Studio Guidelines

At ATS, we want all of our actors to study in an environment in which they feel safe to explore their personal limits as well as the limits of their craft. In order to achieve such a balance, a few basic ground rules are needed.

RESPECT for each other.
Everyone has the right to study acting, no matter their gender, race, ethnic background, religion, sexual orientation or appearance. Everyone at ATS must treat one another with respect. Any breach of this protocol will be addressed, and if after sufficient warning the behavior continues, the offending individual may be asked to drop the workshop.

Another important aspect of respecting each other is to show up for workshops on time, prepared, and to just show up, period. Imagine working hard on a scene all week — then your partner either doesn’t make class or comes to class unprepared. Your time and your instructor’s time spent in preparation, has at the very least been compromised. (See the ATS Attendance policy.)

While in workshop, it’s very important to watch others’ work as attentively as you’d want them to watch yours. Running your lines, visiting with others watching or allowing any other distraction is not only discourteous; it prevents you from learning from others’ work. This includes texting, emailing or any other use of your cell phone while class is in session.

RESPECT for the work.
Acting can expose you to a multitude of stories that are vastly different from your own. Some material may have language or situations that we might never choose for ourselves or that we feel uncomfortable experiencing. While actors will frequently be encouraged to step outside of their “comfort zones”, no actor will be REQUIRED to work on material they find objectionable. If an actor does find assigned material objectionable, he or she is responsible for raising an objection (in other words, don’t expect the instructor to read your mind!).

At the same time, no adult actor will be prohibited from working on any given material unless, in the view of the instructor, the classroom environment as a whole is adversely and directly compromised.

In both of the above circumstances, communication is key. If something about the material is bothersome to you, notify the instructor immediately. Your concerns will be addressed. Any actor of minor age (or the actor’s parent) who has a concern about material should communicate those concerns to the instructor. Again, your concerns will be addressed.

RESPECT for the space.
In order to keep the Studio space clean and inviting for everyone, clean up after yourself and don’t abuse the physical resources. This includes coffee cups and props used in scenes.