Subj: Division of Labor 1989-90
Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2002 3:06:12 PM
From: Live Arts LAB Co
To: NoShTh
 
NO SHAME ADMINISTRATION
division of labor
 
There is a No Shame administration, and although we are committed to remaining as loosely structured as possible, there is a structure and there are guidelines to be respected. Before discussing the guidelines for No Shame, it is important that the responsibilities of each member of staff are outlined.
 
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Essentially, the Artistic Director sees to it that No Shame as an organization remains faithful to its central philosophy and continues to exist as an outgrowth of that philosophy. He or she will be a liaison between No Shamers, audience, and the University Administration. He will negotiate any problems and/or complaints among or between participants, staff, audience, and/or University Administration. The Artistic Director should obtain a "Fact Book" and a Handbook of Guidelines and Procedures for University Productions from the Main Office each time a revised edition becomes available and be very familiar with both. He must meet regularly with the Departmental Chairman to maintain good relations between our organization and that of the University as well as keeping both parties informed of matters involving No Shame. He will chair any meeting concerning the organization among its participants and/or staff, including meetings to determine the pieces chosen for the BEST OF NO SHAME biannual performances. Proceeds from this performance are to be deposited into the No Shame ad-hoc production fund no less than three days following the final performance. The Artistic Director is responsible for the supervision of No Shame and for matters regarding enforcement of policies and guidelines. He is also responsible for any disciplinary action. The Artistic Director will be answerable for any infraction and bear direct responsibility for the entire program, including loss or damage to university property. He will arrange press and publicity as well as keep accurate records for the No Shame archives. These Archives will include any and all press, correspondence from other no shames franchises, and a copy of each script performed. These scripts should include date performed and the names of the cast. The Artistic Director will also negotiate any and all "franchise" No Shames in any other city, and negotiate the rights for the format exclusively.
 
[Side note--whew! Guess I was describing basically everything I was doing. Glad we are wresting that last item back from IC No Shame, eh?]
 
PRODUCER:
The No Shame Producer will have the same duties and responsibilities as the No Shame Artistic Director, and will function as such in his or her absence. In addition, the Producer has the responsibility to function as "House Manager" to the extent of those duties outlined in the University Theatres Guidelines for Production. It is the Producer's responsibility to see to it that each member of the staff is diligent in carrying out their responsibilities, and that all runs as smoothly as possible. The Producer must see to it that all guidelines are adhered to rigidly and that the theatre is returned to a neutral condition after each performance. Originally this position was that of the stage manager, and so does lie somewhere between Artistic Director and what is now the Stage Manager. When the Artistic Director is not in attendance, the Producer assumes the responsibilities of the Artistic Director and the Stage Manager that of the Producer. At all other times, the Producer will arrive at the theatre at least one half hour prior to the performance and collect the scripts while taking the order for the evening. Ten minutes before the show begins the scripts should be hand delivered tot he Technical Director by the Producer. The producer will then proceed to quiet the house and make the night's announcements. Announcements should include University Theatre events and alternative ad-hoc events outside the theatre of interest to the No Shame audience. Announcements, however, should not become an open forum in and of themselves. Announcements must always include: No eating, drinking or smoking inside the theatre, please keep the aisles clear and do not block the exits. After announcements, the Producer should also see to it that following the show the audience not only leaves the theatre, but the building as well, as quickly and quietly as possible. The Producer is also responsible for the door and the bank at the "Best Of" performances, as well as working with he Artistic Director on advertising.
 
[sidenote: Proof that at this point we didn't charge for anything but BONS.]
 
STAGE MANAGER:
The Stage Manager must be familiar with all the duties and responsibilities of the Producer and be ready to take them on when the need arises. If the Stage Manager is unable to attend a performance for any reason, some replacement must be arranged. The Stage Manager is responsible for the orderly behavior of No Shame participants, and be prepared to enforce the guidelines set forth in this and the University Theatre Guidelines for Production. It is the responsibility of the Stage Manager to see that the stage and backstage areas are returned to a neutral status following each performance and must not leave the building until this is seen to. The stage Manager must be prepared to enforce the policy that writers are responsible for striking the materials in their pieces and assisting in the group clean up after the show. When audience and performers have left the building it is the Stage Manager's duty to make sure that all the doors are locked, the lights turned out, and to check the booth to see that it is secure.
 
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR:
The TD is responsible for being checked out and approved to run the light boards, and if for any reason he is unable to attend a performance, he must find a qualified replacement. He must arrive no later than 10 minutes prior to the start of the show. It is strict university policy that no food, drink, or smoking be allowed in the booth. Prior to the show the TD will be provided with scripts for each piece with light cues indicated. The TD will execute the cues, police the booth, and assist the participants in whatever way is appropriate. At the end of the evening he must make certain the booth is secure and should assist in the clean up.
 
FACULTY ADVISOR:
It is the decision of the University Administration when and if this position is necessary. At times we have had to have a Faculty Advisor to be Key Holder and to monitor No Shame in the building. When a Faculty Advisor is requested by the Department, the position is defined as follows:
The Faculty Advisor is an approved TA or member of University Staff or Faculty who accepts the responsibility to be the Administration liaison to No Shame, and should work closely with the other members of the No Shame staff. The faculty Advisor must attend every performance and essentially be the overseer of the project. If his University status allows him to attend faculty meetings, he should function as the spokesperson of No Shame. Ideally, this person should believe in No Shame and function as an advocate for its continued support by the University.
 
******
 
Wow, clearly this is before the formation of what we later called the Board. Anyway, I'm just sending it to you for archival purposes.
 
The next section is all adapted from the handbook, with info on what to do in case of a fire, etc. Will send later.
 
Todd