GO OVER SCENES SO THAT WE CAN BEGIN
AT 3:45 PM!!
II. Academic Responsibilities
A. During the rehearsal period for a show, your primary concern is to your grades. BY
STATE LAW AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE “NO PASS-NO PLAY” RULING, IF
YOU FAIL A CLASS THEN YOU ARE INELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN A
PRODUCTION DURING THE FOLLOWING SIX WEEKS PERIOD. It is your
responsibility to let us know if you are having problems in a particular class so that we can
get you some tutoring assistance. We cannot provide the help that you need if we are
unaware that a problem exists. If you are failing more than one class at the end of each 9
weeks before a production, an understudy will be put in your place so that you can
concentrate on your class work. REMEMBER THAT IF YOU FAIL OUT OF A SHOW
THEN IT WILL ALMOST BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO GAIN BACK THE TRUST IT
WILL TAKE FOR US TO PUT YOU IN THE CAST OR CREW OF ANY OTHER SHOW
HERE AT LASSITER.
III. Theatre Communication Channels
A. Most all announcements concerning the cast or crew of a Lassiter Theatre production including,
but not limited to, cast postings, crew assignments, rehearsal schedules, AD or Stage
Manager notes, important departmental notices, etc. are posted on the Lassiter Theatre
Website at www.lassitertheatretroupe.com, or on the Drama Bulletin Board outside of the
theatre. Some of the more important general announcements will be posted on theatre
bulletin board in the English Hallway. Also the use of Facebook and Remind are essential
for communication.
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B. The three major rules concerning communications are:
1. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BE INFORMED.
2. DO NOT ASSUME ANYTHING! DON’T RELY ON WORD OF MOUTH OR TEXT
MESSAGES!!
3. REMEMBER TO CHECK THE DEPARTMENTAL WEBSITE BEFORE SCHOOL,
DURING LUNCH, AND BEFORE 3:30.
C. In some extreme cases announcements are made on the school intercom system at the beginning of
morning announcement or 7th period. Listen closely to the morning announcements. In these
cases, an announcement will be made at the end of the day before a particular rehearsal.
D. The directors will also use the remind app. concerning a change in rehearsal schedule, weatherrelated cancellations, or any other pertinent information related to the production. Cast and
Crew phone lists are provided to each cast and crew member during the first week of
rehearsals. DO NOT LOSE YOUR PHONE LIST!! ALSO: MAKE SURE THAT THE
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND STAGE MANAGER HAVE YOUR PHONE NUMBER
STORED ON THEIR PHONE!!
IV. Rehearsal Schedule
A. Although each director may have different start/stop times, most rehearsals will take place from
3:45 pm until 6:00 pm or 8:00 pm. after school on Monday-Friday. In most cases rehearsals
will range from two hours to two and one-half hours in length. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO
BE AT THESE REHEARSALS EVERY DAY UNLESS YOU ARE NOT DESIGNATED
ON THE SCHEDULE TO BE THERE. Please understand that rehearsal times could be
altered to fit the personal schedule of the director in charge of a particular production or the
schedules of a particular cast or crew.
B. Often times a production will necessitate several Saturday/Sunday rehearsals and/or technical
work calls. Saturday/Sunday calls will usually start at either 9:00 am or 1:00 pm and run
until 5:00 or 6:00 pm.
C. During the five or six days prior to opening night, we will need to stay longer than the above
mentioned rehearsal times, especially on dress rehearsals. THE WEEKEND PRIOR TO OPENING
NIGHT AND THE DRESS REHEARSAL NIGHTS BEFORE THE SHOW SHOULD BE
RESERVED FOR THE SHOW. YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE JOB CONFLICTS OR ANY OTHER
CONFLICT DURING THESE VITAL REHEARSALS. BEING ABSENT FROM THESE
REHEARSALS COULD DISMISS YOU FROM THE CAST OR CREW!!
E. All cast and crew members are required to stay for director’s/stage manager’s notes following
dress rehearsals. This usually means that rehearsals last until about 10:00-10:30 pm.
PLEASE INFORM YOUR PARENTS THAT DRESS REHEARSALS LAST UNTIL 10:30
PM AND BE PREPARED TO STAY THE LENGTH OF THE REHEARSALS!
F. It is the responsibility of the cast and crew to clean up your own make-up, hang-up your own
costumes, and put the dressing area back in order following the dress rehearsals and
performances. NO CAST OR CREW IS ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE BUILDING UNTIL
THE ROOM IS CLEANED AND YOU ARE DISMISSED BY THE PRODUCTION
STAGE MANAGER!
V. Strike
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A. Everyone in the cast/crew is expected to attend strike following the closing night of the show.
Most strikes occur on the first school day (or days) following the last performance of the
show. ANYONE NOT ATTENDING STRIKE WILL LOSE ANY THESPIAN POINTS
ACCUMULATED FOR THAT PARTICULAR SHOW AND YOUR ABSENCE WILL BE
REMEMBERED WHEN YOU AUDITION OR DESIRE TO WORK FUTURE SHOWS!
The strike includes, but is not limited to, dismantling the set, taking down the lights, storing
all equipment that belongs to the department, returning all of the borrowed props, cleaning
out the paint and prop rooms, light booth, and the GFHH. All props, set elements, lumber,
etc. should be properly placed before the strike is complete. The floors in the green room,
prop room and paint room should be clear and swept like the floor of the stage.
B. All cast/crew members must sign in with the stage manager at the beginning and end of strike.
YOU MUST WORK AT LEAST THREE HOURS TO BE CONSIDERED PRESENT FOR
STRIKE!!
C. Stage Managers, Assistant Directors, and all crew heads must be on time to strike and stay until
the strike is over.
D. The strike will occur the night of the final performance with the cast party to follow.
VI. Hair & Costume Policy
A. It is customary in this department that actors NEVER do anything with their hair and/or beards
during a particular production. It is the responsibility of the actor to check with the director
as to what look the director wants. It is wise for actors not to get emotionally attached to a
particular hair style or hair color. Failure to abide by this rule could dismiss you from the
cast.
B. Men are often times requested to grow beards if capable. This adds to the age of the character and
to the maturity of the actor.
C. BE READY TO DYE YOUR HAIR OR CUT YOUR HAIR IF THE ROLE REQUIRES IT! All
actors should keep hair away from face and eyes for rehearsals and auditions!
D. A costume fee is part of your acceptance of a role in a play. This fee is part of Show Fees, but any
costume that is not dry clean only will be washed and returned by you. This fee may be used
for cleaning costumes, the purchase of fabric for construction, rentals, wigs, and accessories
the actors need. In case of hardship with fees, see your director privately and we will make
arrangements. (***Note that the costume fee for the musical is normally higher that the
straight plays ***)
E. Actors will be expected to wear closed-toe shoes to rehearsals at all times.
VII. Cell Phone Policy
We have a strict policy on cell phones. CELL PHONES WILL BE DISABLED AND TURNED IN
TO THE ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER BEFORE REHEARSAL. YOU WILL GET THEM
BACK FOLLOWING THE REHEARSAL. Only the directors, assistant director, the stage manager
and the assistant stage manager will have access to their phones during rehearsal.
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VIII. Basic Rules of the Stage
1. Be on time to rehearsal. TARDINESS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!!
2. NEVER QUESTION A STAGE MANAGER OR ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER. Their word is
law!! You do not have to respect the person, but you must respect the position!!!
3. VISITORS (friends of cast/crew, siblings, school photographers, newspaper media, etc.) attending
rehearsals for any reason will be allowed in rehearsals only through permission of the
director. Parents of the cast or crew members and students enrolled in the theatre program
at Lassiter are always welcome to view a rehearsal as long as they sit toward the rear of the
auditorium and apart from the director.
4.. When rehearsal breaks are taken, no person will walk beyond the immediate auditorium or little
theatre area unless you are doing work in another area of the building or you have been sent
by the director or stage manager to a certain area.
5. DO NOT SIT WITH THE DIRECTOR AT ANY TIME IN THE REHEARSAL UNLESS YOU
ARE ASKED TO DO SO!! Avoid walking between the director and the stage while a
rehearsal is in progress. Always go behind the director when crossing from one side of the
auditorium or Little Theatre to the other.
6. BUDGET YOUR TIME WHILE YOU ARE IN A SHOW AND DOING YOUR ACADEMIC
WORK!! Do not use the show as an excuse for failing grades! REMEMBER THE NO PASSNO PLAY POLICY!!
7. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH!! We need you at every rehearsal. Staying out all night with
your friends is detrimental to your health and the show!!
8. UNDERSTUDIES ARE IMPORTANT!! There have been times in the past where we have had to
put understudies in a show due to a cast member’s grade problems, illness, or some other
unexpected situation. BE AT EVERY REHEARSAL. IF YOU CANNOT BE AT EVERY
REHEARSAL, THEN DO NOT ACCEPT AN UNDERSTUDY ROLE!!
9. Everyone in the cast/crew will attend strike. STRIKE IS A MAJOR PART OF THE
PRODUCTION! Sign in and sign out through the production Stage Manager.
10. Avoid the following questions usually aimed at the Director or the Stage Manager:




How long will rehearsal last?
Am I needed today?
What are we going to do today?
May I leave early? I only have a small part.
11. LET THE DIRECTOR DIRECT! This does not mean that a director will not encourage
creativity and/or input during the rehearsal process but leave vision of the play with the
director. If you feel the need to direct others in a scene then get a degree in theatre.
12. Actors are actors---Techies are Techies!! You are a major part of the whole production. However
you should only be concerned with your own job! Your telling someone how to do his/her
job is not welcome and will not be tolerated. Accept your part in the show and DEAL WITH
IT!!
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13. Actors should memorize and BE OFF BOOK immediately after a scene is blocked. If you are
running a scene and do not know your line then just call out “Line!” and the
prompter will give you the line. There are no books in hands during the running of a
scene.
14. CREW WILL BE EXPECTED TO WEAR SOLID, CLOSED-TOED SHOES! NO FLIP FLOPS!
15. NEVER LEAVE A REHEARSAL UNTIL YOU ARE DISMISSED!
16. WE DO NOT LET ANYONE BORROW COSTUMES OR PROPS UNLESS PRIOR APPROVAL
IS MADE THROUGH GUINN or CRANDALL.
17. BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU PUT ON YOUR FACEBOOK, SNAPCHAT, INSTRAGRAM,
KIK, OR WHAT YOU TWEET!!
YOU CANNOT TAKE IT BACK ONCE IT IS SENT OUT AND IT REFLECTS POORLY
ON YOU, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE ENTIRE DEPARTMENT.
20. Lassiter theatre has tremendous support from faculty and staff. A player’s behavior should
reflect our department standards. When a teacher or staff member knows that you are a
part of the Lassiter Theatre Troupe, then they are quick to report any of your transgressions
in their classroom to Ms. Guinn and Mrs. Crandall. If you are reported to us by another
teacher, you will be asked to make an oral face-to-face apology to the teacher who reported
you to us. Failure to do so could eliminate you from the cast or crew of a production or any
future productions.
21. Do not leave any valuables laying around during rehearsal, especially wallets, purses, and
headphones. LABEL EVERYTHING WITH YOUR NAME, especially clothing that is
brought from home.
VIII. Achieving Excellence
LHS Theatre Troupe Members should strive for excellence in theatre classes and productions. These
behaviors prove you are serious about your standing in the department.
1.
Class work should be turned in typed and on time. Your work must show that you put
thought into the assignment and learned from your work. It should contain no spelling or
grammatical errors. Take time to plan the layout so that it is neat and impressive. Accept
your grades graciously. Remember: You earn what you make.
2.
Acting assignments are presented with no excuses. If you are present, you are well enough to
perform. Be prepared. Be prepared. Volunteer, your directors will love your confidence.
Take pains. Be perfect.
3.
Thank your director and classmates for critiques. Welcome the critique as an opportunity to
learn. Remember the difference between discussion and argument.
4.
Accept casting decisions in a professional manner. Gloating, pouting and slandering WILL
come back to haunt you.
5.
Be a mentor to the underclassmen. Help them with transportation. Encourage them to
audition and participate. The future of Lassiter Players depends on YOU.
6.
Arrive at rehearsal early and review lines and blocking. Check your props. Be ready for
rehearsal before warm-up exercises.
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7. It is customary for cast and crew to acknowledge orders from the directors, stage managers,
assistant stage managers and crew heads by saying “Thank You”. This is a tradition of
common courtesy and not a punitive or hazing practice.
IX. Demerit System
The following is the demerit system. The only people allowed to impose demerits are the directors,
community coaches, and ITS co- presidents.
Your demerit points will be recorded in the class dojo program. You will be provided with signup
instructions.
You can appeal a given demerit in writing to Guinn/Crandall within 5 days of the demerit given.
Service hours will remove demerits in a 1 to 1 exchange. For each demerit you must serve one extra
hour of time at the theatre.
Infractions such as, but not limited to:
Level A
1 dojo
point= 1
demerit
Level B
2 dojo
points=5
demerits
Level C
3 dojo
points=10
demerits
Level D
4 dojo
points
 Tardiness
 Leaving trash out
 Leaving tools out
 Inappropriate attire for Rehearsal *
 Being in an unauthorized area
 Failure to turn in paperwork on
time
 Inappropriate language
 Failure to fulfill commitments
 Leaving before rehearsal is
dismissed
 Unprepared to perform assigned
role
 Cell phone at rehearsal or
performance *
 Graffiti
 Activity that could diminish the
integrity of the department
 Multiple or severe infraction of level
A
 Disrespect to directions, members,
or audience
 Being unprepared for assigned role
or duty at rehearsal or performance
 Indecent exposure
 Multiple or severe infractions of
level a and b
 Unexcused absences from rehearsal
or performance
 Extreme disrespect to members,
Example of consequences such as, but not
limited to:
 Cleaning duty
 Sweeping Stage
 Loss or reduction of thespian
points
 Removal from rehearsals



Multiple level A consequences
Further loss of points
One on one conferences
 Multiple level A and B
consequences
 Further loss of points
 Conference with parents and
students
 Probations from production
 Ineligible to be cast in future
productions

 Multiple level A, B, and C
consequences
 Removal from the production
7
=15
demerits
directors, or audience
 Spreading rumors throughout the
department
 Physical aggression without contact
 Multiple or severe infractions of
level A, B, or C
 ISS
Level E
 OSS
5 dojo
 Theft of department property
points
 Physical aggression with contact
=20
demerits
* denotes that warnings may be given.
 District Action
 Further Loss of points
 Ineligible to be cast in any
future production
Automatic removal from troupe
Police and District involvement if required.
X. Parent Support
We would like parents of cast/and crew of each show to volunteer to help with productions if they so
desire. These parent supporters may help the cast and crew in the following ways:
1. Provide snacks/supper for those long dress rehearsal nights.
2. Offer assistance in running errands.
3. Work box office at performances.
4. Work Set Builds
5. Launder or sew costumes.
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Acknowledgement Form
I, ____________________________________, have read the Lassiter Theatre Department
Production Handbook and fully understand the policies and procedures outlined in this
document. I also fully understand that my failure to comply with any of these
policies/guidelines/procedures could result in my being removed from the cast or crew of
this production. Therefore it is my intention to abide by this handbook to the best of my
abilities and to make a sincere effort to find the spirit of “ensemble” and to actively seek the
essence of quality in this Lassiter Theatre production. I also realize that I am bound to
honor the policies and guidelines set forth by the Cobb County Student Code of Conduct.
Student Printed Name________________________________________
Student Signature____________________________________________
Phone #____________________________________
************************************************************************
I have also read the Lassiter High School Theatre Production Handbook and fully understand the
rules/policies/guidelines outlined in this document and in the CCSDStudent Code of
Conduct.
Parent Printed Name__________________________________________
Parent Signature_____________________________________________
Phone #_____________________________________
As a parent of a cast/crew member:
____Yes, I would like to volunteer to be a parent supporter for this particular show.
____ No, I am sorry that I cannot volunteer for this show.
If Yes, in what capacity would you like to work? (Check one or as many as you like)
____ Help provide snacks/supper for cast/crew
____ Help by running errands
____ Help by laundering costumes
____ Help by working box office
____ Any special skills that may apply to helping us with set construction, hair/ make-up, publicity,
sewing costumes, art work, etc.
My special skill is _________________________________________.
____ I would be willing to work in what ever capacity that you need me.
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Return this form to your Stage Manager during the first week of rehearsal!!!
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