Membership includes all theatre faculty and the Chair. This is the primary legislative body of the department. It must approve all other committee recommendations. This committee meets at least once a month. 

Membership includes all theatre faculty and the Chair.  It serves as an advisory committee on all issues directly related to the theatre program.  This committee meets al east once a month.

Membership includes all dance faculty and the Chair.  It serves as an advisory committee on all issues directly related to the dance program.  This committee meets at least once a month.

This committee is responsible for developing and overseeing the curriculum, including but not limited to course proposals, program changes, addition and deletion of programs, degree requirements, recommending action on student petitions and general policies with impact on instruction and learning.  This committee meets on an as-needed basis.  Membership includes two full-time theatre faculty, two full-time dance faculty, two student members from the Chair's Advisory Council (one theatre and one dance major), and the Chair.  The Director of Dance automatically serves as one of the dance faculty members.  The committee must always include one member (Theatre or Dance) who also serves on the CVPA curriculum committee.  Faculty members are elected by the department's faculty to serve staggered three-year terms.  The student representative on the Chair's Advisory Council nominate the two student members.  faculty or student members may be re-elected to the committee to serve consecutive terms.  

This committee is responsible for developing the season of productions and reviewing all production policies and procedures with input from constituents.

A single individual may represent more than one area.

There is no limit to the number of terms an individual may serve on this committee.

Members will select a committee chair at the first meeting.

• The Building Supervisor is the chair of the committee and a permanent member. The committee shall also include the department chair, at least one full-time theatre faculty member, and at least one full-time dance faculty member. Faculty members serve staggered three-year terms. Faculty members may be re-elected to the committee to serve consecutive terms.  The purpose of this committee is to insure faculty, staff and students work together to maintain a safe, healthy, and secure work environment. The goal of this committee is to identify work place hazards and to find ways to prevent/ eliminate them with the assistance of faculty, administration and Facilities.
• The safety committee will evaluate the Department of Theatre and Dance workplace safety annually and provide a written evaluation of the program to the Chair for the annual Report. The committee will also evaluate its own activities annually and use the evaluation to develop an action plan for the next academic year.

This committee is tasked in developing materials, strategies, and programming related to recruitment of new students. the committee will include the following representatives when possible:

 Department Chair
                Dance Program Director
                1-2 additional Dance faculty
                2-3 Theatre faculty, of varying disciplines
                2 student representatives from the Chair’s Advisory Council

The faculty of the department serves as committee-of-the-whole in supporting compliance with diversity standards and goals for all Theatre and Dance programs. This includes design, implementation and evaluation of curriculum and production opportunities that address needs of diverse learners, as well as recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and students. 
At least two faculty members will serve on the CVPA diversity committee.

Visit the DEI page for current information regarding department goals and changes.

The Technology committee creates an inventory of all Theatre and Dance technological assets, Identifies a wish list with rationale of required purchases to enhance the program, Identifies requirements in teaching and learning spaces (i.e. smart board, Projectors, AV, Software, etc.), and gathers requests from faculty as relating to IT needs.

Task Forces are developed on an as needed basis to develop special projects for the department.  These committees are intended to by highly active but short-lived.

Special assignments have ongoing responsibilities but do not require the work of a committee and are appointed by the Chair.ion Content

The Archivist is responsible for maintaining department production archives (including:  posters, programs, publicity, reviews, photos, slides, and videotapes).  Also responsible for bulletin boards and lobby displays for productions.

The Library Liaison is responsible for coordinating department purchases for the library.

(CAC) of the Department of Theatre and Dance is a group of undergraduate student representatives who serve in an advisory role to the chair and faculty of the department.

Serves as faculty advisor and department liaison to the Winthrop chapter of the national honorary society.

Serves as faculty advisor and department liaison to the Winthrop dance interest club.

Serves as faculty advisor and department liaison to the Winthrop improvisational performance club.

Serves as faculty advisor and department liaison to the Winthrop chapter of the national honorary society.

Serves as faculty advisor and department liaison to the Winthrop social theatre performance club.

It is the responsibility of the College of Visual and Performing Arts administration to provide, (as far as is reasonably practical) safe working conditions for its students and employees. At the department level, each chair is responsible for ensuring that the safety and security policy is adhered to by students and faculty. Therefore, there are four divisions of responsibility: the chair, the safety committee, individual faculty/staff and students.

The chair is responsible for establishing the safety and security committee for the Department of Theatre and Dance. This committee will develop and maintain a departmental safety and security policy. The committee will be comprised of the theatre technical director, two members of the teaching faculty (one theatre, one dance), and the Chairperson of the Department.

The chair will also be responsible for: 

• Ensuring that regular meetings of the safety and security committee are held.
• Ensuring that regular inspections of the facility by the committee are planned and carried out.

• Establish a departmental safety and security policy.
• Ensure that both faculty and students are fully aware of their individual responsibilities regarding safety and security.
• Ensure that the committee's reports are submitted to the appropriate university officers for action.
• Ensure that the individual hazard reports are submitted to the appropriate university officer for action.
• Ensure that accident reports are forwarded to the appropriate university officer.

• Inform all students concerned of the individual responsibility regarding security and safety within the department's individual studios and buildings
• Carry out monthly safety inspections of their area.
• Ensure that all materials, equipment, and machinery purchases conform to recognized standards regarding the Security and Safety policy within the department.
• Report all accidents and/or incidents, which could have resulted in a serious accident to the chair.  (See Accident Report form, Appendix A.)
• Endeavor, within all reasonable practicability and available resources, to keep the students trained in the safe use and maintenance of all machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Instruct every student in the safe use and storage of paints, dyes, and other chemicals and materials.
• Be familiar with the locations of the fire alarm call points and the emergency exits as well as the mode of operation and positions of the extinguishers.
• Ensure that the appropriate protective clothing is worn by students involved in the use of machinery, equipment and chemicals, i.e. goggles, face visors, breathing masks, overalls, etc.
• Ensure that safety harnesses are used when rigging stage scenery if there is a danger of falling.
• Maintain the campus wide smoking policy.
• Know the procedures for the safe evacuation of students in an emergency, i.e. location of fire extinguishers and exits.
• Inform the Chair of hazardous conditions or situations; (See Appendix B).
• Inform students of the evacuation point to be used (from the shop or classroom concerned) and procedures to be followed in an emergency;
• Inform students of the location and use of first aid kits.
• Indicate the location of all fire extinguishers in the studio, shop or classroom and/or the adjacent hallway.
• File with the purchasing office travel and insurance forms for all field trips.

Faculty who observe a student in violation of the policies established in this document must instruct that student to cease such action.

This information and instruction must be presented to each of the faculty's student groups at the beginning of each semester or at the induction of any new student group.  Every new student joining a class must be given the safety information and instruction by the faculty concerned.

• Only use power machinery and equipment for which they have received authorized training from the faculty or professional instructor.  (Students who have not received training in the safe use of machinery, should contact the faculty member responsible.)
• Do not use power machinery when alone in the shops or stage areas;
• Do not use power machinery in the scenic studio when the faculty member or technical assistant is absent;
• Use the appropriate protective clothing when using machinery, i.e. goggles, head bands, overalls, etc.
• Ensure that loose ties, belts, cuffs, jewelry and long hair are properly secured or tucked in while working with power machinery;
• Keep one's own hand tools in good repair;
• Adhere to the no smoking policy in Johnson Hall.
• Do not consume, or bring into the studios, shops, or any building areas, any alcoholic beverage or controlled substance.
• Do not work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Evacuate the building immediately when the "Fire Alarm" is sounded.

During the official semester dates (first day of class to the last day of class), theatre and dance majors have daily access to the Johnson Hall facilities.  Hours of access are 8:00 a.m. to midnight.  Student access to the facilities outside of the regular official semester requires the permission of the Chair of the department.  No access is allowed during official office closures without prior permission of a faculty or staff member.

The names of those students requesting permission from the Chair to access Johnson will be forwarded to Public Safety.  Any student that has not signed the vacation access form and received permission from the chair will be told by Public Safety officers to leave the building.

Every member of the faculty, staff and the student body is required to report any potentially dangerous situation as soon as it becomes apparent.  A "Hazard Report" form is available from the department office.  Any hazard noted must be reported to the Chair immediately.  (See Hazard Report form, Appendix B.)  Prevention also involves safety education.  In addition to training programs, each faculty member, whether full-time or part-time, is required to provide information and instruction to his or her students regarding accident prevention.

The faculty must present safety information and instruction to their student groups at the beginning of each semester or at the induction of any new individual group of students.

Faculty must ensure the general tidiness, cleanliness and housekeeping of the working environment, use of guards or protective clothing where necessary, and the maintenance of equipment.  Faculty must ensure that only authorized and/or adequately trained individuals be allowed to use or operate dangerous machines and equipment.

The first requirement for achieving safety in the studios and workshops is the willingness of every person to accept his or her responsibility for the vital role he or she must play in accident prevention.  The only path to effective accident prevention is knowledge, and action based on that knowledge; action practiced so often that it becomes habit.

Safety Policy in relation to hazardous materials involves the utilization of set procedures so that risk to health and safety is minimized at all stages of storage, distribution, use and disposal.

Security arrangements for the storage of hazardous materials and limitations on the quantities stored, issued or purchased must be strictly observed.

Mixing chemicals may cause a violent reaction or create toxic vapors.  Storage should therefore ensure that different chemicals are kept physically separated. Instructions and procedures for handling of chemicals must be absolutely clear and precise and must be provided on wall charts in each studio and workshop.

All containers and materials should be clearly marked to indicate properties, hazards and proper handling methods.  Any unmarked containers or materials should be reported to the safety committee so that appropriate action may be taken.

Generally, containers should not be used for anything other than their original contents.  But where it is desired to use non-returnable containers for other purposes, they should be thoroughly cleaned out so that there is no possibility of a reaction between incompatible chemicals.  Such containers should always be clearly re-labeled.

The Department will provide protective clothing and equipment for handling hazardous materials. It must be used when appropriate. Where there is even the slightest risk of eye injury, goggles should be worn.

If splashing or burning of the person occurs, the affected part must be treated immediately with large quantities of cold water.  Proper medical treatment must be sought after giving this emergency care. Winthrop Police must be informed of the accident.

All splashes and spillages must be cleaned up without delay; this is best done by means of washing away with running water.

In this Policy Statement accidents are defined as incidents that have caused or might reasonably be expected to have caused injury to persons and/or damage to property.

A designated safety committee of academic and non-teaching staff will carry out regular inspections of the Department of Theatre and Dance, its physical plant, equipment and amenities.

The safety committee will tour relevant areas twice during each semester and once during the summer.  Their reports will be submitted to the chair.

In order to foster creativity and collaboration on artistic projects, the Department of Theatre and Dance opens its classrooms, shops, studios, and rehearsal spaces many hours beyond the Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00 workweek; often multiple spaces are in use; at other times, only a few artists are at work in Johnson Hall. 

The following policies are in place to ensure the safety of everyone: 

• All classrooms, studios, shop areas, and rehearsal spaces will close after midnight and theatre and dance students will vacate the building.
• Special events, such as the Midnight Cabaret, require written permission from the department Chair.  This permission must be obtained before the event can be publicized and there must be a faculty or Winthrop staff member on hand through the end of the event.
• No student should be working alone in Johnson Hall — at least one other person should be present. 
• No student may work in tech booths, costume studio, scenic studio or computer lab without faculty, TA, or work study student supervision.
• If a rehearsal ends late in the evening, the stage manager should see that the cast and crew walk out together and that no one is left alone in the building or has to walk out to the parking lot alone.
• At the end of each workday (Monday through Friday, at 5:00 p.m.), the Theatre and Dance Facilities Manager will lock up the theatre and scenic studio.  Students, faculty, and staff who need access to the space after hours will be provided keys to appropriate spaces.  They will also be responsible when they leave the building for locking up all doors and windows they have opened.
• No student, faculty or staff person will give anyone access to any rooms or shop areas unless they can stay with the visitors see them out, securing the space when they leave.
• The stage manager of the last rehearsal/performance of the day is responsible for calling Winthrop Police at x3333 to let them know the space has been vacated.
• All persons who have keys to Johnson Hall are expected to safeguard them and notify the theatre and dance office immediately if any keys are misplaced.
• Students, faculty, and staff should notify the department chair of any and all safety and security issue in Johnson Hall.  They should be thoroughly familiar with all policies affecting the spaces to which they have access.

The scene shop may be used by theatre and dance students enrolled in classes that require the use of the shop or involved in departmental productions.  The scene shop may NOT be used by students for personal projects without permission of the technical director.

• All persons using the costume shop should follow these procedures. Do not operate any machinery unless you have been taught its use by a supervisor or the costume designer.
• Keep hands out of the way of needles and blades when operating sewing machines and sergers.
• When ironing, be sure to return iron to fireproof pad or surface when finished; do not leave the iron sitting on the ironing table/board.
• Check all materials for possible hazards.  Read labels and MSDS's (Manufacturer's Safety Data Sheets) on file.
• All spraying and use of any materials with hazardous fumes must be done with a fan on and appropriate room ventilation.
• Only authorized and trained personnel may use spray or dye facilities.
• Check posted guide to know which products require the use of protective equipment such as gloves, respirator and filter.  These items must be used when dealing with hazardous chemicals including acetone.
• Protective gloves and dust filter must be used when mixing dyes and for chemical treatments to hair (coloring, permanents, etc.).
• An exhaust fan must be used at all times when using dyes.
• All flammable items must be stored in a fireproof cabinet.
• Turn off all machines, irons, steamers, and glue guns at the end of the work period.

The Johnson theatres are available to the students, faculty and staff who are selected to work on theatre and dance productions.  The theatres are also public spaces and classroom spaces.  Therefore, the "General Classroom Safety Guidelines" and other Winthrop safety policies apply to these spaces.  In general, the technical director, costumer, and designers are responsible for enforcing the safety policies as the production is being constructed.  During rehearsals and performances, it is the director or choreographer, assisted by the stage manager, who holds responsibility for adherence to these policies. 

All these policies apply to the Winthrop Theatre and Winthrop Dance Theatre productions, as well as Winthrop Theatre Student Works projects, productions by student groups (SAD, Alpha Psi Omega, Terpsichore).

The dance studios are for use by currently enrolled dance students.  Students must be enrolled in a dance class.  All person using these spaces should adhere to these policies.

Box Office Emergency Procedures 

A copy of all emergency procedures shall be posted in the Stage Manager's Promptbook and in the box office during any performance.  All staff and faculty will make themselves familiar with the operation of emergency equipment located in the Johnson Theatre and Johnson Studio Theatre.

The classrooms used by the Department of Theatre and Dance include: 

Johnson 205 — lecture room seating a maximum of 50 students

Johnson 202 — computer lab for design and choreography students

Johnson 103 — acting classroom

Other Johnson Hall spaces used for classroom instruction include:

Johnson 235 — large dance studio

Johnson 232 — small dance studio

Johnson 126 — the make-up room

Johnson116 — the scene shop

Johnson 122 — the costume shop

Johnson 106 — Johnson Theatre

Johnson 117 — Studio Theatre

The selection of a season is the responsibility of the full faculty of the Department of Theatre and Dance.  Decisions are guided by an established production rotation plan.

By December 1, each faculty director will submit a list of plays for consideration in the next season.  The Department Chair will establish a process for students to submit suggestions to be included in the selection process.  The Season Selection Committee will meet to discuss this list.

By February 15, the season and rough production schedules will be set and Student Works Project Proposals are due.

The season schedule is determined by the full faculty of the Department of Theatre and Dance.  The schedule is subject to the approval of the Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Production schedules (including production meetings, building and completion dates for sets, props, costumes; light hang and focus schedules, all technical rehearsals, crew calls for performances, and strike) are determined by the technical director in consultation with the Chair and the individual directors and designers.

Audition and rehearsal schedules are determined by each director and are subject to space availability.  

The season schedule is determined by the full faculty of the Department of Theatre and Dance.  The schedule is subject to the approval of the Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Production schedules (including production meetings, building and completion dates for sets, props, costumes; light hang and focus schedules, all technical rehearsals, crew calls for performances, and strike) are determined by the technical director in consultation with the Chair and the individual directors and designers.

Audition and rehearsal schedules are determined by each director and are subject to space availability.  

The season schedule is determined by the full faculty of the Department of Theatre and Dance.  The schedule is subject to the approval of the Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Production schedules (including production meetings, building and completion dates for sets, props, costumes; light hang and focus schedules, all technical rehearsals, crew calls for performances, and strike) are determined by the technical director in consultation with the Chair and the individual directors and designers.

Audition and rehearsal schedules are determined by each director and are subject to space availability.  

Students may receive academic credit for their work on Winthrop Theatre and Winthrop Dance Theatre productions by any one of seven methods:

1. THRA 170 and 171 - Technical Theatre Practicum (1.0 hrs. each) are required courses for the theatre design/tech major and are coordinated by the Technical Director. 
2. THRA 370 - Theatre Practicum (1.0 hrs.) is arranged through application to the production director or Technical Director after casting or production assignment has been made. THRA 370 may be repeated for credit.
3. DANA 443 - Dance Production and DANA 444 — Dance Performance (1.0 hrs.) credit is arranged through the Technical Director.  DANA 443 and 444 may be repeated for credit.
4. THRT 470 (3 hrs) or THRT/DANT 471, 472, 473 - Independent Study (1.0-3.0 hrs.) is arranged through application to the Chair, and is normally limited to participation as designer, playwright, technical director, stage manager, marketing director, choreographer, or dramaturge.

The department hires skilled students on a part-time basis per semester as technical assistants in the scene shop, costume shop and box office.  Work study students are also employed as assistants in the main office and computer lab.  Students are occasionally hired on a temporary basis as technical crews for outside events held in Johnson Hall.

Hiring process for teaching assistants (pdf - 12.6 KB).

The director of each faculty-directed production is responsible for the content of both publicity and program materials, and for selection of poster images.  All promotional materials must be approved by the Chair, the CVPA Dean and University Relations.

House Management is the responsibility of the Box Office Manager, who will organize and oversee a staff from the THRA 173 - Box Office Practicum, class. 

The box office is operated by the Box Office Manager who is a member of the faculty.  Box office hours are from 7:00 p.m. until curtain for evening performances and 1:00 to curtain for matinees.  The Box Office is open from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Monday-Friday of the week of performance for all productions. Reservations may be called in to the Box office answering machine x4014 or by e-mailing boxoffice@winthrop.edu.

Reserved tickets must be picked up at least 30 minutes prior to curtain.  Any unclaimed tickets will be released for sale at that time.

Winthrop University faculty, staff students with valid student IDs are entitled to special Winthrop-priced tickets.  The Chair and Box Office Manager will negotiate group rates, special packages, etc. on a case by case basis.  All other tickets are full price.  The Department of Theatre and Dance reviews and announces its ticket prices annually. 

Theatre and dance majors are entitled to one complimentary ticket to each departmental theatre or dance production. If a major wishes to claim a comp ticket for any production in Johnson Theatre, the student must claim the comp ticket IN ADVANCE. Special conditions concerning studio theatre productions: If a major comes to the box office anytime during the one hour before curtain, the major will not be issued her/his comp ticket. Majors may claim comp tickets for Johnson Studio Theatre productions 15 minutes before curtain. If tickets are available at that time, the box office staff will issue comp tickets to any majors until all tickets are distributed. Special conditions concerning musical productions: For Saturday and Sunday performances of musical productions, majors may claim comp tickets 10 minutes before curtain. If tickets are available at that time, the box office staff will issue comp tickets to any majors until all tickets are distributed.  Any non-major who is participating as a cast member, running crew member, or orchestra member in a departmental production is entitled to one complimentary ticket for that production. 

Winthrop Department of Theatre and Dance Faculty and Staff are entitled to two complimentary tickets for each production.  Directors and choreographers are entitled to a complimentary ticket for every performance of the shows they are directing/choreographing.  Faculty members who wish to attend multiple performances and/or bring special guests to performances may request additional complimentary tickets for guests from the Chair or Box Office Manager.  When a performance is sold out, faculty cannot expect their requests for complimentary tickets to be accommodated.  (As a routine, standard practice in the industry, the Box Office Manager maintains a small block of complimentary tickets for every performance that the Chair or Box Office Manager distributes as needed.)  Student and/or guest directors and designers are given staff complimentary ticket privileges for the production(s) in which they are involved.

Dance faculty will post deadlines for student works applications every semester.  Due to the extensive use of the dance studios, space for student works is limited.  All studio rehearsal and performance times will be arranged on an individual basis for each faculty-approved project. 

The department will provide printing for programs and 100 posters/flyers (see details below).  Admission will not be charged.

The production crew for each student work will be identified by the student choreographer in the proposal.  Production crews may include positions such as lighting coordinator, sound coordinator, house and stage management.  The student choreographer must be enrolled in at least one credit of Independent Study in Dance (DANT 471-473).  The student choreographer must have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average at the time the proposal is submitted.  Student Choreographers must have successfully completed Choreography II or have permission of the Department Chair and Theatre and Dance faculty before they can be approved to direct a Student Work in Dance Production.

The department will announce a call for student works proposals in dance well in advance of the deadline to submit proposals.  Once students express their interest, they will be assigned a faculty advisor to help them develop their proposals for the deadline. 

When the student choreographer submits the production proposal, the proposal will NOT include a list of the students who will serve on the production team.  After the proposal is approved for the season, the department faculty will solicit student applications for the positions of stage manager, assistant stage manager, scenic designer, lighting designer, etc. and then appoint students to the production team after consulting with the student choreographer.  

The student choreographer and production crew will be responsible for all aspects of the production:

• Conducting regular design concept meetings before rehearsals begin;
• Conducting the auditions and rehearsing the pieces;
• Conducting regular production meetings;
• Preparation of any prop and costume elements; 
• Preparation of any music or sound effects;
• Cue-setting and run of any lights and sound;
• House management; 
• Strike (including cleaning of the studio and dressing rooms) immediately following final performance; 
• Ensuring that no food, gum or drink is brought into the dance studio and that the dance floor is properly protected during rehearsals and performances.
• Security of the space throughout the rehearsal and performance period
• Preparation of publicity materials including: press release, posters and program copy.  "Preparation" includes:
• The writing/designing/drafting of materials;  
• Getting department and university approval; 
• Adhering to department deadlines for all publicity materials; failure to make deadlines may result in no publicity;  
• Programs are limited to one-page (8 x 11" paper) printed in black and white; 
• Posters are printed in one color on 11 x 17" paper or smaller;
• Security of the space throughout the rehearsal and performance period (Note: the director will be issued keys at the beginning of the three-week period and will return the keys on the first business day after the production closes)
• Scheduling a post-show discussion in collaboration with the faculty advisors.

Each student work will have two faculty advisors. The faculty advisors' job is to serve as consultants to the choreographer and production crew.  The advisors shall:

• Assist in refining the rehearsal schedule;
• Inform the choreographer/production crew of guidelines and good practice for producing a student work;
• Observe auditions, rehearsals and performances as needed and provide constructive feedback;
• Attend production meetings;
• Serve as advocates for the choreographer/production crew;
• Serve as official instructors of the Independent Study course (DANT 471).
• Serve as liaisons between the department and the project. 

• No street shoes may be worn in the dance studio at any time.  This policy also applies to audience members. 
• No furniture should be used in the dance studios including any for audience seating.  The audience should be seated on floor mats provided.  (Exceptions will be made to accommodate audience members with physical handicaps.)
• Limited use of the prop collection — under supervision of the Technical Director and subject to approval by the department's resident Scenic Designer and the Student Choreographer's Faculty Advisors.
• Limited use of the costume collection — under supervision of and subject to approval by the department's resident Costume Designer and the Student Choreographer's Faculty Advisors.
• A complete strike is required: all items borrowed from the department collections must be returned in proper condition; the dance studio must be swept clean and returned to the standard classroom arrangement.
• No open flames may be used in any performance space.

The dance production crew is responsible for adhering to standard production procedures in the department, including:

• Food, drink, gum chewing and smoking policies
• Security policies
• Procedures in case of accident or injury

The student choreographer and dance production crew will all read and sign a statement that they have read and understand the Safety and Security Manual of Winthrop's Department of Theatre and Dance.

The members of the cast and crew are also expected to behave in a professional and collegial way.  This includes, but is not limited, to:

• Respecting and caring for the space and equipment
• Respecting the students, staff, and faculty in the department
• Being flexible, willing to negotiate and work with others when problems arise
• Adhering to the policies as stated in the Student Conduct Code.

The Studio Theatre Season is divided into six production slots.   Each semester the first and second slots are available for Student Works, while the third slot is reserved for the THRA 431 One-Act Play Festival.  The faculty has the option to reserve one of these slots for a faculty directed production.  This production would be bound by the same policies as the student productions outlined below.  The three remaining slots are available for Student Works proposals.

A slot for Student Works is a three-week block of time in the studio theatre for that production company to hold rehearsals culminating in five public performances.  Rehearsals may begin sooner than three weeks prior to opening.  However, the production company may have to find alternative rehearsal space, as the studio theatre will be available only for the approved three-week period.  All Student Works proposals must include a calendar showing at least six weeks of rehearsal prior to opening.

Auditions for all Student Works must be held in conjunction with the Department's main stage auditions.  This will minimize scheduling conflicts within the various aspects of the department's academic and production calendars.

The department will bear the expense for scripts, royalties, and copying of programs and 50 promotional flyers (see details in next section). The department will provide house and box office management as well as poster design, printing and circulation.  The department will also provide $250 for production expenses for each Student Work. All tangible items purchased with these funds will become the property of the department   Admission will be charged, with revenues returning to the department.

The Production Company for each Student Work will consist of the director/choreographer, stage manager, assistant stage manager (optional), cast and designers. The director/choreographer must be enrolled in Advanced Practicum (THRT 470) or Independent Study in Dance (DANT 471-73) and receive a grade from the faculty advisor for managing the project.  The director/choreographer must have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and only the director/choreographer may earn course credit for producing the Student Work.  Student directors must have successfully completed Directing II or have permission of the Department Chair and Theatre and Dance Faculty before they can be approved to direct a Student Works production.

When the student director submits the production proposal, the proposal will NOT include a list of the students who will serve on the production team.  After the proposal is approved for the season, the department faculty will solicit student applications for the positions of stage manager, assistant stage manager, scenic designer, lighting designer, etc. and then appoint students to the production team after consulting with the student director.   

The Production Company will be responsible for all aspects of the production including:

• conducting at least 2 design concept meetings before rehearsals begin;
• conducting the auditions and rehearsing the production;
• conducting weekly production meetings;
• preparation of prop, costume and scenic elements;
• preparation of any music or sound effects;
• acquiring running crew either through THRA 180 (if available) or from approved volunteers.
• cue-setting and run of lights and sound;
• preparation of publicity materials including: press release and program where ""Preparation" includes
  • the writing of materials
  • getting department and university approval
  • adhering to department deadlines for all publicity materials
    • Programs are limited to one page (81/2 X 11) Xerox copied in black and white
    • Posters are limited to one color and printed on 11 X 17 paper. 
    • The stage manager will collect and deliver head shots, bios, and other publicity information to the department administrative specialist.
• a complete and thorough strike after the Sunday final performance;
• Keeping the space clear of all trash, including food or drink. All trash must be removed at the end of every rehearsal or meeting in the space. If this policy is not adhered to, then food and drink privileges will be denied.
• security of the space throughout the rehearsal and performance period (Note: the stage manager will be issued keys at the beginning of the three-week period and will return the keys on the first business day after the production closes)
• Scheduling a post-show discussion by the stage manager in collaboration with the faculty advisors.

Each Student Works production will have two faculty advisors from the Department of Theatre and Dance. The advisors' job is to serve as consultants to the director and production company.  The advisors shall:

• Approve the rehearsal and tech schedule;
• Inform the student director/production company of guidelines and good practice for producing a student work;
• Observe auditions, rehearsals and performances and provide constructive feedback;
• Serve as a advocates for the student director/production company;
• Attend production meetings;
• Serve as official instructors of the Advanced Practicum course 
  • (THRA 470) for the student director     
  • (DANT 471-73) for the student choreographers
  • (THRT/DANT 395) for the student designers, stage manager, and ASM
• Serve as liaisons between the department and the production company.

• Adhere to the approved configuration: three-sided (north side open) and approved number of seats (91);
• Chairs, seating platforms and classroom equipment may not be removed from the studio space for rehearsals or performances;
• Only necessary technical staff are allowed on the tech deck;
• No fire exits may be blocked by scenery (see ground plan for "scenery free' zones)
• No open flames may be used.
• No smoking allowed
• Limited use of lighting equipment to include
  • ETC Element 24/48 lighting console
  • 24  6" fresnels
  • 3  Chauvet Colordash Quad LED wash fixtures
  • 12 S4 ColorSource PARS
  • 2 Elation Vizi 300 Hybrid moving lights
  • 4  ETC S4 Jr 36 ERS
  • Any Altman 6x9 as available
  • Any Altman 1KL ERS as available
• Lobby and hallway furniture may not be used on stage or for rehearsals;
• Limited use of the furniture and prop collection subject to approval of faculty advisor.
• Limited use of the costume collection — subject to approval of faculty advisor
• A complete strike is required after the close of the production after the Sunday matinee:  all items borrowed from the department collections must be returned clean and in proper condition; if stock elements, walls, or floor has been painted, they must be repainted basic black; specials must be removed; the Studio Theatre must be swept clean.  All strike requirements must be confirmed with the Technical Director.

The production company is responsible for adhering to standard production procedures in the department, including:

• food, drink, and smoking policies
• security policies
• procedures in case of accident or injury

The director/choreographer and stage manager will all read and sign a statement that they have read and are familiar with the Safety and Security Manual of Winthrop's Department of Theatre and Dance.

The members of the production company are also expected to behave in a professional and collegial way.  This includes, but is not limited, to:

• respecting and caring for the space and equipment
• respecting the students, staff, and faculty in the department
• being flexible, willing to negotiate and work with others when problems arise
• adhering to the policies as stated in the Student Conduct Code

Dance Education majors must adhere to the requirements and regulations as set forth by the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences.  In addition, dance education interns are typically prohibited to participate in outside activities during the semester they are enrolled in EDCO 402.  Examples (though not an exhaustive list) of outside activities would include:  participation in dance productions on campus; performing with dance companies; leadership roles in student, social, professional, or community organizations; employment.  Exceptions May be made through a formal appearl process.

Dance Education majors are reminded that they may have to travel farther than students in other content areas for their field experience and/or internship because there are limited number of dance education programs with certified teachers in school districts surrounding the Winthrop University campus.  Please consider the need to travel, relocate, and/or make special housing arrangements during the field experience and/or internship semesters.

The class, DANA 442:  Senior Showcase, is an optional elective for Dance Education majors.

Faculty and students from the department regularly attend the regional American College Dance Association (ACDA). When the department chooses to allocates funds to support this travel, the policies below will apply to the process.

• The director of Winthrop Dance Theatre recommends the faculty piece to be entered in the adjudicated concert, and the Dance faculty confirms that recommendation.
• The instructor of DANA 442 recommends the student piece to be entered in the adjudicated concert, and Dance faculty confirms that recommendation. Upon confirmation the department submits the information about these two pieces to ACDA.
• For proper representation at festival meetings and appropriate supervision of the student performers, two faculty members will be sent to the regional festival.
  • First preference includes the faculty choreographer of the piece approved from the Winthrop Dance Theatre concert and the instructor of DANA 442.
  • If the faculty choreographer or instructor of DANA 442 cannot attend, the Dance Program Director attends as a substitute.
  • If the Dance Program Director cannot attend, the Department chair identifies a faculty member to attend.
  • The two faculty members will submit travel funds requests to the College. The department will attempt to cover any unfunded travel expenses for these two faculty members out of remaining revenue allocated for ACDA after all registration fees are paid for faculty and students performing.
  • Additional faculty that desire to attend must pay their registration to department by 4:30 pm on Fall Study Day. Additional faculty members travel at their own expense.
• For students performing in pieces being performed at the festival, the department will pay their registration fee.
  • If the funds allocated by the department are not consumed by registration fees and faculty travel, then those funds can be applied to reimburse student travel expenses.
  • Additional funding for students can be requested through the undergraduate research office, and the supervising faculty members will take primary responsibility for making the funding application.
  • Additional students that desire to attend must pay their registration to department by 4:30 pm on Fall Study Day. Additional students travel at their own expense.
• Additional students and faculty members have no guarantee of a ride or accommodation with the participating faculty and students attending the festival.

*Instructors have the discretion to make exceptions to the attire policies below. 

Dancers are expected to practice the following customary points of etiquette while participating in classes, rehearsals and performances:

• Once a class or rehearsal has begun, it is inappropriate to leave the studio without permission from instructor.
• It is inappropriate to correct other dancers in class.  Inform the instructor or choreographer in private of any problems you have noted.
• It is customary to applaud as a group after all classes, as well as thanking the instructor and accompanist for class. 

The following hierarchy relates to responsibility and authority for all use of Johnson Hall spaces under the control of the Department of Theatre and Dance:

• Department Chair
• Technical Director
• Faculty director of production or class instructor
• Faculty supervisor of student production
• Student director of production
• Production Stage Manager

The Department of Theatre and Dance office is located in Johnson 115 and is open from 8:00 until 4:30 on weekdays.  The administrative assistant is responsible for monitoring all activities and use of equipment in the office.

All departmental use of Johnson must be approved by the technical director and/or department Chair.  The first priority for use of all spaces is the academic program. This includes classes and department productions.  Rehearsal schedules should be submitted as soon as possible and at least one week in advance to reserve space. Studio and classroom spaces (103, 202, 205, 232, 235) will be made available for independent student use (meetings, scene study, special projects) on an as-available basis.  Students may reserve spaces through the department Administrative Specialist up to one week in advance.  In all instances, reserved use will have priority.

Use of Department of Theatre and Dance facilities by all other University groups requires submission of a university space request form and an accompanying request for space support services through the University Events Office.  The Technical Director is responsible for determining the availability of the space and the technical requirements.  When an estimate for technical services has been signed by the responsible party, the request is processed through the University Events Office by Neal Miller, Executive Director of University Events. 

Use of the Department of Theatre and Dance facilities by any non-University group requires submission of a university space request form through the University Events Office.  The University Events Office will, through discussion with the Technical Director and Administrative Assistant, determine availability and technical requirements and will establish a rental contract.  The request and contract must be approved by the Technical Director, the Department Chair.  At the completion of the event, the Technical Director will submit a record of hours to the Administrative Assistant for the preparation of the final bill.  The bill will be approved by the Chair before it is submitted to the University Events Office. 

All groups using the facilities are obligated to follow the established policies and procedures.

Due to the cost and inconvenience of replacing technical equipment, Johnson theatres, shops and dance studios are locked when not in use. It is the responsibility of the faculty and staff who use the spaces to ensure that they are locked.

Use of any Johnson spaces after 5:00 PM or on weekends requires either a faculty or staff member with keys or an authorized student.   Students desiring to use classrooms or studios during off times must sign out a key with the department Administrative Specialist.  Stage managers of department productions will sign out a set of keys for the duration of the rehearsal and performance period.  These keys will include: theatre (mainstage or studio), greenroom, dressing rooms, make-up room and 103. The technical director and Chair must approve any additional keys.  The stage manager will be responsible for locking up after rehearsals. Students will not be given outside keys to Johnson.  If a faculty or staff member is not to be present, campus security must be notified by them or the department administrative specialist to arrange building entry or use of Johnson spaces.

For safety reasons, it has been decided that no studios, or performance spaces will be open after midnight.  Students in the building after 9:00 P.M. are advised not to be alone but to have someone with them.  Once the outside doors are locked for the night those in the building should not allow admittance to someone. Outside doors are not to be propped open.  Faculty and staff keys are able to lock open doors. Please limit this to one door during rehearsals.  If no faculty or staff is present, students should arrange to arrive together or monitor the door until everyone expected has arrived.  At the end of rehearsals, it is preferable that the faculty or staff member in charge lock all outside doors.  Otherwise, the person in charge of the last group to leave must call public safety at x3333.

All spaces should be returned to an orderly condition before leaving.  This includes: returning chairs and prop furniture to a neutral position, picking up and disposing of any litter, sweeping the floor (if necessary), returning drapes and/or blinds to normal positions, erasing blackboards and turning off lights.   This policy holds for classes, rehearsals, crew calls and any other use of spaces.

Any damage to facilities, property, or equipment should immediately be reported to the department Administrative Specialist, who, in conjunction with the technical director, will determine whether repairs will be made by the department or will submit a request for physical plant services.

First Aid supplies are available in the following locations: Main office, scene shop, costume shop, dance studios, box office, and green room.  The technical director is responsible for maintaining the supplies. Any and all injuries requiring more than basic first aid must be reported immediately to public safety at 3333, and to the department Administrative Specialist as soon as possible.  This is to ensure that the proper paperwork has been completed.

The Winthrop University Police Department is a full-service agency serving the Winthrop community by providing law enforcement services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Their services include handling emergency situations, protecting life and property, crime prevention, and traffic control.  The telephone number for emergencies is 3333.

During classes, the instructor is responsible for coordinating any emergency procedures.  During production, the stage manager is responsible for knowing the proper procedure for emergencies such as personal injury, fire, tornado, hurricane, etc. and for carrying out those procedures, as instructed by the director/choreographer.

No one shall operate the lighting boards, sound equipment, stage rigging or any power tools unless they have been authorized by the technical director or designer.  No one shall operate any sewing machines, irons or the washer or dryer unless authorized by the costume designer.

Video monitors, VCRs, camcorders, slide projectors; overhead projectors and boom boxes must be signed out by faculty and returned to the appropriate storage room. Sign out forms are located in the storage rooms. Faculty may reserve equipment for specific dates and times - reservation forms are also located in the storage rooms.  Any missing or damaged equipment should be reported to the department Administrative Specialist.

Equipment which has been labeled by Winthrop Property Control may not be taken off-campus without first completing an authorization form for temporary removal of property.

The copier machine is primarily for department business including department productions and course materials.  It may be used for personal business or for student work for a nominal charge.  Multiple copies should be arranged through the administrative specialist so that the most cost-effective method can be employed.

The lobby and hallway furniture is not, under any circumstances, to be moved to other locations or used as rehearsal or performance props.  A set of rehearsal furniture for acting and directing class is permanently located in the acting studio.  Rehearsal furniture for the theatre and studio theatre must be arranged in advance with the technical director and should not be pulled from the acting studio.  Green room furniture is there for the comfort of all. It may be moved, but should be returned to its normal position before you leave. Classroom furniture should not be removed without permission of the Facilities Manager or department Chair.  It may be rearranged, but should be returned to its normal position before you leave.

Food and drink (except water in closed containers) are only permitted in: faculty offices, the green room, the lobby and hallways.  Please respect these spaces as they are to be used and enjoyed by everyone.  Please clean up any messes and dispose of any litter in a garbage can.

Food and drink may be permitted on the stage and in the studio theatre only under the following conditions:

1. As a part of a performance.  The director of the production must have prior department approval.
2. As a part of a special event conducted in accordance with the special event policy.

In addition to the Alcoholic Beverages Policy in the Student Handbook, the Department will not tolerate students coming to any rehearsal or class under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  If a student is under the influence of either of these substances they will be asked to leave immediately.  If a student fails to leave the rehearsal or classroom the Winthrop University Police Department will be called.  Additional departmental sanctions may be imposed.

Smoking is not permitted in Johnson Hall.  If you do smoke, please be considerate of the aesthetics of the buildings and grounds by placing butts in the urns rather than littering the steps and entranceways.

Smoking is permitted on the stage and in the studio theatre as a part of a performance only if it has the prior department approval.

Pets and other animals are not permitted in Johnson Hall, with the following exceptions:

1. Seeing eye dogs
2. As a part of a performance, and then only with the prior departmental approval.

The Fire Marshall has determined that no open flame of any kind is permitted in Johnson Hall.  Please refrain from using candles, matches, lighters, or any other kind of open flame in any of the performance or rehearsal spaces for any reason.