our mutal expectations

Whether you are an Equity member or not, I expect all company members to work as professionals. "Duties of the Actor" and "Actors' Equity Actors' Etiquette" are as outlined by Actors' Equity Association. Please read and understand these responsibilities below:

Equity requires management to meet all of its responsibilities under their contract with each other. In turn, members have certain professional responsibilities to the producer, to the production and to fellow Equity members. All Equity members must:

• Be on time for all rehearsals and half-hour calls
• Notify the Stage Manager as soon as possible, and certainly before half-hour, if ill or unable to reach the theatre on time
• Remember that, even though places for each act will be called, you alone are responsible for all of your entrance cues
• Observe all reasonable rules of the management not in conflict with Equity rules
  Cooperate with the Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Managers, Dance Captain and Fight Captain
• Take proper care of, and make no unauthorized changes in, your costumes, props, or make-up
• Maintain your performance as directed
  Appear at curtain calls in complete costume and make-up
• Go to your Deputy in cases of disagreement. If a disagreement cannot be resolved by the authorities backstage, refer it to the appropriate Equity Business Representative
  Your Stage Manager is obligated to report violations to Equity in his/her Weekly Report and Equity will, when necessary, call before a Membership Relations Committee any member who violates these rules.
• Discipline is a sign of professionalism. Please maintain a professional attitude at all times.

other expectation

you may expect from me...

• that I will be available to you an hour before a rehearsal, before a curtain and an hour afterwards if you need to speak with me. We can speak in my office privately if you wish. I can't be reached by mobile phone at this time due to the building's physical characteristics which prevent the signal from reaching my mobile phone. Please call the office at 508-754-3314 (or the box office 508-754-0418 in the evenings after 5:00 PM.)
• that I can be reached by cell phone during the day if you need to discuss business at other times when I am not in the building. I don't mind talking after hours, but please respect my off hours. My card will be included in your packet when you arrive for rehearsal.
• that my goal is to call a five minute break after fifty-five minutes of work or a ten minute break after eighty minutes of work have gone by. I do not tollerate going beyond the eighty minutes without a break from directors, nor do I prefer to work seventy minutes with a ten minute break, which wastes time.
• that I am punctual to rehearsal and I start on time. Please be on time and ready to go for your call or after a break. When I call "We're back." we begin to work again.
• that If you are not available when we start a call or go back to work I will speak to you privately about it. I have the right to have you stay late after the call to make up the time.
• that I will provide you with all the information that I possess so you can perform your role. If I do not have the information, I will investigate what information you need under my rules of work or I will refer you to the person who has the information that you desire.
• that as a member of Equity and your stage manager I will be an advocate for you under your rights as stated in the contract which may have been violated as long as you have not violated rules.
• that under all circumstances, I will remain as impartial as I can to all issues concerning our contract with the producer. I will work under the rules as set forth by Actors' Equity for both the actor and the producer.
• that I really only possess authority for the Equity members in our company, but do respect non-members.

I may expect from you...

• that you will be on-time and prepared to work when the call begins. when we break, I anticipate that you will note the time of the break and return on their own accord, ready to go back to work when I call "We're back" to work. On extended breaks there will be a warning call in preparation of going back to work.
• that you'll turn off your mobile phones and devices as a courtesy to your fellow actors, the director and myself. I may levy a fine upon you if your device rings during rehearsals or performances.
• that you will respect your fellow actors and refrain from mobile phone conversations in the rehearsal studio, the dressing rooms, the green room, the halls within those spaces and the stage and theatre. You may use the hall between the green room and the costume shop if you receive or need to make a call if you can't go upstairs to the front door to make your call.
• that if you anticipate being late due to unforeseen circumstances, and you reach voice mail only, please call the theatre administrative or box office and speak to a person, not to voice mail. (staff numbers) Let them know that you will be late. Ask them to hand the message directly to stage management ASAP.
• that if you are ill and can not perform or if you anticipate the need for a day of due to family medical emergencies or bereavement circumstances, please call the Company Manager to request the time or report the circumstances.
• that you will not use e-mail or rely on any voice mail system for last minute communications.
• that you will not leave a call unless I have dismissed you no matter what the director, producer or fellow actor may say.
• that if you are not working at a time during a call and you wish to leave the work space to run lines, please inform me as to where you may be found.
• that the ASM, PA or I will give you a line if you ask for one by stating, "Line." Otherwise we'll think the pause is acting. If the Director asks us to prompt actor for lines, we will do when asked.
• that you will not interrupt me during the call of a performance, unless someone is in danger of hurting themselves. Please speak directly to the ASM or the PA. They will communicate the situation to me for action.
• that Juvenile Actors (those actors under the age of 18) and their parents will read and understand the children's issues page within this site.
• that you will maintain proper etiquette and courtesy during our process at all times. that you will respond to my (or the ASM and PA's calls) and cues so that I know that you have heard the call. Such as, "Thank you Places."
• that you will please bring any concerns you have regarding your work under the contract to the deputy or me directly. I will bring it to the attention of management and follow up with you and management.
• that you will, after reading these expectation, as a courtesy to me, please click here to send me an email so I know you that you have read this page.

Thank you for taking time to read this section. Please continue with the rest of the site.

company background

a brief ftc history

in the 2005-06 season, Foothills celebrated is in its 30th birthday. It was founded by Mark and Susan Smith in 1975. They moved the company from the Chatam St. location to the present venue in 1981 after the Galleria Mall was constructed, which later became the Worcester Fashion Outlet Mall. In 1998 Michael Walker joined the Company as Artistic Director, followed by Brad Kenny in 2001. Brad departed in December of 2006 for the Ogunquit Playhouse and Russell Garrett was hired as the acting Artistic Director and was made the permanent Artistic Director for the 2006 season. Mark Smith continues as Artistic Director Emeritus and the mall in which Foothills resides in is now under redevelopment as City Center. The sign on the right, locating the theatre was installed on Foster St. in mid September.

ftc's equity contract

Foothills operates under an L.O.A. Referred to LORT contract with Actors' Equity Association. I encourage you to ask your Deputy if you may read her/his copy of the L.O.A.

Ms. Melissa Colgan is our Business Representative at the Equity Eastern Office. Please don't contact her directly. please allow me to contact the Business Rep with any problems. You may contact any other office at Equity for your personal, private union business.

Several local actors, like myself, are on the Equity National Council or on the Boston/New England Area Liaison Committee. The area committee operates a hotline with local auditions for resident New England AEA actors. The hotline number is available by clicking here and navigating to Area Liasons. You'll need to log on with your password/User Name. The group site address is available by clicking here. You will need to join the group to acess more than the first page.

emc program

The time-honored Equity card is the symbol of a commitment to a theatrical career and represents the highest standards and responsibilities of professionalism. Those who choose to become members implicitly pledge to represent the theatre, the union, and themselves, with integrity and dignity.

Foothills Theatre in its contract with AEA, offers non-professional actors who work in an Equity participating theatre, such as Foothills, the opportunity to gain points towards eventual membership in the union. Further explanation or clarification of this benefits should be directed to the regional office in New York or at Equity's EMC page.

policies & proceedures

FTC has a "Policies and Proceedures" document that management will ask you to read and then sign stating that you have read and that you understand what you have read at the first rehearsal. Some of the material is covered within this section of the site.

complimentary tickets

Each actor is entitled to four (4) personal complimentary tickets during the run of the show.

The Comp Request forms are available from the Box Office or in the administrative wing in a box on the bookcase below the bulletin board immediately beyond the Company Manager's office door. When done, please place your request in the Box office's mail slot in the office as well.

Because of the pattern of ticket sales, management asks you to choose a performance other than the final week of the production and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Management encourages use of comps when sales are lowest.

health club

Foothills has an in-kind agreement with the YWCA downtown. All employees may use the facilities. There are three passes allowed out at one time. To take advantage of this, go to the front desk and ask for a Foothills pass. They will ask for your driver's license in exchange for the pass and you will get it back when you return the card as you leave. They will give you an overview of the equipment before you work out. Contact the Company Manager regarding the use of the facility.

other ftc programming

Foothills rents out its rehearsal studio, when not in use, as a second stage to independent producers who wish to perform in a smaller venue or to local businesses for meetings. Please check the Foothills site for further information.

The Foothills Theatre School teaches acting, movement, improvisation and production to school children and adults. Information is available from the Director of Education.

Children's Theatre is produced and is presented Saturday mornings and during the week on school vacations. Admission is free to actors and staff. This program is presented by adults for children. There is always humor that will please the adults as well.

illness, tardiness or absence

If you must will be late to or you are ill to either a rehearsal or performance, you must call the Production Stage Manager at the theatre to notify him that you will be late or not be in. The Stage Manager will report your tardiness or illness to Company Manager. The theatre has the right to ask you to make up the time you were absent due to illness (unless you have built up sick time as an AEA member) or tardiness at a later time.

If you must have an absence due to unforeseen emergency circumstances, call the Company Manager for permission. It is not in the powers of the SM to grant you a day off. Equity LORT Rule 60 explains illness or bereavement leave.

If you need to see a doctor while employed by FTC, Dr. Bruce Karlin is our company physician. Company manager will make an apointment for you and will get you in if time is of the esscence!

workman's comp

Actors who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses at the workplace must inform stage management immediately - no matter how minor an on-the-job injury may appear, it is important that it be reported immediately. This will enable the injured actor to qualify for workman's comp as quickly as possible. You can download the PDF of the Workman's Comp Form 101 "First Report of Injury." and instruction. You have 2 days in which to file this form. After-which you may not be entitled to a claim.

Equity members must Notify the Deputy of any injury and fill out the Deputy's Accident Report which should be faxed immediately by the to Equity.

juvenile actors

All actors who are 18 years of age or under are considered to be juvenile actors. Foothills has not, in the recent past, hired Equity juvenile actors. For everyone's safety, there are other rules that Foothills requires them to follow. Please click here to read expectations and safety and security for juvenile actors.

payday & contracts

Equity actors are paid weekly every Thursday so the actor can bank on Friday morning. General or Company Management will distribute payroll during rehearsals. When in performance, please pick up your payroll after the Thursday matinee, or before 5:00 PM in the GM's office. Non-Equity actors and other theatre staff payroll is distributed on different days at the discretion of General Management. Please confirm your non-equity pay day with General Management directly when hired.

Equity stage managers are prohibited by contract from discussing issues or the handling of payroll and contracts. You must speak directly to management with your personal concerns. As the PSM, I will be dismissive of these issues. I am sensitive to questions regarding Dance Captain, Fight Captain and other ridered issues of the AEA cast.

The Theatre banks with the Bay State Savings Bank main office across the commons at 28 Franklin Street, Worcester MA 01608 (508) 890-8900. if you wish cash your check or to open a local account.

the theatre facility

where is ftc?

here is a plan of the FTC facility

dressing rooms and greenroom

your dressing room is your home-away-from-home. Please keep your "beauty station" tidy and free from food or other items that may be of interest to little furry creatures. If you are issued a place card and you move your place, please take it with you to your new place. This way I know where you are for mail or notes.

Your names will be palced on your dressing room door and a assignment sheet will be posted on the call board.

Rules of the dressing rooms and greenroom are:

• At half-hour, all noise and behavior should be reduced in respect to your fellow actors.
• No cell calls are to be made or received inside the dressing rooms or green room at any time. Go to the hallway outside of the costume shop and stay away from the doors.
• Place all clothes that you need laundered in the hamper after the evening show in the dressing room hallway.
• Dry cleaning is done once a week unless there are other circumstances.
• There will be duplicate skin parts for the evening performance after the maitinee
• Leave the heaters and fans in the dressing rooms.
• If the waist baskets need to be emptied, please leave them outside of the dressing room door at night. Not between shows.
• No food is to be left at your station or in the dressing room.
• The ASM/PA will collect valuables at the "15 minutes" call. zip lock bags with your name will be provided to you. The ASM/PA will not accept loose items. Valuables will be returned after the performance.
• Even if the dressing doors are locked after a performance, any property that is lost or stolen is not the responsibility of stage management or management.
• If you made a mess at the green room tables, pick it up at the end of the call.
• If you're the last one out, turn off the lights at night.
• On Sunday after the final show of the week:
  • Please put your shoes on your chair or beauty station.
  • all items that you keep on the floor put on your beauty station.
  • Remove your food items from the refrigerator or they will be thrown out.
  • Anything left on the floor will be thrown out or the room may not be swept/mop.
  • In that case we'll provide you with a broom and dustpan.

The green room is a staging area for the entire staff durring performances. There are sofas, tables to eat at, a refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven and a sink and dish drainer. Please keep you feet off chairs and sofas. Other People have to sit there in costume after you've removed your feet. Ech!

There is a filtered drinking water unit attached to the faucet on the Green Room sink. Please bring a covered sports beverage container with you and fill'er up as needed on breaks.

concessions, refreshments and vending

When a volunteer is available to serve you, concession sales will be open to all before the performance half-hour or rehearsals. They are not avialable during or after the performance. At no time are actors or staff to be behind the concession counter, preventing Mass Health Code violations and to prevent reduced inventories and pilferage. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are free. Water and other items are half priced.

There is a vending machine with snacks and cold beverages in the green room available in the green room in lieu of concessions snacks.

Please bring your own cups and mugs for beverages in the green room and rehearsal studio.

Water only is allowed in covered sports contianers on stage. No open cups or any other type of beverage on stage or near the theatre's electronic equipment. There is a filtered drinking water unit attached to the faucet on the Green Room sink. Please bring a covered sports beverage container with you and fill'er up as needed on breaks.

See concessions use for Juvenile Actors.

rest rooms and comfort facilities

Restrooms are located in the lobby, in the dressing area and in the adminsitrative wing.

• While in studio rehearsal, please use the lobby lavatories.
• While in stage rehearsals and performance, utilize the green room bath rooms.
• If there is a problem with those restrooms, please use the Admin rest room.

There are showers in the dressing area bathrooms only. Please bring your own towel and throw it in with the show laundry. If you arrived without one, costumes may be able to provide one for you.

costume shop

The shop is just off the dressing room hallway. You'll be visiting the shop during rehearsals for fittings so knowing and remembering where the shop is, is good thing.

This shop includes washing machines, a dryer, steamers, irons and of course, sewing machines. These facilities are not to be used by actors or non costume staff. This way repairs and show laundry may be done unincumbered of personal laundry or sewing.

scenic/prop, electrics & sound studio/shops

The scenic and prop shop is located to the right of the restrooms in the lobby. Often this shop is filled to the brim due to it's tiny size. Please don't just walk on in since the carpenters may be working on something and you'll be in the way.

The electrics shop/storage is well out of the way and not in the actor's view.

The sound studio and shop are located in the same area as the rehearsal studio. Ocassionally when we need to have actors' voices recorded, rehearsal in the studio has to be quieted so that sound is not recorded.

staff offices

Please do not use or go into any office unless you're invited to go in. Some offices may contian private, proprietary or confidential information which is not for your eyes or ears.

The offices in the administration area as well as those which are adjacent to the rehearsal studio, the stage managment offices and the costume shop office are for staff use only. It provides a quiet private place in which to conduct their work.

computer usage

Computers are available in the conference room in the administrative offices for actors and visiting staff to use to check your online email before, after and during breaks while in rehearsal. These computers are available during the day and before half-hour and when you are out of costume after the curtain call. They may not be used during a performance or if managment needs the room for a conference. Company management will direct you to the computers you may use.

Wireless access listed under "SM Office" or "Prodcution" is limited to Staff usage only so bandwidth will remain high. These are privately owned wireless routers which are for the owner's use only. No other private routers may not be added to the network to prevent intrusion into that network.

telephones

Office telephones are for use by the staff. Other use will not allow incoming or outgoing calls to be received or made by the staff. If you need a land line, there is a pay phone in the lobby next to the box office.

Cell phone use is prohibited during rehearsal hours in the studio or on the stage, in dressing and greenroom from half-hour though the end of the performance in courtesy to your fellow actors, director and staff. (See Dressing/greenroom rules) the best reception for cellular phones is in the upper lobby entrance.

use of of other theatre equipment

Equipment used at FTC is either property of the company of that of the staff. If you have need of equipment, other than that which is provided to you by the management, please ask the stage manager and he will ask the prodcution manager and refer you to him. The production manger will require you to sign out the equipment and may ask for a monitary deposit for such equipment as well as determining a return time and date.

working environment

work schedules

At FTC, there are several different work groups each with different schedules. Here we will be discussing the actors' schedule. We have three phases of production in which actors are involved in:

1. studio rehearsals

Under our AEA contract, the work-week is Monday through Sunday. The actors work a 7 out of 8-1/2 hour work-day in a 42 hour work-week. Depending on the demographics of the acting company, the studio rehearsal day may be:

1. 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
2. 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
3. 12:00 PM – 7:30 PM
4. 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM
5. The day off is Monday

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
E	A-D	A-D	A-D	A-D	A-D	A-D

The rehearsal period for each show varies as described previously. An online calendar has been created and is maintianed by your stage manager.

The Homepage is http://homepage.mac.com/sespach. An address to go directly to the full prodcution calendar is http://ical.mac.com/sespach/Foothills. There is also a "show specific reharsal & performance" calendar whose address is http://ical.mac.com/sespach/"your show here" which I will give you the words to enter.

Make it your browser's homepage so you'll see it whenever you open your browser or bookmark it for later!

The acting company may be called for the full working day, in which actors may not actually work until a specified time during that day's call. Actors should be prepared for such calls.

Rehearsals are for the most part in the Rehearsal Room/2nd Space behind the auditorium. Rehearsals may also be located at The Foothills School upstairs

Whether rehearsals are located at Foothills or any other location, actors, technicians, stage managers are expected to behave in a professional manner and to help maintain the spaces to the landlords specifications.

the first rehearsal

For the first rehearsal please bring with you your Equity card (if you're a memeber) with your ID number, a sweatshirt or sweater, work shoes, a mug, a few pens and pencils, your voice recorder, notebook a copy of your headshot and your bio.

Each show's first rehearsal is different and it will begin at differenct times of the day depending on the cast and the director. On thing that is constant is that there will be measurements taken and there will be many papers to fill out. Please listen and stay focused.

When the paperwork is completed, there will be a tour of the building to show you the fire exits. After that there will be an Equity meeting where several items will be discussed and a Deputy will be selected.

After that, the director will take over and you'll get down to some form of qacting buisness.

2. stage rehearsals (including tech and previews)

1. We are alotted two 10 out-of 12 hour days.
2. Other days of the week must total 42 hours of work in the work-week into 7 out of 8-1/2 hour days.
3. Dress rehearsals
4. The Monday daylight day of rest rule does not apply at Foothills. Monday is off.
5. There are no 8 out of 10 days at all.
6. There may be studio work within the work day.
7. There are performances intermixed with in the week.
8. 1. 2:00 PM
   2. 3:00 PM
   3. 8:00 PM

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
4	2, 6	1, 2	1, 2, 3	2, 3	2, 7.ii, 7.iii	2, 7.i

3. performance

We are allotted up to 8 performances a week, but during the week we usually perform 6 shows a week:

2:00 PM

3:00 PM

8:00 PM

Early student matinees may take place on Tuesday and Wednesday (and under other days if performaces are changed) usually at 10:00 AM.

The day off is Monday. There may be more days off depending on the performance schedule of the production you are in.

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
III	II	II	I.i I.iii	I.iii	I.ii I.iii	I.ii

emergency procedures & first aid

Emergencies may arise and knowing what to do in an emergency can save your life. Take the time when company management gives you a tour of the exits on the first day of rehearsal to locate all the fire exits in the building.

First aid kits are located in

1. the rehearsal studio
2. the greenroom wall cabinet with the red + on it
3. the administrative offices.

If you use an item and you notice that supplies are low in these kits, please report it to the stage management at once. We may be unaware that the supplies are deficient.

Company management will provide you with a list of doctors, local hospital and emergency services for the company.

visitors and theatre security

To provide for the safety, security and the privacy of everyone, only authorized visitors are allowed in the workplace. This stage management policy maintains safety standards, protects against theft of personal property, ensures security of equipment, safeguards everyone's welfare, and avoids potential distractions and disturbances during rehearsal and performances.

Rehearsals, whether located in the studio, onstage or outside of the theatre, are closed to all visitors unless cleared by the PSM first. Visitors who are meeting company members should wait in the lobby.

At no time are visitors or Foothills staff allowed in the dressing rooms, green room or on stage from the half-hour call through the period after the curtain until the Stage Manager gives the OK, unless they have cleared their presence with the stage manager prior to half-hour or in the event of an emergency.

All guest should be accompanied by their host. If an unauthorized individual is observed in these areas, company members should immediately notify stage management.

The exterior doors of the building are to be locked after the box office closes for the day if there are no performances in the theatre for security reasons. No one is allowed to prop open the door and leave them unattended. If you go out for a smoke when the doors are locked, prop them open and stay nearby. when done close them tightly behind you so the door will lock securely. Failure to do so compromises everyones safety.

Since most of us are in the studio while rehearsing, we have no idea what is going on in the rest of the building. While the Box Office is open, they are able to see who is coming into the building when the doors are opened to the public.

forms for the actor

There are forms that you can download if you need them for the first rehearsal or there is an injury. Click here for the page.

scripts and rehearsal materials

Foothills should provide you with scripts, vocal scores, librettos and the like. Scripts may be in the book form from Dramatist, Samuel French or photocopied fro the same. Those scripts become your property. If you loose them you must purchase a new one.

Libretto's and vocal scores for musicals such as MTI, Rodgers and Hammerstein or Tams are rented from and are the property of the rights holder. Stage management will be assigning a number to each material. You will be asked to sign for these materials taking personal responsibility for each piece. Blocking and other notes written in the materials should be marked in a #2 pencil and all marks you made in the materials must be erased by you. The ASM/PA will be collecting the materials beginning on the next to last Sunday in the run. When you hand in your materials the PA will ask for your signiture showing that you returned your materials cleaned and in good condition. I will look through each script and will notify maqnagement if the script is not returend properly.

If you don't turn in a libretto or vocal score on the assigned date or you haven't cleaned your materials properly, the replacement value will be dedcted from your final weeks payroll.

your PSM, ASM's and PA's

Our stage management staff heirarchy is arranged so that I, as the PSM, rehearse and open almost all of our shows and then the ASM will take the show from me when I go onto rehearse the next show. I reain at all tie responsible for all shows that are on the deck and in rehearsal. Shows with over ten cast members will have me and an ASM plus a PA. Shows with under ten cast members will have a PA and me. A PA will be on a show all the way from first day of rehearsal to closing night.

On shows which come back-to-back with ten or more cast members, will each have an ASM. On the major book musicals, I will remain with the show and the ASM will remain on the deck and I will have the other ASM rehearse the other showa until tech and then I will take over and the ASM will stay on and take the call when the next show begins rehearsal.

All good? I'll be glad to explain further. We are the only company, as far as I know, in the US with this system. If you know of another one, let me the know the name so I can chat with them. Most have two SM's that revolve. This scheme gives me greater control over the entire process. There are problems that come up and we try to solve those situations when they arise in partnership with our AEA business rep. I love it because I get to work with everyone that comes through here and I have control over the process and the artistic integrity.

standing scheduled calls

There are three standing calls that are sceduled for every production within a studio, stage rehearsal and run.

1. photo calls

1. We may have press shot calls which are scheduled within the work day previous to the public opening for press pictures as per the rules described in the LORT contract. 24 hours notice shall be posted on the call board and given vocally unless there are unforseen circumstances arise. That call includes dressing and undressing time. These shots are usually waist high and show a lot of faces to sell tickets.
2. Archival and additional press shots are taken during the rehearsal of the Thursday dress rehearsal or the Friday Invited dress rehearsal.
3. If in the feeling of the Artistic Director additional archival pictures are needed, there will be a call following the performance on the third Friday night of teh run.

If an actor ever tells me that they didn't know about a photo call. I'll look you straight in the eye and say, "Yes you did."

2. costume fittings

If you are not called to come into Foothills prior to the first rehearsal, The costume shop will measure you during the pre read through business on the first rehearsal day.

Under this contract, the Costume Shop may call an Equity actor in for one call before the rehearsals begin. If this is requested, management should pay for your tramsportation since you are not paid for the call. All calls are scheduled per the LORT book.

Non-Equity actors may be called at any time for fittings. It is my goal to make that call as close to your call time as possible, but with large casts it makes it more difficult.

3. adt performances

Foothills provides Audio Described Theatre (ADT) for its visually handicapped patrons. ADT allows those with vision loss to experience live theatre more fully by providing an audio description of those elements that are generaly considered "visual." For many, ADT introduces them to live theatre; for those who enjoyed theatre prior to vision loss, ADT fills the gaps that may have been preventing them from enjoying live theatre.

At a dress rehearsal or preview a video reproduced is made under LORT Rule 65(M), which is then used to write a separate script with the description of the visual aspects of the prodcution. This script will be read by the Primary and Secondary interpreters and broadcast from a booth, to recievers and headsets worn by the visually handicapped. The Primary interpreter provides description of the plays actions between the actors dialogue. The Secondary interpreter provides preliminary comments before the show and during intermission such as lavatory locations, fire exits, cast bios, description of the costumes and set locations.

A dress reheasal for the ADT is run usually on the third Saturday matinee and the ADT performances are on the last Thrusday and Saturday matinees or the performance run (unless the performances are extended beyond the original closing date).

The ADT program is coordinated by Dianne Carpenter. If you desire more informantion about the program or possibly learnING to become a describer, please speak with Her.

call boards

The callboards are an easy way to transfer production information from me to you. Check them as you go by. Not reading what is posted is no excuse for not knowing what's going on.

There are three callboards:

1. in the rehearsal room for rehearsal information
2. the one green colored one in the hallway off the West Lobby, behind the dressing rooms for run information. This is my board. I payed for them so it is my board. Nah-nah! Please do not add, move, change, write on or remove anything on my callboard unless it goes through me first. On it will be: Sign-in sheet, notes, announcements, Workman's Comp Poster, Schedule and AEA information. Anything that is posted on my callboard that I did not put there or has a blue "posted" stamp on it will be removed to the other board or the trash. If you want something posted on the Stage Manager's callboard that is production oriented or notice please ask and I will stamp it "Posted."
3. The large callboard to the right of my board is where anyone can post non production information. Please place your private notices there. You'll find menues and other company info too.

the sign-in sheet

The sign-in sheet on the call board is stage management's record that an actor was on time for call. Please, sign-in on the call board when you arrive at the theatre for each call listed on the sheet by simply placing your initials in the space provided. Only sign-in for yourself. If an actor is late, absent or neglects to sign-in stage management will notate the lateness or absence on the Stage Managers Rehearsal Report.

If an actor continues to be late or does not follow the direction of stage management, the Stage Manager is obligate under contract to report such behavior to Equity in the weekly report to Equity.

press opening & reception

There is a reception following the press opening performance, usually in the Member's Lounge (formerly known as West Lobby) of the theater which the actors are invited to attend. Please change out of your costume and get to the lobby as quickly as possible for this event. After which, the company is free to partake in their own opening night plans. This is not a fancy affair, but management loves to have you there. You may dress up or down, but please dress cleanly.

while your in residence at ftc

we expect that all actors and staff will treat the space with care. If you see a piece of paper on the floor, please pick it up.

departing from ftc

When the production has closed and you are about to leave the dressing rooms (and your living accomodations), please check to make sure that you have gathered all of your personal belongings and you have returned all the scripts, scores, sides, vocal books, librettos, props, tools and such that were issued to you in the preparation of your role. All materials must be returned to stage management in the same condition as they were issued and signed back in.

Equity members having items shipped home or to their next gig should prepare ahead of time for the shipping process. Please let company management know of your shipping needs when you arrive so there should be no surprises. Also make sure you know the rules for shipping (Rule 6).

living & working in worcester

company housing

Please speak with the Company Manager directly about your housing if it is being provided to you, but for informational purposes... the company has an apartment at The Park Plaza Building, at 507 Main St. #201 in downtown Worcester, which is next to the Commons and City Hall within six minutes walking distance to the theatre (about 3 north/south NYC blocks). Pets are not allowed. The building has security doors. You will need your pass card to enter the building. The apartment is a two bedroom (one Equity actor per bedroom), one bath, kitchen and living room on the 2nd floor on the Franklins St. side of the building looking out onto the side of City Hall. The kitchen contains all neccessities. The apartment is furnished, which for the most part may be props. Television with cable service; each bedrooms a bed, dresser , chair and lamp. There is central air. Linens are provided. There are laundry facilities and garbage disposal There are elevators and central fire escape. Residentes of the apartment are responsible for maintaining their own laundry and the cleanliness of the apartment while in residence. There is a White Hen Pantry convenience store on the street level acessible from the lobby of the building. It is open 24 hours a day.

Actors may also be housed in private homes (or in a last resort, hotels) while the apartments are occupied by cast members of the current production onstage or for the entire run.

Wherever you are housed, please have your mail forwarded to the theatre care of (c/o) the theatre address at the top, not The Park Plaza. Company or Stage Management will distribute mail to your dressing room or the rehearsal room.

downtown worcester

Worcester, MA (pronounced Woosta or Wister depending...but never Warchester) was established as a town on June 14, 1722 and as a city on February 29, 1848. Worcester is located in Central Massachusetts approximately 45 miles west of Boston and is the second largest city in New England. Worcester has evolved from a blue collar mill and industrial city into an education, medical and research center with a fairly strong artistic core. Worcester is the home of nine colleges and universities, the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, and the Massachusetts Bio-Technology Research Park. There are also several professional sports teams

• Worcester's Wikipedia page
• Worcester's City page

Worcester's is a fairly safe city in which to live and work. That doesn't mean you should let your gaurd down. There have been several gang related shootings in the downtown area. The police department now has a designated gang unit to help stop gang violence.

There are many things to do in town and in the surrounding area. Visit the Worcester County site for more information on recreation. You can also go to SocialWeb site to see what's going on in Worcester socially and culturally.

worcester's fast facts

• Worcester is a city in Worcester County.
• It is the county seat.
• The community was named after an English town.
• The latitude of Worcester is 42.262N. The longitude is -71.802W.
• It is in the Eastern Standard time zone. Elevation is 482 feet.
• The estimated population, in 2003, was 175,706.
• Worcester is on the Blackstone River.
• The local courthouse was seized during Shays' Rebellion.
• The city was an important site for the abolitionist and suffragist movements of the 19th century.
• Worcester lays claim to being the birthplace of
  • the monkey wrench
  • the smiley face (Harvey Ball)
  • the space suit.
• Crime:
  • The number of violent crimes recorded by the FBI in 2003 was 1,536.
  • The number of murders and homicides was 7.
  • The violent crime rate was 8.8 per 1,000 people.
• Worcester received national attention for a 1999 fire that killed six firefighters.
• Filming location for the 1992 movie, "School Ties"
• Well-known residents have included:
  • Robert H. Goddard, physicist and rocket science pioneer
  • Denis Leary, comedian and actor
  • J. Geils, musician
  • Rich Gedman, baseball player & manager of the Worcester Tornadoes
  • Abbie Hoffman, activist
  • Bob Cousy, basketball player
  • Erik Per Sullivan, actor

what happened to the mall?

The mall is gone, but FTC is still here.

A new landlord, Berkely Investments and their partners, took posession in the summuer of '04 and redevelopment will proceed. Foothills will remain right where it is. The new multi use devlopment is called City Square. Please look at their site to see what will become of the property. It's pretty interesting.

dining in the neighborhood

Many of the mall eateries are gone now. For lunch I highly reccommend Eric's la Patisserie, outside the courtyard on Commercial St for soup, salad, sandwhich and good coffee and espresso drinks if your break ends by 2:00 PM. St. Vincent's Hospital across Major Taylor Blvd. (a.k.a. Worcetser Center Blvd.) has a great cafeteria and mini food court with a Dunkin Donut's, Garden Fresh Sandwhich Shop and Vincent's Pizza. You can also get your hair & nails done too and eat in the atrium. If the hospital fails it'll make a great hotel! Garden Fresh is a favorite of FTC actors over the past six years.

Worcester also has lots of great restaurants beyond the mall Social Web's search engines of restaurants will give you a vast number of results in the area. Closest to the Foothills are: Viva Bene one block north on Commercial St. As I previoouly mentioned, Eric's Patisserie serves morning coffee, pasteries and lunch salads and sandwiches up to about 2:00 PM, Common Grounds the Deli at 50 Franklin St. on the other side of the commons, is one of the only places for a "crack a fresh egg" egg sandwhich (all others are microwaved such as...); Dunkin Donuts on the corner of Main & Pleasent or in the hospital for the "day after" donuts.

A few of my other very favorite places in Worcester are Nick's Place, Ralph's and Vincent's, which are all owned by our good friend Vincent Hemmeter. Nicole Watson a former Foothills costume employee and Vincent's lady friend is the publican on Nick's Place.

local media

Worcestr's daily paper is the Telegram and Gazette. This paper also reviews our shows at Foothills. It came from the merger of two daily papers, the Worcester Telegram and the Evening Gazzette in 1989and the For fun, go to the City Hall Cam. It's right outside the Park Plaza.

There are other weekly papers in the area: Worcester Magazine (WoMag), The Pulse.

Worcester has no Boradcast television stations. Channel 3 is a cable information channel. Public Acess P.E.G. are 11-12-13. WBV-TV 4 in Boston has a bureau office dosntown.

This city has pretty good radio of all genres. WICN is public radio and broadcasts standard and HD-Radio signals of Jazz, folk and ethnic music.

The Red Sox are on WCRN 830-AM!

getting around worcester

The WRTA, Worcester Regional Trasnsportation Authority, offers a pretty extensive public bus system and The MBTA, Massachusetts Bay Trasnportation Authority, operates the trains to Boston. There are also several cab companies in the city. Jump to links/cabs.

Actors may drive their cars and park in the Yellow Parking Garage next to the theatre. Parking is $5.00. Jump back to company/parking.

recreation

Outdoor recreational activites abound in Central Massachusetts no matter when you are at Foothills. There is skiing, hiking and boating. There are many cultural activities in Worcester (and the Greater Boston area): Theatre, museums, music and sporting events like the Worchester Tornadoes, a minor league baseball team. The DCU Center, has the Worcester Sharks (AHL Hockey) New England Surge (arena football) Barnum & Bailey, American Idols LIVE (oh boy!), WWE, Rock tours, rodeo and the like.

weather

the current weather in worcester

seasonal averages

telephone numbers & links

Below is a list of links and telephone numbers that you should be exposed to while working at FTC.

If you have a suggestion about a phone number to be listed, drop me a note. I'd also like to know what you'd like to see on this page that would help you.

driving to and from ftc

from new york city:

Take I-684 North to I-84 to Harford. When I-84 ends, follow the directions from the Hartford.

from hartford, ct:

Take I-84 East and merge onto I-90 East, the Mass Pike. For the rest, follow the directions from the Western Masssachusettes. It is 11.7 miles to Exit 10, about 11 minutes. The toll cost will be $0.50.

from western massachusettes:

Get on the Mass Pike East. It is 87.3 miles from the Stockbridge toll booth and about 1 hour and 21 minutes from there. The toll cost is $1.50. Take exit 10 off the Pike and follow signs for I-290 East. Take Exit 16 Central St. At the light at the bottom of ramp, take a left onto Central Street. On Central Street: Go straight through three sets of lights (Bottom of other ramp under bridge/Summer St./Major Taylor Blvd.) At fourth set of lights (passing the DCU Center on your left). Go to finishing your trip...

from new london, ct:

Take I-395 North. Cross under the Mass Pike and I-395 North becomes I-290 East. Take Exit 16 Central St. At the light at the bottom of ramp, take a left onto Central Street. On Central Street: Go straight through three sets of lights (Bottom of other ramp under bridge/Summer St./Major Taylor Blvd.) At fourth set of lights (passing the DCU Center on your left). Go to finishing your trip...

try the Mass Pike toll calculator

from boston downtown or logan airport:

Take Mass Pike West. Its 40.4 miles, 37 minutes (uninterrupted travel) from I-93/South Station to Exit 10A and the toll is $3.10. From Logan Airport it's 43.8 miles, 40 minutes and $6.10 tolls.

Take exit 10A off the Mass Pike onto Rt. 146 (Providence Worcester Turnpike) Go all the way on Rt. 146 and Merge onto I-290 East. Take Exit 16 Central St. At the light at the bottom of ramp, take a left onto Central Street. On Central Street: Go straight through three sets of lights (Bottom of other ramp under bridge/Summer St./Major Taylor Blvd.) At fourth set of lights (passing the DCU Center on your left). Go to finishing your trip...

from the north shore:

Take I-495 South to Exit 25B, I-290 West. Take I-290 West into Worcester. Take Exit 16 Central St. At the light at the bottom of ramp, take a right onto Central Street. On Central Street: Go straight through two sets of lights (Summer St./Major Taylor Blvd.) At third set of lights (passing the DCU Center on your left). Go to finishing your trip...

from south shore:

Take I-495 North to the Mass Pike West. It is 12.4 miles from the 495 toll booth and about 11 minutes from there to exit 10A. The toll cost is $0.50.

Take exit 10A off the Mass Pike onto Rt. 146 (Providence Worcester Turnpike) Go all the way on Rt. 146 and Merge onto I-290 East. Take Exit 16 Central St. At the light at the bottom of ramp, take a left onto Central Street. On Central Street: Go straight through three sets of lights (Bottom of other ramp under bridge/Summer St./Major Taylor Blvd.) At fourth set of lights (passing the DCU Center on your left). Go to finishing your trip...

from providence:

Take Rt 146 all the way. Merge onto I-290 East. Take Exit 16 Central St. At the light at the bottom of ramp, take a left onto Central Street. On Central Street: Go straight through three sets of lights (Bottom of other ramp under bridge/Summer St./Major Taylor Blvd.) At fourth set of lights (passing the DCU Center on your left). Go to finishing your trip...

from eastern new hampshire, maine:

Take either I-95, I-93 or Rt. 3 to I-495 South to Exit 25B, I-290 West. Take I-290 West into Worcester. Take Exit 16 Central St. At the light at the bottom of ramp, take a right onto Central Street. On Central Street: Go straight through two sets of lights (Summer St./Major Taylor Blvd.) At third set of lights (passing the DCU Center on your left). Go to finishing your trip...

from western new hampshire, vermont:

Take I-91 South to Exit 27/Rt. 2 East (or take any local road south to Rt. 2 East). Take Exit 33/I-190 South. when I-190 ends, stay to the right and you will merge with I-290 West into Worcester. Take Exit 16 Central St. At the light at the bottom of ramp, take a right onto Central Street. On Central Street: Go straight through two sets of lights (Summer St./Major Taylor Blvd.) At third set of lights (passing the DCU Center on your left). Go to finishing your trip...

finishing your trip...

Turn left onto Commercial Street. After the stop light at Foster St., immediately prepare to make a left turn to park in City Square garage.