Preamble The Peter Quince Performing Co., Ltd, a not-for profit organization, was founded on May 1, 1969, by Reed Humphrey and Emily Mueller to provide an opportunity for young people to produce, on their own, a full scale theatrical production during the months of June, July, and August.
Article I: Mission Statement The Peter Quince, Performing Co., Ltd. exists to provide young people the opportunity to explore all aspects of theatrical production. It shall do this through the exclusive use of young people in all areas: stage, technical, design, direction, production, and business.
Article II: Organization Section 1: Division of Power 1.1 The Peter Quince Performing Co., Ltd. shall be divided into three levels of Authority.
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
The General Committee of the Board of Directors
The General Membership
Section 2: The Levels of Authority 2.1 The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors shall be comprised of the Officers of the Company and shall be responsible for managing the day to day aspects of the Company. 2.2 The General Committee of the Board of Directors shall be composed of the Officers, Committee Heads, and the Directing Staff. It serves as an advisory board to both the Executive Committee and the Company at large. 2.3 The General Membership shall be comprised of all the dues paying Members. It shall be responsible for approving the decisions of the Board of Directors.
Section 3: Company Voting Procedures 3.1 All members appropriately in attendance during a vote subject to Articles IV, V, VI, VII are allowed only one vote, regardless of the number of positions held or committees they sit upon. 3.2 A vote includes votes within the General Membership and boards. Those boards include, but are not limited to:
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
The General Committee of the Board of Directors
The Directing Staff
Production Council
Article III: Membership Section 1: Membership and Age 1.1 Membership in the Company is open to any person over the age of twelve years old and under the age of twenty-three as of the Post-Production Meeting. 1.2 Younger people may be considered for roles at the discretion of the Directing Staff. The Membership requirement shall then be waived. 1.3 Upon reaching the age of twenty-three, Members will be allowed to complete the current season, but will be unable to rejoin the Company. The sole exception of that is Reed Humphrey who, as the originator of the Company, has been granted life membership.
Section 2: Membership and Dues 2.1 Dues shall be five dollars, payable prior to participation in the Company.
Section 3: Membership and Participation 3.1 Membership, by payment of dues, is a necessary prerequisite to participation in any official Company Production. 3.2 Membership is required to cast a vote in all matters placed before the Company. 3.3 Membership in good standing is required from the time of payment of dues throughout the remainder of the season in order to hold any position in the Company. Good standing includes members in the current season who have not left an official position or the company by resignation, impeachment, or removal. Exceptions will be handled by a Grievance Committee, as defined in Article 10, Section 2, 2.4.
Section 4: Membership Period 4.1 Company Membership will be for the period of one season, terminating on the date of the Post-Production Meeting. 4.2 In the events where a show is not allowed to be performed due to public crisis or special limitations, the membership period will extend by one year. All elected positions will remain the same. All position holders may withdrawal without consequence if done at least 3 weeks before the meeting where that specific position is elected.
Section 5: Membership and Liability 5.1 Members, and parents of legal dependents, shall be required to sign a waiver of liability.
Section 6: Exceptions to Membership 6.1 The General Committee of the Board of Directors may waive the requirement of dues for those with extenuating circumstances. Agreement by a simple majority of the board is required. 6.2 All persons whose dues requirement has been waived are still required to sign a waiver of liability and to follow the Behavioral Policies of the Company. They shall agree to this in writing in order for participation in the Production to be allowed.
Article IV: Officers Section 1: Makeup of the Officers 1.1 The following officers will be elected to guide the Company and to carry out the provisions of these Bylaws:
President
Producer
Vice President
Secretary-Treasurer
Public Relations Director
Section 2: Duties of the Officers 2.1President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company; shall be responsible for the execution of all company policies; shall co-propose the annual budget; shall have final approval of all business expenditures; shall prepare the agenda for all company Meetings and distribute it to the board for approval no less than 48 hours before each meeting; shall preside over all Meetings; and shall obtain corporate sponsors. 2.2Producer shall be the Chief Operations Officer of the Company; shall be responsible for overseeing the Directing Staff; shall ensure that all aspects of the summer production are carried out to the satisfaction of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and the General Membership; shall approve all production expenditures; shall sign, or appoint an agent to sign, all binding contracts for the Company; shall co-propose the annual budget; shall serve as the artistic liaison between the Board of Directors and the Directing Staff, as well as the community at large; shall serve as the Chair of the Play Reading Committee; and shall be involved in the furnishing of the audition and rehearsal spaces. 2.3Vice President shall be the Chief Financial Officer of the Company; shall manage the business office of the Company established during the summer months; shall oversee the use of all checking and savings accounts; shall be responsible for assembling the program and ad selling; shall be responsible for furnishing a location for all Company Meetings and rehearsals; shall inform the membership and Board of Directors of all appropriate Meetings; shall assume the duties of the President in the case of his/her absence. 2.4Secretary-Treasurer shall be in charge of official Company communications; shall record the minutes of the Company proceedings and shall be responsible for all Company mail in the off-season months; shall be responsible for all Company funds; shall be entrusted with the checking and saving accounts held in the name of the Peter Quince Performing Co., Ltd.; and shall be responsible for the compilation of all financial and operational statements. 2.5 Public Relations Director shall be responsible for promoting the company and selected show throughout the year; shall be responsible for keeping a consistent brand; shall create a marketing strategy; shall keep track of engagement and analytics; and shall be responsible for planning, implementing, managing, and monitoring the company’s social media accounts. A public relations team may divide the roles among themselves into the following positions:
Public Relations Social Media Chair shall be responsible for monitoring and utilizing all social media accounts; shall post regularly; and shall interact with the audience.
Public Relations Outreach Chair shall be responsible for planning events or resources to advertise the company in Manitowoc County; shall work closely with schools in the Manitowoc County area for recruiting purposes; shall be responsible for curating t-shirts and posters from the appropriate vendors; and shall organize the distribution of posters, t-shirts, banner, and other elements used to advertise throughout the Manitowoc County area.
Public Relations Design Chair shall be responsible for all graphics and videos that are posted for public relation purposes; shall take submissions and hold a vote for poster and t-shirt design; and shall make sure there is a visual consistency across all Peter Quince Performing Company content.
Section 3: Creation of Positions 3.1 The Officers may create any positions they feel necessary and may delegate responsibilities and duties as required.
Article V: The Directing Staff Section 1: Makeup of the Directing Staff 1.1 The following Directors shall be elected from among Company Membership for each Production season:
General Director
Musical Director
Choral Director
Technical Director
Choreographer
Section 2: Duties of the Directing Staff 2.1General Director shall be responsible for the direction of the show; shall establish the criteria by which the show shall be cast; shall have final approval over casting; shall serve as Associate Producer, assuming the duties of the Producer in the absence of the position under the instruction of the Producer and President; and shall be responsible for assisting in furnishing the audition and rehearsal spaces. If the position of Producer is vacant, the General Director shall fill in only until a special election can be held. 2.2Musical Director shall direct the pit orchestra; shall be responsible for assembling the required musicians; shall be responsible for any instrument rentals if needed; and shall assist in furnishing a rehearsal site for the orchestra with the Producer and Public Relations officer. 2.3Choral Director shall be responsible for teaching the songs to the cast; shall supply music to members when necessary; shall provide input in casting the show; and shall provide a rehearsal pianist when necessary; and shall be responsible for assisting in furnishing the audition and rehearsal spaces. 2.4Technical Director shall be responsible for supervising the completion of the sound, lighting, properties, and set design; shall organize the construction of the set as well as furnishing a place for storage of said set; and shall ensure the establishment of running crews. 2.5Choreographer shall design and teach the dances to the cast; shall provide input in casting the show; and shall be responsible for assisting in furnishing the audition and rehearsal spaces.
Section 3: Assistants 3.1 Any Director has the option to appoint an Assistant and delegate any responsibilities and duties as desired. Assistants need not be elected by the Company Membership, nor approved by the Board of Directors. Assistants and their actions shall be the responsibility of their respective Director. Assistants hold no vote as such on the Production Council nor on the Board of Directors.
Article VI: Committees Section 1: Committee Formation 1.1 The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors has the right to form any ad hoc Committee it deems necessary. 1.2 Ad hoc Committee Heads may be either elected or appointed at the Executive Committees discretion. 1.3 Standing Committee Heads shall be elected. 1.4 Committee Heads shall present their recommendations to the Board of Directors and must receive Executive Committee approval before taking any binding action.
Section 2: Elected Standing Committee Heads 2.1 The following Standing Committee Heads shall be elected from the Company Membership:
Alumni Relations
Fundraising
Internet
History
Bylaw
Education
Social Activities
Play Reading
Section 3: Duties of the Elected Standing Committee Heads and Their Committees 3.1Alumni Relations Committee shall be responsible for correspondence between the current Membership and Alumni; shall assemble and maintain a list of current Alumni addresses; shall direct the notification of Alumni about upcoming Company events; and shall, under the Supervision of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, organize reunions in appropriate years. This position shall be held by the Secretary-Treasurer if not otherwise filled. 3.2Fundraising Committee shall be for organizing fundraising events; shall ensure participation of membership in these events; and shall supervise the preparation of grant requests. This position shall be held by the President if not otherwise filled. 3.3Internet Committee shall be responsible for the Peter Quince Performing Company, Ltd. official online presence; shall update and maintain the Peter Quince official web sites; and shall regularly check the Peter Quince e-mail accounts. This position shall be held by the Secretary-Treasurer if not otherwise filled. 3.4History Committee shall be responsible for preserving the historical records of each season; shall preserve news clippings, copies of the show program, photographs, and any other memorabilia. This information shall be maintained in the Quince files. This position shall be held by the Public Relations Director if not otherwise filled. 3.5Bylaw Committee shall be responsible for ensuring that the Company follows the bylaws; shall be responsible for maintaining and indexing the Bylaws, ensuring that they are kept current; and shall be responsible for having knowledge of the Bylaws above that expected of all Members of the Company. This position shall be held by the President if not otherwise filled. 3.6Education Committee shall be responsible for organizing opportunities for the Members to increase their knowledge of and skills in the theater through workshops, guest speakers, and background research about the chosen show. This position shall be held by the General Director if not otherwise filled. 3.7Social Activities Committee shall be responsible for organizing special events for all Company Members to ensure that Members are exposed to the positive social side of theater. This position shall be held by the Public Relations Director if not otherwise filled. 3.8Play Reading Committee shall be responsible for selecting the list of plays from which the summer Production shall be chosen, as specified in the Bylaws; and shall have the responsibility of voting directly for the show for the summer Production. The Play Reading Committee shall be chaired by the Producer and shall consist of the Director, Musical Director, Choral Director, Technical Director and Choreographer upon their election. Four additional members shall be elected by the General Membership, so that the total membership of the Play Reading Committee, including the Producer, is ten people. Contact must be maintained among the Play Reading Committee throughout the play reading process. Failure to actively research the shows and participate in meetings may result in removal from the Play Reading Committee at the discretion of the Producer. If a member is removed or resigns from the Play Reading Committee, their place shall be filled as quickly as possible by another person who expressed interest in membership, at the discretion of the Producer.
Article VII: Production Council Section 1: Council Purpose 1.1 A Production Council shall be established to execute the specific details of the Summer Production. 1.2 The Production Council shall meet monthly before the production and weekly during the production run, at the discretion of the Producer.
Section 2: Council Organization 2.1 The Production Council shall consist of the Producer, General Director, Technical Director, Choral Director, Musical Director, and Choreographer, as well as the following:
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager(s)
Costume Designer
Hair and Make Up Designer
Art Designer
Set Designer
Light Designer
Sound Designer
Props Master
Master Carpenter
2.2 The Production Council shall be Chaired by the Producer, with the General Director serving as the Vice-Chair
Section 3: Duties of the Production Council 3.1Stage Manager shall be head of all operations during the week of the show. Stage Manager shall assist in the establishment of running crews. Stage Manager shall oversee the work of running crews. Stage Manager shall serve as the communication hub between the sound, lights, and backstage crews as well as the cast and pit. Stage Manager shall organize all scene changes and set preparation under the guidance of the General Director. Stage Manager shall oversee the use of the set and properties. Stage Manager shall ensure that all aspects of tech week run smoothly and to the discretion of the General Director’s choices. Stage Manager shall report to the Technical Director and Producer. 3.2Assistant Stage Manager or ASM shall be responsible for supporting the Stage Manager in the completion of their tasks during the production process as well as tech week. ASM shall make record of the timing of set, lighting, and sound changes. ASM shall maintain a prompt book containing all cues, technical notes, blocking, and other information important to the show. 3.3Costume Designer shall be responsible for acquiring period-appropriate clothing for the cast to wear. Costume Designer shall take measurements of the cast members and ensure that costumes fit properly. Costume Designer shall make any necessary alterations to costumes when permitted by the owners of the costume. Costume Designer shall assemble a team when necessary to help with costuming. Costume Designer shall be responsible for borrowing and renting costumes as necessary. Costume Designer shall supervise the use and organization of costumes during the production process and the week of the show. Costume Designer shall work under the direction of the General Director. 3.4Hair and Makeup Designer shall be responsible for coordinating the design and execution of hairstyles and makeup for the cast. The Hair and Makeup Designer shall work closely with the Costume Designer to ensure the coordination of the costumes with the hair and makeup. The Hair and Makeup Designer shall be responsible for assembling all necessary hair and makeup products. The Hair and Makeup Designer shall be responsible for assembling a team to assist in the process of hair and makeup during the week of the show. The Hair and Makeup Designer shall work under the direction of the General Director. 3.5Art Designer shall be responsible for designing the color schemes and aesthetic of the set and scenery. Art designer shall design any necessary backdrops. Art designer shall be responsible for the establishment of a painting crew, and shall oversee the completion of large-scale painting and small-scale detail. Art Designer shall work under the direction of the General Director. 3.6Set Designer shall be responsible for the designing of all scenery, platforms, and other set structures. Set Designer shall work closely with the General Director and Master Carpenter to ensure that the set will be suitable for staging, choreography, and the venue. The Set Designer shall create blueprints and, as necessary, models of the set. The Set Designer shall begin work on Set Design after the Christmas meeting and shall have a completed draft by no later than the Easter meeting. 3.7Light Designer shall be responsible for designing the light cues and lighting aspects of the production. Light Designer shall work with the Technical Director to acquire any necessary lighting equipment. Light Designer shall work with the General Director to ensure appropriate lighting for individual scenes. Light Designer shall assemble a crew to set up and run the lights during the production. 3.8Sound Designer shall be responsible for manipulating all audio elements of the production. Sound Designer shall tune the sound system for the production. Sound Designer shall ensure that the sound and music enhance the production and are coordinated with the actors and other production aspects. The Sound Designer shall oversee equalization, volume control, microphone and speaker placement, and the use of any additional equipment. The sound designer shall balance the amplification of the cast and pit, and, working together with the Musical Director and Choral Director, will ensure that the sound heard in the audience is clear and understandable. 3.9Props Master shall be responsible for acquiring all properties for the production. Props Master shall design and create props when necessary. Props Master shall oversee the use of all properties throughout the production process as well as during tech week. Props Master shall ensure that the properties are organized backstage. Props Master shall work with the General Director to establish a list of necessary props in order to create the desired vision of the production. 3.10Master Carpenter shall be responsible for building the set designed by the Set Designer. The Master Carpenter shall be responsible for acquiring materials from the Quince basement as well as purchasing any necessary materials for the completion of the set. Master Carpenter shall be responsible for establishing a building crew consisting of members 16 years of age or older. Master Carpenter shall oversee the transportation of the set from its building location to the venue of performance.
Section 4: Council Member Authority 4.1 The various Production Council heads are in direct charge of their crews. 4.2 Concerning design elements, Production Council heads report to the General Director. 4.3 Concerning financial matters, Production Council heads report to the Producer. 4.4 For all other matters, Production Council heads report to the Technical Director, with the exception of Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager(s) who report directly to the General Director. 4.5 During the performances, dress, and technical rehearsals, all Production Council heads report to the Stage Manager, who reports to the Producer. 4.6 The Producer has final say of all disputes and expenditures.
Section 5: Filling of Council Positions 5.1 None of these positions must be filled. 5.2 Any position not filled shall be held by the Technical Director under the approval of the General Director or Producer. 5.3 Any position not held by the Technical Director shall be chosen through interviews with the Technical Director, General Director, and Producer. 5.4 After a singular member has held the same Production Council position twice, they are no longer eligible to run for said position. Similarly, the same combination of two members cannot share the same position for more than two seasons. The member will have the opportunity to hold said position if they share it with an eligible member or can simply mentor and provide ideas to the new position holder 5.5 If a Production Council position is not filled and the Technical Director is unable to fully commit to the responsibilities, they may elect the Council position’s ineligible membersat the discretion of the General Director or Producer.
Article VIII: Elections Section 1: Officers 1.1 Election of the Officers shall be by secret ballot at the Post-Production Meeting. Secret ballot is defined as Blind Vote by the Company, with the votes known only by the highest authority within the company. 1.2 In the event that there is only one nomination for a Board position, the secret ballot may be waived by the Chair. 1.3 Letters of nomination for Office shall be submitted to the current Executive Committee of the Board of Directors prior to the Post-Production Meeting. 1.4 The nomination letters shall be presented to the company at that meeting. 1.5 Nominations off the floor shall also be considered by Membership at that meeting. 1.6 Officers shall then be elected from among all nominees, with a true majority of voting Members determining the Officer. Voting shall proceed as follows: If there are more than two nominees for a position, a primary election may be necessary to reach a true majority vote. An initial election will be held. If the winner of that election did not receive a true majority of the votes, the two candidates with the most votes will then run against one-another only. Results of the initial vote will not be divulged to anyone before the final vote has been tallied and announced to the Members of the Company present at the meeting; if only two members run for a position, the winner will receive a majority vote and therefore no second election is necessary. 1.7 Two Members may share an Office, but each Member shall then have half a vote when voting as an officer. 1.8After a singular member has held the same office position twice, they are no longer eligible to run for said position. Similarly, the same combination of two members cannot share the same office position for more than two seasons. The member will have the opportunity to hold said position if they share it with an eligible member or can simply mentor and provide ideas to the new position holder.
Section 2: Directing Staff 2.1 Election of the Directing Staff for the Production shall be by secret ballot at the Thanksgiving Meeting, with the exception of the General Director who shall be elected by secret ballot at the Post-Production Meeting. 2.2 In the event that there is only one nomination for a Directorship, the secret ballot may be waived by the Chair. 2.3 Letters of nomination for positions of Directorship shall be submitted to the current Executive Committee of the Board of Directors prior to the Thanksgiving Meeting. 2.4 The nomination letters shall be presented to the company at that meeting. 2.5 Nominations off the floor shall also be considered by Membership at that meeting. 2.6 Directors shall then be elected from among all nominees, with a true majority of voting Members determining the Director. 2.7 Two Members may share a Directorship, but each Member shall then have half a vote when voting as a Director. 2.8 After a singular member has held the same directing position twice, they are no longer eligible to run for said position. Similarly, the same combination of two members cannot share the same directing position for more than two seasons. The member will have the opportunity to hold said position if they share it with an eligible member or can simply mentor and provide ideas to the new position holder.
Section 3: Standing Committee Heads 3.1 Election of the Standing Committee Heads shall be by secret ballot as follows:
Thanksgiving Meeting: Internet
Christmas Meeting: Bylaw and Fundraising
Easter Meeting: Historian, Education, and Alumni
Pre-Production: Social Activities
3.2 In the event that there is only one nomination for a Standing Committee Head, the secret ballot may be waived by the Chair. 3.3 Letters of nomination for Standing Committee Head positions shall be submitted to the current Executive Committee of the Board of Directors prior their respective meetings. 3.4 The nomination letters shall be presented to the company at that meeting. 3.5 Nominations off the floor shall also be considered by Membership at that meeting. 3.6 Standing Committee Heads shall then be elected from among all nominees, with a true majority of voting Members determining the Committee Head. 3.7 Two Members may share a Committee Head Position, but each Member shall then have half a vote when voting as a Committee Head. 3.8 After a singular member has held the same committee head position twice, they are no longer eligible to run for said position. Similarly, the same combination of two members cannot share the same committee head position for more than two seasons. The member will have the opportunity to hold said position if they share it with an eligible member or can simply mentor and provide ideas to the new position holder. 3.9 If a committee head position is not filled and the officer stated in Article VI Section 3 for said position is unable to fully commit to the responsibilities, they may elect the committee head’s ineligible members at the discretion of the executive board. Section 4: Play Reading Committee 4.1 Election of the Play Reading Committee members shall be by secret ballot at the Post-Production Meeting. 4.2 In the event that there are four or fewer nominations, the secret ballot may be waived by the Chair. 4.3 Letters of nomination for positions on the Play Reading Committee shall be submitted to the current Executive Committee of the Board of Directors prior to the Post-Production Meeting. 4.4 The nomination letters shall be presented to the company at that meeting. 4.5 Nominations off the floor shall also be considered by Membership at that meeting. 4.6 Play Reading Committee members shall then be elected from the pool of all nominees. Every member must cast four votes, and no person may vote more than once for a single nominee. 4.7 Members may not share a seat on the Play Reading Committee, with the exception of co-Producers and co-Directors who are elected separately from the rest of the Play Reading Committee. Members who share a seat in this manner shall then have half a vote each when voting as part of the Play Reading Committee. 4.8 In the event that one or more members of the Play Reading Committee are later elected to a Director position, the “vacant” seats shall be filled as quickly as possible by the Producer from the pool of Play Reading Committee applicants until the total membership of the Play Reading Committee (including the Producer) is ten people. 4.9 In the event that there are fewer than four applicants for the Play Reading Committee seats, it is the responsibility of the Producer to seek out additional members, who may be directly added at their discretion.
Article IX: Requirements for Positions on the Board of Directors Section 1: Attendance 1.1 Members of the Board of Directors shall be present or excused for all appropriate Board and Company Meetings. 1.2 Excused refers to advance notice of at least one week given to the Chair of the Meeting as well as good and sufficient reason being shown for the absence, as determined at the discretion of the General Committee of the Board of Directors. 1.3 If a Member of the Board of Directors is absent and unexcused from two Meetings, they shall be removed from their position and be ineligible for election to any Board of Directors position the following season.
Section 2: Length of Service 2.1 All Members of the Board of Directors are expected to hold their positions from the meeting which they are elected until the same meeting the following season.
Article X: Departure from Membership or Company Positions Section 1: Retirement 1.1 Upon culmination of the season in which a member turns 23 years of age, said member must retire from the Company and may no longer be a Member of the Company. 1.2 No member can be coerced into retirement from the Company before the end of the season of their 23rd birthday; with the exception of extreme circumstances as determined by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
Section 2: Removal from Membership 2.1 Members failing to adhere to the rules of the Company as outlined in Article XIII, shall be indicted for removal from the Company. 2.2 Any Member concerned with another Member's behavior may bring up the concerns with the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. In the case of those involved being a Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, the concerns should be directed initially to another Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. That member shall then bring it to the Board, excluding those involved. If the Accuser wishes to remain anonymous, charges may be brought up through an anonymous letter. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors shall contemplate the charges including but not limited to the accusation(s) and the testimony of those involved. This initial inquisition shall remain private, unless the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors determines that action must be taken. If action is necessary, the Indictment Procedure outlined in Article X, Section 2, 2.3 shall be used, with the strike used dependent upon the severity of the offense. 2.3 The Indictment Procedure is as follows:
Strike 1: Should the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors determine the charges to be valid, those involved will be required to have a formal meeting with the Executive Board in which the offense will be discussed; if the violation involves the President the warning may be issued by the Vice President. If the Vice President is also involved, the responsibility shall fall to the Producer, Secretary-Treasurer, Public Relations Director, Alumni Committee Head, Fundraising Committee Head, Internet Committee Head, History Committee Head, Bylaw Committee Head, Education Committee Head, Social Activities Committee Head, General Director, Musical Director, Choral Director, Technical Director, and Choreographer, respectively, until a member is not involved in the illegal act.
Strike 2: Should the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors determine the charges to be valid, the party involved is to give a formal apology to those who were impacted by their actions, under the supervision of the President. If the President is involved, the approval of supervision falls to the Vice President. If the Vice President is also involved, then the list (found in Strike 1) of officers shall be used until a non-Accused officer is found.
Strike 3: Those responsible will be required to give a formal apology in front of the company, and will not be able to run for and/or hold a position for the following season.
Strike 4: Removal of membership effective immediately.
Section 3: Impeachment 3.1 Any person holding a position is subject to Impeachment. 3.2 Any person holding a position who fails to fulfill their position requirements or fails to adhere to the rules of the Company as outlined in Article XIII shall be Impeached and possibly removed from the Company. 3.3 The General Committee of the Board of Directors shall serve as a grievance committee to hear any grievances brought forth by any Member of the Company. The Committee shall meet to discuss the severity of the charges, and shall decide, by majority vote, whether or not the Impeachment of the accused member will be brought before the entire Company for a final decision. 3.4 The Impeachment proceedings shall be held within one month of the decision to pursue Impeachment. If there is no official meeting in that time period an Emergency Meeting shall be convened. 3.5 The ratification for Condemnation or Vindication shall require a two-thirds vote of the Members present. 3.6 The President, if not involved, will Chair the proceedings. If the President is involved, responsibility shall fall upon the Producer, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Public Relations Director, Alumni Committee Head, Fundraising Committee Head, Internet Committee Head, History Committee Head, Bylaw Committee Head, Education Committee Head, Social Activities Committee Head, General Director, Musical Director, Choral Director, Technical Director, and Choreographer, respectively, until a member is not involved in the Impeachment proceedings. 3.7 In the event that the accused fails to acknowledge contact made by the Grievance Committee in regards to said accusation, the committee has the right to impose a decision based on the evidence presented by the accuser. Once a decision is made it will not be eligible to be reopened under any circumstances. 3.8 Argument shall have a time limit set upon it. One person shall be selected by volunteering or by Board of Directors' conscription to keep time. Each party, prosecutors and defendants, shall have exactly fifteen uninterrupted minutes to state their arguments. After both sides have stated their case, each party shall have exactly ten minutes to take questions from the floor and further rebut accusations. After this has taken place all parties involved, prosecutors and defendants, shall withdraw from the meeting place. The vote shall then take place by secret ballot. The accused Member shall be informed of the results at a special Company Meeting to be held as soon as possible after the vote. 3.9 The General Committee of the Board of Directors shall determine the penalty. The minimum penalty shall be removal from Office. The maximum penalty shall be permanent expulsion from the Company. 3.10 Any necessary elections to fill posts shall take place at the meeting convened to pass judgment upon the accused. The elections shall take place as described in Article VIII.
Section 4: Resignation 4.1 Resignation from a position shall be for the remainder of the season. 4.2 Resignation from the Company shall be for the remainder of the season subject to Article III, Section 3, 3.3. 4.3 All Resignations must be given to the President in writing, and, once accepted by the President, are considered final. If the President wishes to resign, notice must then be given to the Vice President. Members who resign have the option of rejoining by again paying dues. 4.4 Any Member of the Executive Committee or General Committee of the Board of Directors who resigns from their elected position shall be ineligible for election in any position held the current and following season.
Article XI: Company Meetings Section 1: Annual Meetings 1.1 Post Production: held no more than three weeks after the final performance of the summer Production, and shall mark the commencement of the new Production year. At this Meeting the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, the General Director, and four members of the Play Reading Committee shall be elected. 1.2 Thanksgiving: held within ten days of the fourth Thursday of November. At this meeting, the Directing Staff as well as the Internet Committee Chair shall be elected. The top five shows will be presented to the company. 1.3 Christmas: held within ten days of December 25th. At this meeting, the show for the summer Production and the Bylaw and Fundraising Committee Head Chairs shall be selected. 1.4 Easter: held within fourteen days of Easter Sunday, unless Easter falls after April 1. At this Meeting the Historian, Alumni and Education Chairs shall be elected. 1.5 Pre-Production: held within one week of the beginning of rehearsals. At this Meeting the Social Chair shall be elected. 1.6 Executive Mid-Production: Held within the first three weeks of July. Executive Board shall meet to discuss what has been done and what needs to be done during the summer season. General Committee and/or company members will be asked to attend if needed. 1.7 Any Meeting may be scheduled for a different time than that specified in the bylaws with the consent of three fifths of the Company.
Section 2: Other Meetings 2.1 The Board may also convene any other Company Meeting it deems necessary.
Section 3: Notice of Meetings 3.1 All members of the Board of Directors shall receive at least one week notice of all appropriate Board Meetings. 3.2 All Company Members shall receive at least two weeks notice for all regular meetings and at least one week notice in the case of Emergency Meetings.
Section 4: Quorum 4.1 A Quorum must be present to call a meeting to order. 4.2 For meetings of the Board of Directors, a Quorum is two thirds of the appropriate committee. 4.3 For regular Company Meetings a Quorum is one half the Membership as of the date of the Meeting. 4.4 For Impeachment Meetings a Quorum is three quarters of the Membership as of the date of the Meeting.
Article XII: Operating Procedures Section 1: Show Selection 1.1 The Play Reading Committee shall present a list of no fewer than three, and no more than four, shows. 1.2 The list of shows presented to the Company shall contain no more than one straight play. 1.3 The Company shall select the show for the summer Production from the list of presented shows by a true majority vote of the Play Reading Committee. Each member of the Play Reading Committee shall cast one vote. 1.4 The Producer must cast their vote in accordance with the wishes of the General Membership, as determined by true majority vote. If the Membership’s vote results in an exact tie, then the Producer may cast their vote for any of the shows in the tie. 1.5 In the case of a tie in the Play Reading Committee, the show chosen by true majority vote of the General Membership shall win. 1.6 If, for any reason, the Play Reading Committee does not have ten members at the time of voting, the vote(s) of the empty seat(s) shall be cast for the show which won the true majority vote of the General Membership. 1.7 The selected show may be revoted upon with the approval of three-fifths of the Membership. 1.8 If there is a revote, and the show that is selected in the revote is the same as the show that was selected in the original vote, there shall be no further revotes.
Section 2: Show Dates 2.1 The dates for the performance of the summer show shall be the first consecutive Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the month of August. 2.2 The Company has the right to establish different show dates, if it so decides, by the end of the Thanksgiving Meeting. 2.3 Should performance on any of these dates be impossible, the Board of Directors has the right to set the show dates at its discretion.
Section 3: Fiscal Year 3.1 For the purpose of bookkeeping, the fiscal year of the Peter Quince Performing Co., Ltd. shall be from September 1 to August 31 of the following year.
Section 4: Parliamentary Procedure 4.1 All meetings shall follow Parliamentary Procedure. 4.2 Meetings may be run informally with the approval of the Chair for that Meeting and the majority of those voting members attending the meeting. 4.3 Minutes shall be kept at all Meetings, regardless of the system by which they are run.
Section 5: Wisconsin State Statutes 181 5.1 In all matters the Wisconsin State Statutes shall be superior to these Bylaws, except in cases where the Company may establish its own Policies beyond those specified in the Statutes.
Section 6: Non-Documented Powers 6.1 All matters not listed in the State Statutes or in these Bylaws shall be at the discretion of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
Article XIII: Conditions of Membership Section 1: Controlled Substance Policy 1.1 Any member of the Peter Quince Performing Co., Ltd. that is caught in the possession of or consuming an intoxicating or illegal substance at a Company Sponsored Function as defined in Article XIII, Section 1, 1.2 will go directly to Strike 3 of the Indictment Procedures outlined in Article X, Section 2, 2.3. 1.2 A Company Sponsored Function is defined as any activity which is organized by Members of the Company specifically but not merely exclusively for Members of the Peter Quince Performing Co., Ltd. Events not following the guidelines set by this Constitution of Peter Quince Performing Co., Ltd. shall not be announced verbally or in writing, or discussed at a Quince event, including the time frames immediately preceding or following a Quince event in the location of said event. Location includes all property that belongs to said meeting place. Legal alcohol and tobacco consumption at Alumni Reunions shall be at the Executive Committee's discretion. 1.3 Any question of announcement acceptability shall be directed to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
Section 2: Tobacco Policy 2.1 Use of Tobacco will be strictly prohibited at all Peter Quince Performing Co., Ltd. functions conducted in view of the public as defined in Article XIII, Section 1, 1.2. 2.2 Any member violating the Tobacco Policy will go to Strike 1 of the Indictment Procedures outlined in Article X, Section 2, 2.3.
Section 3: Illegal Behavior 3.1 Any member of the Peter Quince Performing Co., Ltd. that is caught in any illegal activity at a Company Sponsored Function as defined in Article XIII, Section 1, 1.2 will go directly to Strike 3 of the Indictment Procedures outlined in Article X, Section 2, 2.3.
Section 4: General Behavior Policy 4.1 All Members are responsible for being good representatives of the company at all Company Sponsored Events as defined in Article XIII, Section 1, 1.2 and in the Manitowoc community. “Good Representation” of the company is defined as respecting other members, their families, community establishments, schools, and other community members who support Quince; being respectful of the Directing Staff and other leaders in Quince; refraining from profanity, obscenity, and other “inappropriate” behavior as defined at the discretion of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Any member violating the General Behavior Policy shall be indicted as defined in Article X, Section 2, 2.3, with the number of the strike being determined by the severity of the violation.
Section 5: Anti-Discrimination Policy 5.1 Peter Quince Performing Company does not and shall not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, selection and removal of position-holders, selection of show titles, member and community interaction, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members and the greater Manitowoc community. Members in violation of this policy are subject to immediate removal from the company, bypassing the standard grievance procedure, at the discretion of the Executive Board.
Section 6:Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy 6.1 Definition: Harassment is defined in law as a course of unwanted conduct which can cause an individual alarm or distress and may put people in fear of violence. It can include repeated attempts to impose unwanted communications and contact upon another individual(s) in a manner that could be expected to cause distress or fear in any reasonable person. Peter Quince Performing Company will not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying within its community or against its members, including but not limited to that which takes place beyond the physical premises and normal business hours of the Company, such as conduct at business events, social events related to Peter Quince Performing Company, and/or on social media. 6.2 This Policy applies to any behavior as set out in this Policy perpetrated by members of Peter Quince Performing Company. It also applies to behavior committed against any other third party (including but not limited to alumni, visitors, vendors) where it occurs on premises and/or where third party contact is made in relation to rehearsal/performance/event purposes. 6.3 The above list is not exhaustive and may also include other unacceptable behavior being perpetrated by Company members. The Executive Board has an additional obligation to ensure that this Policy is implemented, to promote equality, an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment, and to tackle swiftly and fairly any discrimination, harassment and bullying that is reported to them.
Article XIV: Bylaws Section 1: Purpose of Bylaws 1.1 In order to define company policy and enhance the orderly operation of Company Business, Bylaws shall be established. 1.2 The Bylaws shall be the self-made regulations of the Peter Quince Performing Co., Ltd. 1.3 The scope of the Bylaws shall be anything affecting the business and Members of the Company. 1.4 The Bylaws shall have no effect on third persons, nor affect their rights in any manner.
Section 2: Proposal of Bylaws 2.1 Any member in good standing shall have the right to propose Bylaws at any official Company Meeting.
Section 3: Passage of Bylaws 3.1 The Bylaw Committee must post in the Current Members page and/or send an email to each member two weeks before a meeting so that the members can assess and asks questions on the proposed Bylaw change. 3.3 The membership will vote by yaying or naying the proposed Bylaw. If any member is opposed they are allowed to give reason and then the Bylaw will be adopted upon the affirmative secret ballot vote of two-thirds majority of the Members present and voting.
Section 4: Bylaw Availability to Members 4.1 Upon paying dues to the Company, Members will receive a current copy of the Bylaws upon request. 4.2 If the Bylaws change beyond minor spelling or grammar changes, all members must be issued a revised version. 4.3 Three copies of the Bylaws shall be present and available to members at every meeting.
Section 5: Membership Responsibility 5.1 All Members are responsible for reading, understanding, and following the Bylaws of the Peter Quince Performing Co., Ltd.
Section 6: The Spirit of the Bylaws 6.1 If, during the course of the current season, any person involved in the selection of the show acts in a way that is deemed by the Executive Board to be an attempt to “cheat” the system in order to get a particular show(s) selected or eliminated or to get one or more individuals removed from or added to the Play Reading Committee, the Executive Board has full authority to overrule the contents of Article VIII, Section 4 and Article XII, Section 1 in order to more fairly represent the wishes of the Company as a whole. 6.2 If action is taken by the Executive Board under the provisions in this Section, full disclosure must be maintained between the Executive Board and the rest of the Company membership.