As composed by the first PDP Constitution Committee:
Peter Berger, Kelly Cacioppo, Jennifer Forestiere, Jordan Greenberg, Ashleigh Johnson, Michelle Krichbaum, Rory Leahy, Navin Prasad, Samantha Raue, Geoff Robinson, Tom Schorsch, Sean Wade, Theresa Winters
With final revision completed May 5, 2001
by Tom Schorsch, Artistic Director
And the second:
Ryan Hurth, Darwin Schafer, Steve Stetak, Rachael Summins, Jim Trapp
With re-revision completed Nov. 18, 2003
by Jim Trapp, Artistic Director
Re-write and Revision completed April 1, 2012
by Gina Dunn, Jack Gall, Haley Jenkins, Kelsey Pigg, Erin Schield, Abbie Welsch, Ian Williams
Additional Revision completed January 2015
By Stephanie Svarz and Katie Newport
Re-write and Revision completed November 2015
by Jessica Stroner, Tyler Harr, Stephanie Svarz, Evan London, Aaron Russell, Kathryn Burke, Alexander Richardson, Mark Weidner, Molly Petray, Cierra Womack, Adonis Holmes, Christine Pallon, Joseph Antonetti, Gracie McCall
Revision completed March 2017
By: Evan London, Molly Petray, Cierra Womack, Adonis Holmes, Joseph Antonetti, Colleen Shelton, Sara Temple
Revision completed December 2017
By: Sara Temple, Gracie McCall, Cierra Womack, Emma Kosnik, Adonis Holmes, Anusha Bansal, Greer Durham, Tatjana Utvic, Dean Chou, Evan London, Christine Pallon
Revision completed January 2019
By: Gracie McCall, Greer Durham, Julian Race, Jamie Gordon, Emma Kosnik, Tatjana Utvic, Xavier Jordan, Remington Sheehan, Anna Marie Bidlack, Kelsey Woodbury, Anusha Bansal, Dean Chou, Justin Dirr
Preamble
The entity shall be named the Penny Dreadful Players (PDP).
Our mission is to provide quality theatre to the campus and community at large and to provide an outlet for original works by student playwrights.
We work to involve all students (especially those who might not otherwise have these opportunities) in all aspects of theatrical production, whether that be writing, directing, acting, set or sound or lighting or costume design, publicity, fund-raising, etc. We believe in theater as a public art created by a community of people, arising from each of the various talents and skills of the participants.
The term "Penny Dreadful" originally referred to inexpensive collections of stories popular in England during the late 19th century. As the name implies, most of these stories were of poor quality, but occasionally a masterpiece would emerge from among them. As a student theatre company, our aim is to uncover potential masterpieces and bring them to the stage. All it takes is a good story.
A group of individuals brought together by an Illini Union Board production of "The Little Shop of Horrors" formed the Penny Dreadful Players in mid-November of 1992. Interested in branching out into non-musical theatre, they were frustrated by the lack of outlets for non-theatre majors. Luckily, this group possessed not only the desire to act, but also extensive experience in nearly every area of the performing arts. They registered the Penny Dreadful Players as a Registered Student Organization at the University of Illinois and put on their first show, Arthur Miller’s "All My Sons" in February of 1993.
Article I: Membership
Section 1: Application
Clause 1
Membership is limited to currently registered UIUC students, faculty, and staff.
Clause 2
Applicants are required to have participated and completed at least two PDP productions in a lifetime. This includes, but is not limited to, writing, directing, acting, or working on tech crews. Discretionary matters on whether this clause has been satisfied will be deferred to the judgment of the Managing Director.
Clause 3
Before applying to join the board, applicants are required to attend a regularly scheduled board meeting, review a copy of the Constitution and mission, and review their duties as members. At the next meeting, applicants are to present before the board a written, signed, personal statement that states their reasons for seeking membership and the productions in which they have actively participated.The applicant must also be able to recite their duties as a board member and PDP’s mission.
Section 2: Election
Clause 1
Once the applicant has presented him or herself to the board and submitted an application, the board is permitted to ask questions of the applicant. The applicant should then leave the boardroom momentarily, during which time the board shall discuss and vote on the application.
Clause 2
A simple majority of the board is required to accept a new member.
Clause 3
After a member has been elected to the board, his or her right to vote is not instated until a probationary period of two meetings, including the one during which they applied, has passed. All other member privileges and duties (as outlined in Section A of the Bylaws) apply immediately.
Clause 4
If a member has been elected to the board during the last meeting of the school year, the probationary period will end after A) the first summer vote OR B) the first meeting of the new year.
Section 3: Duties
Clause 1: Acceptance
By acceptance into PDP as a board member, the signature given on the application constitutes acceptance of all content and rules outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Clause 2: Attendance
All board members are required to attend all regular meetings designated by the officers. If a board member cannot attend a meeting they must inform the Secretary prior to the meeting to be granted an excused absence. In the event it is not possible to notify an officer ahead of time, an excused absence may still be granted at the discretion of the Managing Director and Artistic Director. A board member is allotted 3 missed meetings, but after 3 missed meetings they are on probation and ineligible to vote for the following 3 meetings they attend.
Clause 3: Participation
Board members are required to participate in half of the shows per semester that they are active. Participation includes, but is not limited to, writing, acting, directing, producing, working on tech crews, or administrative duties such as ticket-taking or running auditions.
Clause 4: Reading Materials
It is the responsibility of individual board members to read all materials and scripts presented to the board.
Clause 56: Support
Board members are required to see all productions.
Section 4: Privileges
Clause 1: Privileges
Member privileges include the right to vote (after the probationary period of two meetings, as outlined in Article II, Section 2, Clause 3, of the Constitution), free admission to all PDP productions, and other privileges outlined herein.
Section 5: Delinquent Status
Clause 1
A member is delinquent when any of the following occur:
· If a board member misses a 4th meeting, during said meeting, their absences will be reviewed to determine their status on Board.
· A member fails to participate in any capacity in at least half of the productions in a given semester.
. A member fails to attend a production without being excused.
· Any unspecified reason brought forth to vote by an officer, including but not limited to, insubordination, theft, etc.
Clause 2
After one offense listed above, the board member in question will receive a verbal warning regarding their first strike and the behavior that caused it. After the second offense, the board member will receive an email and verbal warning regarding their second strike and the behavior that caused it. If a third strike is reached, The Managing Director and the Artistic Director will meet privately with the delinquent board member and discuss their imminent termination.
Clause 3
Strikes reset at the beginning of a semester.
Clause 4
The terminated board member may re-propose to join board the following semester.
Section 6: Termination
Clause 1
A vote of two-thirds majority of the board is required to terminate membership.
Section 7: Resignation
Clause 1
In order for a board member to officially resign from the PDP board they must submit, either in writing or orally at a meeting, their resignation.
Clause 2
No vote is required--resignation is a voluntary act.
Section 8: Exiting the University
Clause 1
Upon time a board member graduates or no longer is actively affiliated with the University of Illinois, his or her membership dissolves.
Section 9: Hiatus
Clause 1
A board member may elect to go on Hiatus for periods of a semester or longer for reasons such as study abroad and be freed from their responsibilities for the duration. Such members still retain their member privileges, except that of voting. Full privileges are restored immediately upon his or her return to active membership.
Clause 2
If a board member does not return from their hiatus after their study abroad or does not return after being on hiatus for any other unspecified reason for the length of one semester [16 weeks], their membership is dissolved. If a member wishes to reinstate or terminate their membership, they must do so in writing at the end of their 16 weeks.
Article II: Officers
Section 1: Titles
Managing Director, Artistic Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Publicity Coordinator, Technical Director, and Dramaturge
Section 2: Application
Clause 1
Applicants are to give at least one meeting's advance notice of their intent to run.
Clause 2
In order to be an officer, the applicant is required to be an active board member.
Section 3: Election
Clause 1
A plurality of the full board is required to elect an officer, if more than one person is running for office.
Clause 2
Elections should be held at the first regularly scheduled meeting in April.
Clause 3
Newly elected officers will spend the final month of the academic year learning their elected office and review the officer’s handbook prior to becoming an active officer.
Clause 4
In the event of a tie for any position, board members must write a comprehensive pros and cons list on each candidate and will have an interactive Q & A session with the candidates about those specific concerns. After answering those questions, the board will revote. In the event of a second tie, the board members who are leaving board or graduating this university will be removed from the voting, and a new vote will be taken. In the event of a third tie, the board will review the resumes of the two candidates and choose the one that has more experience with the Penny Dreadful Players.
Section 4: Duties
Clause 1
The duties and responsibilities of each officer position are detailed in the bylaws.
Clause 2
In addition to the individual responsibilities of each officer position, officers are expected to fulfill all the responsibilities of a regular member of the board.
Section 5: Removal
Clause 1
The reasons for removal of an officer include:
· Not actively fulfilling the responsibilities of his or her position or that of a board member as listed in the by-laws
· Action that is detrimental to the company
· Infringements of Constitutional or By-law regulation outlined herein
Clause 2
Any active board member can bring forth the process of removal of an officer. A letter of cause is to be presented before the board. The officer is allowed the course of four board meetings to reconcile the causes.
Clause 3
A vote of 80% of the board is required to remove an officer.
Clause 4
In the event an officer is removed, an election will be held immediately to fill the position.
Clause 5: Other Duties
It is the responsibility of all officers to maintain the duties of a board member as well as those outlined by their elected position.
Section 6: Immediate Removal of an Officer
Clause 1
In the event an action(s) performed by a board member is so detrimental and dangerous to the reputation or functioning of the organization, an immediate call for a vote of removal may be petitioned. A board member must bring a written petition to the board meeting, or have the Managing Director or Artistic Director call an emergency meeting, outlining the reasons in which the immediate, emergency removal of the board member is necessary. The board will then vote privately on whether or not to remove the board member. A vote of 80% of the board is required to remove the board member immediately.
Section 7: Resignation
Clause 1
In the event an officer resigns, an election will be held immediately to fill the position.
Clause 2
No vote is required when a board member resigns.
Article III: Productions
Section 1: Definition
Clause 1
A production is defined as any artistic expression aimed at the betterment of the community at large. This community must include the University but may also encompass a larger community as well.
Section 2: Proposals
Clause 1
Request for PDP funding and production support requires a written, signed proposal presented to the board. Proposals, along with the full script, must sent to the PDP email by the submission deadline.
Clause 2
The Secretary is responsible for providing the prospective applicants a sample proposal, the list of spaces, and a description of how Proposalpalooza will take place.
Clause 3
All proposals must include a member of the Board of Directors on it in some capacity (i.e. Director, Producer, Dramaturge, etc.) and the board member must be actively involved in the production process. If there is not a board member attached to the show when it is proposed, one will be assigned upon the show’s approval on Proposalpalooza.
Clause 4
A date for proposal submissions must be assigned by the end of the second month of the semester (i.e. September for Fall Semester, February for Spring). A Proposalpalooza date must be assigned as well, allotting the Board of Directors ample time to read each proposal. A good rule of thumb would be to have proposals due the day before Fall/Spring break and have Proposalpalooza scheduled for the second meeting after the respective break.
Clause 5
The written proposal must include:
-The proposed venue
-A detailed budget
- A synopsis of the play
- Reasons for PDP to produce the play
- The production schedule
-The production staff
- Any other relevant information
Clause 6
All members of the Board of Directors are required to read the proposals in order to vote for which shows to pass.
Section 3: Proposalpalooza
Clause 1
Proposalpalooza is the meeting where the shows for the following semester are determined. If possible, the show dates and production process should be solidified on this day as well.
Clause 2
The proposed show director and every board member involved must present on the Proposalpalooza date.
Clause 3
All board members must attend the Proposalpalooza date unless an emergency arises.
Clause 4
Each applicant will be allotted 5 minutes to pitch the show to the Board of Directors. A board member, assigned the day-of, will be responsible for keeping track of all time limitations for each show proposal.
Clause 5
After the 5-minute pitch, there will be a 15-minute time period where the Board of Directors can ask the production staff questions about the proposal or the play.
Clause 6
After the question-answer portion, the applicants and any non-board members present will leave the room so that the remaining board members can discuss the pros and cons for the show proposed. 15 minutes is the preferred time frame for this discussion, but more time can be allotted if the board members do not feel like they have adequately discussed the proposal. If any questions arise during the discussion portion, the proposed staff can be invited back into the room to answer, but must leave the room again for voting to take place.
Section 4: Voting
Clause 1
At the beginning of Proposalpalooza, the board will vote on the maximum number of shows that will be passed during Proposalpalooza.
Clause 2
There are two ways voting can occur:
Clause 3
Voting will take place by writing on a piece of paper that the Secretary will tally.
Clause 4
If the second method is used to vote on shows, board members cannot vote for a show they are proposing.
Clause 5
A simple majority of eligible voters is required to approve a production.
Clause 6
After all proposals have been voted on and the season for the following semester has been approved, the Board of Directors and the staff of each production will solidify a schedule (to the best of their abilities) for auditions, the process, and the show dates.
Clause 7
Once the season has been solidified, the Managing Director will tell the Managing Directors of the other theater groups the planned schedule to avoid conflicting weekends to the best of their abilities. If PDP is the last to solidify our season, the Managing Director is responsible for trying not to have show weekend conflicts with more than one other theatre group.
Section 4: Limitations
Clause 1
Once accepted, the staff gives PDP the right to take control of any aspect of the production upon time that the Artistic Director sees fit with validation from The Managing Director.
Clause 2
The staff can receive no more than the amount of money outlined in the approved budget detailed in the proposal.
Clause 3
Any changes to the proposal (refer to Article III, Section 2, Clause 3) must be presented to the board in a new proposal on which the board must vote.
Clause 4
The Artistic Director or Technical Director grants the staff access to PDP's production assets.
Section 5: Termination
Clause 1
In the event a staff member or show compromises any aspect of the approved application or laws governed herein, the show may be terminated.
Clause 2
Either the Artistic Director or the Managing Director must bring forth the process of terminating a show. The Artistic Director or Managing Director must bring a written proposal outlining the reasons the show should be terminated.
Clause 3
To terminate a production requires a vote of two thirds majority of the board.
Article IV: Amendments
Section 1: Application
Clause 1
Any active board member may present amendments to the Constitution and/or Bylaws.
Section 2: Acceptance
Clause 1
In order for an Amendment to be approved a vote of 75% is required by the board.
Section 3: Placement
Clause 1
Amendments that are successfully passed will be placed in chronological order as they are passed, following Article V of the constitution.
Article V: Ratification
In order for the Constitution and Bylaws outlined herein to be ratified, a vote of 75% by all active board members is required.
Bylaws
A. Officers
Section 1: Managing Director
Clause 1: Definition
The Managing Director is in charge of management and operation of the Company. They shall act as President of the Registered Student Organization (RSO) Penny Dreadful Players and fulfill all the duties of that office as outlined by the University of Illinois. The Managing Director and Artistic Director shall maintain equal power within the Company, except where specifically noted in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
The Managing Director's duties include:
· Distributing of responsibility
· Conducting all required meetings
· Holding on to one of the storage locker keys and knowing where it is at all times
· Deciding matters of interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws
· Overseeing all special projects of the Company outside of normal productions
· Obedience to any University rules that apply to a President of an RSO
· Signing University documents (space requests, documents from the Public Functions Office, etc.) as an authorized agent of an RSO
-To protect the funds and integrity of the Penny Dreadful Players, both the Treasurer and the Managing Director will be listed as authorized signing agents on the separate bank account currently at Busey Bank.
Clause 3: Removal or Resignation
If the Managing Director is either removed or resigns, the Artistic Director will act as interim until the next scheduled board meeting.
Clause 4: Limitations
An Artistic Director and Managing Director may not be on the production staff of a show together.
Section 2: Artistic Director
Clause 1: Definition
The Artistic Director is in charge of the artistic integrity of the Company and oversees all PDP approved productions. They shall act as "Third Authorized Agent" of the Registered Student Organization (RSO) Penny Dreadful Players and fulfill all the duties of that office as outlined by the University of Illinois. The Managing Director and Artistic Director shall maintain equal power within the Company, except where specifically noted in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
The Artistic Director's duties include:
· Attending at least one rehearsal of all approved shows
· Assisting producers who require help
· Altering or assuming control of productions that could harm the integrity of PDP
· Obedience to any University rules that may apply to a "Third Authorized Agent" of an RSO
· Signing University documents (space requests, documents from the Public Functions Office, etc.) as an authorized agent of an RSO
· Holding on to one of the storage locker keys and knowing where it is at all times
· The Artistic Director is required to attend one tech rehearsal of each production
Clause 3: Limitations
-When the Artistic Director produces a show, they relinquish the responsibilities of Artistic Director pertaining to that show. The Managing Director acts on his or her behalf.
-An Artistic Director and Managing Director may not be on the production staff of a show together.
Section 3: Treasurer
Clause 1: Definition
The Treasurer regulates and records all transfer of PDP funds. They are in charge of the management of all accounts and financial assets of the Company. They shall act as Treasurer of the Registered Student Organization (RSO) Penny Dreadful Players and fulfill all the duties of that office as outlined by the University of Illinois.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
The Treasurer's duties include:
· Reimbursing producers and others for money they have spent on PDP productions as outlined in the budgets for said productions
· Auditing the troupe at the end of each academic semester
· Overseeing the generation of funds for PDP’s use
· Giving a report on the state of PDP’s funds at every regularly scheduled board meeting
· Obedience to any University rules that may apply to a Treasurer of an RSO.
· Signing University documents (space requests, documents from the Public Functions Office, etc.) as an authorized agent of an RSO
To protect the funds and integrity of the Penny Dreadful Players, both the Treasurer and the Managing Director will be listed as authorized signing agents on the separate bank account currently at Busey Bank.
Section 4: Secretary
Clause 1: Definition
The Secretary is in charge of all information transferred both internally and externally. This includes, but is not limited to, intra-board communication, and mailing lists. The use of any informational media produced by the secretary for PDP use is limited strictly to use by PDP.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
The Secretary's duties include:
· Recording meeting notes
· Taking attendance at meetings
· Tracking board members who are in violation of their duties and notifying the Managing Director of any violations
· Sending announcements on the PDP email list
· Maintaining physical and digital records of board member proposals and show proposals
· Keep track of delinquent member strikes
Section 5: Publicity Coordinator
Clause 1: Definition
The Publicity Coordinator is in charge of assisting with the promotion of individual productions and the Company in general.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
The Publicity Coordinator's duties include:
· Distributing press releases to newspapers
· Arranging radio and TV announcements
· Getting approval to have flyers hung in dorms
· Seeing that flyers are hung up in a timely manner
· Exploring new forms of publicity
· Making flyers for productions, if a producer chooses not to make flyers
· Meet with a show’s producer post show approval to devise a publicity plan
-Keeping social networking platforms active with posts at least once a week
-Coordinating publicity events in conjunction with each show’s production staff
Section 6: Technical Director
Clause 1: Definition
The Technical Director is in charge of assisting with the technical aspects of individual productions and the Company in general.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
The Technical Director’s duties include:
. Assembling a technical crew for each PDP production, unless the producer/director assembles his own.
. Assisting producers and technical crews in designing and building sets/lights.
. Attend at least one tech rehearsal for each show, providing advice and aid
· Maintaining and cataloguing PDP’s physical assets of production (lighting and sound equipment, makeup, etc.)
. Train board members on tech operation
Section 7: Dramaturge
Clause 1: Definition
The Dramaturge is in charge of documenting each season of PDP’s development, through pictures, writings, collections of information, etc. and dissemination of this information through the website. In addition, the dramaturge will assist with the collection and synthesis of information used in each show (production history, understanding of themes, plot, nuances of the show, historical information, etc.) during the PDP season.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
1. Manage the PDP website
2. Write up end of semester reports about the shows and activities of PDP for that given time period
3. Curate collections of photos for each production/activity of the group
4. Serve as a dramaturge for any/all shows over the course of the year, if the director does not find an individual to complete that job. Should more requests be made than can be adequately handled by the Dramaturge, the Artistic Director may also be asked to help with this endeavor.
5. Find/Coordinate a slideshow of images for the Pennies
B. Chair Positions
Section 1: Appointment
Clause 1
Once the new board of officers is elected, they may appoint chairpersons to assist with their duties as officers. Appointments are recommended, but not required. The chair positions are not limited to those listed herein. These are meant as a suggestion to distribute responsibility and increase board participation. Officers and board members may hold more than one chair position.
Clause 2
A majority of the officers must vote to approve the appointment.
Section 2: Managing Director’s Appointments
Clause 1: Cultural Chair
The Cultural Chair encourages inclusivity and social awareness for all productions. Will also coordinate events to facilitate the appreciation of the theater arts by board members in capacities other than normal productions. These events may also aid in recruitment. Such events include workshops, lectures, discussions, etc. Cultural Chair is also responsible for ensuring the respectful treatment of directors, cast members, board members, and everyone involved in PDP.
Clause 2: Social Chair
The Social Chair coordinates all PDP-related social events.
Section 3: Responsibilities
Chairpersons must follow all rules pertaining to active board members as well as the new responsibilities outlined herein.
Section 4: Removal
Clause 1
Officers may remove chairpersons after stating their reasons in writing to the Managing Director and Artistic Director.
Clause 2
Pending approval by the Managing Director and Artistic Director, a new chairperson may be appointed or the chair may remain vacant.
C. Productions
Section 1: Rules
Clause 1
By acceptance into PDP as a producer, the signature given on the proposal constitutes acceptance of all content and rules outlined herein.
Clause 2
An Artistic Director and Managing Director may not produce a show together.
Clause 3
In the event a production compromises the integrity of the Company or violates any of the rules outlined within the approved proposal or within the Constitution or Bylaws, the Artistic Director may step in and seize control of the production or alter it with approval of the Managing Director.
Clause 4
The Staff is responsible for publicizing his or her production. In the event that a staff needs help with publicity, it is the responsibility of the Publicity Coordinator to meet with them to devise a publicity plan.
Clause 5
At the end of the production, a final report concerning the production and a detailed budget are to be submitted.
Clause 6
The Artistic Director will settle any conflict of interest between two productions approved by PDP. These may include conflicting times, use of production assets, etc.
Section 2: Funds
Clause 1
The Treasurer will transfer funds to the staff, in the amount received in receipts from the producer, and not exceeding the amount outlined in the production proposal. In the event that sufficient funds are available, an advance on expenses may be possible. Advances on production budgets, procured from the I-9 account, are left to the discretion of the Treasurer.
Clause 2
All profit made and any excess money not used (in the event of an advance on the budget) is the property of PDP and will be transferred back to the Treasurer at the completion of the production.
Section 3: Assets
Clause 1: Definition
Production Assets are defined as those pertaining specifically to the operation, storage, or maintenance of any aspect of a production. They include, but are not limited to, light and sound equipment, makeup, costumes, etc.
Clause 2: Access
All PDP Production Assets are accessible to producers of approved shows.
Clause 3: Permission
The Artistic Director grants permission to use Production Assets.
Clause 4: Conflicts
The Artistic Director resolves any issues concerning conflict of interest regarding Production Assets between productions.
Clause 5: Responsibility
The staff is responsible for the use and maintenance of the assets while under his or her care in a production. Any significant damages to the assets are to be corrected physically or financially by the producer.
E. Special Productions
Section 1: Rules
Clause 1: Definitions
Any function requiring management outside of rules governing approval of individual productions is the responsibility of the Managing Director. These functions may include banquets, informational meetings, workshops, etc.
Clause 2
The Managing Director may use financial capital and PDP assets for these functions given approval by the Treasurer.
Clause 3
No formal submission to the board is required. However, a simple majority vote is required to approve one of these functions.
Clause 4
PDP owns all assets generated for or by a production approved by PDP. PDP will always give credit to the original author and will not prevent the author from producing the work with other companies.
F. Order of Business
Section 1: Election
Elections will be held annually at the first regularly scheduled meeting in April.
Section 2: General
Clause 1
All elections and proposals must take place during regularly scheduled meetings.
Clause 2
All proposals and/or elections must be presented one week in advance to allow for proper review by the board.
Clause 3
If more than one applicant is applying for the same office, then the election will be held by ballot. An officer who is not involved in the election will make the tally.
G. Parliamentary Authority
Section 1: Voting
Clause 1
Board members are not allowed to vote on matters pertaining to themselves. This includes, but is not limited to, productions, removal, election, etc.
Clause 2
Voting may take place by absentee ballot. In these matters the vote must be written down either physically or electronically prior to the election.
Section 2: Quorum
Clause 1
A quorum of the board is constituted as half of the active board members and half of the officers.
Clause 2
A quorum must be present at all regularly scheduled board meetings in order for voting to take place. If a quorum is not present, any issues requiring a vote will be tabled until the next scheduled meeting.
Clause 3
All non-election ties will be resolved by a new discussion and revoting for the tie at hand. Unbreakable ties should be decided at the discretion of the board members.
Clause 4
A majority of the board is recognized as more than half of all active board members present.
Peter Berger, Kelly Cacioppo, Jennifer Forestiere, Jordan Greenberg, Ashleigh Johnson, Michelle Krichbaum, Rory Leahy, Navin Prasad, Samantha Raue, Geoff Robinson, Tom Schorsch, Sean Wade, Theresa Winters
With final revision completed May 5, 2001
by Tom Schorsch, Artistic Director
And the second:
Ryan Hurth, Darwin Schafer, Steve Stetak, Rachael Summins, Jim Trapp
With re-revision completed Nov. 18, 2003
by Jim Trapp, Artistic Director
Re-write and Revision completed April 1, 2012
by Gina Dunn, Jack Gall, Haley Jenkins, Kelsey Pigg, Erin Schield, Abbie Welsch, Ian Williams
Additional Revision completed January 2015
By Stephanie Svarz and Katie Newport
Re-write and Revision completed November 2015
by Jessica Stroner, Tyler Harr, Stephanie Svarz, Evan London, Aaron Russell, Kathryn Burke, Alexander Richardson, Mark Weidner, Molly Petray, Cierra Womack, Adonis Holmes, Christine Pallon, Joseph Antonetti, Gracie McCall
Revision completed March 2017
By: Evan London, Molly Petray, Cierra Womack, Adonis Holmes, Joseph Antonetti, Colleen Shelton, Sara Temple
Revision completed December 2017
By: Sara Temple, Gracie McCall, Cierra Womack, Emma Kosnik, Adonis Holmes, Anusha Bansal, Greer Durham, Tatjana Utvic, Dean Chou, Evan London, Christine Pallon
Revision completed January 2019
By: Gracie McCall, Greer Durham, Julian Race, Jamie Gordon, Emma Kosnik, Tatjana Utvic, Xavier Jordan, Remington Sheehan, Anna Marie Bidlack, Kelsey Woodbury, Anusha Bansal, Dean Chou, Justin Dirr
Preamble
The entity shall be named the Penny Dreadful Players (PDP).
Our mission is to provide quality theatre to the campus and community at large and to provide an outlet for original works by student playwrights.
We work to involve all students (especially those who might not otherwise have these opportunities) in all aspects of theatrical production, whether that be writing, directing, acting, set or sound or lighting or costume design, publicity, fund-raising, etc. We believe in theater as a public art created by a community of people, arising from each of the various talents and skills of the participants.
The term "Penny Dreadful" originally referred to inexpensive collections of stories popular in England during the late 19th century. As the name implies, most of these stories were of poor quality, but occasionally a masterpiece would emerge from among them. As a student theatre company, our aim is to uncover potential masterpieces and bring them to the stage. All it takes is a good story.
A group of individuals brought together by an Illini Union Board production of "The Little Shop of Horrors" formed the Penny Dreadful Players in mid-November of 1992. Interested in branching out into non-musical theatre, they were frustrated by the lack of outlets for non-theatre majors. Luckily, this group possessed not only the desire to act, but also extensive experience in nearly every area of the performing arts. They registered the Penny Dreadful Players as a Registered Student Organization at the University of Illinois and put on their first show, Arthur Miller’s "All My Sons" in February of 1993.
Article I: Membership
Section 1: Application
Clause 1
Membership is limited to currently registered UIUC students, faculty, and staff.
Clause 2
Applicants are required to have participated and completed at least two PDP productions in a lifetime. This includes, but is not limited to, writing, directing, acting, or working on tech crews. Discretionary matters on whether this clause has been satisfied will be deferred to the judgment of the Managing Director.
Clause 3
Before applying to join the board, applicants are required to attend a regularly scheduled board meeting, review a copy of the Constitution and mission, and review their duties as members. At the next meeting, applicants are to present before the board a written, signed, personal statement that states their reasons for seeking membership and the productions in which they have actively participated.The applicant must also be able to recite their duties as a board member and PDP’s mission.
Section 2: Election
Clause 1
Once the applicant has presented him or herself to the board and submitted an application, the board is permitted to ask questions of the applicant. The applicant should then leave the boardroom momentarily, during which time the board shall discuss and vote on the application.
Clause 2
A simple majority of the board is required to accept a new member.
Clause 3
After a member has been elected to the board, his or her right to vote is not instated until a probationary period of two meetings, including the one during which they applied, has passed. All other member privileges and duties (as outlined in Section A of the Bylaws) apply immediately.
Clause 4
If a member has been elected to the board during the last meeting of the school year, the probationary period will end after A) the first summer vote OR B) the first meeting of the new year.
Section 3: Duties
Clause 1: Acceptance
By acceptance into PDP as a board member, the signature given on the application constitutes acceptance of all content and rules outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Clause 2: Attendance
All board members are required to attend all regular meetings designated by the officers. If a board member cannot attend a meeting they must inform the Secretary prior to the meeting to be granted an excused absence. In the event it is not possible to notify an officer ahead of time, an excused absence may still be granted at the discretion of the Managing Director and Artistic Director. A board member is allotted 3 missed meetings, but after 3 missed meetings they are on probation and ineligible to vote for the following 3 meetings they attend.
Clause 3: Participation
Board members are required to participate in half of the shows per semester that they are active. Participation includes, but is not limited to, writing, acting, directing, producing, working on tech crews, or administrative duties such as ticket-taking or running auditions.
Clause 4: Reading Materials
It is the responsibility of individual board members to read all materials and scripts presented to the board.
Clause 56: Support
Board members are required to see all productions.
Section 4: Privileges
Clause 1: Privileges
Member privileges include the right to vote (after the probationary period of two meetings, as outlined in Article II, Section 2, Clause 3, of the Constitution), free admission to all PDP productions, and other privileges outlined herein.
Section 5: Delinquent Status
Clause 1
A member is delinquent when any of the following occur:
· If a board member misses a 4th meeting, during said meeting, their absences will be reviewed to determine their status on Board.
· A member fails to participate in any capacity in at least half of the productions in a given semester.
. A member fails to attend a production without being excused.
· Any unspecified reason brought forth to vote by an officer, including but not limited to, insubordination, theft, etc.
Clause 2
After one offense listed above, the board member in question will receive a verbal warning regarding their first strike and the behavior that caused it. After the second offense, the board member will receive an email and verbal warning regarding their second strike and the behavior that caused it. If a third strike is reached, The Managing Director and the Artistic Director will meet privately with the delinquent board member and discuss their imminent termination.
Clause 3
Strikes reset at the beginning of a semester.
Clause 4
The terminated board member may re-propose to join board the following semester.
Section 6: Termination
Clause 1
A vote of two-thirds majority of the board is required to terminate membership.
Section 7: Resignation
Clause 1
In order for a board member to officially resign from the PDP board they must submit, either in writing or orally at a meeting, their resignation.
Clause 2
No vote is required--resignation is a voluntary act.
Section 8: Exiting the University
Clause 1
Upon time a board member graduates or no longer is actively affiliated with the University of Illinois, his or her membership dissolves.
Section 9: Hiatus
Clause 1
A board member may elect to go on Hiatus for periods of a semester or longer for reasons such as study abroad and be freed from their responsibilities for the duration. Such members still retain their member privileges, except that of voting. Full privileges are restored immediately upon his or her return to active membership.
Clause 2
If a board member does not return from their hiatus after their study abroad or does not return after being on hiatus for any other unspecified reason for the length of one semester [16 weeks], their membership is dissolved. If a member wishes to reinstate or terminate their membership, they must do so in writing at the end of their 16 weeks.
Article II: Officers
Section 1: Titles
Managing Director, Artistic Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Publicity Coordinator, Technical Director, and Dramaturge
Section 2: Application
Clause 1
Applicants are to give at least one meeting's advance notice of their intent to run.
Clause 2
In order to be an officer, the applicant is required to be an active board member.
Section 3: Election
Clause 1
A plurality of the full board is required to elect an officer, if more than one person is running for office.
Clause 2
Elections should be held at the first regularly scheduled meeting in April.
Clause 3
Newly elected officers will spend the final month of the academic year learning their elected office and review the officer’s handbook prior to becoming an active officer.
Clause 4
In the event of a tie for any position, board members must write a comprehensive pros and cons list on each candidate and will have an interactive Q & A session with the candidates about those specific concerns. After answering those questions, the board will revote. In the event of a second tie, the board members who are leaving board or graduating this university will be removed from the voting, and a new vote will be taken. In the event of a third tie, the board will review the resumes of the two candidates and choose the one that has more experience with the Penny Dreadful Players.
Section 4: Duties
Clause 1
The duties and responsibilities of each officer position are detailed in the bylaws.
Clause 2
In addition to the individual responsibilities of each officer position, officers are expected to fulfill all the responsibilities of a regular member of the board.
Section 5: Removal
Clause 1
The reasons for removal of an officer include:
· Not actively fulfilling the responsibilities of his or her position or that of a board member as listed in the by-laws
· Action that is detrimental to the company
· Infringements of Constitutional or By-law regulation outlined herein
Clause 2
Any active board member can bring forth the process of removal of an officer. A letter of cause is to be presented before the board. The officer is allowed the course of four board meetings to reconcile the causes.
Clause 3
A vote of 80% of the board is required to remove an officer.
Clause 4
In the event an officer is removed, an election will be held immediately to fill the position.
Clause 5: Other Duties
It is the responsibility of all officers to maintain the duties of a board member as well as those outlined by their elected position.
Section 6: Immediate Removal of an Officer
Clause 1
In the event an action(s) performed by a board member is so detrimental and dangerous to the reputation or functioning of the organization, an immediate call for a vote of removal may be petitioned. A board member must bring a written petition to the board meeting, or have the Managing Director or Artistic Director call an emergency meeting, outlining the reasons in which the immediate, emergency removal of the board member is necessary. The board will then vote privately on whether or not to remove the board member. A vote of 80% of the board is required to remove the board member immediately.
Section 7: Resignation
Clause 1
In the event an officer resigns, an election will be held immediately to fill the position.
Clause 2
No vote is required when a board member resigns.
Article III: Productions
Section 1: Definition
Clause 1
A production is defined as any artistic expression aimed at the betterment of the community at large. This community must include the University but may also encompass a larger community as well.
Section 2: Proposals
Clause 1
Request for PDP funding and production support requires a written, signed proposal presented to the board. Proposals, along with the full script, must sent to the PDP email by the submission deadline.
Clause 2
The Secretary is responsible for providing the prospective applicants a sample proposal, the list of spaces, and a description of how Proposalpalooza will take place.
Clause 3
All proposals must include a member of the Board of Directors on it in some capacity (i.e. Director, Producer, Dramaturge, etc.) and the board member must be actively involved in the production process. If there is not a board member attached to the show when it is proposed, one will be assigned upon the show’s approval on Proposalpalooza.
Clause 4
A date for proposal submissions must be assigned by the end of the second month of the semester (i.e. September for Fall Semester, February for Spring). A Proposalpalooza date must be assigned as well, allotting the Board of Directors ample time to read each proposal. A good rule of thumb would be to have proposals due the day before Fall/Spring break and have Proposalpalooza scheduled for the second meeting after the respective break.
Clause 5
The written proposal must include:
-The proposed venue
-A detailed budget
- A synopsis of the play
- Reasons for PDP to produce the play
- The production schedule
-The production staff
- Any other relevant information
Clause 6
All members of the Board of Directors are required to read the proposals in order to vote for which shows to pass.
Section 3: Proposalpalooza
Clause 1
Proposalpalooza is the meeting where the shows for the following semester are determined. If possible, the show dates and production process should be solidified on this day as well.
Clause 2
The proposed show director and every board member involved must present on the Proposalpalooza date.
Clause 3
All board members must attend the Proposalpalooza date unless an emergency arises.
Clause 4
Each applicant will be allotted 5 minutes to pitch the show to the Board of Directors. A board member, assigned the day-of, will be responsible for keeping track of all time limitations for each show proposal.
Clause 5
After the 5-minute pitch, there will be a 15-minute time period where the Board of Directors can ask the production staff questions about the proposal or the play.
Clause 6
After the question-answer portion, the applicants and any non-board members present will leave the room so that the remaining board members can discuss the pros and cons for the show proposed. 15 minutes is the preferred time frame for this discussion, but more time can be allotted if the board members do not feel like they have adequately discussed the proposal. If any questions arise during the discussion portion, the proposed staff can be invited back into the room to answer, but must leave the room again for voting to take place.
Section 4: Voting
Clause 1
At the beginning of Proposalpalooza, the board will vote on the maximum number of shows that will be passed during Proposalpalooza.
Clause 2
There are two ways voting can occur:
- If there are the maximum number or less shows proposed total, after each discussion about a proposal the board (not involved in the production being discussed) will vote Yes, No, or Abstain on the show at hand.
- If there are more than the maximum number of shows proposed, the board will wait to vote until all shows have been proposed and discussed, and then each board member will vote for the shows they wish to pass. Each board member will be able to vote for one less show than the number of shows to be performed the following semester. (For example, if the board wants to produce 4 shows the following semester, each board member can vote to pass up to 3 of the shows proposed).
- If there are the maximum number or less shows proposed and the Board of Directors would like to use the second method, it is up to their discretion to do so.
Clause 3
Voting will take place by writing on a piece of paper that the Secretary will tally.
Clause 4
If the second method is used to vote on shows, board members cannot vote for a show they are proposing.
Clause 5
A simple majority of eligible voters is required to approve a production.
Clause 6
After all proposals have been voted on and the season for the following semester has been approved, the Board of Directors and the staff of each production will solidify a schedule (to the best of their abilities) for auditions, the process, and the show dates.
Clause 7
Once the season has been solidified, the Managing Director will tell the Managing Directors of the other theater groups the planned schedule to avoid conflicting weekends to the best of their abilities. If PDP is the last to solidify our season, the Managing Director is responsible for trying not to have show weekend conflicts with more than one other theatre group.
Section 4: Limitations
Clause 1
Once accepted, the staff gives PDP the right to take control of any aspect of the production upon time that the Artistic Director sees fit with validation from The Managing Director.
Clause 2
The staff can receive no more than the amount of money outlined in the approved budget detailed in the proposal.
Clause 3
Any changes to the proposal (refer to Article III, Section 2, Clause 3) must be presented to the board in a new proposal on which the board must vote.
Clause 4
The Artistic Director or Technical Director grants the staff access to PDP's production assets.
Section 5: Termination
Clause 1
In the event a staff member or show compromises any aspect of the approved application or laws governed herein, the show may be terminated.
Clause 2
Either the Artistic Director or the Managing Director must bring forth the process of terminating a show. The Artistic Director or Managing Director must bring a written proposal outlining the reasons the show should be terminated.
Clause 3
To terminate a production requires a vote of two thirds majority of the board.
Article IV: Amendments
Section 1: Application
Clause 1
Any active board member may present amendments to the Constitution and/or Bylaws.
Section 2: Acceptance
Clause 1
In order for an Amendment to be approved a vote of 75% is required by the board.
Section 3: Placement
Clause 1
Amendments that are successfully passed will be placed in chronological order as they are passed, following Article V of the constitution.
Article V: Ratification
In order for the Constitution and Bylaws outlined herein to be ratified, a vote of 75% by all active board members is required.
Bylaws
A. Officers
Section 1: Managing Director
Clause 1: Definition
The Managing Director is in charge of management and operation of the Company. They shall act as President of the Registered Student Organization (RSO) Penny Dreadful Players and fulfill all the duties of that office as outlined by the University of Illinois. The Managing Director and Artistic Director shall maintain equal power within the Company, except where specifically noted in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
The Managing Director's duties include:
· Distributing of responsibility
· Conducting all required meetings
· Holding on to one of the storage locker keys and knowing where it is at all times
· Deciding matters of interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws
· Overseeing all special projects of the Company outside of normal productions
· Obedience to any University rules that apply to a President of an RSO
· Signing University documents (space requests, documents from the Public Functions Office, etc.) as an authorized agent of an RSO
-To protect the funds and integrity of the Penny Dreadful Players, both the Treasurer and the Managing Director will be listed as authorized signing agents on the separate bank account currently at Busey Bank.
Clause 3: Removal or Resignation
If the Managing Director is either removed or resigns, the Artistic Director will act as interim until the next scheduled board meeting.
Clause 4: Limitations
An Artistic Director and Managing Director may not be on the production staff of a show together.
Section 2: Artistic Director
Clause 1: Definition
The Artistic Director is in charge of the artistic integrity of the Company and oversees all PDP approved productions. They shall act as "Third Authorized Agent" of the Registered Student Organization (RSO) Penny Dreadful Players and fulfill all the duties of that office as outlined by the University of Illinois. The Managing Director and Artistic Director shall maintain equal power within the Company, except where specifically noted in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
The Artistic Director's duties include:
· Attending at least one rehearsal of all approved shows
· Assisting producers who require help
· Altering or assuming control of productions that could harm the integrity of PDP
· Obedience to any University rules that may apply to a "Third Authorized Agent" of an RSO
· Signing University documents (space requests, documents from the Public Functions Office, etc.) as an authorized agent of an RSO
· Holding on to one of the storage locker keys and knowing where it is at all times
· The Artistic Director is required to attend one tech rehearsal of each production
Clause 3: Limitations
-When the Artistic Director produces a show, they relinquish the responsibilities of Artistic Director pertaining to that show. The Managing Director acts on his or her behalf.
-An Artistic Director and Managing Director may not be on the production staff of a show together.
Section 3: Treasurer
Clause 1: Definition
The Treasurer regulates and records all transfer of PDP funds. They are in charge of the management of all accounts and financial assets of the Company. They shall act as Treasurer of the Registered Student Organization (RSO) Penny Dreadful Players and fulfill all the duties of that office as outlined by the University of Illinois.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
The Treasurer's duties include:
· Reimbursing producers and others for money they have spent on PDP productions as outlined in the budgets for said productions
· Auditing the troupe at the end of each academic semester
· Overseeing the generation of funds for PDP’s use
· Giving a report on the state of PDP’s funds at every regularly scheduled board meeting
· Obedience to any University rules that may apply to a Treasurer of an RSO.
· Signing University documents (space requests, documents from the Public Functions Office, etc.) as an authorized agent of an RSO
To protect the funds and integrity of the Penny Dreadful Players, both the Treasurer and the Managing Director will be listed as authorized signing agents on the separate bank account currently at Busey Bank.
Section 4: Secretary
Clause 1: Definition
The Secretary is in charge of all information transferred both internally and externally. This includes, but is not limited to, intra-board communication, and mailing lists. The use of any informational media produced by the secretary for PDP use is limited strictly to use by PDP.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
The Secretary's duties include:
· Recording meeting notes
· Taking attendance at meetings
· Tracking board members who are in violation of their duties and notifying the Managing Director of any violations
· Sending announcements on the PDP email list
· Maintaining physical and digital records of board member proposals and show proposals
· Keep track of delinquent member strikes
Section 5: Publicity Coordinator
Clause 1: Definition
The Publicity Coordinator is in charge of assisting with the promotion of individual productions and the Company in general.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
The Publicity Coordinator's duties include:
· Distributing press releases to newspapers
· Arranging radio and TV announcements
· Getting approval to have flyers hung in dorms
· Seeing that flyers are hung up in a timely manner
· Exploring new forms of publicity
· Making flyers for productions, if a producer chooses not to make flyers
· Meet with a show’s producer post show approval to devise a publicity plan
-Keeping social networking platforms active with posts at least once a week
-Coordinating publicity events in conjunction with each show’s production staff
Section 6: Technical Director
Clause 1: Definition
The Technical Director is in charge of assisting with the technical aspects of individual productions and the Company in general.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
The Technical Director’s duties include:
. Assembling a technical crew for each PDP production, unless the producer/director assembles his own.
. Assisting producers and technical crews in designing and building sets/lights.
. Attend at least one tech rehearsal for each show, providing advice and aid
· Maintaining and cataloguing PDP’s physical assets of production (lighting and sound equipment, makeup, etc.)
. Train board members on tech operation
Section 7: Dramaturge
Clause 1: Definition
The Dramaturge is in charge of documenting each season of PDP’s development, through pictures, writings, collections of information, etc. and dissemination of this information through the website. In addition, the dramaturge will assist with the collection and synthesis of information used in each show (production history, understanding of themes, plot, nuances of the show, historical information, etc.) during the PDP season.
Clause 2: Responsibilities
1. Manage the PDP website
2. Write up end of semester reports about the shows and activities of PDP for that given time period
3. Curate collections of photos for each production/activity of the group
4. Serve as a dramaturge for any/all shows over the course of the year, if the director does not find an individual to complete that job. Should more requests be made than can be adequately handled by the Dramaturge, the Artistic Director may also be asked to help with this endeavor.
5. Find/Coordinate a slideshow of images for the Pennies
B. Chair Positions
Section 1: Appointment
Clause 1
Once the new board of officers is elected, they may appoint chairpersons to assist with their duties as officers. Appointments are recommended, but not required. The chair positions are not limited to those listed herein. These are meant as a suggestion to distribute responsibility and increase board participation. Officers and board members may hold more than one chair position.
Clause 2
A majority of the officers must vote to approve the appointment.
Section 2: Managing Director’s Appointments
Clause 1: Cultural Chair
The Cultural Chair encourages inclusivity and social awareness for all productions. Will also coordinate events to facilitate the appreciation of the theater arts by board members in capacities other than normal productions. These events may also aid in recruitment. Such events include workshops, lectures, discussions, etc. Cultural Chair is also responsible for ensuring the respectful treatment of directors, cast members, board members, and everyone involved in PDP.
Clause 2: Social Chair
The Social Chair coordinates all PDP-related social events.
Section 3: Responsibilities
Chairpersons must follow all rules pertaining to active board members as well as the new responsibilities outlined herein.
Section 4: Removal
Clause 1
Officers may remove chairpersons after stating their reasons in writing to the Managing Director and Artistic Director.
Clause 2
Pending approval by the Managing Director and Artistic Director, a new chairperson may be appointed or the chair may remain vacant.
C. Productions
Section 1: Rules
Clause 1
By acceptance into PDP as a producer, the signature given on the proposal constitutes acceptance of all content and rules outlined herein.
Clause 2
An Artistic Director and Managing Director may not produce a show together.
Clause 3
In the event a production compromises the integrity of the Company or violates any of the rules outlined within the approved proposal or within the Constitution or Bylaws, the Artistic Director may step in and seize control of the production or alter it with approval of the Managing Director.
Clause 4
The Staff is responsible for publicizing his or her production. In the event that a staff needs help with publicity, it is the responsibility of the Publicity Coordinator to meet with them to devise a publicity plan.
Clause 5
At the end of the production, a final report concerning the production and a detailed budget are to be submitted.
Clause 6
The Artistic Director will settle any conflict of interest between two productions approved by PDP. These may include conflicting times, use of production assets, etc.
Section 2: Funds
Clause 1
The Treasurer will transfer funds to the staff, in the amount received in receipts from the producer, and not exceeding the amount outlined in the production proposal. In the event that sufficient funds are available, an advance on expenses may be possible. Advances on production budgets, procured from the I-9 account, are left to the discretion of the Treasurer.
Clause 2
All profit made and any excess money not used (in the event of an advance on the budget) is the property of PDP and will be transferred back to the Treasurer at the completion of the production.
Section 3: Assets
Clause 1: Definition
Production Assets are defined as those pertaining specifically to the operation, storage, or maintenance of any aspect of a production. They include, but are not limited to, light and sound equipment, makeup, costumes, etc.
Clause 2: Access
All PDP Production Assets are accessible to producers of approved shows.
Clause 3: Permission
The Artistic Director grants permission to use Production Assets.
Clause 4: Conflicts
The Artistic Director resolves any issues concerning conflict of interest regarding Production Assets between productions.
Clause 5: Responsibility
The staff is responsible for the use and maintenance of the assets while under his or her care in a production. Any significant damages to the assets are to be corrected physically or financially by the producer.
E. Special Productions
Section 1: Rules
Clause 1: Definitions
Any function requiring management outside of rules governing approval of individual productions is the responsibility of the Managing Director. These functions may include banquets, informational meetings, workshops, etc.
Clause 2
The Managing Director may use financial capital and PDP assets for these functions given approval by the Treasurer.
Clause 3
No formal submission to the board is required. However, a simple majority vote is required to approve one of these functions.
Clause 4
PDP owns all assets generated for or by a production approved by PDP. PDP will always give credit to the original author and will not prevent the author from producing the work with other companies.
F. Order of Business
Section 1: Election
Elections will be held annually at the first regularly scheduled meeting in April.
Section 2: General
Clause 1
All elections and proposals must take place during regularly scheduled meetings.
Clause 2
All proposals and/or elections must be presented one week in advance to allow for proper review by the board.
Clause 3
If more than one applicant is applying for the same office, then the election will be held by ballot. An officer who is not involved in the election will make the tally.
G. Parliamentary Authority
Section 1: Voting
Clause 1
Board members are not allowed to vote on matters pertaining to themselves. This includes, but is not limited to, productions, removal, election, etc.
Clause 2
Voting may take place by absentee ballot. In these matters the vote must be written down either physically or electronically prior to the election.
Section 2: Quorum
Clause 1
A quorum of the board is constituted as half of the active board members and half of the officers.
Clause 2
A quorum must be present at all regularly scheduled board meetings in order for voting to take place. If a quorum is not present, any issues requiring a vote will be tabled until the next scheduled meeting.
Clause 3
All non-election ties will be resolved by a new discussion and revoting for the tie at hand. Unbreakable ties should be decided at the discretion of the board members.
Clause 4
A majority of the board is recognized as more than half of all active board members present.