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page last updated 21/06/2009

This page contains our published policy documents.

Guidance for an enjoyable and successful production

Child Protection Policy  

Pre Show Risk Assessment Check List

Guidance for an enjoyable and successful production

 Objective

To enjoy working with others in all aspects of amateur theatrical production in order to present to the public plays, pantomimes, music halls and shows which will entertain, amuse and engross those who have paid for the privilege of watching so we need to understand the fundamentals of Stage Etiquette, Stagecraft and Discipline.

Stage Etiquette

The committee, who have been elected by the members, decide on who will be given the responsibility of directing a show.

The director is in overall charge and brings a particular interpretation to the work which the cast are to present to an audience.

On stage, actors follow the direction of the director. When an actor feels he/she has something extra to contribute this should be done at an appropriate time by discussion with the director. If something  "doesn't feel right" or "I don't feel the character would say or do that" - wait for an  opportune moment to raise the matter and give the director the chance to listen. The director may consider your suggestion and explain the reasoning if the requested change is not adopted. Once this has been done the matter is closed; the director’s decision is final.

Do not prompt on stage, either moves or words. When you prompt on stage you automatically come out of character. In rehearsal and production there will usually be someone appointed as prompt so let them do their job.

The director’s job is completed once the final dress rehearsal has been de-briefed.

Respect the feelings of those who abide by the old theatrical superstitions: don't whistle Backstage; don’t say “Good luck!”; don’t mention Macbeth.

Acting is a team effort and all the team needs to be happy and pulling together to give a good show.

Stagecraft

Project your voice and speak clearly even if using a microphone.

Listen to, watch and react to what is being said and done by others on stage.

In an ideal world lines and moves are performed exactly as rehearsed - but it is not an ideal world and mistakes are made. If you are attentive then it may be possible to get the action/dialogue back on track and the audience is none the wiser.  It is best to work as a team and to help each other - the audience may never know that a mistake has been made.

It doesn't matter if the stage collapses around you or your pants fall off - you must stay in character. It can be difficult but you must try your hardest not to step out of character or laugh.

When you take it all in your stride, it is much funnier for the audience. You will gain their respect and maybe extra applause. Much more rewarding for all!

Discipline

In the public performance, play your part as rehearsed. Do not be tempted to change or add to the part as it can throw the other actors and will change the tone of the production.

Keep quiet backstage.

Make sure that costumes and props stay in their proper place.

Always be ready to go on stage in plenty of time in case somebody skips two or three pages in the script.

Be prepared to help if somebody is accidentally late for a cue or they lose part of their costume; it's all part of the camaraderie and it could be you who needs the help next time.

Don't go on stage until instructed by the Stage Manager. You can easily get in the way when the stage hands are getting the stage ready. From a safety aspect, you could easily get hurt when sets are being dressed and flats and backcloths are being moved.

Concentrate at all times when on stage, even when the curtains are shut, because the curtains may open before they should!

It is imperative that you don't upstage, i.e. distract the audience, unless of course the part calls for it.

Do not go into the auditorium in costume at any time unless of course you are taking part in a “meet the audience” exercise. You will spoil the illusion for the whole audience.

Once the front door is open for the audience to take their seats do not enter the auditorium from the doors at either side of the stage, unless your part calls for it. Before, after and during the interval the illusion is spoilt if the audience get a glimpse of backstage activity.

It is important that visitors, parents and relations do not enter the dressing rooms. In fact anyone other than the cast and those members actually involved in a production should be actively discouraged from being in there. This is for a number of reasons:

Lack of space - especially during large cast productions, such as pantomime or music hall.

Although when you're in a production your modesty has to go out of the window to a certain extent, there is no need for unnecessary embarrassment to be caused to those persons who are shy of undressing in public, especially as it is often young teenagers who feel this way. Consider the sensitivity of others.

Safety reasons - The fewer people there are in the dressing rooms the less chance there is of an accident and it is easier to evacuate quickly should the need arise.

Remember when we have achieved all this, not only will we come back for more fun and enjoyment, but so will the audience.

RAVENSHEAD THEATRE GROUP & RAVENSHEAD YOUTH THEATRE GROUP

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

POLICY STATEMENT  

Ravenshead  Theatre Group is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its participants. Leaders and Volunteers should be fully aware of this organisation's Child Safety Policy. They should also show respect and understanding for their own rights, safety and welfare and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the Code of Conduct of Ravenshead Youth Theatre Group. The process of implementing the policy is the responsibility of the Child Protection Officer (CPO) who should be elected by the Ravenshead Theatre Group Committee.

All leaders, volunteers, RTG members, RYTG members and their parents/carers are to be provided with a copy of a Summary of this document and the Code of Conduct when they first join the group and have free access to this Policy on request.

OBJECTIVES

In order to achieve the principles of the Policy Statement RTG will:

• Create an environment where young people feel secure, have their viewpoints valued and are encouraged to talk and are listened to.

• Develop awareness in all volunteers of the need for Child Protection, and their responsibilities in identifying abuse, with particular care being taken for young people with disabilities.

• Ensure that all volunteers are aware of the procedures section of this document.

• Ensure that outside agencies are involved as appropriate.

• Provide information for parents/carers outlining procedures laid down within this and other related RTG policies.

• Ensure young people know there are adults at RTG whom they can approach if they are worried.

BEHAVIOUR STATEMENT

ALWAYS:

• Treat others as you would expect them to treat you.

• Provide an example you wish others to follow.

• Ensure that another adult is present when you are in the company of young people (ideally mixed genders) including situations when a young person is waiting to be collected and particularly during performances when members may be changing costumes.

• Respect a person's right to privacy.

• Encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes and behaviour they do not like.

• Remember someone might misinterpret your actions and your comments, no matter how well intentioned.

• Recognise that caution is required, particularly in sensitive moments, such as when dealing with bullying, bereavement, grief or abuse.

• Be aware of the possible implications of physical contact with young people.

NEVER:

• Show favouritism to any individual.

• Make suggestive remarks or gestures.

• Do things of a personal nature for a child that they could do for themselves.

• Allow young people to use inappropriate language unchallenged (i.e. swearing, racial/sexual taunts).

• Permit abusive youth peer activities (e.g. bullying, ridiculing or initiation ceremonies).

• Jump to conclusions.

• Allow yourself to be drawn into any inappropriate attention-seeking behaviour by young people (e.g. tantrums, crushes).

• Exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues.

If one-to-one contact is unavoidable:

• Make sure it is for as short a time as possible.

• Ensure you remain accessible to others.

• Tell someone where you are going, what you are doing and why.

• Try to move with the young person to areas where there are more people.

• Obtain permission from the young person before any physical contact is made, or instance if you need to administer first aid.

• Try to avoid unnecessary physical contact especially if it may be misconstrued by the child or other people.

• Avoid where possible giving young people a lift alone, however short the journey.

When this is unavoidable, it is advisable to get consent from the young person’s parents or guardian. You must also ensure the young person sits in the back of the car. Leaders and volunteers should also take insurance cover into account when considering giving lifts to young people, as RTG insurance does not cover this.

PROCEDURES :

If you suspect or are told that a young person is being abused:

• You must always refer to the Child Protection Officer at Ravenshead Youth Theatre Group. Don’t investigate yourself.

• Write down the details as you know them on the Child Protection report form.

• Ensure that the young person is given the opportunity to talk to you, or an independent person.

• Listen to the young person without interruption, and do not ask questions about what you may suspect.

• Do not approach a suspected abuser yourself. Provide support to the young person.

• Accept at face value what the young person says.

• Do not pass judgement on what is said, but do try to alleviate any fears or guilt which the young person may have.

• Make it clear that you can offer support but that you must pass on the information.

Please follow the Procedures for Reporting guidelines, and utilise the contact sheet and report form provided.

If you receive an allegation of child abuse by an adult:

• Contact the Child Protection Officer. Any information, no matter how trivial it may appear, must be shared.

• Record the nature of the allegation in detail.

• Do not try to resolve the issue yourself – follow the Procedures for Reporting guidelines, and use the report form provided.

• Volunteers who hear an allegation of abuse against another member of the team, or indeed themselves, should report the matter immediately to the CPO. If the allegation is against the CPO, the Chairman of the RTG Committee should be contacted.

• An emergency meeting of the RTG Committee should be called as soon as possible at which the accused person(s) should be given the opportunity to present their version of events. The CPO should be present at this meeting.

• A closed session without the accused person(s) should then take place to allow members of the RTG Committee to decide what further action needs to be taken.

If the accused person is a Committee member they should be excluded from this closed session. The CPO should be present at this meeting (unless they are the accused person).

MONITORING & RECORD KEEPING

• All incidents should, ideally, be written up as soon as possible, preferably within 1- 4 hours of the alleged incident. Legally they must be recorded within 24 hours.

• Written notes should be attached if made separately from the attached report sheets.

• Reports should be signed by the leader/volunteer, with the name printed and designation.

• Reports and records should be passed to the CPO who in turn will take responsibility for the safe storage and processing of this information.

• All information gathered should be treated with strict confidentiality.

RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE FOR VOLUNTEERS

All volunteers must be 18 years of age or above and must provide evidence of clearance by the Criminal Records Bureau at the appropriate level for their involvement with RYTG.

Volunteers without a CRB Check will not be permitted to serve unsupervised with Ravenshead Youth Theatre Group until the process has been completed.

THE ROLE OF THE CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER

To be effective in this role they must:

• Act as a source of advice, support and expertise within the organisation and be responsible for co-ordinating action regarding referrals, and liaising with relevant outside agencies in cases of abuse and allegations of abuse, regarding both young people and volunteers.

• Ensure each leader / volunteer has access to, and is aware of, RTG’s Child Protection Policy.

• Ensure the Child Protection Policy is reviewed annually.

• Be able to keep accurate, detailed and secure written records of concerns and referrals.

• Ensure parents/carers have free access to copies of the Child Protection Policy should they wish to refer to them.

THE ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE

 • To establish a robust Child Protection Policy, review it annually, monitor and evaluate its effectiveness and be satisfied that it is being complied with.

• To ensure a designated person or persons are allocated with the responsibility of Child Protection Officer, along with a nominated committee member.

• To ensure necessary training takes place for the Child Protection Officer to carry out their role.

• To ensure that there is safe and effective continuation of the role of Child Protection Officer.

• To follow the procedures as previously outlined in this policy.

• To ensure an annual item is placed on committee meeting agendas, detailing changes affecting policy and procedures, training undertaken and numbers of cases/incidents (without names or details).

Pre Show Risk Assessment Check List

Date:

Inspected by: