Handbook for Cast Members--Chapter 3
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Your role in the show
By now you realize that YOU help to produce The Show no matter what role you’re playing. Your job may require some routine work or it may involve some new and unusual things. Remember: our operation has to be a total team effort. And if anyone told you it was just for fun, you may want to take another look at what we do.
Show business is absolutely the most highly disciplined kind of business there is—you have to like it and work hard. Producing the University Singers Show will always require a rigid set of disciplines to which every one of us must adhere. Now that you know the ideas behind our organization, let’s raise the curtain and throw the spotlight on YOU! You’ll want to know right from the start just how we all work together for University Singers—it adds up to maximum enjoyment with a minimum of frustration.
These are the Basics
First of all, in matters of auditions, selection, expectations, role assignments, and evaluations it is the continuing policy of University Singers to be fair and impartial in all relations with cast members and applicants without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications. The University Singers organization does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability, or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Credit and Registration. University Singers is a major choral ensemble in the School of Music. Cast members register for up to three credits by completing a registration card at the beginning of semester. During pre-registration you should reserve University Singers rehearsal times in your schedule. Complete and correct registration and drop/add procedures are your responsibility. A complete explanation is contained in your Undergraduate Catalog.
Address and Phone. In the event of an emergency or some problem it may become necessary to reach you on very short notice. It is, therefore, extremely important to keep your college and home addresses and telephone numbers current. If you change either at any time during the year, it is your responsibility to make sure the change is on file in the University Singers office.
Legal Affairs. There are certain travel permission and insurance forms which must be on file in the School of Music office. You are responsible for providing the required information and updating it as needed.
Grades. Some sort of review and evaluation will be a part
of every job you do. As a member of University Singers you’ll receive a grade
that reflects your attendance, contribution, attitude and personal and
professional growth. You'll also receive several evaluations each semester, and have an opportunity to visit with the Director about your
performance to date. In addition you’ll be recognized for special service to
the organization. In the long run your reward for a job well done is the
satisfaction of knowing you give the best performance in every role you play!
Minimum grade point average. Ball State University Singers requires all students to maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA at all times. You will be dismissed from the group if your GPA falls below the minimum at any time. All first-semester freshman members of the ensemble (except Honors College freshmen) are also required to to attend a Monday night study table.
Attendance. Whatever your role is in our cast bet it’s important or it wouldn’t exist. Our Show is designed to be run by a full cast, so when you don’t report for meetings, rehearsals, of shows is places an extra burden on everyone else. Of course we can’t expect you to come if you’re really ill it’s tough on you and could infect others—but we do expect you to call as soon as possible to let us know what’s up. The University Singers office phone number is (765) 285-5421; the director's phone number is (765) 285-3599. Remember, the show must go on—and on time. Chronic absenteeism or tardiness, regardless of the reason, makes it difficult for our Show to run smoothly. An excessive record of either will likely be cause for dismissal.
Company Property. In the course of rehearsals, travel, and performance you will be responsible for valuable—sometimes irreplaceable—music, props, costumes, instruments, and equipment. Make is a habit to treat everything with Tender Loving Care! Company equipment, clothing, and materials may not be used or taken from the Production Center without prior approval and permission.
Here are your Rights and Responsibilities
Every Cast Member Has The Right To:
1. Know available opportunities for service and training.
2. Know dates, deadlines, and schedules as early as possible.
3. Know registration and drop/add procedures.
4. Know grading policy.
5. Know audition criteria.
6. Know our underlying philosophy.
7. Know all conduct and appearance policies.
8. Contribute ideas.
9. Suggest changes.
10. Appeal decisions.
11. Expect and receive confidentiality.
…And Accepts The Responsibility To:
1. Know and comply with eligibility requirements.
2. Know and comply with dates, deadlines, and schedules.
3. Read and understand all information, philosophy, and policies.
4. Complete forms accurately and thoroughly.
5. Accept responsibility for music, costumes, and equipment.
6. Accept responsibility for conduct, actions, and decisions.
7. Report changes in status, address, and telephone number.
8. Return music, costumes, and equipment in a timely manner.
9. Share in decision making.
10. Foster positive relations with our audience, hosts, and alumni.
11. Demonstrate continued personal and professional growth.
12. Accept responsibility for personal appearance.
13. Recognize and honor confidentiality.
14. Maintain a grade point average that demonstrates scholarship and intellect.
15. Represent the highest standards of decorum and integrity as befits our mission as
Indiana's Official Goodwill Ambassadors.
Opportunities
"I have an idea"
The Show called University Singers is our show and each of us should feel free to offer suggestions for improving every facet of our organization and activities. You’re invited and encouraged to put your creative thinking and imagination to work, helping us improve the Show! If your contribution includes criticism, be sure to think of a constructive way to approach the subject. It is difficult to deal with a perceived fault if a remedy or better idea isn’t offered. We have such a big exciting job to do there isn’t much time for fault finders or an "I told you so" attitude.
Personal Growth
Continued artistic growth of the University Singers depends, in part, on your continued growth, training, and experience as a musician, dancer and actor. The university and community offer a number of exciting opportunities for personal growth. You’ll want to investigate other Ball State choral and instrumental ensembles as well as a variety of School of Music courses—everything from voice lessons to arranging and musical theatre dance techniques. The Department of Theatre and Dance Performance offers acting, production, and dance classes. In addition, performance opportunities are available through Ball State Theatre and an active Muncie Civic Theatre.
Cast Activities
Your college experience should be filled with social and recreational activities and we encourage every cast member to get involved. University Singers is not primarily a social organization or special-interest club; our most important activity is to prepare and present a consistently excellent musical variety show. There are times, however, when our cast will plan extra-musical special events…and that’s part of the overall Show, too! Everyone is counting on you to participate when it comes time to break from the routine of rehearsals and performances.
Production Notes
To promote effective communication within our organization University Singers utilizes email communication regularly. The Director also keeps an extensive web-site with a multitude of information. Weekly minutes from production meetings are posted in the MU121 office.
Conduct
There are certain things which you cannot do, even for the first time, which may result in immediate termination.
1. Sponsors and hosts may not always be right, but they are our hosts. You may never insult, argue, be discourteous, or use profanity in the presence of a sponsor, host, or guest.
2. Fighting, regardless of who started it, may result in termination of the parties involved.
3. Falsification of records may lead to dismissal.
4. Using, being in the possession of, or being under the influence of and narcotics, intoxicants, drugs, or hallucinatory agents while involved in any University Singers activity is not permitted.
5. Violations of procedures which could injure other cast members, or willful damage to company property, are not allowed.
6. Willful insubordination is not permitted.
7. Dishonesty or misconduct that is detrimental to University Singers may result in termination.
8. Continued violation of attendance, appearance, or conduct policies is not permitted.
9. Conduct which brings dishonor on the group, or which harms group morale, will quickly lead to termination.
Schedule
We expect our show to be right "on cue." Make it a habit to plan to arrive early for every call time. We strive to start on time and to end on time, though on occasion we may have to work beyond the schedule until the job is done right. It is your responsibility to register your attendance by signing-in before the start of every activity.
Rehearsal Schedule:
Monday: 4:00-6:00pm Vocal & Choreography rehearsal in MU123
Tuesday: 5:00-5:45pm Production Staff meeting TBA location
7:00-7:15pm Full Cast meeting in MU123
7:15-9:45pm Instrumental rehearsal in MU117
7:15-9:45pm Vocal & Choreography rehearsal in MU123
Thursday: 7:00-8:30pm Vocal & Choreography rehearsal in MU123
On The Road
You’ll come to know that the stage for our Show is the whole state of Indiana and beyond! With the honor of being "special" come certain responsibilities. A few simple guidelines make travel relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.
Call Times
For every road trip the call time is at least one-half hour before the scheduled departure. We need that much lead time to load equipment and to check attendance. To make sure we’re all in the right place at the right time, you’ll need to be part of a "phone-chain" for wake-up calls when our departure time is early! In order to stay on schedule we plan a rest stop every two hours and meal stops when appropriate.
Travel Attire
Appropriate travel dress includes, without exception, navy blue blazer and tie for men and nice dresses for women. Everyone in our cast is issued a nametag…wear it with pride. You also must wear your University Singers pin when in travel attire. Replacement cost for either of these items is $8.00 per item per occurence.
On the Bus
Common courtesy and etiquette are most important when we’re all on the bus together. So we have a rule against playing music without headphones; we don’t allow litter and messy food; we don’t permit disruptive behavior, and discourage loud talking and singing. Smoking is never permitted on the bus, or in travel attire.
Before Departure
It’s everyone’s responsibility to help load the truck and bus is an orderly way. You must register your attendance with the company managers and attendance person. For the sake of smooth operation on arrival at the performance site, everyone waits for instructions before unloading.
Safety
Never let the pressures of producing The Show stand in the way of safety. Take care in rehearsal, onstage, backstage, and on the road. Watch your step, don’t take chances, and use all safety precautions. Naturally accidents do sometimes occur and we don’t want anybody to get hurt.