Creating a Class or Cast Contract

I have found this practice to be incredibly useful in alleviating behavior issues within classes or casts.

Why have a class or cast contract? 

  • Decentralizes Power

    • This is a big one for me, especially when it comes to dealing with young people in the arts. They are dealing with a dual power structure of director or choreographer/actor and adult/youth. Young people often feel they cannot say “no” or ask questions because of this. By creating a contract, the power shifts to the group as a whole shaping the expectations they have of each other, not just what the person in charge wants to see.

  • Promotes Buy-in and Accountability

  • Clarity of Expectations

    • Safety

    • Participation

    • Attitude

    • Attire

  • Success is Built in

Recommendations for creating a class or cast contract:

  • Use a posterboard that can hang in your room or a corner of the board that can remain dedicated to this, or post in Classroom or Group Page.

  • Stay Small. 5-7 points should be sufficient. Draw connections whenever possible to an existing point. 

  • Include:

    • Consequences of Contract violation

    • Chain of Communication if the director/choreographer/teacher violates the contract

    • Any Departmental or umbrella organization expectations/requirements. 

  • End with “Have fun!”, “Have a good show!” or similar. This should be just as much an expectation as respect or wearing appropriate footwear. 

  • If a hard copy, have every member of the class or cast sign it.

Do you have questions regarding creating or maintaining a class or cast contract? Nicole Perry has experience in using these documents with students as young as kindergarten to adult professionals. Set up your Creative Practice Consultation now.