Code of Ethics

Part of the great tradition of the Theatre is a Code of Ethics which belongs to all who work on the legitimate stage. This code reflects an attitude toward craftsmanship, a respect for associates, and a dedication toward the audience. It outlines a self-discipline which, far from robbing one of individuality, increases personal self-esteem and dignity through cooperation and common purposes.  All those who participate in Lincoln High School Theatre Department activities are expected and required to follow this Code of Ethics:

• The Show Must Go On!  I will attend every technical rehearsal, dress rehearsal and  performance of each show I am involved with, in its entirety.

•  I will be on time to every one of my scheduled rehearsals and I will never miss a rehearsal, which I am scheduled to attend, without good reason and prior notification.  Additionally, I realize that it is rude to announce my need to arrive late, leave early, or miss an entire rehearsal, in front of the cast, most of which will be staying the entire rehearsal time, so I will not do it.

• I shall play every rehearsal and performance to the best of my ability, regardless of how small my role or large my personal problems.

• I will respect my audience regardless of size or station. 

• I shall never miss an entrance or cause a curtain to be late by my failure to be ready.

• To the best of my ability, I shall forego all social activities which interfere with rehearsals. 

• I shall never leave the building or stage area until I have completed my assignment, rehearsal or performance.  I shall never leave the rehearsal or performance area without permission.

• I shall remember that my aim is to create illusion, therefore, I will not destroy that illusion by appearing in costume and make-up off stage or outside of the Theatre unless directed to do so.

• I will not allow the comments of friends, relatives or critics to change any phase of my work without proper authorization.

• I will not alter lines, business, lights, properties, settings, costumes or any phase of the production without consultation with and permission from the director.

• I shall accept the director's advice in the spirit in which it is given for he or she sees the production as a whole and my role as a portion thereof.

• I shall respect the play and the playwright, remembering that "A work of art is not a work of art until it is finished."

• I shall never directly or indirectly undermine or defy the authority of the director(s) or those appointed to speak with the authority of the director(s), through word or deed.

• I shall look upon the production as a collective effort and I realize that I am replaceable.

• I shall look upon my participation in a production as an educational experience.

• I will meet all deadlines and responsibilities as assigned.

• I will be patient and avoid temperamental outbursts, for they create tension and serve no useful purpose.

• I will accept artistic responsibility and shall never blame my co-workers or inanimate objects for my own failure

• I will never engage in harsh criticism of another artist's work from jealousy or an urge to increase my own prestige.

• I shall inspire the public to respect me and my craft through graciousness in accepting both praise and constructive criticism.

• I will use the set, stage properties and costumes with care, knowing they are tools of my craft and a vital part of the production.  If I have not been directed to handle something, I will not touch it.

• I will observe backstage courtesy and shall comport myself in strict compliance with the rules and regulations of Lincoln High School and the Lincoln High School Theatre Department.

• I shall never lose my enthusiasm for the Theatre because of disappointment or failure for they are the lessons by which I learn.

• I am aware that the Theatre Callboard is our official channel of communication and will be fully responsible for any and all information posted thereon.

• I will avoid behavior that is detrimental to the well being and reputation of the Lincoln High School Performing Arts Department, its students and its faculty.  Problems within the Theatre Department will remain within the Department.

• I will attend the strike and carry out all duties assigned by my supervisor(s) to the best of my ability.

• I shall direct my efforts in such a manner that when I leave, the Lincoln High School Theatre Department will stand as a greater institution for my having labored there.

• I will accept all casting choices and position assignments with dignity and grace and I will avoid public displays of extreme emotions relating to those decisions, both positive and negative. 

• I will follow Stanislavski wisdom to "love the art in yourself, not yourself in art!" 

• I accept the responsibility as a member of the Theatre Department to monitor the above behavior and, if necessary, to report a breach of conduct immediately to the Theatre Department Director, who is the only one who can dismiss a cast or crew member.

• I will sign and follow the appropriate contract for every production in which I participate.  I realize that violating any rules in the contract or any of the Ethics mentioned above may result in a reduction of my role or my removal from the current production.  It will also effect decisions made for future school productions.