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NBT Policies

Community Code of Conduct

Updated July 2025

At North Bay Theatrics (NBT), we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and professional environment where students, staff, and families can thrive artistically, emotionally, and socially. This Code of Conduct outlines expectations for all members of our community—students, staff, and adults responsible for young performers—to ensure that our shared spaces support creativity, growth, and mutual respect.

General Expectations for All Participants

  1. Respect and Kindness Always
    Treat all individuals, regardless of age, role, background, or identity, with respect, empathy, and courtesy. NBT maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, discrimination, or harassment in any form. This includes in-person, written, and online interactions. Any concerning behavior should be reported to an NBT staff member immediately.
  2. Privacy and Safety
    Rehearsal spaces, dressing areas, and restrooms are private. Cell phones, cameras, and recording devices are not permitted in any area where others have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Violation of this policy will be taken seriously.
  3. Dress Code
    Clothing must support freedom of movement, personal dignity, and a distraction-free environment:
  • Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for active movement (such as athletic wear, leggings, or fitted tops).
  • If wearing dresses or skirts, shorts, leggings, or tights must be worn underneath to ensure full coverage.
  • Clothing must remain secure and in place during movement. Participants must wear appropriate undergarments.
  • Do not wear clothing that contains profanity, violent or suggestive imagery, or references to self-harm, suicide, or drug use.
  • Closed-toed shoes are required. Flip-flops, high heels, or shoes with heels over two inches are not allowed.
  1. Hygiene and Scent Sensitivity
    Because rehearsals involve active movement, close proximity, and shared costumes, participants are expected to practice good hygiene. This includes arriving in clean clothing and using deodorant when possible.

    NBT provides deodorant, menstrual products, and other personal care items on site. Anyone needing support is encouraged to speak with a staff member.
    To protect those with allergies or sensitivities, perfumes, body sprays, and other scented products may not be used or sprayed inside rehearsal or classroom spaces.

Expectations for Students

  1. Embrace Every Role
    Every role matters. Arrive 5–10 minutes early to each rehearsal or class. Prioritize attendance and communicate promptly with the NBT office at studio@northbaytheatrics.org if you will be absent. Take responsibility for catching up if you miss a session.
  2. Be Prepared
    Bring your script, a pencil, a water bottle, and wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Dress in layers for outdoor rehearsals and come ready to participate with a positive attitude.
  3. Follow Directions and Honor Leadership
    Only directors or instructors may dismiss class or rehearsals.

    At times, a student leader, parent volunteer, or other adult may be authorized by NBT staff to give direction. These individuals represent NBT and must be shown the same level of respect as staff. All conduct expectations apply to them.

  4. Theatre Etiquette and Side-Coaching
    Support your peers in and out of rehearsal. Be attentive when others are performing and speak kindly.
    Parents are not allowed to “side-coach” or give acting notes during rehearsals or performances, whether to their own child or another participant. All artistic direction must come from designated staff.
  5. Technology Use
    Phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices must be turned off and put away during rehearsals.
    Photos or videos may not be taken without explicit approval from the director.
    NBT does not manage or monitor group chats. Participants are expected to uphold NBT’s values in all online interactions. Any incidents of bullying, exclusion, or inappropriate behavior should be reported to staff immediately.

Expectations for Parents, Guardians, and Adults

  1. Respect the Process and Boundaries
    Do not offer unsolicited feedback or direction to students. This includes side-coaching from the audience or during rehearsals. Our staff are trained to provide professional instruction and guidance.
  2. Pick-Up and Drop-Off Protocol
    Students are not allowed to leave rehearsal or performances without being released to a designated adult unless NBT has received prior written permission. This includes walking home, going to a nearby business, or meeting friends.

    NBT staff will escort students to after-care programs at school sites when applicable.
    Please pick up students on time. Repeated late pickups may result in follow-up from staff and additional supervision procedures.

  3. Wait in Designated Areas
    Families must remain in designated waiting areas and avoid entering rehearsal or performance spaces unless invited by staff. Respect the rehearsal process and minimize distractions.
  4. Post-Rehearsal Activities
    Any social events after rehearsal are the responsibility of families. We encourage open, respectful communication when coordinating outside gatherings.

Additional Support Needs

NBT may determine that a student requires a one-on-one adult support person in order to participate successfully. This decision may be made at any time during the rehearsal or performance process.
Our goal is always to maintain a safe, supportive environment for every participant. Families will be contacted if this level of support becomes necessary.

Reporting Concerns and Accountability

Any violation of this Code of Conduct should be reported to the Artistic Director or a staff member. NBT takes concerns seriously and will follow up in a way that prioritizes community well-being, equity, and resolution.

Final Commitment

By participating in North Bay Theatrics, all students, families, and staff agree to uphold this Code of Conduct. Thank you for helping us create a respectful, inclusive, and joyful space where everyone can grow and shine.

Cell Phone Policy

July 2025 Update

At North Bay Theatrics, we strive to maintain a focused, respectful, and professional environment where creativity and collaboration can thrive. To support this, we have established the following guidelines regarding cell phone and electronic device use during rehearsals and performances.

  1. No Phones or Devices During Rehearsals All participants must keep cell phones and electronic communication devices (including Apple Watches, smartwatches, iPads, and similar devices) during rehearsals. These devices may not be used for any purpose while active instruction is happening, including texting, messaging, browsing, or checking notifications. Devices are permitted on all-cast breaks.
  2. No Photos or Videos Without Permission Participants may not take photos or videos of rehearsals or fellow cast members without explicit approval from the director. This includes personal use and behind-the-scenes content. Any unapproved recording is strictly prohibited.
  3. Respect for Privacy in All Spaces Phones and cameras are not allowed in bathrooms, dressing rooms, or any area where others have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This rule protects all participants and helps maintain a respectful, safe environment. Violations of this guideline may result in immediate disciplinary action.
  4. Rehearsal Environment and Focus
  • Rehearsals are a space for learning and creativity. Removing devices from the space helps maintain a focused and supportive atmosphere.
  • Respecting fellow cast members’ time and privacy is part of building a strong and professional ensemble.
  1. Reducing Distractions
  • Devices can interrupt rehearsal flow and limit engagement. Keeping them away helps participants stay present and focused.
  • A distraction-free space promotes better collaboration and overall performance quality.
  1. Approved Content Creation If a participant wants to capture content for promotional or educational purposes, they must request prior approval from the director. This ensures that the material aligns with the production’s goals and respects everyone involved.
  2. Conduct in Cast Group Chats North Bay Theatrics does not operate or monitor cast group chats. While we understand that participants may choose to communicate outside of rehearsals, we are not responsible for what takes place in unofficial group messages, chats, or online platforms. We expect students to maintain decorum and uphold our values of respect, kindness, and inclusion in all forms of communication.
  • Any form of bullying, exclusion, or inappropriate behavior—including negative comments about fellow students, other theater companies, or community members—is strictly discouraged.
  • If you witness or experience concerning behavior in a cast group chat or related setting, we ask that it be reported directly to North Bay Theatrics so we can help address the issue and support a safe environment for all.
  1. Consequences for Violations Violating this policy may result in:
  • A verbal reminder from the stage manager or director.
  • Being asked to leave the rehearsal or performance space.
  • Further disciplinary action at the discretion of the artistic director and production team.
  1. Emergencies and Exceptions If a participant needs access to a device for an urgent or emergency matter, they should notify the director or stage manager before rehearsal begins to make appropriate arrangements.

Thank you for supporting a respectful, distraction-free, and safe environment where all participants can focus, grow, and create.  

Dress Code Policy

Updated July 2025

To ensure a safe, respectful, and productive rehearsal space for everyone, we ask all participants to follow the dress code outlined below. Our goal is to support physical comfort, personal dignity, and a professional atmosphere in a diverse environment.

  1. Clothing for Movement
    All participants must wear comfortable, movement-friendly clothing each day. Options such as athletic wear, leggings, joggers, or rehearsal-appropriate pants are recommended. Clothing should allow for full participation in dancing, physical staging, and floor work.
  2. Dresses and Skirts
    If dresses or skirts are worn, they must be paired with shorts, leggings, tights, or similar coverage underneath. Rehearsals often involve active movement, and appropriate coverage ensures comfort and prevents wardrobe issues during choreography or staging.
  3. Secure Fit and Coverage
    Participants are expected to wear clothing that provides adequate coverage and support. All body parts should remain securely covered during movement—this includes wearing undergarments, layers, or supportive garments as needed to avoid accidental exposure during active scenes.
  4. Footwear Safety
    Appropriate, closed-toed shoes are required at all times during rehearsal. Approved options include dance shoes, jazz shoes, or athletic sneakers.
    Not permitted:
  • Flip flops
  • Bare feet or socks without shoes
  • High heels or combat boots with heels over 2 inches
    These pose a serious safety risk to both the wearer and those around them and will not be allowed in the rehearsal space.
  1. Hygiene and Scent Sensitivity

Because rehearsals often involve close physical proximity, active movement, and shared costumes, we ask all participants to do their best to maintain personal hygiene out of respect for the entire cast and crew. This includes wearing clean clothes and making an effort to stay fresh throughout the day.

We recognize that everyone’s circumstances and bodies are different, and we are here to support your comfort and participation. NBT keeps a small supply of deodorant, menstrual products, and other personal care items on hand—please don’t hesitate to ask a staff member if you need something.

Out of respect for those with scent sensitivities, we ask that no perfumes, body sprays, or scented products be used or sprayed inside the classroom or rehearsal space.

Our goal is to ensure a comfortable, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants.

  1. Neutral and Appropriate Clothing
    Participants must avoid clothing that contains:
  • Profanity or vulgar language
  • References to self-harm, suicide, drug use, or violence
  • Inappropriate or suggestive imagery
    Our space includes performers of all ages, and we aim to maintain a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for everyone.
  1. Jewelry
    We recommend limiting jewelry during rehearsals. Please avoid large, dangling, or fragile pieces that may break or become a safety hazard during movement.
  2. Dress Rehearsals and Performances
    Specific clothing requirements for dress rehearsals and performances will be provided in advance. In general, participants may be asked to wear:
  • Neutral layers (such as black tank tops and leggings or solid-colored base layers) for costume changes
  • Dark-colored shoes (dance shoes or athletic footwear)

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, inclusive, and professional rehearsal space. If you have questions about what’s appropriate to wear or need help finding options that work for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the North Bay Theatrics team.