Theater Code of Ethics – Part 1

PART 1

The theater has a long oral tradition of passing down a code of ethics from one generation to the next generation.  These codes of behavior range from the practical to the superstitious.  Never miss a performance.  Never cause a curtain to be late.  Never speak the name of the Scottish play in a theater – or you’ll have to go outside and run around the building three times, and I believe salt throwing is involved, but I’m not exactly sure how.

Many theaters have actually formalized this process by writing their own Code of Ethics and having their company members sign the code and take an oath of allegiance to uphold its principles.  In 1945, for example, the Circle Players (later the Players’ Ring) wrote such a code of ethics, and have inspired the NYCDA Theater Department to follow in their path.  We are currently striving to define and clearly state our goals.  How do we want to proceed to be the best actors we can be — the best people we can be?  Here’s our beginning draft.

1) I will do my work HONESTLY while doing it with KINDNESS.

2) I will do my work TRUTHFULLY while letting others have their own truth, their own experience.  (Here are some slogans on this theme shared by the students: “Keep the drama on the stage” or “stop carrying the cross, we need the wood for the set!”)

3) I will embrace a variety of OPINIONS, remembering that different doesn’t always mean better.  And, I don’t always need to WIN.  I can LISTEN just as easily.

Please join in.  Let us know your thoughts.  Help us craft our Code.

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