Secondary Theatre and Drama Procedures Manual

This procedures manual outlines the expectations, structures, and guidelines for all secondary (grades 5–12) theatre and drama programs in Hawkins County Schools. It includes information for school-year theatre programs and summer theatre programs to ensure consistency, fairness, and compliance with district policies.  

Grade Levels Served

• Elementary School
  
  • K-4 will not have a formal theatre program.  Plays will be held under the direction of the music teacher

• Middle School 
  
  • Theatre programs are open to students in grades 5–8 at the middle school level.

• High School
  
  • High schools will operate their own theatre programs independent of middle school programs.

2. Middle School Theatre Programs

Hawkins County Schools will operate one middle school theatre program, led by a stipend-paid program director. The director will be hired and evaluated by the school principal, and the position will be open to any teacher at the school. If no qualified teacher is available, non-faculty staff may be considered after all school-based recruitment options have been exhausted.

Student Participation Zones

For the 26-27 school year, Hawkins County will continue with one theatre program for Hawkins County Students at Surgoinsville MIddle School.

3. School-Year Theatre Expectations

• The middle school theatre program is expected to produce at least one play or musical per school year. 
• The theatre teacher will decide at least 5 months in advance which production will be performed as play/musical.
• The principal must be notified and approve the selection of the performance material, as well as the proposed timeline, location, costumes, and any fundraising activities.
• Theatre teachers are eligible to receive a stipend for meeting the expectation of one annual production.
• Teachers will sign a contract prior to beginning the position.
• This position will be listed on the school-level supplemental FTE sheet.
• All practices must be completed by 8:30 p.m. and no children present on school property after that time.  Principals must be notified of all practice dates and times, with a full practice schedule submitted at the start of the practice season.
• At least 2 approved adults need to be present at all school practices. 
• Any consistent parent volunteer to the program must complete a volunteer agreement and have it on file before participating.  

4. Auditions and Casting ProceduresAll theatre programs will hold auditions.

• All theatre programs will hold auditions
• Casting decisions will be based on qualifications and audition performance.
• Participation in theatre programs will be limited to Hawkins County students, with equitable access given to all students.

5. Field Trips

• Each theatre program may take one field trip per semester during the school day.
• Any additional field trips must take place on weekends, and be subject to prior approval from transportation and site principals.

6. Funding and Fundraising

• Theatre funds generated during the school year are school-based funds and may be used only for Hawkins County School’s students.
• Fundraising must follow board policy 

All theatre programs must adhere to district policies, financial guidelines, and facilities use requirements. This manual is intended to provide clarity and consistency across all secondary theatre and drama offerings in Hawkins County Schools.