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Policies & Procedures

Audition Procedures

The audition process shall strive to be transparent. Our goal is to give equal opportunities to local talent both on and off-stage. Casting will be based on an individual’s talent, potential, commitment, history with the company, and how well that person fits a role. We will strive to avoid politics and favoritism to keep the audition process open and fair.

Talent should be encouraged to bring a current headshot and theatre resume to auditions/casting calls. Some directors may follow the following procedure (others may not): Auditioners will be numbered and a current headshot taken if not provided by the talent. An audition form will need to be completed and submitted as well. Directors will clearly communicate via audition and casting call information and postings what is expected from talent at auditions.

Some shows may be pre-cast and others will have open auditions. If any roles are pre-cast, that will be stated in the audition posting or casting call. A director or creative team may choose to hold call backs for certain roles and certain shows. An invitation to call backs doesn’t guarantee a person will be cast, and not being invited to call backs doesn’t mean you won’t be cast. If additional cast members are sought, additional open auditions may be held. These additional auditions will be publicly posted on the website and/or Facebook page and/or other social media avenues and open to anyone who is in good standings with the company who wishes to audition. It may also be necessary for directors to recruit additional cast members if additional auditions do not yield the cast members needed. Directors may consider accepting audition videos in addition to holding in-person auditions and casting calls.

If a vacancy occurs within a show that has been cast, directors may hold an open emergency casting call or choose to individually approach potential actors they may know or have been referred to.

Non-Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Policy

We strive to be an inclusive theatre company that supports the LGBTQ+ community, minorities and, particularly, we focus on the empowerment of women*. River & Woods Theatre Company will not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability or age*. We will also not tolerate any sexual harassment. Any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment should be reported immediately to an executive officer of the Board of Directors so the concerns can be promptly and thoroughly investigated and, if necessary, any corrective and/or preventative action can be made promptly and effectively.

*The empowerment of women and our focus on female-centric productions does not constitute discrimination. Also, some productions require the casting of specific genders, ages or ethnicities as required by the playscript author or company and following any casting or contract requirements in this arena does not constitute discrimination. These are not forms of discrimination but, rather, direct efforts to be inclusive and empower women, minorities and those community members who are typically discriminated against in our society.

COVID & Contagious Illness Policy

All board and committee members, staff, and volunteers are strongly encouraged to follow current CDC protocol for testing, isolation and quarantine. These protocols can be found at the CDC website. If an individual is exposed to or tests positive for COVID, they shall follow the protocol for their individual situation and report their situation and any relevant protocol or timeline to their director, assistant director, a member of the Board of Directors, or appropriate staff members as designated by the Board. The director, assistant director, a member of the Board of Directors, or appropriate staff members as designated by the Board may ask for proof of testing results and/or also ask cast and crew members to take a rapid test in the instance of positive case within a production to help us ensure the company can continue rehearsals and performances as planned. Individuals should never attend in-person meetings, an audition, or rehearsal if they are sick with any contagious illness and may be asked to wear a mask at rehearsals or performances if you are displaying symptoms of a cold, flu, etc.

Payment & Stipends for Professional Independent Contractors & Production Team

River & Woods Theatre Company strongly encourages the Board of Directors and the possible Finance Committee and production Directors build the following items into each show budget whenever possible:

  • Stipends for Directors and other Creative Team members which may include Assistant Directors, Music and/or Vocal Directors, Pit Conductors, Sound/Audio and Light Designers, Set Designers, and Costumers.

  • Payment and/or reimbursement for Professional and Licensed contractors which may include Hair Stylists, Makeup Artists, and Technicians.

Amendments to Current Adopted Policies, Practices, and Procedures

The policies, practices and procedures may be amended in any manner at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors without notice. Amendments shall require the affirmative vote of a simple majority of directors then in office.