acta Community Theatre is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and professional environment for all staff, volunteers, performers, participants, and visitors. The use of drugs and alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and performance, and may place individuals and others at risk. This policy sets clear expectations regarding drugs and alcohol in connection with acta activities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
• Employees, trustees, freelance staff, contractors, and volunteers
• Participants, and event attendees
• Any person representing acta Community Theatre
The policy applies during:
• Rehearsals, performances, workshops, classes, meetings, and events
• Load-in, strike, and technical work
• Any acta-related activity or travel
• Any time an individual is on acta premises
3. Definitions
• Alcohol: Any beverage containing alcohol.
• Illegal drugs: Drugs that are unlawful to possess, use, sell, or distribute.
• Impairment: A state in which physical, mental, or emotional capacity is adversely affected, including by alcohol, drugs, or misuse of medication.
• Prescription medication: Medication legally prescribed to an individual for personal use.
4. Policy Statement
acta Community Theatre maintains a drug- and alcohol-free environment for all work and participant activities. Individuals must not attend or participate in acta activities while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
5. Alcohol
• The possession, consumption, or being under the influence of alcohol is not permitted during rehearsals, workshops, classes, technical work, performances, or meetings.
• Alcohol may only be present at acta events where it is:
o Explicitly approved by acta management or the Board, and
o Served in compliance with all applicable laws and venue requirements.
• No individual under the legal drinking age may consume or possess alcohol at any acta-related event.
6. Drugs
• The possession, use, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited at any acta activity.
• Individuals must not be under the influence of illegal drugs while participating in acta activities.
• Prescription or over-the-counter medications may be used only as directed. If such medication may cause impairment that affects safety or performance, the individual must notify an acta staff member or freelance facilitator as appropriate.
7. Safety-Sensitive Roles
Individuals in safety-sensitive roles (including but not limited to operating tools, rigging, lighting, sound equipment, set construction, or supervising minors) must be completely free from impairment at all times.
8. Expectations and Responsibilities
All individuals involved with acta are expected to:
• Arrive fit for duty and participation
• Act responsibly and professionally
• Ensure their behaviour does not put themselves or others at risk
• Speak up if they have reasonable concerns about safety related to impairment
9. Breach of Policy
If an individual is suspected of being impaired:
• acta may remove the individual from the activity or venue immediately
• The individual may be asked to leave the premises safely
• Appropriate disciplinary action may be taken
Consequences may include:
• Verbal or written warnings
• Suspension or removal from a production or workshop
• Termination of employment or volunteer role
• In serious cases, notification of authorities
10. Support and Wellbeing
acta recognises that substance misuse can be a health issue. Individuals are encouraged to seek support. Where appropriate and feasible, acta may provide information on support services or allow reasonable accommodations, provided safety is not compromised.
11. Confidentiality
Any information related to suspected or disclosed substance use will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis.
12. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and compliant with applicable laws and best practices.
Last reviewed: 20/1/26 by Oliver Jones, Director
Next reviewed: 20/1/27
