Health & Safety
Revised November 2022. Guidelines are subject to change.
Table of Contents
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- COVID-19
- Safety & Security Rules
- Safety Violations & Consequences
- Questions
COVID-19
As we welcome you to the International Thespian Festival (ITF) the health and well-being of our attendees, staff, and volunteers remains our number one priority. The following protocols for ITF continue to be informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), local governments, and our partners at Indiana University.
• The wearing of masks is OPTIONAL.
• Proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or negative test is no longer required for entry.
If you are experiencing COVID-19, flu, or cold symptoms or have recently been exposed, please stay at home and contact events@schooltheatre.org to cancel your registration.
COVID-19 related health guidelines are subject to change and revised policies may be in effect at the time of ITF, including, but not limited to, protocols to mitigate a COVID-19 variant/concern or University policy, such as the wearing of masks. We will continually assess changes and will adjust our policies according to updated public health guidance and applicable law.
For the most current information, refer back to this page or email events@schooltheatre.org closer to ITF. Protocol updates will also be sent to all attendees prior to ITF.
Thank you for your cooperation, support, and understanding. We look forward to seeing you in Bloomington!
On-Site COVID-19 Testing and Reporting
Any attendee who believes they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should alert their troupe leader, floor captain, or EdTA staff immediately. Should testing be recommended, visit IN.gov COVID testing and select Monroe in the test sites by county drop-down menu to find locations closest to IU Bloomington. You can also find at-home test kits at many retail pharmacies.
If you test positive, report your positive test to the ITF nursing staff using the COVID-19 self-report form. In the event of a positive test result, attendees will quarantine as outlined in IU's Isolation and Quarantine policy.
Isolation & Quarantine
If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 during ITF, alert your adult chaperone (students) or EdTA staff (adults) immediately, then contact ITF nursing staff to determine if testing is needed. Rapid testing will be administered on site as necessary.
Attendees must quarantine while awaiting test results.
Attendees who test positive will need to isolate per CDC guidelines. No refunds will be issued. In the event an attendee must continue isolating after ITF ends or requires special accommodations, any associated housing or meal expenses are the responsibility of the attendee.
- Attendees staying on campus will be moved to a dorm room with a private bedroom and bathroom to isolate until they can safely return to their permanent residence. Students will be released to a parent or legal guardian.
- Attendees staying in a hotel will be given instructions and tips for quarantining or isolating in their hotel room until they can safely return to their permanent residence. Students will be released to a parent or legal guardian.
Attendees who come in close contact with someone who tests positive (roommate, troupe member, etc.) but do not experience symptoms do not need to quarantine, but must wear a mask and should get tested for COVID-19 five to seven days after exposure.
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Safety & Security Rules
The safety of all ITF participants is a top priority — and essential to making the event an enjoyable, educational experience. Please take time to read these rules carefully before you arrive on campus.
All dorm and floor captains must attend the Safety and Security Orientation in the Georgian Room at the Indiana Memorial Union on Sunday, June 18 from 7 – 8 p.m.
Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, and Weapons
- EdTA has a “zero tolerance” policy on illegal and inappropriate alcohol and drug use: Violations will result in dismissal from ITF.
- EdTA prohibits any use of alcohol, on or off ITF-managed premises, that adversely affects staff or adult work performance or the safety of others.
- Illegal possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia by ITF participants, staff, or guests is a violation of local, state, and federal laws. Possession of drug paraphernalia will be treated the same as possession of illicit drugs, even if never used.
- Indiana University is a tobacco-free campus, including all indoor and outdoor areas. Use of any tobacco product is prohibited, including vaping and Juuling.
- Delegates bringing any type of weapon onto campus will be sent home immediately.
Attendance Expectations
Students are required to attend event activities on campus during the week, and chaperones are expected to communicate regularly with students to ensure participation. Students are encouraged to stay on campus as much as possible, and may not leave campus after 11 p.m.
Court
Students who violate safety rules may have their badge pulled by any adult chaperone who witnesses the infraction. If one of your students' badges is pulled, the Primary Contact must attend court with the student the following day at 8 a.m., unless otherwise instructed. Court is located in the Charter Room at the Indiana Memorial Union.
Curfew
- All attendees (students and adults) must be in their assigned dorm rooms by 11:30 p.m. Quiet hours, with lights out, begin at 12 a.m.
- Students missing curfew will meet with their Primary Contact and safety personnel the next day at the 8 a.m. ITF court meeting (see Safety Violations and Consequences).
- For safety reasons, IU’s dorms have measures in place to track access and movements within the buildings. Students found to have left their floors after curfew will risk being sent home at their own expense.
Emergencies
If an emergency or crime is in progress:
- Call 911.
- Report the incident using IU’s incident report form.
- Report the incident using ITF’s Safety and Security Incident Form.
Property Damage and Loss
- Keep your room locked to prevent theft and instruct students to do the same. Attendees may not remove, alter, or damage any campus property. This includes posting messages on dorm windows.
- To prevent fires and furniture damage, burning incense and candles is not permitted.
- Attendees are responsible to Indiana University for any damage to their room or campus property. Prior to checkout, attendees are expected to tidy their rooms and dorm lounges to the condition they were found at check-in. ITF will bill the attendee, parents, or school for damage fees not collected at checkout.
- The university and EdTA are not responsible for loss or breakage of personal effects, money, or valuables.
University Regulations
While attending ITF, you are a guest of the university. Behave graciously and respect your fellow attendees, university staff and students, and local citizens. Follow all posted rules in campus buildings — for example, no food or drink in the theatres, and no audio, video, or camera recording of performances. Fireworks are prohibited on campus.
Remember: Safety First
All attendees should be alert throughout the week. Report any unauthorized person in your dorm to the safety team (floor captain, dorm captain, safety chairs). Err on the side of caution in any situation or behavior that doesn’t feel right — if you see something, say something.
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Safety Violations & Consequences
Violations are divided into three categories with escalating consequences. These examples are not an exhaustive list. The ITF safety chairs have sole discretion to determine consequences for any violation not specifically listed. EdTA reserves the right to expel any participant from ITF should their actions disrupt the event or put other attendees at risk.
Minor Infractions
Attendees accumulating multiple minor infractions may be sent home at their own expense.
- Missing curfew by less than five minutes
- Found outside dorm room after 12 a.m. (showering, etc.).
- Posting messages on dorm windows
- Throwing food in cafeteria
- Found in the vicinity of buildings not used by ITF after 11 p.m.
- Playing music in dorm after 12 a.m.
- Removing university property from dorm rooms (sheets, furniture, etc.)
- Failing to bring troupe director or chaperone to court meeting
Major Infractions
Depending on the severity of the infraction and response to the redirection or disciplinary action, an attendee may be sent home at their own expense.
- Any action that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of others
- Bullying, harassment, or abusive behavior
- Missing curfew by more than five minutes
- Causing excessive noise and disruption after 12 a.m.
- Found off campus after 11 p.m. (in town, fraternities, etc.) or out of dorm after 12 a.m.
- Using incense or candles in dorm room
- Using fireworks
- Causing property damage
- Making inappropriate or disruptive posts to ITF-hosted social media
- Instigating or participating in disruptive or disrespectful audience behavior during a performance
- Willfully setting off a false emergency alarm
- Failing to show up for 8 a.m. court meeting
Immediate Removal
Attendees caught in these activities are sent home right away at their own expense.
- Using or in possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Using or in possession of tobacco, vaping, or Juuling products
- Using or in possession of alcohol, firearms, or weapons
- Any adult in any student’s room with door closed — for any reason
If the Primary Contact or chaperone does not show up for the 8 a.m. ITF court meeting, the student will have the opportunity to contact them and have them come to court by 8:30 a.m. More severe consequences will be dealt to no-shows.
If three or more students under the supervision of the same troupe director or chaperone are required to meet with security personnel, that adult may not be allowed to participate the following year.
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Questions?
We are here to help! Contact us at events@schooltheatre.org for more information. Please do not contact Indiana University regarding ITF policies. The policies for this private event vary from the policies IU has in place for their students, faculty, and staff.
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