Professionalism

Protocol

In the theatre degree programs, professional demeanor and discipline are expected in every training related activity. Your behavior today is your professional reputation tomorrow, good or bad. Start building a good reputation now.

  1. If you are not in class the day an assignment is due, there is no makeup opportunity.  Missing an assigned due date for the performance of a scene or project is equal to missing a scheduled performance on stage- you will receive an ‘F’ for that project.  
  2. Keeping all schedule appointments or contact the person you are scheduled to meet as soon as is humanly possible.
  3. Never miss a tech or dress rehearsal or performance, whether serving as a performer or crew.
  4. Register for classes in a timely manner after conferring with your advisor.
  5. Be prompt at each and every class meeting, rehearsal (both for production and class assignment homework), work and production call.
  6. Develop a respectful and positive demeanor when receiving feedback in class/rehearsal/work calls, and diligent application in processing that feedback in homework for the next class/rehearsal.
  7. Prepare for rehearsal, performance studio work, project due dates, etc.; e.g. physically and vocally warming up before a call time or class start time, having all homework completedincluding adjustments in response to notes given in previous rehearsal/class, arriving in proper clothing and footwear for class and departmental activities, always bringing new ‘actor’ or ‘design’ choices to rehearsal/class, producing and updating production or design paperwork on time, maintaining a healthy physical and vocal instrument, obtaining notes or homework assignments from a peer as soon as possible after missing a class/rehearsal, etc.
  8. Realize your potential:  take risks, improve your quality and professional standard of work.
  9. Be proactive in expecting professionalism in yourself and others you work with.
  10. Always respect the fact that the one thing that no one can be ‘repaid’ is time. For this reason, wasting anyone’s time, including your own, is unprofessional.  Be on time to everything.

Amorous/Sexual Relations and Scenes

Without diminishing the creative and spontaneous process of theatre work, students participating in an intimate or amorous scene should consider the following precautions.

  1. Rehearse only on campus during regular school hours in a space you have reserved in the Theatre office.
  2. If the scene requires partners to participate in intimate contact both partners must consent. The intimate contact should honor and serve the playwright’s intent.
  3. Before beginning any rehearsal, students should discuss boundaries of the intimacy. Both partners should agree that the rehearsal can stop at any time by verbal request.
  4. See the policy on nudity
  5. If the scene requires physical violence it is most important to walk thru the choreography in slow motion many times. No partner should experience injury or pain.  This is acted and simulated with stage combat.  Professors are available for consultation if necessary.

Sexual Harassment Policy

View USU's Sexual Harassment Policy

Sexual Assault Policy

Utah State University Police Campus Security Report

Sexual assault is a criminal offense of varying degrees. Depending upon circumstances, a perpetrator of a sexual assault may be charged with crimes ranging from a class B misdemeanor to a first degree felony. The USU Police Department will vigorously work to prosecute anyone who commits a sexual assault.

Sexual assault is a growing concern on college and university campuses. We are fortunate at Utah State University to have a relatively low rate of sexual assault. However, one is too many and it is understood that many sexual assaults go unreported. In an effort to assist victims of sexual assault the following information is made available:  

Procedures to Follow if You Become a Victim of a Sex Offense: 

  • Do not change clothes or shower.  
  • Seek medical attention if needed.  
  • Report the offense immediately to the police. If you live in a campus residence hall, your resident director or resident assistant can help you contact the proper authorities. 
  • If you do not want to contact the police, you may contact the SAAVI Office or CAPSA (Community Abuse Prevention Services Agency), the USU Counseling Center, the Office of Student Services, or Bear River Mental Health. These agencies can help you deal with the assault.

Academic Integrity

Integrity is expected of every student in all academic work. The guiding principle of academic integrity is that submitted work must be the student’s own. Students engaging in academic dishonesty diminish their education and bring discredit to the academic community. Students shall not violate Article 6 of the USU student code, and shall avoid situations likely to compromise academic integrity. Students shall observe the generally applicable provisions of the code whether or not faculty establish rules of integrity for a particular class. Failure of faculty to prevent cheating does not excuse students from compliance with the Code.

View USU's Student Academic Integrity Code

Departmental Travel

Many opportunities exist for studies outside of campus.  These include KCACTF, touring shows, study abroad, recruiting, etc.  On these field trips please remember that you are a representative of USU Department of Theatre Arts 24 hours a day.  Your behavior must be exemplary, professional, and always respectful of this position.  Your first responsibility is to the art form to which you are dedicating your studies.  Your ability to participate fully and to your highest potential is of utmost importance.  Any behavior that would lessen your ability to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you are unacceptable.  These behaviors include, but not limited, to the following:

  • Possession or consumption of illegal substances.
  • Any behavior that is considered illegal in the state or country in which you are visiting.
  • Any loud, rude or disruptive behavior
  • Drinking of alcoholic beverages in the hotel or living quarters.
  • Allowing no-USU sponsored individuals to stay in your hotel room or living quarters.
  • Unauthorized use of State vehicles.
  • Failure to support other Department activities when requested by the Department.
  • Being late for any scheduled activity or transportation.

The Department expects students to take their talent and growth as an artist seriously.  Therefore, any unacceptable behavior will be grounds for immediate disciplinary probation.  Failure to comply with this agreement will result in being immediately sent home at student expense.  It will also impact any scholarship support in the future.  In addition, a full report will be kept in your file within the Department.