At Pend Oreille Playhouse, the safety and well-being of our participants, volunteers, staff, audience members, and guests is one of our highest priorities. Whether someone joins us for a single production, a summer camp, or years of involvement, we want every person who walks through our doors to feel safe, supported, respected, and valued.
For many of us, the Playhouse is more than a theatre, it's a second home. We recognize the trust that families place in us when they participate in our programs, especially when they entrust us with their children. We take that responsibility seriously and are committed to creating an environment where participants can learn, grow, create, and build meaningful connections while feeling safe and cared for.
Our Culture
Pend Oreille Playhouse is more than a theatre; we are a family. We believe theatre is at its best when people work together, support one another, and celebrate each other's successes. Every actor, volunteer, crew member, parent, audience member, and board member plays an important role in making our organization successful. We are committed to treating every person with kindness, respect, dignity, and care. We encourage open communication, teamwork, and a spirit of inclusion so that everyone feels welcome and valued regardless of age, experience level, background, or role. When we work together as a team and look out for one another, we create a safer, stronger, and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
General Safety
• Follow the directions of directors, stage managers, board members, and designated volunteers.
• Report injuries, accidents, hazards, or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Running, horseplay, roughhousing, and unsafe behavior are prohibited.
• Emergency exits, hallways, and access points must remain clear at all times.
• Closed-toe shoes are required during set construction, strike, and technical work.
Youth Safety
The safety of children and teens participating in our programs is especially important to us. We are committed to creating a positive, supportive environment where young performers can build confidence, develop skills, and express themselves creatively while feeling safe and respected.
• All board members, the Executive Director, directors, and backstage team members have successfully completed background checks. Any additional adults working directly with youth will also be required to complete a background check as determined by Playhouse leadership.
• All participants are expected to maintain appropriate physical, verbal, and behavioral boundaries.
• Bullying, harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior toward any participant will not be tolerated.
• When assisting youth performers with costumes, props, quick changes, or backstage activities, adults and volunteers should maintain professionalism and respect for participant privacy whenever possible.
• Parents, guardians, and participants are encouraged to communicate any safety concerns to Playhouse leadership immediately.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
• Parents and guardians must sign participants in and out for rehearsals, performances, camps, and other youth activities unless alternative arrangements have been approved by Playhouse leadership.
• Each family must complete and maintain an authorized pick-up list.
• If there is a parenting plan, custody order, no-contact order, protection order, or other legal restriction that may affect a participant's involvement or release, parents/guardians must notify Playhouse leadership and provide any relevant legal documentation.
• Pend Oreille Playhouse will follow legal documentation that has been provided to leadership.
• Parents and guardians are responsible for keeping emergency contact information current.
Rehearsal Safety Procedures
• The lobby entrance will remain locked during rehearsals and scheduled activities.
• Parents, guardians, and approved visitors who need to enter after rehearsal has begun may knock on the theatre door for entry.
• Parents and guardians are welcome to observe rehearsals from the audience seating area or wait in the lobby.
• Participants should remain in designated rehearsal areas unless given permission by production staff.
• Participants may not leave the building during rehearsal without notifying a director, stage manager, or designated adult.
• Families are encouraged to arrive promptly at scheduled drop-off and pick-up times.
Consent-Forward Acting
• Physical contact between performers must be discussed, choreographed, and agreed upon before being incorporated into rehearsals or performances.
• Cast members have the right to communicate boundaries and request adjustments.
• No performer will be pressured to participate in physical contact that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
• Consent may be withdrawn or modified at any time.
• Special consideration will be given to scenes involving minors, including physical contact, costume assistance, quick changes, and staging that may affect a participant's comfort level.
Rehearsals, Performances, and Technical Work
• Participants may only use props, tools, equipment, lighting, sound systems, or technical equipment after receiving instruction and authorization.
• Fight scenes, lifts, and other physical staging must be supervised and rehearsed before performance.
• Food and beverages are not permitted near technical equipment or on the stage.
• Only authorized individuals may operate power tools, ladders, lighting systems, sound systems, or other technical equipment.
• Appropriate safety equipment must be used when required.
Conduct Expectations
The following behaviors may result in removal from a production, event, volunteer position, or Playhouse property:
• Harassment (sexual or otherwise) or discrimination
• Bullying or intimidation
• Physical aggression or threats
• Possession or use of illegal drugs
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during Playhouse activities
• Intentional damage to Playhouse property
• Repeated disregard for safety procedures
Emergency Procedures
1. Follow instructions from Playhouse leadership.
2. Evacuate the building if directed. Pend Oreille Playhouse has four emergency exits located backstage, in the theatre, in the lobby, and in the costume shop.
3. Call 911 when appropriate.
4. Report all incidents to a director or board member as soon as possible.
Reporting Concerns
We encourage participants, volunteers, and families to speak up if they have a concern. Questions and concerns help us maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Safety concerns, injuries, misconduct, suspected abuse, or policy violations should be reported immediately to the Executive Director or a Board Member.
By working together, communicating openly, and treating one another with respect and care, we can ensure that Pend Oreille Playhouse remains a safe, welcoming, and inspiring place for our entire community.
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