Walterdale Theatre Associates Member Code of Conduct
Approval Date: September 8, 2019

Why?

It is the primary goal of Walterdale Theatre Associates that everyone associated with our theatre has a positive experience. This Code of Conduct is intended to promote a safe, respectful and harmonious working environment for all volunteers and patrons associated with Walterdale Theatre.

Who?

This Code applies to all volunteers and members who are engaged in activities at the theatre, or who are representing Walterdale Theatre Associates in the community.

• Expectations

  1) Members are expected to treat one another and the public with dignity, respect and cordiality.
  For example:
  ●        No harassment of any kind, or bullying- physical or emotional- of anyone.
  ●        Conflicts will be dealt with in a mature manner, using the forums available (including the Incident Reporting Form and Mediation Committee).
  ●        Respect for privacy around social media (i.e. posting pictures of people without their permission)
  ●        Listening to the direction of the director and stage manager during rehearsals and performances
  ●        Being a positive member of the team
  ●        Putting phones on mute backstage, and during rehearsals (some directors may have more specific rules regarding phones during rehearsals and shows – please respect those).

  2) Members are expected to treat the building and property of Walterdale Theatre with care and respect.

  For example:
  ●        Props and costumes are not taken off property without permission of the Costume Designer and/or Wardrobe Head.
  ●        As per the Smoking Bylaw: No person shall smoke within 5 m of the entrance, windows or air intake of a publicly accessible building
  ●        No climbing on the seats of the theatre
  ●        Care must be taken with the sets and props backstage and onstage
  ●        Garbage thrown out, recycling in the proper bins
  ●        Take out of the theatre what you bring in
  ●        Food and drink (except water) in the theatre should be restricted to the green room and the lobby, except when necessary (i.e. food consumed on stage). There are some exceptions for water and twizzlers in the house during performances.

  3) Members are expected to act with honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times.

  For example:
  ●        Showing up for rehearsals and performances on time
  ●        Giving timely notice to the director and stage manager for unavoidable absences or lateness.
  ●        Remaining quiet during rehearsals and shows
  ●        No personal use of profanity (unless specifically required by script dialogue)
  ●        No alcohol or illicit drugs consumed during rehearsals or performances.
  ●        No alcohol consumed by or provided to minors at cast parties or other gatherings
  ●        No participation in a rehearsal or performance under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs (including marijuana)
  ●        Notifying the stage manager if leaving the theatre during a rehearsal or performance
  ●        Reporting incidents (safety concerns, injuries, or Code of Conduct violations) using appropriate channels.
  ●        Behaviour in the green room and backstage should be respectful of the show’s integrity
  ●        Avoid any activity that risks your own or another person’s health or safety
  ●        Be vigilant in identifying any potential safety hazards
  ●        Not engaging in any potentially unsafe activity such as running or jumping (unless a requirement of performance) either inside or outside the theatre

  Violations

  We expect that all volunteers will do their best to work within the Code of Conduct at all times.

  However, if a violation occurs, it is incumbent on those involved to submit an Incident Report to the Mediation Committee.

  This Incident Report should be submitted to:
  – the director OR
  – the stage manager OR
  – directly to the Walterdale Theatre Associate’s president

  This report will become part of the WTA’s records.

  When a violation of the Code is reported, consequences could include:
  ●        Mediated meeting with the people involved
  ●        Being asked to leave the rehearsal or performance
  ●        Receiving an official warning
  ●        Paying for damages
  ●        Removal from a show
  ●        Removal from the membership list for a defined period of time
  ●        Removal from the membership list permanently

  The Mediation Committee

  The Mediation Committee will be a standing committee. If a member of the committee is involved with the show s/he will recuse themselves from discussion of this issue. If necessary, temporary members from the Board at large can be appointed to maintain a group of at least 3 members. The Mediation Committee will report their findings to the Board Executive, and keep a record of all Incident Forms.

  There will be times where a decision will have to be made quickly by the stage manager and director without the input of the committee. Actions taken should be included in the Incident Form, and referred to the Mediation Committee as soon as possible.

  Mediation Committee as of November 3, 2019.

  Kristen Finlay, President: president@walterdaletheatre.com
  Anne Marie Szucs, Vice President: szucswalterdalead@gmail.com
  Judy Stelck, Past President: pastpresident@walterdaletheatre.com
  Jenn Robinson, Secretary: je.robinson@shaw.ca
  Alle DeMelo, Co-Director Front of House: alledemelo99@gmail.com
  John Anderson, Co-Director Production: production@walterdaletheatre.com
  Matthew Lindberg, Building Director: matthewalindberg@gmail.com