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Code of Conduct

Purpose
The Mersey Rose Theatre Company (MRTC) Code of Conduct sets forth policies that
provide expectations, guidance, and direction to cast members, campers, production
team members, and all volunteers working for MRTC.

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Application
The code applies at all times when cast members, crew members, and all adults and
youth volunteering to perform tasks to support MRTC are engaged in activities for, or
representing, MRTC. Youth participating in a MRTC camp program are also subject to
the expectations and prohibited behaviors outlined in this Code.

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Representing MRTC
No individual shall contact organizations or individuals on behalf of MRTC nor represent
MRTC (outside the scope of their assigned work) unless they are given express
direction to do so by MRTC. Prior to any action or statement that may significantly affect
MRTC, the issue shall be discussed with MRTC. These actions may include, but are not
limited to, public statements to the press, posts on social media, discussions regarding
MRTC business with other organizations, or any agreements involving contractual or
financial obligations.

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Confidentiality
Everyone is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary (e.g.
financial) or privileged (e.g. private conversations overheard by a third party)
information to which they are exposed while a cast member, camper, or volunteer.
Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in corrective action by MRTC.

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Physical Contact Policy
At MRTC, the safety and well-being of all participants, including cast members, crew
members, production team members, and anyone supporting MRTC activities is
prioritized. Any physical contact (with exceptions for gestures noted below) between
adult production team members and youth cast or crew is prohibited. Gestures such as
handshakes, fist bumps, and high fives are allowed if the youth chooses to participate.
In specific cases, limited physical contact between production team members and cast
members is required (e.g., adjusting a cast member’s stance during scene blocking). In
these cases, the youth must provide permission before there is any physical contact.


Youth cast members and youth volunteers should also be aware of how their behavior
affects others and should always respect the safety and personal space of others.
Permission should be sought before initiating any physical contact with another youth.

This policy ensures that all interactions are respectful and appropriate, fostering a
comfortable and secure environment for everyone. MRTC aims to maintain a space
where young people feel safe, valued, and empowered to express themselves
creatively.

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Posting on Social Media
Although personal social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok,
YouTube, etc.) are for individual use, behavior on social media before, during, and after
the show has the potential to harm MRTC’s reputation and may affect their relationship
with MRTC.


Everything posted, even on private pages, has the potential to reach a wider, public
audience. When posting on social media, it is important to remember that words,
pictures, videos, and audio files are permanent and can become public.


The following guidelines should be considered when posting about MRTC:

  • Think carefully before posting anything;

  • Respect all policies and guidelines;

  • Post only what is already public knowledge (e.g., don’t share pictures of the Main

  • Show set before opening night); If unsure if something is safe to post, it probably shouldn’t be posted;

  • Correct any mistakes quickly; and,

  • Use common sense and good judgment when posting information via social media.

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MRTC requires that anyone wishing to take photos of the cast or crew obtains explicit
permission from the individuals involved before posting them on social media. This
ensures everyone feels comfortable and respected.


Additionally, to protect the integrity of our production, taking photos of the set or
costumes and posting them on social media before opening night is prohibited, unless it is approved by MRTC. This helps maintain the element of surprise for the audience and respects the hard work and
creativity of our design team. Cooperation in adhering to these guidelines is
appreciated, as we work together to create an excellent theatrical experience.

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Copyright/Ownership Issues
Material produced for MRTC, including documents, graphics materials, web page
designs, etc. becomes the property of MRTC when submitted.


Service at the Discretion of MRTC (Volunteers Only)
MRTC accepts the service of all volunteers with the understanding that such service is
at the sole discretion of MRTC. Volunteers agree that MRTC may at any time, for any
reason, decide to terminate the volunteer’s relationship with MRTC.

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Ending Your Volunteer Role (Volunteers Only)
A volunteer can cease their volunteering with MRTC at any time. If possible, it is
preferred that such action takes place after completing their work duty or assignment or
when they are not actively engaged in an assignment.

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Dismissal of a Cast Member, Camper, or Volunteer
Cast Members, Campers, or Volunteers who do not adhere to the rules, procedures,
and policies of MRTC are subject to dismissal.

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Acceptance Letter (Cast Members Only)
As a condition of being offered a role in the production, all cast members sign an
Acceptance Letter, which included several conditions and expectations. This Code of
Conduct expands on those expectations and provides additional information and
guidance.

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General Expectations
Your involvement with MRTC should be an enjoyable experience. The following are
some of the expectations for volunteers:

  • Have fun and enjoy the experience;

  • Respect the Code of Conduct;

  • Be supportive and encouraging to everyone;

  • Always be respectful, courteous, friendly, and cooperative;

  • Respect the property of MRTC, the theatre, other volunteers, and members ofbthe public;

  • Respect directions and decisions from supervisors;

  • Refrain from acts that may result in injury;

  • Perform duties to the best of your abilities and inform your immediate supervisor if experiencing difficulties; and,

  • Address conflicts or difficulties appropriately and bring serious issues to the attention of MRTC.

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Prohibited Behaviors

Participation in MRTC as a cast member, volunteer, or camper is subject to the observance of MRTC’s rules, procedures, and policies. The activities outlined below are strictly prohibited:

  • Verbally or physically aggressive, abusive, or threatening behavior towards anyone, including a cast member, camper, volunteer, patron, facility employee, or member of the public;

  • Possession or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs while on duty at the theatre or rehearsal facility, or reporting for duty while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; 

  • Theft of MRTC property or the property of another person, business, or organization;

  • Any conduct that endangers the life, safety, health, or well-being of others;

  • Failure to follow MRTC policy or procedure;

  • Bullying, harassing, or taking unfair advantage of anyone, whether in person, via social media, or through a third party;

  • Actions or language intended to humiliate another; and,

  • Unwelcome sexual language or actions.

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Violating the Code of Conduct
All MRTC cast members, volunteers, and campers agree, as a condition of their
participation, that they have read and understood the Volunteer Code of Conduct.
Anyone who violates this Code of Conduct is subject to discipline, up to and including
removal as a cast member, volunteer, or camper.

 

 

Thanks to the Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre Company for assistance developing this Code of Conduct.

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