5b – Code Of Practice

I looked into the codes of practice/regulations that steer the ethical framework in my many places of work. 

I first looked into my performing jobs as I did in the previous task.  I first explored equity to see if there were any general guidelines for Musical Theatre Performers on there but I didn’t come up with anything.  I spoke to people I have worked for and looked online but found there were no standard set of written rules.  There were some common rules (time keeping, appearance, general respect for resources and senior management) but more common sense and thing I just knew and have been ingrained in me from my training.  Each company I have worked for have had their own code of conduct depending on the cast, place or production and in addition each Theatre (building, ship, resort) had their own code of conduct. 

I decided to use my last performing contract and the written code of conduct they had on the notice board:

o   sign in and out of the theatre whenever entering or leaving

o   be at company warm up on time everyday

o   be in the changing room and getting ready by the half

o   look after and keep changing room tidy

o   No interacting with the children cast off stage

o   Only be backstage when needed and listen to crew when there

o   Not to leave the theatre in costume

I also looked into my job at the prop company.   I am relatively new to this role so I asked my boss if there were any codes of practice.  Just like the performing jobs, I found no standard set of written rules.  This job involves dealing with other companies and often going on set or location depending on what is needed.  When I am in the office/warehouse I abide by their code of conduct; however, when I am on the client’s site I need to be flexible and embrace their code of conduct.  The codes of conduct when I work for the prop company include:

·         Appropriate dress code e.g. safe casual clothing in the stock rooms, smart casual when interfacing with clients

·         Appropriate time keeping

·         Accurate completion of timesheets

·         Maintain Health and Safety rules e.g. lifting items, keeping work area tidying etc

In addition I have to embrace the client’s code of conduct which might include:

·         Confidentially of information

·         Signing in and out of locations

·         Their Health and safety rules

When I compared my assumptions with the actual data, the information was not very different.  What I did conclude was my professional practice does not always write it down and issue it.  They rely on my professional training and the verbal guidance from peers and leaders.  I also realised that so much if it is common sense and respect for the art.

Both jobs require me to follow my own code of conduct and the specific client or locations code of conduct which is normally very similar but does occasionally have something specific.