Policies



OVERSIGHT


While it is TCT's policy to give directors the maximum possible discretion in preparing a play for production, the Theatre retains the right to oversee and supervise any and all aspects of every production presented under TCT's name. This oversight is exercised through the Production Committee. You can expect Committee members to visit your rehearsals on a regular basis. While this supervision will not be onerous or intrusive, you should treat any suggestions or advice offered by Production Committee members as coming directly from the Board. In the event of any disagreement, you should contact the President of the Board. Members of the Board will visit a rehearsal of your choice two weeks before the first performance to offer a critique of the production.

EDITING


While it is perfectly acceptable to alter words or even phrases in the interests of good taste, standard theatrical licensing agreements specifically prohibit substantial alteration or editing of published plays. Because the Theatre is legally liable, any significant changes in your play's script must be approved by the Production Committee chairman.

CASTING


It is TCT's policy that all plays will have open auditions and that a casting committee including two members appointed by the Executive Committee of the Board will assist in selecting the cast. The casting committee will include at least one Board member and their suggestions must be given careful consideration. However, the director's decision is the final one. It is expected that the casting committee will assist in recruiting for auditions. Everyone who auditions must fill out the standard TCT audition form (copies will be provided you by the Business Manager). Please turn these in to the Business Manager when you are finished with them so that we have a record of everyone who tried out for your play. You are responsible for posting a cast list at the Theatre as soon as possible after your auditions.

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE


A production schedule for your play should be turned in to the Chairman of the Production Committee as soon as possible, and in no case later than the week after rehearsals begin. The schedule should be in as much detail as you are able to provide; at a minimum, it should specify tentative dates for set completion, for tech rehearsal, and for dress rehearsal. You must provide copies of any revisions to your rehearsal schedule to the Production Chairman as they occur.

PRODUCTION CREW


You should choose a production manager for your play as far in advance as possible. Selection of the production manager must be done in conjunction with the Production Committee Chairman and must be approved by the Board. You and your production manager are responsible for recruiting the remainder of your production crew. This list must include an assistant director and should be provided to the Production Committee Chairman as soon as possible. While the primary responsibility for recruiting a production crew is yours, the Production Committee is available for help if you need it.

SCHEDULE


Rehearsals - You are at liberty to schedule as much rehearsal time as you feel will be needed to produce a good performance. For most plays this will take about 6 weeks of Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays, with some Sundays as needed. You are expected to be economical of your performer's time. They are amateurs and volunteers and have other obligations. Rehearsals should begin promptly at the scheduled time and should be well-organized and productive. To the extent possible, try to get any children in your production home early, at least in the first weeks of rehearsals.

Matinees - Saturday Matinee performance are scheduled by the TCT Board for certain regular season plays. Be sure to check with the Production Committee Chairman about your play's performance schedule before casting your production, so that performers will be aware of the Saturday Matinee, if scheduled.

SET CONSTRUCTION


You and your production manager (and your construction manager, if you have one) are responsible for building your set. The Theatre maintains an inventory of stock set pieces, including flats, trucks, stairs, windows, doors, and so forth. These are stored at the Theatre's warehouse. Since the Theatre must re-use its set materials (flats, etc.), treat them with care. Do not destroy or permanently alter any TCT set piece or prop without consulting with the Building Committee Chairman. If you need advice or need assistance in getting started, leave a message with the Business Manager at the Theatre office for the Building Committee chairman to contact you.

MISCELLANEOUS


Costumes - It is TCT's policy that all actors will provide their own costumes at their own expense. If you need to rent costumes, ask the Production Committee Chairman for help and be sure that your actors understand that they are responsible for the rental expense. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved in advance by the Board.

Alcoholic Beverages - It is TCT's policy that alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted in the Lyric. You are responsible for strict enforcement of this rule. Violators should be dismissed from the production.

Visitors - Once your play begins run-through, the set should be closed to visitors. Ticket income is the Theatre's primary means of support, and anyone who watches the production needs to pay for the privilege.

Paid Performers - As a volunteer, amateur organization, TCT does not pay for participation in its productions. If exceptional circumstances require professional help (e.g. paid musicians), you MUST consult with the Production Committee Chairman. In no case will any performer be paid by the Theatre without prior approval by one of the Production Committee Chairman.

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Tupelo Community Theatre, P. O. Box 1094, Tupelo, MS 38802, 662-844-1935, or e-mail us