Dynamo Youth Theatre

1. Aim — 2. Objectives — 3. General — 4. Age — 5. Meeting Times — 6. New Membership Procedure — 7. Subscriptions — 8. Activities — 9. Productions — 10. Leavers' Certificates — 11. Rules

Appendix 1 - Rules Of Membership And Agreement: — I. Member's Copy — II. DYT Copy

1. Aim

• Dynamo Youth Theatre is a performing arts youth group. Its aim is to encourage young people from 11 to 18 years old to perform to their highest ability in drama, dance and music.

2. Objectives

• Build personal development.
• Promote self confidence and life skills.
• Develop transferable skills in team co-operation, communication and personal achievement.
• Instil pride in the achievement of the high standard of the group.

3. General

• Dynamo Youth Theatre was founded in 1981, it is independent and self-funded. The company is managed by a committee of adults who volunteer to give their leisure time to support and run the company. These include long-standing, founder and current parents of members.
• Dynamo Youth Theatre is based at Havant Arts Centre, East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS.

4. Age

• The age range of the membership is 11 to 18. Membership ceases on the day before the member’s 19th birthday, unless the member is cast in a production.

5. Meeting Times

• The company meets on Monday from 5:15 to 7:15pm. Rehearsals also frequently take place on Thursday (same times) and when approaching performance dates there is usually a heavy rehearsal schedule.

6. New Membership Procedure

• Membership enquiries should be directed in the first instance to the Membership Secretary. Prospective members are expected to view at least one production before being invited to work with the company for an assessment period with a view to auditioning for full membership. The total number of members should not exceed 65. Ideally the membership is equally spread throughout age and gender. Members are asked to supply their own jazz shoes and dancewear.

7. Subscriptions

• Subscriptions are payable three times a year, within three weeks of the beginning of each academic term. Subscriptions from new members will be due after the period of assessment and audition. The subscriptions cover only the cost of hiring the facilities in the Arts Centre.

8. Activities

• In addition to major productions with public audiences, workshops are run with outside professional specialists to develop skills such as dance, stage martial arts, puppetry etc. Theatre trips to the West End and regional theatres are organised to further stimulate members interest in the performing arts.
• Members are expected to:
  • take an active part in at least one major production per year. They are encouraged, when appropriate, to become involved in all aspects of the production including stage and musical direction and technical/back stage functions
  • display and maintain enthusiasm towards DYT and its activities
  • attend all DYT productions and to participate in all fund raising events that the committee feels necessary to hold.

9. Productions

• The Artistic Director in consultation with the Artistic Panel oversees the choice for each formal production and its director. Casting is the responsibility of the Production Director in consultation with the Artistic Director.
• The high standards set by Dynamo can only be achieved by continued support from parents during productions. Parental involvement is crucial to the continued success of the company.
• It is essential that all members sell at least 5 seats for each production to enable the costs to be recovered.

10. Leavers' Certificates

• Leavers’ certificates are presented to long serving members, recognising their commitment to DYT. It is considered the company’s highest award.

11. Rules

• Although individual options are always considered, members are expected to fully accept the discipline imposed by theatre etiquette.
• It is vital that all members display a responsible attitude towards workshops, rehearsals and productions as well as towards the company, venue, equipment and surroundings.
• The following are not allowed during any DYT activity:
  • Chewing of gum.
  • Smoking tobacco or any other substance.
  • Drinking alcohol.
  • Use of illegal drugs.
  • Bullying, whether it be physical or verbal.
• Members are expected to attend the meetings regularly. If more than 3 consecutive weeks have elapsed without notification it will be assumed that the member has left the company.
• Formal notification of absence must not be made through another member. Please telephone or leave a message via the Session Administrator.
• All members are expected to sell a minimum of 5 tickets per production.

Failure to comply with any of the above rules will result in disciplinary action (and may include being called before a Disciplinary Panel).

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Appendix 1 - Rules Of Membership And Agreement

I. Member's Copy

• I have read this Prospectus and Membership Handbook and agree to abide by the rules.
• I also give permission for any photographs taken, for a production or otherwise, to be used for publicity purposes and agree that they may also appear on the Dynamo website.
• I consent to Dynamo Youth theatre processing my data for administrative purposes and I recognise that this might involve data-sharing throughout the organisation.

II. DYT Copy

• I have read this Prospectus and Membership Handbook and agree to abide by the rules.
• I also give permission for any photographs taken, for a production or otherwise, to be used for publicity purposes and agree that they may also appear on the Dynamo website.
• I consent to Dynamo Youth theatre processing my data for administrative purposes and I recognise that this might involve data-sharing throughout the organisation.