The Illinois State Dance Theatre is the concert dance company of Illinois State University. It's mission is to present the many forms of artistic dance at a professional level. In order to accomplish this mandate, it is critical that company members understand just what is required of dancers in a professional atmosphere. Dancers must approach their preparation and execution of rehearsals and performances with an attitude that reflects qualities of hard work, dedication, and punctuality, and respect for the choreographer, the choreography, other dancers, and the overall good of ISDT. Here are some guidelines concerning your responsibilities to the company, and to yourself as a dancer, that must be followed for the successful operation of ISDT and your continued participation.

Technique

Dancers must be committed to developing their technical abilities to their fullest, and maintaining that level through the rehearsal and performance period. Therefore it is required that all members of ISDT be enrolled in at least one technique class at ISU during the rehearsal & performance period. This class must be of level II or above. (Exceptions may be made by individual choreographers based on the needs of their piece.) Periodic master classes and a weekly company class are required beginning IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMPANY IS SELECTED IN THE FALL semester.  ISDT SUFFERS IF WE DO NOT MEET AS A COMPANY ON A CONSISTENT BASIS.  BE CERTAIN TO ARRANGE YOUR SCHEDULES TO ACCOMMODATE COMPANY CLASS FROM 10:30-NOON EACH FRIDAY!!!  These classes are in conjunction with enrollment in THEATRE PRACTICUM and attendance is mandatory.   Effective August of 2006, dancers with conflicts in enrolling in Theatre Practicum and attending the Friday Co Class consistently throughout the semester must complete a Company Class Waiver form.  The Artistic Director and dance faculty will determine whether to approve the waiver.  If approval is not granted, the dancer will be immediately dismissed from the company.   In addition, students in absentee problems within their weekly technique classes and curriculum resulting in academic issues in their technique/theory classes will be reported to your Artistic Director.   Action will be taken at that point to place that dancer on "probation" from the company and may result in recasting for the upcoming performances.  ISDT is expected to serve as MODEL students in their dance technique and theory classes. 

Attendance at rehearsals is mandatory. No exceptions. If you are sick, get a note from the doctor. If you have an emergency, notify me or the choreographer BEFORE the rehearsal, not after. Choreographers will make the effort to be understanding in accommodating work schedules, but the ultimate responsibility for attendance lies with each dancer. If you cannot commit totally to the rehearsal schedule, you cannot be a company member. Schedules will be discussed and posted in advance, and it is your responsibility to know when and where you are having rehearsal.

You must have the desire to dance in the performances of ISDT above all of your other activities. Excuses like going home for the weekend or having tickets to a concert are unacceptable. If you have one unexcused absence, the choreographer has the option of removing you from the piece. If this happens repeatedly, you will be dismissed from the company and not be permitted to audition for future concerts. All pieces will be assigned understudies if a dancers should need to be replaced for any reason.

Contribution to Fundraising

As an apprentice or full company member, you are expected to commit to five fundraising events per semester.  It is essential that ISDT continue to work to provide additional opportunities for its dancers most especially during the current budget crisis facing the University.  Simply put, your willingness to volunteer in this capacity is MANDATORY.    Dancers unable or unwilling to commit to this responsibility will be placed on probation at Laurie's discretion. 

Professionalism

As a company member, you should display a professional working attitude towards rehearsal, preparations for performances, and to other dancers. Group energy must be maintained - a positive atmosphere promotes growth. ISDT is a family. It is fully expected that each individual within the company contributes to the group as a whole.

ISDT represents the Dance Area within the School of Theatre of Illinois State University. Final casting and programmatic decisions will be made in the best interest of the company by the Artistic Director. ISDT should be viewed as a pre-professional experience for all those participating. The company is not an extra-curricular activity. It is due to this mission that high standards of performance must be prioritized.

Rehearsals: Arrive at least 15 minutes early to sufficiently warm up, have the proper attire requested by the choreographer, and work quietly and efficiently. Dancers not giving this level of commitment will be dismissed. Concentrate on the choreography, and do not talk with other dancers during a rehearsal unless it is specifically about the piece. Devote your energies to the rehearsal. Be open to suggestions, criticism, and change. Do not rehearse other work during a specific choreographer's rehearsal - this is rude and clearly shows a lack of respect.

Preparation: Maintain a physical appearance that reflects your commitment to dance as a performance art. Hair securely fastened away from the face, dance attire that reflects a respect for the art form, and your mind in the mode of concentration and work. Approach your rehearsal as you would a job. You are a tool in the hands of the choreographer, so be open and ready to be molded. Maintain a lean, well conditioned, clean body. 

Other Dancers: Avoid personality conflicts with other dancers, avoid cliques, make every effort to get to know all company members. Be concerned with your role, and let the choreographer worry about other dancers. Be concerned with your own abilities, and do not criticize others - help them! Above all, maintain the primary goal of working for the best possible presentation of the company, first and foremost. This will happen if each dancer works to his or her potential. Senior company members will be expected to serve as Mentors to younger company members. We want all ISDT dancers to find satisfaction and joy in their work with the company however this is not a "recreational experience".  In other words, we urge all dancers to treat the rehearsal/class/performance process as professionally as possible and to demonstrate respect towards the process, towards other dancers, towards the dance faculty, and towards the support staff that provides our production needs.

Understudies: Understudies for ISDT are chosen based upon a belief that exposure and experience provides a training ground to develop to a higher level. Understudies are in no way guaranteed a performance opportunity but are encouraged to commit fully with the realization that they may be cast in the future based upon the experience gained as an understudy. Dancers designated as understudies should learn any and all aspects of choreography during the rehearsal period. Understudies should make every effort to work to the side or back of the rehearsal space yet should work as fully as possible. Each choreographer's interaction style with understudies will vary.

Probation: Dancers placed on probation after one semester are given a second semester to improve their work ethic, commitment, technical ability, and/or other issues addressed by the Artistic Director and/or dance faculty. If it is determined after the semester period of probation that a dancer has not made the necessary improvements requested, she or he will not be considered for further company membership.