FORMS: What should I give my crew?

[wheatwheat9]

i stage manage at a high school. enough said.
during a performance of our last play, Doctor Faustus, one of my stage crew members comes on stage wearing a huge WHITE jacket.
i was so upset.

so, my question. i am going to be more rigid this time with completion of tasks and following of general rules, so i am making a packet to give to my crew members when they sign up.

i already have a typed up list of general duties of each memeber and a guide to general safety in the theatre.

what else do you recommend that i include?

[shanakathleen]

I would recommend that You include a dress code, and explain what your definition of "blacks" is. In the dress code, make sure to include footwear. Flip flops were my biggest problem when I was in high school, and are dangerous when moving pieces of set or working with power-tools.

Would you like them to wear dress blacks? Is black clothing with logo's acceptable? Explain exactly what you want, and ask them to wear their blacks during a rehearsal so that you know that they understand what they need to be wearing.

[Mac Calder]

A swift kick up the rear end! Stage crew in white? Urgh.

Seriously though - since it is a high school 'thing' include some "fun" things too - a list of interesting theatre factlets like, it is bad luck to whistle in a theatre - then include the history - being that sailors used to be employed as flymen, and whistling is the way sailors used to communicate rigging commands, and as such, whistling can result in a fly bar on your head.

[megf]

This depends on what kind of schedule your theater program works with, but...

A short list of the nearest, best and/or cheapest restaurants and convenience stores, with phone numbers and delivery info if it's relevant. I remember a lot of Quiznos and Domino's Pizza in high school - the drama office had a Rolodex with local restaurant delivery phone numbers, and those were the two places open after 10p on Mondays. The convenience stores were a huge help when we ran out of anything - basic makeup or hair supplies, first aid, snacks, even small hand props could all be found at the local 7-Eleven.

Use your discretion - this may be more of a distraction than a help, if it goes out to all crew members - but it can't hurt to have it in your back pocket!

Meg