This Policy Document serves as a comprehensive guide to the operational procedures and expectations of the Dramabuzz Senior Theatre Group (hereafter referred to as "the Group"). It should be read in conjunction with the Group Constitution and provides detailed clarification of the rules and procedures outlined therein.
Requirements for Membership
Member Age
The Group welcomes participants aged 18 and above, with no upper age limit. All prospective Members must be of eligible age by the time of performance.
Member Attendance
Our attendance policy reflects our commitment to professional standards and respect for all Members' time. The Group operates with the following attendance requirements:
Members must maintain an 85% attendance rate for regular rehearsals. This requirement exists to ensure consistent progress and maintain the quality of our productions. The attendance calculation includes all regular Tuesday evening rehearsals and any additional scheduled rehearsals. The Group Constitution outlines how attendance is calculated.
For workshop days and specially arranged rehearsals, particularly those in the final two weeks before performances, attendance is mandatory. These sessions are crucial for production cohesion and final preparations. Workshop days and specially arranged rehearsals are any rehearsals outside of the regular weekly rehearsals and predetermined extra rehearsals laid out at the beginning of the year.
Member Absence
The Group maintains strict protocols regarding rehearsal absences to ensure fair treatment and clear communication:
Non-Emergency Absences:
Members must provide two weeks' advance notice
Approval is not guaranteed for social events, family functions, parties, or dinners
Each request will be evaluated based on production schedules and requirements
Standing Commitments:
Work-related commitments must be formally arranged with the Directors
Regular obligations (such as standby duties) require explicit Director approval
All approved standing arrangements will be communicated to the full cast
Illness-Related Absences:
First occurrence requires notification before 17:00 on the day of the practice
Subsequent absences must be supported by a doctor's note
Failure to follow these procedures will result in disciplinary action
Standards for Discipline
Warning Slips
The Group employs a two-tier warning system using colored slips to maintain order and ensure professional standards:
Pink Slips (Preparation Warnings):
Issued for failure to meet line memorization deadlines
Two Pink Slips result in temporary suspension
Three Pink Slips lead to immediate expulsion
Orange Slips (Behavioral Warnings):
Issued for punctuality violations and conduct infractions
Cover unauthorized conversations during rehearsal
Include unexcused tardiness or absences
Three Orange Slips result in temporary suspension
Four Orange Slips lead to immediate expulsion
Member Expulsion
Our expulsion policy ensures accountability while maintaining fair opportunities for improvement:
Expelled Members may reapply to join at the start of the next season
Multiple expulsions result in permanent membership prohibition
Simultaneous expulsion for both Pink and Orange Slip violations counts as two separate expulsions
Standards for Professional Conduct
These rules help to govern how we operate as a Group. Failure to keep to these rules will most likely result in Pink or Orange Slips.
Rehearsal Environment
To maintain a professional and productive environment:
Rehearsal times are strictly 19:00 to 21:30 on Tuesdays
Members must arrive promptly and be prepared to begin at the designated time
Cell phones must remain out of sight unless specifically permitted by the Directors
Cell phones, tablets or laptops will not be permitted for use as scripts
Eating is restricted to designated break periods
All communication during rehearsal must be directed to the Directors
Breaks will be worked into the schedule to give the Members time to socialize and to eat
Behaviour
In order to keep the rehearsals in order and appropriate for all the Members of the Group:
No vulgar language or crude humor will be permitted during rehearsal times
The bullying of cast Members will not be permitted under any circumstances. This includes verbal and physical abuse. Bullying will result in immediate disciplinary action from the Directors
Modest clothing, as laid out in the dress code, is to be worn by both sexes
Cast Members will not be permitted to enter the change room of the opposite sex at any point
Cast Members are to submit to the authority and vision of the Directors
Cast Members are to maintain good standing with the Group
Dress Code
Members must maintain appropriate attire during all Group activities:
Clothing must be modest and suitable for movement
Abdominal areas, cleavage, and waistlines must remain covered
Black, comfortable clothing is recommended
Clothing with inappropriate or lewd graphics is prohibited
Violations will result in warnings and potential disciplinary action
Standards for Production Participation
Role Assignment
The Group maintains clear guidelines for role distribution:
New Members typically begin in chorus or supporting roles
All role assignments are at the Directors' discretion
Members must accept their assigned roles regardless of size
Romantic scenes may be assigned regardless of marital status
Production Support
Members are expected to contribute to production success through:
Meeting all line memorization deadlines
Participating in work parties and props days when possible
Contributing to technical and backstage operations
Maintaining professional conduct throughout the production process
Financials
The Group operates on a self-funded basis with the following financial requirements:
Membership fee of R500.00 per production season
Payment arrangements available upon Director approval
All financial records maintained for transparency
Financial reports available upon request
Source of Authority
The Policy Document is considered supplemental to the Group Constitution. All policies and rules contained within this document are binding. However, where any points of the Group Constitution contradict the Policy Document, the Group Constitution is to be preferred.
This Policy Document may be updated periodically by the Directorial Committee to reflect current needs and circumstances of the Group.