CTSMD Production Attendance and Commitment Policy
Our Commitment to the Ensemble
At the Children’s Theatre of Southern Maryland (CTSMD), theatre is a collaborative experience. Each performer’s commitment directly impacts the cast, creative team, and audience. Clear attendance expectations help ensure a positive, respectful, and successful production for everyone involved.
Rehearsal Attendance and Conflicts
CTSMD recognizes that students balance theatre with school, family, and other activities. Rehearsal schedules are designed with this in mind. Rehearsal days/times and performance dates are always shared prior to auditions so families have the opportunity to check for availability and conflicts in advance.
Tech Week and Performances – Mandatory Participation
Tech Week and all scheduled performances (including call times and strike) are mandatory for any performer who is cast.
This includes, but is not limited to:
These dates are shared before auditions are held, and tech week is typically held every evening of the week that the show opens. On days with multiple performances, all members of the production are required to remain at the venue between shows and will be provided with a meal and a chance to recharge. Due to the technical, safety, and collaborative nature of live theatre, no absences are permitted during tech week or performances. There are no exceptions.
CTSMD recognizes that true emergencies (such as sudden illness, injury, or family emergency) can arise unexpectedly. These situations are not considered scheduling conflicts and do not alter the expectation of full participation whenever possible.
Impact of Conflicts During Mandatory Dates
Conflicts during tech week or performances may result in:
CTSMD does not offer pre-arranged partial roles, alternate schedules, or understudy arrangements to cover for absences.
By accepting a role, performers and families confirm their full availability and commitment to the production schedule.
Our Promise to Families
CTSMD strives to create a supportive, growth-focused environment while maintaining professional standards. Clear attendance expectations help ensure fairness, safety, and respect for the time and effort of all participants.
Adopted 3/15/2026 by the CTSMD Board of Directors
At the Children’s Theatre of Southern Maryland (CTSMD), theatre is a collaborative experience. Each performer’s commitment directly impacts the cast, creative team, and audience. Clear attendance expectations help ensure a positive, respectful, and successful production for everyone involved.
Rehearsal Attendance and Conflicts
CTSMD recognizes that students balance theatre with school, family, and other activities. Rehearsal schedules are designed with this in mind. Rehearsal days/times and performance dates are always shared prior to auditions so families have the opportunity to check for availability and conflicts in advance.
- All known conflicts must be disclosed at the time of audition.
- Limited conflicts earlier in the rehearsal process may be considered.
- Attendance expectations increase as the production progresses.
- If a cast or crew member accrues more than 3 unexcused absences or late arrivals, they may be asked to leave the production or have their role/position recast.
- Availability is a key factor in casting decisions.
Tech Week and Performances – Mandatory Participation
Tech Week and all scheduled performances (including call times and strike) are mandatory for any performer who is cast.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Technical rehearsals
- Dress rehearsals
- Preview performances
- Pre-show call times
- All public performances
- Strike
These dates are shared before auditions are held, and tech week is typically held every evening of the week that the show opens. On days with multiple performances, all members of the production are required to remain at the venue between shows and will be provided with a meal and a chance to recharge. Due to the technical, safety, and collaborative nature of live theatre, no absences are permitted during tech week or performances. There are no exceptions.
CTSMD recognizes that true emergencies (such as sudden illness, injury, or family emergency) can arise unexpectedly. These situations are not considered scheduling conflicts and do not alter the expectation of full participation whenever possible.
Impact of Conflicts During Mandatory Dates
Conflicts during tech week or performances may result in:
- A performer not being cast in the production from the beginning,
- Or a role being reassigned or eliminated from the production all together
CTSMD does not offer pre-arranged partial roles, alternate schedules, or understudy arrangements to cover for absences.
By accepting a role, performers and families confirm their full availability and commitment to the production schedule.
Our Promise to Families
CTSMD strives to create a supportive, growth-focused environment while maintaining professional standards. Clear attendance expectations help ensure fairness, safety, and respect for the time and effort of all participants.
Adopted 3/15/2026 by the CTSMD Board of Directors
