Enchantment Awards Code of Conduct
Core Values & Professionalism
The Enchantment Awards, presented by the New Mexico High School Musical Theatre Awards (NMHSMTA), celebrate the passion, dedication, and talent of New Mexico’s young performers. Participation in this program is a high honor and a professional privilege.
As a participant, you are an ambassador for your school, your community, and the arts. This Code of Conduct is designed to ensure a safe, inclusive, and professional environment that allows every student to perform at their greatest potential. By registering with our program and (should you be chosen to participate in the awards show) checking in at the first rehearsal, you commit to upholding the standards of excellence that define the Enchantment Awards.
Professional Standard
Theatre is a collaborative art form built on mutual respect. All participants are expected to adhere to the following core principles:
Venue & Rehearsal Etiquette
Whether we are in a rehearsal studio or on the stage at Popejoy Hall, the following rules apply:
Health, Wellness, & Safety
The Enchantment Awards is an elite-level performance intensive. To ensure every student can perform safely and at their physical peak, the following policies are strictly enforced:
Travel & Housing Protocols
For the safety of all participants and the integrity of the program, the following rules apply to all students traveling from outside the Albuquerque area, as well as local students during program hours.
Hotel Conduct & Safety
Transportation
No student may leave any facility connected with this program without express permission obtained by previous arrangement. No student may ever leave any facility alone. For everyone’s safety, students should always be in groups of three or more, leave with a designated adult (parent/guardian/Enchantment Awards representative), and be accompanied to vehicles. When at the hotel the designated chaperone should be within sight or available by immediate contact.
Core Values & Professionalism
The Enchantment Awards, presented by the New Mexico High School Musical Theatre Awards (NMHSMTA), celebrate the passion, dedication, and talent of New Mexico’s young performers. Participation in this program is a high honor and a professional privilege.
As a participant, you are an ambassador for your school, your community, and the arts. This Code of Conduct is designed to ensure a safe, inclusive, and professional environment that allows every student to perform at their greatest potential. By registering with our program and (should you be chosen to participate in the awards show) checking in at the first rehearsal, you commit to upholding the standards of excellence that define the Enchantment Awards.
Professional Standard
Theatre is a collaborative art form built on mutual respect. All participants are expected to adhere to the following core principles:
- Punctuality: In the professional world, “On time is late; early is on time.” You are expected to be dressed and in your designated location, ready to work, at least five minutes before every call time.
- Preparedness: You are responsible for your own scripts, sheet music, pencils, costumes, and personal belongings. Coming prepared is a sign of respect for your directors and fellow cast members.
- Respect for Authority: You will follow the instructions of all NMHSMTA staff, venue technicians, stage managers, and chaperones immediately and courteously.
- Ensemble Mindset: Bullying, harassment, or exclusionary behavior of any kind — whether in person or online — will not be tolerated. We are here to lift each other up.
- Check-In and Out: Using your phone and our QR code, you will be required to check in and out of each facility to which you are assigned: rehearsal space, our transit, the hotel, and Popejoy Hall.
Venue & Rehearsal Etiquette
Whether we are in a rehearsal studio or on the stage at Popejoy Hall, the following rules apply:
- Cleanliness: You are responsible for your own trash. Dressing rooms and rehearsal spaces must be left in better condition than they were found.
- Electronic Devices: The use of cell phones during rehearsals (except on breaks or when noted) will not be permitted. Cell phones will not be allowed backstage.
- Property Vandalism/Theft: None of the properties are yours. Marking, marring, or altering any part of these properties is vandalism. The student/parent will be expected to pay full restitution if property is vandalized or taken.
Health, Wellness, & Safety
The Enchantment Awards is an elite-level performance intensive. To ensure every student can perform safely and at their physical peak, the following policies are strictly enforced:
- Substance Policy: The possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or any illegal controlled substance is strictly forbidden. Vaping and the use of e-cigarettes or “pens” are strictly prohibited at all times, including in hotel rooms, on transit, and at the venue. These substances pose a fire risk and are detrimental to vocal and respiratory health.
- Vocal & Physical Health: As a performer, your body is your instrument. We expect you to manage your health with professional discipline.
- Hydration: Students are expected to bring a reusable water bottle. Professional musical theatre requires peak hydration for vocal cord health and stamina.
- Immune System Care: The Enchantment Awards week is physically and mentally taxing. We strongly encourage students to prioritize sleep, wash hands frequently, and avoid sharing drinks or makeup to prevent the spread of seasonal illness.
- Nutrition: Ensure you are eating balanced meals. “Performers’ fatigue” is often the result of poor nutrition during high-stress weeks.
- Vocal Rest: Be mindful of screaming or over-projecting in social settings. Save your voice for the stage.
Travel & Housing Protocols
For the safety of all participants and the integrity of the program, the following rules apply to all students traveling from outside the Albuquerque area, as well as local students during program hours.
Hotel Conduct & Safety
- The hotel is considered an extension of the rehearsal space. Students are expected to maintain the same level of professionalism in public areas and guest rooms. Students must follow the established rules and guidelines of their chaperones.
- Students may only stay in their assigned rooms. Under no circumstances are students allowed in the rooms of others, regardless of gender or school affiliation. The hotel has community spaces available for students to visit with one another. The parking lot is not considered a gathering place or community space. No student should “hang out” in the parking lot nor go to it without the express permission of the chaperone, and never alone.
- To ensure student safety, hotel room doors must remain closed and locked. No guests (friends, family, or local students) are permitted in student rooms at any time.
- Students are to meet curfew and remain in their assigned room for the remainder of the night. Students must call his/her chaperone if there is an issue that needs immediate attention.
- Remember that other hotel guests are not part of the awards. Loud music or talking, hallway gatherings, or disruptive behavior are prohibited.
Transportation
No student may leave any facility connected with this program without express permission obtained by previous arrangement. No student may ever leave any facility alone. For everyone’s safety, students should always be in groups of three or more, leave with a designated adult (parent/guardian/Enchantment Awards representative), and be accompanied to vehicles. When at the hotel the designated chaperone should be within sight or available by immediate contact.
Photo by Nicole Bridges Photography