Thread: policies in a student troupe regarding performing

Do any of you have rules regarding perfomances with your students that would encompass if they drop out of a performance? Such as they aren't allowed to dance in the next one?
I am having what was once a large show, but I had several dancers drop out early on. Then I had some drop out way too close to the date for comfort.
I'm not trying to be mean, and I understand things come up, but where is the commitment?
thanks!

One studio I used to dance for made everyone sign a contract at the beginning of the recital season stating that you agree to XX number of practices and the performance. If I remember correctly, the contract stated that you had to pay if you drop out. I could be wrong.

Of course, each situation needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis. What I have found is that when people sign a "commitment contract", they stick to it a little better.

I guess it is because everyone understands the rules going into this.

I think the idea of removing her from the next performance needs to depend on a lot of factors including reason for dropping out.

If she dropped out to be a snot - then a good banning may be in place. Though- I would think about the contract for the next performance so there is no question to what the outcome is for poor behavior, dropping out, not showing up to class, not showing up to the dress rehersal, etc.

My troupe agreement states that they have to commit either way three weeks before the performance. I think it's far enough in advance to make changes, but close enough that people should know about any scheduling conflicts.

I have all my students sign a "committment letter" when they decide they want to be in the show. i can't really do anything to them if they drop out, but seeing the time committment that the show entails up front and in writing usually discourages the would-be flakers from committing in the first place.

Ohh daniela, I'd like to see that letter. It would help me to have it in writing too. I get so confused as to who's committed to a show and who's not. We do one or two or more shows per month, and I work full time too! Maybe I also need some Ginko what's it too. :)

Another thought about people dropping out of shows is: a natural consequence of that would be to put them on chorus or back row for the next show. I mean if you can't count on them then chorus or back row last back corner of a tirangle, etc. would be the logical spot for them - just in case they drop out again. I don't think that's mean, just preservation of your sanity and consideration for those who are dependable.

Some sort of commitment letter or contract is a great idea!! You do need to know who you can depend on and who you can't. And you do need to be considerate and reward those that are dependable, even if some may not be your best performers technique wise, they are good performers in that you can rely on them. So putting no-shows in the back for future shows is a great idea too.

I actually have a special class for my performers and it is an expectation of the class that you are to perform at all shows. If they cannot make a particular show then they have been good to let me know well in advance, so I can rearrange the staging if need be. I only put people in that class that have already shown a commitment to coming to class and a desire to perform. Not everybody wants to perform and that is fine, so they are in their own class. So for me it is easy, I have already separated the committed performers from the non-committed students and can work with them independently. So first, I would suggest to ask who wants to perform and who doesn't, and then those that do, ask them to sign a commitment letter or contract.
But sounds like you do need to have a talk with your class about commitment to performances ASAP!!