Northern Michigan University Department of Theatre and Dance Code of Conduct

 

NMU Theatre and Dance wishes to provide a safe and respectful environment for the artists and students involved in our productions.

In this ongoing effort we strive to create a culture of respect in all areas of the theater. While an educational theatre at our core, our department is committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and welcoming environment that respects the dignity of every individual. Treating others with respect and dignity ensures a healthy and productive environment free from discrimination, racism, disrespectful and inappropriate behavior, harassment, retaliation, sexual harassment, and violence. The Department of Theatre and Dance believes respect comes in many forms and by participating in our productions, whether it be on stage, backstage, or in one of our shops, you agree to the following conduct: 

I agree to:

  1. Attend every assigned rehearsal and performance unless excused by my supervisor. (Director, Stage Manager, Technical Director, Designer, etc)
  2. Arrive on time for every assigned rehearsal and performance unless excused by my supervisor. 
  3. Remain present in the building until I have been dismissed from rehearsal or work assignment.  
  4. Work to the best of my ability at all times, regardless of how small my responsibility or large my personal problems.
  5. Meet each onstage or offstage task/entrance/cue.
  6. Forego all social activities which may interfere with rehearsals or performances.
  7. Never arrive at a rehearsal or performance under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  8. Translate notes of the director, stage manager, or design team into my production responsibilities.
  9. Accept artistic responsibility and never blame my coworkers for my own failure.
  10. Engage in no criticism of another colleague’s work either in person or via social media.
  11. Accept both public praise and constructive criticism graciously.
  12. Respect and protect the set, properties, costumes, and equipment.
  13. Maintain my enthusiasm for the production, regardless of disappointment or failure.
  14. Respect all members of the Department of Theatre & Dance
  15. Abide by the Department of Theatre & Dance procedures and guidelines.
  16. Abide by the NMU Student Code.

Furthermore:

  • Cell phones are prohibited on stage and backstage at all times unless contributing to the work of the production
  • Cell phones are permitted, in silent mode, in the auditorium during rehearsals and in the dressing room and green room during performance as long as it is not disruptive.
  • Guests are not allowed backstage or in the dressing room without first obtaining permission only from the Production Stage Manager.
  • You are required to provide escort for any permitted guest.

Any company member(s) found in violation of the above code of conduct will be requested at an ethics committee meeting which may result in removal from the production.  Any company member whose disciplinary action has resulted in removal from the production and/or future productions has the right to appeal, in writing, to the Director of Theatre within 24 hours.  The faculty will review the appeal within the next 24 hours and the company member will be informed of the final decision via email.

 

 

Northern Michigan University Department of Theatre and Dance Harrassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy

 

Additionally, it’s important to recognize that theatre often examines topics that are controversial, complex, intimate, and at times, even sexual. Those who work in theatre have a right to be respected on all levels and work in an environment free from the threat or presence of any type of discrimination and harassment. Any form of harassment is prohibited and will be taken seriously by the faculty, Forest Roberts Theatre management, and the University.  

Harassment can be defined as “verbal, physical, or written behavior which intimidates individuals or groups on any basis including ancestry, race, ethnicity, color, religion or creed, sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, familial status, handicap/disability, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, and interferes with an individual’s participation in the curricular or extracurricular activities of the University” (NMU Student Code 2.3.16)

Sexual Harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or visual communication or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

  1. Submission to such conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of obtaining employment, public accommodations or public services, education, or housing.
  2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting such individual's employment, public accommodations or public services, education, or housing.
  3. Such conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's employment, public accommodations or public services, education, or housing; or creating an intimidating or hostile environment in employment, public accommodations, public services, education, or housing (NMU Sexual Misconduct Policy)

Examples of sexual harassment include but are not limited to:

  • Deliberate touching which does not contribute to or advance the work, service, or education activity being conducted.
  • Repeated brushing against or touching of another's body, which does not contribute to or advance the work, service, or education activity being conducted.
  • Pressure or demands for a date or for sexual activity with a subordinate by an individual in authority.
  • Repeated requests for a date or for sexual activity which are declined.
  • Pictorial or actual displays of obscenity which do not contribute to or advance the work, service, or education activity being conducted.
  • Written/electronic, verbal, pictorial (screen saver/wallpaper), or nonverbal communications of a sexual nature which do not contribute to or advance the work, service, or education activity being conducted.

Anyone who has experienced harassment or sexual misconduct is strongly urged to report it to Theatre and Dance Department Faculty, University officials, local law enforcement, or all of the above.

For more information please visit the NMU Student Handbook:  www.nmu.edu/studenthandbook. 

And NMU’s Sexual Misconduct policy: https://www.nmu.edu/titleix/sexual-misconduct