Task 5b/5c: Codes of Practice

In order to do this task, I typed into Google 'Code of practice within Performing Arts.' I stumbled upon this very interesting Document from The University of Winchester.
These are a few of the points:

1. Tutors who anticipate in stage combat should inform the Theatre Technicians that their students may require training in stage combat so that a suitable session can be arranged. In the case of the performance being independent of a supervisor, it is the responsibility of the individual to seek advice on suitable training.

2. Tutors who supervise students wishing to use physical theatre should take responsibility for the health and safety of their students and advise carefully in its use. If the tutor feels that the activity is beyond their area of expertise, then they should advise students to seek supervision from a suitably experienced tutor before pursuing any physical activity.

3. All performers must provide a detailed risk assessment of their activity to the Senior Theatre Technician prior to any hazardous activities taking place. The risk assessment must be approved by a full time member of the technical theatre staff in order for any devising, rehearsals, or performance involving risk to commence.

4. If weapons (any object used within a combat sequence or any item that may be perceived as a weapon) are required, then their use in combat sequences must be approved by a theatre technician. The use of the specific must be covered during the training session with the recognised stage combat tutor. All weapons must also be covered in the performers risk assessment with control measures relating specifically to section 16a of the firearms act.


These are only a few of the points made but I think they show how much detail must be given for a single performance. Without the right practice miscommunication and confusion can occur within a performance.

Another interesting site I came upoon was The Animal Consultants and Training Association. This is a website has the codes of practice for when an animal is used in production. These are:

ACTA Members:

a. Will provide a professional and comprehensive service in supplying
and training animals for film, television, advertising, theatre, stills photography
and natural history programmes.

b. Are committed to safeguarding at all times the welfare of the animals
they provide. Respect for and the wellbeing of those animals will always
be of paramount importance.

c. Will actively promote the policy of specialised veterinary involvement
in and supervision of animal welfare within the media industries.

d. Are committed to all aspects of Health and Safety in the working
environment.

The Association maintains the professional integrity of its members.

I thought this was quite interesting as I knew there is an 'Animal Welfare Act - 2006 (45)' but it didn't cross my mind that codes of practice within a performance would be any different.

Although these two examples are very different from the 'Audition Ethics' from task 5a. Ethics are obviously a key thing to uphold but I think common sense also links to this...if you do something bad to someone it is always going to come back around to you at some point, you just need to think about the conclusion of the actions you do.