Production Policies

Students are expected to:
• Arrive fifteen minutes early
• Bring script, pencil, notebook, and water
• Check Utah Tech email twice daily
• Notify stage management immediately of conflicts or illness
• Meet memorization and preparation deadlines
• Respect notes from directors and stage management
• Refrain from photos or video backstage or in dressing rooms unless for official Utah Tech use
• Maintain professional conduct at all times

Academic coursework is the primary responsibility of all students. Participation in productions is a privilege that depends on maintaining academic engagement and balance.

Students are expected to

• Prioritize class attendance and academic deadlines
• Communicate academic conflicts early and clearly
• Avoid over-committing to production work that compromises coursework
Faculty may:
• Restrict or modify production participation if academic performance is at risk
• Require academic improvement plans
• Limit casting or crew assignments based on workload balance
• Tech weeks and performances do not excuse students from academic responsibilities unless
explicitly approved by course instructors

Attendance is a core component of professional training.

Expectations:
• Classes, rehearsals, and calls are mandatory
• Fifteen minutes early is on time for all production activities
• Conflicts must be reported as soon as they are known
Absences:
• Excused absences are determined by faculty or stage management
• Unexcused absences may result in reassignment, removal from scenes, or disciplinary action
• Repeated absences indicate unreliability and will affect future opportunities
• Patterns of attendance issues rather than isolated incidents are the primary factor in
accountability decisions

Casting and production assignments are educational decisions made by faculty and directors in
alignment with program goals.

Casting is based on:
• Preparation and skill
• Professionalism and reliability
• Suitability for the role or assignment
• Academic standing and workload balance
Students may be removed from or reassigned within a production due to:
• Repeated absences or lateness
• Failure to meet preparation standards
• Unprofessional or unsafe behavior
• Academic concerns
• Violation of consent or safety policies

Whenever possible, concerns will be addressed early and transparently. Removal from a production is a serious step but may be necessary to protect the ensemble and learning environment.

Casting and reassignment decisions are educational determinations and are not subject to appeal
based solely on artistic preference or disagreement.

All majors and minors participate in crew assignments. Students are expected to:
• Attend all crew calls
• Follow shop safety rules
• Wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing
• Use tools and equipment only after training
• Participate fully in strike
• Maintain clear and respectful communication with stage management and designers

Strike is mandatory for all cast, crew, designers, and technicians and is required for workshop
credit. Failure to attend strike may affect casting, grades, or scholarship eligibility.

Utah Tech Theatre is committed to addressing conflict directly, respectfully, and constructively

• Step 1: Direct Communication
  When appropriate and safe, students are encouraged to address concerns directly with the
  individual involved.
  Direct communication should be respectful, timely, and focused on resolving the issue rather
  than assigning blame.

• Step 2: Production Chain of Communication
  For production-related concerns, the reporting chain is:
  • Stage Manager
  • Director or Choreographer
  • Faculty Advisor or Production Supervisor
  • Program Director
  A cast or crew deputy may assist in communication or bring concerns forward on behalf of the
  group.

• Step 3: Academic or Departmental Concerns
  Academic concerns should be addressed in the following order:
  • Course Instructor
  • Faculty Advisor
  • Program Director
  • College Administration, if necessary

• Clarification: Disagreement vs. Grievance
  Disagreement with casting decisions, artistic direction, academic evaluation, or faculty judgment does not by itself constitute a grievance. Grievances involve concerns about process, policy violations, safety, discrimination, harassment, or failure to follow established procedures.
  Students are encouraged to seek clarification and dialogue. Artistic, academic, and production
  decisions rest with faculty and departmental leadership.

• Safety, Harassment, or Boundary Violations
  • Concerns involving safety, harassment, discrimination, or consent may bypass informal steps
  and should be reported immediately to a faculty member, the Program Director, or through
  official university reporting channels
  • Concerns raised in good faith will be received respectfully and addressed through appropriate
  channels