Why Every High School Theater Needs a Rehearsal Contract

Let’s talk about why every high school theater (and even middle school) needs a rehearsal contract. When I first began directing youth theater plays, I ran everything like a professional theater company.  That’s all I knew. Don’t be like me. It’s a wonder any students continued working with me.  I’m sure I was too strict, too rigid and too professional.  These are kids for heaven’s sake.  However, running a high school play or musical is no small task.

Between casting, scheduling, and final performances, there are countless moving pieces that require organization and commitment. One of the best ways to establish expectations from the start is through a rehearsal contract. If you do so, you will have less issues to deal with and that’s tantamount to keeping the stress at bay. Wondering about all the details of directing?  Check out:  Ten Important Elements to Consider When Directing a Youth Theater Production

You ask, what is a rehearsal contract?  A rehearsal contract is a simple document that outlines responsibilities, schedules, and rules for everyone involved in a production. It ensures that students, parents, and staff are on the same page, helping to create a smooth and professional rehearsal process.

Why Every High School Theater Needs a Rehearsal Contract

1. Attendance Policy
   Too often, I read in Facebook theater teacher groups about directors losing students to conflicts they never mentioned prior to casting the show.  Students should understand that theater is a team effort, and absences affect everyone. The contract should outline expectations regarding:

• Required attendance for rehearsals and performances You need to decide how much you are willing to acquiesce to students’.  Me?  I don’t budge.  
• Consequences for excessive absences.  Will they be dropped from the show?  
• Procedures for notifying the director in case of emergencies–Do you want it in an email?  You must state this. 

1. Rehearsal Schedule
   A clear schedule helps students plan accordingly. The contract should include:

• Weekly rehearsal days and times  My advice is to begin and end promptly at the time you set.  Inform the students to arrive early if they want to visit.
• Tech week expectations (longer rehearsals, no absences) If it’s over a meal time.  Will you feed them? 
• Acknowledgment that last-minute changes may occur. Will you send out an email stating these or post it outside of your classroom? 

Rehearsal Conflict: Calling the Right Actors at the Right Time

Note:  I’m a little different here–I only call the actors I need to work with in a particular scene.  Everyone is not called for rehearsal every day. If the scene includes other characters but they are not important to the blocking (a large cast scene, for example), I don’t require them until later.

Why?  Because the non-speaking characters can become bored very quickly. Or they might feel taken advantage of to have to rehearse when they aren’t the focus of the scene. (All actors have egos!) Check out my blog about double casting: Double Casting a Show? Here’s Advice

3.  Behavior Expectations
A rehearsal is only as productive as the attitude of the cast and crew. Guidelines should address:

• Respect for directors, stage managers, and fellow cast members–Maintaining a quiet atmosphere is important
• Staying focused and engaged during rehearsals–No talking during rehearsals
• Cell phone usage and socializing limits–I don’t allow cell phones in rehearsals.  They are a huge distraction to everyone.  I warn everyone once.  After that, I begin taking phones away and setting them on the edge of the stage.

4. Line and Blocking Memorization
Deadlines for memorization help keep the production on track. The contract can specify:

• When actors must be off-book.  For instance, when we block a scene, I remind them that  the next time we hearse this scene, I require them to be off book–they may ask for lines at this rehearsal, however.
• The importance of learning blocking and choreography–I’m a real stickler for blocking. Additionally, I take great care and time pre-blocking the production and I have reasons that  I want the actors to use my blocking.  The blocking always motivates the lines. 
• You may need to teach your students how to memorize lines and blocking.  Check out this post for help:  Three Ways to Memorize Lines for a Play or Musical
• Consequences for failing to meet deadlines. If you set up rehearsals and expectations properly, you will not need consequences.  You could use a “three strikes and you are out” rule.

Costumes, Props & Backstage Expectations: Taking Responsibility for the Details

5.  Technical and Costuming Responsibilities
The backstage crew and actors share responsibility for props, set pieces, and costumes. The contract should include:

• Care and handling of costumes, props, and set pieces You need to make a list of what you expect here.  Do you expect the students to wash their clothes between shows?  Wearing deodorant? How about hanging them up properly?
• Expectations for costume fittings–I also remind the students that they are wearing costume not a cute outfit to school.  It is different.  Plus, It is not uncommon for them to not like how they look in the costume (teenage angst) , but they will learn how to accept this in time.
• Any personal items students need to provide (shoes, base clothing, etc.)

6.  Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment
Since high school theater often involves extended hours, transportation, and possible fees, the contract should require a          parent/guardian signature. This ensures:

• Parents are aware of the time commitment  Spell it out several times. For instance, “Rehearsals run from 4:30 to 6:30 Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Then, beginning February 18, they will run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.”
• They understand financial obligations. Usually, I suggest mentioning this right up front.  This may keep some students from participating.
• They are encouraged to support their child’s participation. Welcome your parents to be involved as chairs for committees such as box office, concessions, building the set, props and costumes. I’ve made great friendships with my students’ parents.  They are terrific cheerleaders for your program!

The Benefits of Using a Rehearsal Contract

Sometimes, you will find that you are teaching the parents and the students how to rehearse and what is expected of them.  Remember:  A contract does more than just enforce rules—it builds accountability. Not only does it help students treat the production with a higher level of professionalism, it  prepares them for future performance experiences.

Additionally, it reduces confusion and ensures that parents, students, and staff share the same expectations from day one. By implementing a rehearsal contract, you’re setting your cast and crew up for success, creating a smoother process for everyone involved.

Looking for more information about directing a production with students?  Check out: Critical Steps in Producing a Play or Musical: Costumesor Critical Steps in Selecting a Play or Musical: Casting

A Freebie Just for You! 

Like always, it is my goal to help teachers by providing resources that lighten their teaching. Check out this rehearsal contract and see if it has what you need.  I’ve created a word doc. of it!! You can download it and work it from there.  I hope this helps you!  Click here: Rehearsal Contract

High School Theater Rehearsal Contract

Production Title: [Insert Play/Musical Name]
School Name: [Insert School Name]
Director: [Insert Director’s Name]
Rehearsal Start Date: [Insert Date]
Performance Dates: [Insert Dates]

1. Attendance Policy

The success of our production depends on everyone’s commitment. Cast and crew members agree to:

• Attend all scheduled rehearsals unless excused in advance.
• Arrive on time and remain for the full duration of rehearsal.
• Notify the director at least 24 hours in advance if an absence is unavoidable.
• Limit absences to [insert allowed number] before roles may be reassigned.
• Be present for all mandatory rehearsals, including tech week and performances (no absences permitted).

2. Rehearsal Schedule

• Rehearsals will be held on [insert days and times].
• Tech week and additional rehearsals may be scheduled as needed.
• Students must check the callboard/email for updated schedules.

3. Rehearsal Etiquette

• Arrive prepared with your script, notes, and any necessary materials.
• Give full attention to the director, stage manager, and crew.
• Respect the rehearsal space—clean up after yourself and take care of props/costumes.
• Keep talking and cell phone use to a minimum unless permitted by the director.
• Support your fellow cast and crew members with a positive attitude.

4. Line and Blocking Memorization

• Lines must be memorized by [insert deadline].
• Blocking and choreography must be fully learned and retained.
• Failure to meet deadlines may result in removal from the production.

5. Costume and Technical Responsibilities

• Actors will be responsible for attending all costume fittings.
• Proper care must be taken with all props, costumes, and set pieces.
• Actors may be required to provide certain personal costume items (shoes, undergarments, etc.).

6. Behavioral Expectations

• Treat directors, stage managers, cast, and crew with respect.
• Disruptive behavior, excessive tardiness, or refusal to cooperate may result in dismissal from the production.
• Follow all school rules and adhere to safety protocols.

7. Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment

Parents/guardians must acknowledge the commitment required:

• Students may have extended rehearsals leading up to the show.
• Parents are responsible for transportation and ensuring their child arrives on time.
• There may be financial responsibilities for costume items or production fees (if applicable).

Agreement and Signatures

By signing this contract, I acknowledge my role in this production and agree to adhere to the rehearsal expectations. I understand that failure to comply with these terms may result in consequences, including removal from the production.

Student Name (Print): ____________________________
Student Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________

Parent/Guardian Name (Print): ____________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________

Director Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________

This contract sets clear expectations while reinforcing professionalism in high school theater. Let me know if you’d like any modifications!

I hope this post gives you all the answers you are looking for, but if not feel free to email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com and ask me any questions you have.