Download The Constitution of the Lab

THE LAB! THEATRE
The Constitution of The Lab! Theatre
at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be “The Lab! Theatre” (henceforth referred to as “the
Lab!”)
ARTICLE II. AFFILIATION
This organization is officially sponsored by the UNC-CH Department of Dramatic Art.
The Department provides the performance space rehearsal space and, when available, set
pieces, costumes, and properties.
ARTICLE III. PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES
The purposes of the Lab! shall be to:
1) provide students with the opportunity to gain experience in a complete theatrical
production, of which parts include acting, directing, lighting design and operation, sound
design and operation, set design and construction, costume design, properties
management, technical direction, public relations, house management, stage
management, and theatre administration;
2) provide the university community with an entirely student-produced theatre;
3) contribute to the artistic and intellectual climate of the university community;
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Open Membership Policy
Full membership and participation in this organization is available to all registered
students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill without regard to race, color,
religion, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender.
The exception will be graduate students in the Professional Actor Training Program in
the Department of Dramatic Art who are not eligible to participate. Technical/Costume
graduate students in the Department of Dramatic Art may participate in the Lab!
S E CT IO N 2. Q UAL IFIC AT IO NS
Active membership shall be those students who participate in any aspect of theatrical
production in the Lab!. Membership shall expire one year after a member’s last
involvement in the Lab! or upon graduation or withdrawal from the university. The
exception shall be Technical/Costume graduate students in the Department of Dramatic
Art who may not hold voting membership.
ARTICLE V. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
The Lab! shall hold at least one general membership meeting per academic year.
ARTICLE VI. ADVISOR
The Lab! advisor shall be The Director of Undergraduate Productions (Henceforth
faculty advisor), a faculty member of the Department of Dramatic Art appointed by the
Chairperson of the Department. The faculty advisor shall be in communication with the
Lab! Producers and may attend any rehearsal and must attend at least one performance of
each production.
ARTICLE VII. THE PRODUCERS
Section 1. Qualifications
The Lab! Producers shall be composed of five active undergraduate members.
Section 2. Duties
It shall be the responsibility of these five co-Producers to
a) oversee the entire management of the Lab!,
a. including the formation of the Production Board,
b. selection of a season of productions from student-submitted proposals,
c. holding of auditions and casting (subject to the approval of the
Chairperson of the Department of Dramatic Art),
d. assistance of the directors through the production process,
b) Oversee all responsibilities and activities of the Production Board, including
a. The Producers shall be responsible for furnishing the Chairperson and
Faculty Advisor with a report of total attendance, concessions (if
applicable), and donations
b. The Producers are also ultimately responsible for proper care of
properties, costumes, and set pieces that the Lab! borrows from
PlayMakers Repertory Company. The Producers will sign an agreement
guaranteeing PlayMakers that the Lab! will pay for or replace any
damaged items.
c. Development of an audience through public relations with the campus
community.
c) After the plays have been chosen, each Producer shall produce at least one
production per season.
d) Producing involves holding regular meetings with directors and production
personnel in order to ensure a smooth production process.
e) Ensure that Lab! policies are maintained by guests artists
Section 3. Voting
The Producers shall always seek to work by common agreement, and all attempts to
reach a consensus shall be exhausted before putting the question to a vote. A simple
majority of three votes shall constitute a decision. In the event of any even split among
Producers, a presentation of the different positions shall be made to the Faculty Advisor
who shall serve as a final arbiter.
Section 4. Restrictions
If a Producer wishes to submit a proposal, he/she must recuse him/herself from the
selection process for that specific show. No more than two shows per season may be
directed by a Producer. If the Producers cannot reach a consensus they will seek the
advice of the Faculty Advisor.
Section 5. Meetings
The Producers shall meet at least once a semester with the Lab! Faculty Advisor.
Additional meetings shall be called as needed. In addition, the Producers shall meet with
the Lab! Board to coordinate management of the theatre.
Section 6. Presidency
For the purposes of communication with Student Government, a President must be
selected from among the Producing Directors. This role has no significance other than its
purposes for communication with Student Government. The role of President shall be
chosen from the Producing Directors at random.
ARTICLE VIII. THE LAB! BOARD
Section 1. Members
A) Lab! Board members shall include the following:
a) Managing Director
b) Publicity Director
c) House Manager
d) Technical Director(s)
e) Playmakers Repertory Company Liaison
f) Master Electrician
g) Scenic Artist
h) Sound Engineer
i) Events Coordinator
j) Community Outreach/Education Director
k) Literary Manager
l) DDA Student Representatives
i) Any Assistants to these positions
j) Other positions as the Producers see fit
B) No Producer may serve as a Lab! Board member simultaneously.
Section 2. Purpose
The purpose of the Lab! Board shall be to assist the Producers in conducting the artistic
and administrative life of the Lab! Theatre. This includes working with the directors on
the technical and marketing aspects of the productions, as well as increasing the Lab!’s
presence in the university community.
Section 3. Duties
An overview of the duties of each position is listed below. Under the supervision of the
Producers and Faculty Advisor,
a) Managing Director:
a. to keep financial records of both incoming and outgoing financial
transactions (e.g. donations, royalties, and production expenses),
b. to collaborate with the Student Body Treasurer upon financial
transactions between the Student Activities Funds Office (SAFO) and
the Lab! Theatre, and to assist the Producers in preparing the annual
budget requests to the Student Congress as well as any subsequent
funding requests.
c. to consult the Faculty Adviser if funds are allocated to Lab! Theatre
from the Department of Dramatic Art.
d. To oversee reimbursements to students of production expenses
e. To provide a budget and financial stipulations to each production team
b) Publicity Director: shall
a. Design or assist in design of posters, fliers, and all publicity materials
b. Write and distribute press releases for the entire season and each
individual play
c. Design and implement marketing plan for each individual show in
collaboration with Directors
d. Oversee hanging of posters in both the University and the local Chapel
Hill/Carrboro communities
e. Distribution of show information to local businesses
f. Collaborate with Producers to establish a set publicity calendar and
deadlines for the entire season and standard material content for the all
publicity materials
g. Attend the first production meeting of each show
h. At the request of the Chairperson of the Department of Dramatic Art,
all publicity for the Lab! must be submitted for approval.
i. Maintain contact with the Daily Tar Heel and Arts Editor
j. Write individual letters to faculty members at the director’s discretion
c) House Manager:
a. To train house management staff
b. To secure at least two house managers for every Lab! Performance
c. To create the programs for each show
d. To collaborate with the director of each production to coordinate lobby
displays
e. To collaborate with the directors to establish a seating policy and late
arrival policy for each individual show and to clearly communicate it
with the management staff and audience members
f. To present a House Manager’s report for every show
g. To open the house 20 minutes before the curtain
h. To oversee the procurement and selling of concessions
i. To keep a record of acquired revenue and to transfer the records and
money to the Managing Director after the run of each production
d) Technical Director(s):
a. To aid the production staff in ensuring the designers’ visions are
realized
b. To generate technical drawings based on plates provide by the Scenic
Designer
c. To attend all production meetings and technical rehearsals
d. To maintain inventory and organization of technical equipment
e. To oversee and establish efficient builds, load-ins, and strikes
f. To maintain security of procedure and equipment in the Lab! spaces
g. To follow established OSHA fire and safety procedures (see UNC
business manual)
h. To oversee production budget and maintain contact with the Managing
Director
e) Playmaker’s Repertory Company Liaison:
a. to assist the production teams in obtaining all necessary and available
costumes and props from Playmaker’s Repertory Company for all
productions (Note: This does not oblige the Liaison to design the
production’s costumes)
b. arrange all costume and properties pulls with the PRC Loan Supervisor
and/or the PRC Prop Master
c. to ensure that all costumes and props are appropriately cleaned,
maintained and returned in a timely manner to PRC
d. to follow all PRC loan policies
f) Master electrician
a. The Master Electrician aids the lighting designer for each specific production,
and is responsible for implementing the designer’s vision.
b. Responsible for training of Light Board Operator and Electricians for each
specific production.
c. Must have a general knowledge of all fixtures, tools, safety procedures,
board operation, and standard lighting methods
d. Keeps a detailed inventory of fixtures, accessories, tools, and
expendables which must be regularly updated. A copy of this
inventory is due to the Producers and Technical Director 10 days after
the start of each semester and every time it is updated
e. Has a designated location for fixtures which are in need of repair
f. Responsible for storage, maintenance and appropriate labeling of all
fixtures and tools at all times
g. Must report to Producers and Technical Director in written form, and in a
timely manner when necessary stock materials must be purchased, as well as
when special material requirements are made by a specific designer.
g) Scenic Artist
a. The Scenic Artist aids the Scenic Designer for each specific production, and is
responsible for implementing the designer’s vision.
b. Responsible for training of Paint crew for each specific production.
c. Must have a general knowledge of painting techniques and effects, types of paint,
surfaces, colors, color mixing as well as how lighting affects color, surfaces and
effects. Must be willing to obtain necessary specific information requested by the
designer.
d. Present for final review of plans, model and/or renderings and other materials
presented by the designer for every production.
e.
i)
Keeps a detailed inventory, of paint, tools and materials, which must be regularly
updated. A copy of this inventory is due to the Production Manager 10 days after
the start of the semester, and every time it is updated.
f. Responsible for storage, maintenance and appropriate labeling of all paints, tools
and materials during and after a show, as well as in times of no Productions.
g. Responsible for maintaining impeccable organization and cleanliness of all paint
storage spaces, paint areas.
h. Responsible for availability and location of all paints tools and materials.
i. Responsible for washing and conditioning of paint brushes, as well as the
organization and cleanliness of areas used to obtain water and/or dispose of paint.
j. Responsible for safe storage of all flammable paint related materials
k. Must report to Producers in written form, and in timely manner when necessary
stock materials must be purchased, as well as when special material requirements
are made by a specific designer.
l. Responsible for ensuring each Undergraduate production begins with a consistent
stage floor color.
h) Sound engineer
a. The Sound Engineer will aid the sound designer for each specific production,
and is responsible for implementing the designer’s vision.
b. Will be responsible for training of Sound Board Operator and Sound crew for
each specific production.
c. Must have a general knowledge of all sound equipment including microphones,
monitors, cables, safety procedures, board operation, standard sound procedures
and be willing to obtain necessary specific information requested by the designer.
d. Keeps a detailed sound equipment and tool inventory, which must be regularly
updated. A copy of this inventory is due to the Producers and Technical Director
10 days after the start of each semester and every time it is updated.
e. Maintains a designated location for equipment in need of repair.
f. Responsible for storage, repair, maintenance and appropriate labeling of all
equipment and at all times
g. Must report to Producers in written form, and in timely manner when necessary
stock materials must be purchased, as well as when special material requirements
are made by a specific designer.
Events Coordinator
a. Coordinates opening night galas for each production
a. Consult directors for specific gala needs
b. Coordinates set up and break down of each gala
b. Soliciting gala donations from the Lab! community including cast and
crew members from the most recent production
c. Establishes relationships with local businesses to exchange gala
sponsorship for advertisement space in Lab! playbills
j) Community Outreach/Education Director
a. Collaborate with directors to organize talk-backs for individual productions
b. Arrange accommodations for outside guests coming in to work with Lab!
c. Distribute and assist in creation of informational packet for guest artists in
the Lab! community
d. Organize workshops for local schools, both in relation to specific shows
and general instructional workshops
e. Creating and maintaining a database of community contacts
k) Literary Manager
a. act as an available resource for student playwrights whose work is being
produced by Lab! Theatre
b. be responsible for actively organizing, facilitating, and/or leading staged
readings and playwriting workshops
c. maintain and strengthen relationships with student literary outlets outside of
the Dramatic Art Department, including the Creative Writing Department
d. Class visitation in creative writing classes to inform students and professors
of the playwriting opportunities available within Lab! Theatre
e. Promote the Sam Selden Playwriting Competition and other relevant
scholarships within the department
f. Assist in finding dramaturges when necessary for Lab! Productions
g. Creating and organizing events that promote and facilitate student writing
(e.g. One Acts, 24 Hour Play Festival, etc.)
h. send thank you letters to significant donators
l) DDA Student Representatives
a. See Undergraduate Manual for description
Section 4. Eligibility
All registered UNC-CH undergraduate students shall be eligible to serve in any staff
position; the exception shall be the Lab! Producers who are ineligible to serve on the
board. The Producers shall select the Lab! Board through an application/interview
process. Board members shall serve a term of one year. However, if a board member is
studying abroad, he/she may apply to serve for one semester provided he/she discloses
the information in the application and agrees to aid the producers in finding a
replacement.
ARTICLE IX. FUNDING
The Producers and the Managing Director shall work together to secure sufficient funds,
including seeking funds annually from the UNC Student Government and obtaining
funds from the Department of Dramatic Art when the department chooses to allocate
funds to Lab! Theatre. All other fund-raising efforts must be approved by the
Chairperson of the Department of Dramatic Art.
ARTICLE X. PROPOSALS FOR PRODUCTION IN THE LAB!
Proposals for Main Stage productions and fall LAB!oratory productions shall be accepted
by the Producers at the end of the previous academic year. Proposals for spring
LAB!oratory productions shall be accepted on a rolling basis during the fall semester.
Productions may include works-in-progress, solo performances, musicals, and plays.
Proposal forms shall be made available at all times by the Producers. The Producers shall
review each proposal, interview each director, and seek the approval of the Faculty
Advisor and Department Chairperson.
Section 1. Royalties
Royalties must be secured for every production presented by the Lab! Theatre. The
application process for rights shall begin within a week of production selection by the
Producing Directors. Due to the standard request for a reduction in royalty rates, royalty
payment may not be requisitioned until a royalty quote has been received from the play
broker. The form must be signed by an authorized representative from Lab! and
reviewed by the Faculty Advisor.
Once the form has been submitted, the Producing Directors will call the appropriate play
broker to inquire as to the availability of rights and follow the conversation with a letter
making a formal request. It is standard that a reduction in royalty rates be requested,
based on the following characteristics of the Lab! Theatre: no admission fee, advertising
limited to university community and the fact that the Lab! is a student acted, directed, and
designed activity presented as an educational experience. It is also unlawful for any Lab!
production to extend beyond the specific dates requested without authorized permission.
Plays held in public domain do not require royalty payments.
ARTICLE XI. AUDITIONS AND CASTING
Section 1. Auditions
General auditions for Lab! productions, as well as for any DDA casting opportunities,
shall be announced as far in advance as possible. Auditions for Lab! productions shall be
held for each show, however multiple shows may audition simultaneously. All
auditioners will be required to sign an audition contract outlining show procedures and
attendance expectations. All those auditioning are subject to the casting policy of the
Department. All casting must be approved by the Faculty Advisor or the Department
Chair or his/her designated representative.
The Lab! is committed to the principle of non-traditional casting as defined by the
Actor’s Equity Association and endorsed by the League of Resident Theatres (i.e., The
casting of ethnic, female, and handicapped actors in roles where race, ethnicity, gender,
or physical ability is not germane to the characters’ or the play’s development).
Section 2. Call-back procedures
Following general auditions, each director may hold call-back auditions. Actors who do
not wish to be considered for a particular production may choose to not attend their
callback. They should notify that production’s Director or Producing Director either in
writing or in person on or before the call-back audition. Adherence to this policy prevents
the penalty outlined in the audition contract. If an actor attends more than one callback
simultaneously, he/she must submit in writing a confidential show preference to the
audition monitor. Actors may not preference roles in shows but only entire productions.
Section 3. Casting
After the call-back auditions are completed all directors will meet with a non-auditioning,
Lab! Producer to make casting decisions. In the event that all five Producers are either
auditioning or directing, the Faculty Advisor or another appointee will moderate the
meeting. Each director shall bring a list of actors he/she wishes to cast in the production.
If two directors wish to cast the same actor and cannot negotiate a compromise, the actor
will be cast in the show he/she wrote in the confidential preference slip. Preferences will
only be consulted in the event that directors are unable to reach a resolution by
deliberation.
ARTICLE XII. SCHEDULING
A. SECTION ONE: PERFORMANCES
The Lab! performances shall be held on Thursday at 8:00 PM, Friday at 8:00PM,
Saturday at 8:00PM, Sunday at 2:00 PM, Sunday at 8:00 PM, and Monday at 5:00PM.
Any alteration to these times is subject to approval by the Departmental Chairperson,
and/or the Faculty Advisor. (Note: The Producing Directors reserve the right to reduce
the number of performances for any production.) Performances shall be held in the
Elizabeth Price Kenan Theatre or a CDA classroom space (or another Department and
Brokerage approved location). The Producing Directors and Faculty Advisors shall
ensure proper scheduling and reservation of the performance spaces.
B. SECTION TWO: REHEARSALS AND TECHNICAL REHEARSALS
No student performer shall be required to rehearse more than 20 hours a week. Rehearsal
space shall be reserved in the CDA by the Producing Director of the production. If a
director requires a change in the rehearsal schedule or room, he/she must notify the
Producing Director in a timely manner. Rehearsals must end by 11 pm.
ARTICLE XIII. REHEARSALS
Directors must provide and post a rehearsal schedule for their casts and procedures within
one week of casting. Rehearsals shall be limited to what the Lab! Producers deem fair
and equitable to the production and to the actors. No actor may be called more than 20
hours a week, not including technical rehearsals. Rehearsals must end by 11:00PM. All
directors must secure a stage manager for their rehearsals and production. Rehearsal
reports noting the progress of a production must be furnished by the stage manager to the
Producing Director, production team and Lab! Producing Board immediately after each
rehearsal.
Section 1. Absence and late arrival policy for rehearsals and/or performances.
a. Any actor who comes late to rehearsal and is not excused shall receive a
warning. An actor can receive two warnings. A warning shall be defined as a
reprimand by the stage manager of the show informing the actor of the
possible penalties should the infraction reoccur.
b. Upon the third infraction the actor shall be removed from the production.
c. In the case that three infractions occur, in addition to removal from the
production, the actor is also subject to a hearing with the Producing Director,
Director and Stage Manager to determine eligibility for future Lab!
productions in accordance with the suspension policy.
d. It is the duty of the Stage Manager to clearly communicate these policies to the
cast of each show on the first day of rehearsal.
Section 2. Suspension Policy
a. If an actor leaves the show for any reason once the cast list is posted, or is
removed due to violation of the above policies, he/she is subject to a hearing with
the Producing Directors, Director, Faculty Advisor and production Stage Manager
lead by the lead Producer for that show.
b. In this hearing, the Producers and Faculty Advisor will hear testimony from the
Actor in question, the Director, and the Stage Manager.
c. After hearing the above testimonies, the Producing Directors will then confer and
determine the appropriate course of suspension.
d. A suspension may not last longer than one year.
Section 3. Responsibilities.
These responsibilities of the production team shall be observed:
a) the Producer of a show shall make all Lab! policies clear to the director and
production team of the show.
b) the director of a show shall make this policy clear to all the cast and crew
members of a show.
c) the stage manager of a show shall keep a record of all actors’ absences and
late arrivals, and keep a record of any prior agreement between and actor and the
director regarding a change in the scheduled time of arrival to rehearsal of said
actor.
d) the stage manager of a show shall dispense all warnings to the actors.
e) It is the Lab! Producers’ responsibility to enforce all probations and
suspensions. See above section for suspension and punishment procedure.
f) If absences or late arrivals become a widespread problem for a production, the
show may be cancelled at the discretion of the Lab! Producers in conciliation with
the Faculty Advisor.
Section 4. Replacement of Actors
If a director loses an actor in the first two weeks of rehearsal, it is the director’s
responsibility to locate a replacement for the role. The replacement shall come from
actors who auditioned for the show. If no suitable actor from auditions is available to fill
the role, it is the Producer’s responsibility to help the director locate a replacement.
ARTICLE XIV. PRODUCTION MEETINGS
Each Producer and the Technical Director of Lab! must meet with the show’s director,
stage manager, and production team no less than once a week beginning at least six
weeks before the first rehearsal. When necessary for the first show(s) of the fall semester,
at least one meeting shall take place in the preceding spring semester. At the initial
production meeting, the Producing Director shall make the requirements clear to the
production team. Production teams must adhere to policies in the Production Manual.
Failure to do so will result in punishment as specified in the Production Manual.
ARTICLE XVI. AUDIENCE ATTENDANCE
All performances shall be free of charge.
ARTICLE XVII. ELECTIONS
Section 1. Election of Producing Directors
A. Only registered UNC-CH undergraduate students who shall be returning to UNCCH the following academic year shall be eligible to be Producing Directors. The
term of office shall be one academic year. An individual may serve more than
one term. Incumbents shall not relinquish office until the final Lab! production of
the spring semester is completed. Newly elected members may begin planning
their term upon election. However, their term shall not begin until the final Lab!
production of the season has been completed.
B. Any eligible undergraduate can may submit a statement of intent outlining his/her
goals and ideas for the term. These statements are to be publicly posted for the
perusal by the membership of Lab!.
C. The ballot for the election shall state the candidates full names, and the option to
vote for up the three candidates. The top three vote-getters in the election shall be
elected Producers.
D. The other two Producer slots are filled at the discretion of the Faculty Advisor and
Department Chair after the election. Those chosen can be candidates who were
not in the top three or anyone else the Faculty deems appropriate. No candidate
should ever be informed of whether he/she was elected by vote or chosen by the
faculty.
Section 3. Platform Hearing
A platform hearing shall be held prior to election day.
a) The forum shall be moderated by the DDA Student Representatives. If both
Student Representatives are running in the election, the Faculty Advisor shall appoint a
neutral moderator.
b) Each candidate shall be given three minutes to speak.
c) After all the candidates have spoken, the moderator shall open the floor for
further questions.
d) The moderator shall be ultimately responsible for maintaining order between the
audience and the candidates and for keeping time.
Section 4. Voting Results
Votes shall be tabulated by the Faculty Advisor.
Section 5. Run-Off Elections
In the event of a tie, a run-off election for the office in question shall be held.
Section 6. Removal of Lab! Producers
The following conditions shall be grounds for removal from office of Lab! Producer:
a) A written statement declining the office submitted to the Faculty Advisor.
b) Change of status from registered student status at UNC-CH.
c) Failure to execute office as outlined in these guidelines in the unanimous
judgment of the other Lab! Producers, the Faculty Advisor, and the Chairperson of the
Department of Dramatic Art.
Section 7. Replacement of Lab! Producers
The replacement Producing Director shall be that candidate who obtained the fourth
highest number of votes in the most recent election. In the event that this candidate is
unavailable for office, a replacement Producer shall be appointed by the unanimous
decision of the remaining Lab! Producers, the Faculty Advisor, and the Chairperson of
the Department of Dramatic Art.
ARTICLE XVIII. CONSTITUTION
These guidelines shall serve as the Constitution of the Lab! Theatre in order to maintain
its status as a University-recognized student organization.
ARTICLE XIX. RATIFICATION
This document shall be ratified when the following conditions have been met:
a) Approval by the Faculty Advisor of the Department of Dramatic Art
b) Approval by a 2/3 majority of all Lab! members voting.
ARTICLE XX. REVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO THE LAB!
CONSTITUTION
Revisions and/or amendments may be proposed to the Lab! Board by any member of the
Lab! or Faculty of the Department of Dramatic Art. Ratification of amendments shall
require approval by the Faculty Advisor and a 2/3 majority of all Lab! members voting.
ARTICLE XXI. STUDENT CONGRESS APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS
After approval by the Faculty of the Department of Dramatic Art and ratification by the
members of Lab!, all amendments to this constitution must be submitted to the UNC-CH
Student Congress for final approval.