Children’s Theater Director Guidelines
1. Youth theatre is a learning experience for our actors. Our goals are Artistic Growth, Educational Excellence, Audience development, Access and Diversity. These five areas should craft the director’s approach to each theatre production.
2. Casting decisions are strictly the responsibility of the director.
3. We ask that our directors treat our youth, parents and volunteers respectfully in tone of voice and demeanor. If you encounter a problem with a youth, parent or volunteer GALA representative will assist in helping to solve the problem. If it means a youth, volunteer or parent needs to be removed from the production, we will do so.
4. The safety of the children entrusted to our care is paramount. Procedures to address safety at rehearsals (adequate supervision, adult monitoring of drop off and pick up of youth, adult monitoring of rehearsals, “Two Deep” policy so that a minimum of two adults are always with children, safety training in auditorium to make sure children understand the rules and are monitored to ensure their safety).
5. The Director will retain emergency contact forms and have them available at all rehearsals and performances. The Director will provide GALA with a cast list including parent/guardian’s name, address, and other contact information, within one week of casting the play. (Copies of the audition sheets will meet this requirement.)
6. In order to ensure the safety of our volunteers, we require a mandatory training session on stage equipment on the day we move into the auditorium. This includes use of rigging, equipment, catwalk, etc.
7. Director will meet with GALA Artistic Director two weeks prior to moving into auditorium to finalize arrangements for drops, sound and lighting, set construction, training schedule, etc.
8. No volunteer can work on stage setting up or breaking down set unless they have undergone training.
9. We ask that a cast list be prepared within 3 days of auditions.
10. A rehearsal schedule should be on file with GALA within one week of auditions and available for cast members at mandatory Parent meeting. GALA representatives will be on hand for mandatory parent meeting to facilitate collection of deposits, committee sign ups and to review rules of participation with parents.
11. We ask that directors consider each production as a traveling production. Our time in the auditorium is limited. Drops can be ordered (maximum of 2 per mainstage production) and set committee can work to build auxiliary pieces.
12. We ask that Director or designated parent volunteers (minimum of 2 people) be at production 15 minutes prior to start to make sure someone is there when children begin to arrive. Director or designated parent volunteers (minimum of 2) should remain until last child has been picked up.
13. No child under 18 is allowed in the tech booth or on the catwalk.
14. Director will meet with Artistic Director to review budget for production.
15. We request a brief evaluation from Director at the conclusion of production to assist us in improving our program.