This Code of Conduct is designed to clarify the Winds of Change Dramatic Society’s (WoC) expectations on how members, performers, production staff, and all volunteers must conduct themselves whilst involved in the activities of the company. By following this Code of Conduct, your reputation, and the brand and reputation of the WoC, will be upheld and protected.

 

The Code also seeks to provide for a safe, enjoyable and equitable environment for all, in  undertaking their roles within the WoC.

 

Aim

The WoC is committed to ensuring the integrity and highest ethical standards in respect of our members, our staff and our volunteers. Underlying this commitment is the need for the WoC to ensure that all persons contributing to the success of the WoC act with dignity, honesty, integrity and with respect towards others.

 

As an extension to the Society’s “Bylaws” this code seeks to improve the theatrical skills of performers, production crew and volunteers by making the theatrical experience attractive, safe and enjoyable for all.

 

How Does the Code of Conduct Apply To You?

Every member, performer, production staff and volunteer of the WoC is expected to perform his/her role in accordance with this Code of Conduct.

 

Performers, production crew and volunteers are encouraged to:

• Participate, for the enjoyment you will receive through theatrical performance,

• Work equally for yourself and the production, the production will benefit and so will you,

• Abide by the principles of theatre etiquette,

• Abide by the policies and practices of the WoC as they apply,

• Co-operate with the director, all members of the production team and fellow cast members,

• Commit wholeheartedly to the production, rehearsals and activities.

 

The Director(s) 

• You, with the Producer(s), share the responsibility for your cast and backstage crew, exercise it.

• Be reasonable in your demands on performers’ time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests and demands on their time.

• Teach your cast the principles of theatre etiquette and stage craft and encourage gratification through achievement.

 

The Producer(s)

• You have the responsibility for your cast and backstage crew and entire production team -exercise it.

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The WoC will provide every member, performer, production crew member and volunteer with a copy of this Code and brief volunteers, where requested. If anyone has a question on the Code they should consult a Board member in the first instance.

 

This Code will be appended to the WOC bylaws and may be amended from time to time, when necessary. The WoC will distribute updated copies and changes to the Code will be expected to be adhered to.

 

This document is not designed to be exhaustive, but all involved in the WoC activities will be expected to uphold both the letter and spirit of the Code.

 

Duty of Care

The WoC requires that all members, performers, production team and volunteers comply with all laws, regulations and policies governing its activities and the terms of any charters relevant to their duties.

 

In addition, when minors are involved in a production, adult chaperones must be present at all times during production related activities, and two at any given time.

In addition to complying with the above, all are expected to:

• treat everyone with dignity and courtesy;

• be fair, considerate and honest in all dealings with others;

• refrain from any behaviour which may bring the WoC into disrepute;

• display control, respect and professionalism in all activities;

• observe proper meeting conduct and protocol;

• abide with the code of conduct or conditions of use, of the venue being used.

 

Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Bullying and Cyberbullying

Members, performers, production staff and Volunteers are expected to respect the rights, dignity and worth of others regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion or of their physical or psychological disabilities.

 

The WoC will not tolerate discrimination. Discrimination is any behaviour or practice which reflects an assumption of superiority of one group (or individual) over another or disadvantages people on the basis of their real or perceived membership of a particular group and includes such behaviour as less favourable treatment, unfair exclusion and asking discriminatory questions.

 

The WoC will not tolerate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is any unwanted, unwelcome or uninvited behaviour of a sexual nature which makes a person feel humiliated, intimidated or offended.

 

Equally, the WoC will not tolerate bullying. Bullying is behaviour that intimidates, offends, degrades, insults or humiliates another person. Bullying can be physical or psychological and also encompasses cyberbullying over all forms of social media.

 

If anyone feels they have been discriminated against, bullied or harassed in any way they should immediately contact any Board member in the first instance for immediate and confidential assistance.

 

In the case of a minor, who may be more comfortable confiding in a parent/guardian, the parent/guardian should immediately report the incident to a Board member.

 

That member is then obligated to document the incident(s) and take appropriate action; legal if warranted.  Where legal action is not warranted, the situation will be handled confidentially and objectively by the Board.

 

Health and Safety

Everyone has the right to participate in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe.

Members, performers, production staff and volunteers are asked to take responsibility for their own health and safety, ensuring that their actions do not risk the health and safety of others. All are required to take reasonable care at all times by following all lawful instructions from those in authority at the WoC in its efforts towards providing a healthy and safe environment.

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All hazards, accidents or injuries must be reported to the Winds of Change representative in charge of the activity. Incident report forms are required to be completed and forwarded to the President.

 

Alcohol, Cannabis and Drug Consumption

Illegal or prohibited drugs are not to be consumed by Members, performers, production staff and volunteers while performing duties with the WoC. 

 

In the context of this provision, anyone exhibiting signs of being intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol, Cannabis or an illegal or prohibited drug will be prevented from commencing, recommencing or continuing their activity.

 

Grievances

If anyone has a grievance or feels that they have been unfairly treated they are encouraged to raise this issue with any member of the Board for immediate and confidential assistance. 

 

Unless legally obligated or required by this Code, the actions of the Board will take into consideration the privacy and wishes of the complainant.

 

The Board of WoC is committed to uphold both the letter and spirit of this Code and the mediation and resolution of any grievance in an expeditious manner.

 

Breach of the Code of Conduct

The Board will treat each breach objectively and individually, and consequences will be determined on a case by case basis.


Approved by the WOC Board
2019