PERMISSION TO BE ABSENT GUIDELINES

As you are all aware, more and more students need to work in order to pay for their tuition. There are also times when a personal or a family matter takes you away from your classes or a scheduled call. This is understandable. However, the Theatre industry in general, and the School in particular, demand your constant attention and time commitment. Very often your role or production assignment has no understudy and your contribution is crucial to the call or performance. Put simply, others are relying on you to be where you are called, when you are called.

It is for these reasons the School has in place a formalized PERMISSION TO BE ABSENT policy to be followed by all students working on production. This policy also covers being absent from production for personal reasons, other than sickness.

All outside work and absences must be accounted for, and permission to work outside or be absent MUST be requested and approved PRIOR to the absence. Absences must not interfere with scheduled calls.

WORKING ON SHOWS OF AN AMATEUR, EXTRA-CURRICULAR, OR A COMMUNITY NATURE IS NOT ENCOURAGED

To obtain permission, you need to:

• Download a PERMISSION TO BE ABSENT form or obtain one from the website
• Fill it out completely, noting exactly what day, date and time you will be away, and the reason why
• Your HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, STAGE MANAGER or PRODUCTION MANAGER, MUST approve and sign your request
• It is your responsibility to ensure your student managers are aware of your absence
• On-going and permanent part-time work requires an up-dated PERMISSION TO BE ABSENT form every two weeks during production terms

Permission will not be unreasonably denied

FAILURE TO OBTAIN PERMISSION AND FILE A SIGNED SLIP MAY RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM THE PRODUCTION, ACADEMIC FAILURE, AND/OR OTHER ACADEMIC PENALTIES

THIS POLICY ONLY APPLIES TO WORK ON PRODUCTION AND NOT TO OTHER ACADEMIC CLASSES