The Penguin Project Foundation

 Permissions, Releases and Waivers    

Please read this document carefully.

 For the consideration of me and/or my child, for whom I am responsible and represent, participating in The Penguin Project, I acknowledge that we do so of our volition and choice and, recognizing that performing in such a production has or creates greater risk for injury to myself or child. 

I agree to waive and relinquish all claims that I or my child may have for injuries or damages as a result of participating in The Penguin Project or using the theatrical facilities or equipment, against the New Tampa Players, its officers, directors, agents, employees and/or affiliates.  This Release is intended to release any and all claims that I/we may possess as a consequence, in any fashion, of our participation in The Penguin Project.  Accordingly, I do hereby fully release, discharge from liability and hold harmless the New Tampa Players, its officers, directors, agents, employees and/or affiliates from any and all claims for injury, including death, damages, property damage or loss which we may have or which may in the future accrue to me or my child on account of participation in The Penguin Project or use of The Penguin Project  or the theatrical facilities equipment. 

I further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and pay defense costs and defend the New Tampa Players, its officers, directors, agents, employees and/or affiliates from any and all claims resulting from injuries, including death, damages, property damage or loss sustained by me or my child arising out of, connected with or in any way associated with the activities participating in The Penguin Project or by use of any theatrical facilities or equipment. 

I recognize the right of the director of The Penguin Project, in his or her absolute discretion either to terminate a participant’s involvement in the show at any time due to disciplinary issues or medical issues which might jeopardize either the participant’s or someone else’s health, safety or well-being or because of concerns about the completion of the production of “Mary Poppins, Jr.”  in a satisfactory manner, which it is acknowledged is solely the decision of the show’s director. 

I understand that it is my responsibility to get my child to and from rehearsals, and to notify the director in case of illness or other absence.

I understand that I must attend the mandatory parent meetings.

I understand that I must participate in providing treats/snacks for the group rehearsals, as requested by the treat/snack coordinator.

I understand that the program has a NO TOLERANCE policy regarding  physical/verbal violence and bullying.  I further understand that my child may be asked to leave the program if he/she violates this policy.  The director may consider my child’s return to the program, if I agree to attend rehearsals/performances and monitor my child’s behavior.

I/we hereby grant permission to the Penguin Project & New Tampa Players to use any photographs/video recordings in publications without further consideration, and I/we acknowledge the Project's right to crop or treat the photographs/video recordings at its discretion. I/we also acknowledge that the project may choose not to use any photos/video recordings at this time, but may do so at its own discretion at a later date.

 WAIVER, RELEASE, AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT REGARDING COVID-19

I__________________________, have voluntarily permitted and hereby consent to my participation in the programs and activities provided by New Tampa Players ("NTP"), including but not limited to my participation in theater activities and use of NTP’s facilities (collectively, the "Program").

I acknowledge and understand that on or about March 11, 2020, the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19") was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") has stated that the "best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus." (​https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html​). I further acknowledge and agree that Florida’s Department of Health has issued a Public Health Emergency as a result of COVID-19. The President of the United States has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Florida due to COVID-19, Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency exists in Florida as a result of COVID-19, and both Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Tampa City Commission have declared a state of local emergency exists as a result of COVID-19. I acknowledge and understand that there are known cases of COVID-19 throughout Hillsborough County and in the Tampa Bay Area.

I acknowledge and understand that COVID-19 is highly contagious and voluntarily choose to participate in the Program despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

I acknowledge and understand that NTP directors, members, visitors, and volunteers come into contact with multiple individuals every day,and may become exposed to COVID-19. While NTP takes precautions to reduce the likelihood of transmission of COVID-19 by its directors, members, visitors, and volunteers, I acknowledge and agree that NTP does not guarantee that I will not be exposed to or infected with COVID-19.

I acknowledge and understand that by participating in the Program, I am exposing myself to the risk of becoming exposed to or infected with COVID-19, which may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. I acknowledge and understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 may result from actions, negligence, and failure to act of myself or others, including but not limited to NTP, and other Program participants and individuals that I may come into contact with, including but not limited to parents and guardians. I assume all risks and hazards and accept personal responsibility for myself and for any injury, illness, damage, loss, claim, liability or expense, of any kind or nature, that I may suffer arising out of or in connection with my exposure to or infection by COVID-19 and my participation in the Program, including, but not limited to my arrival to NTP's offices for participation in the Program.

On my own behalf and on behalf, I hereby waive, release, absolve, commit not to sue and forever discharge NTP, its officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, volunteers, representatives, attorneys, and/or any other person, firm or corporation charged or chargeable with responsibility for the Program, from any and all liabilities, claims, demands, damages, expenses including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, actions, loss or injury of any kind whatsoever, including personal injury, illness, bodily injury, death and/or property damage ("Claims"), arising out of or in any way connected with my participation in the Program, and my exposure to or infection by COVID-19.

I understand that this release includes any Claims based on the negligence, action, or inaction of any of NTP and its officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, volunteers, representatives, attorneys, and/or any other person, firm or corporation charged or chargeable with responsibility for the Program, and covers bodily injury (including death) due to COVID-19, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during or after participation in the Program.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, I agree to complete NTP’s COVID-19 Health Screening Questionnaire on each day of my participation in the Program, prior to entering NTP’s facilities, if requested. I agree not to attend the Program or any of NTP’s facilities if I or anyone in my household has been diagnosed with COVID-19, exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or shows any symptoms of COVID-19. I agree to comply with all current CDC, City of Tampa, and NTP rules and guidelines for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic at all times, including but not limited to while at home and while at NTP’s facilities. NTP reserves the right to take my temperature at any time during the Program and I hereby authorize and consent to NTP taking my temperature at any time during the Program. NTP reserves the right to send any participant home from the Program when NTP has any reason to believe the participant may have been exposed to COVID-19, have contracted COVID-19 or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, or if the participant does not comply with the CDC and NTP rules and guidelines for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. I agree to notify the Program immediately if I or any member of my household is diagnosed with COVID-19 or is exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

I verify that all the information on this form is accurate and that I have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions herein, as well as all rules and regulations governing the Program.

This waiver, release, and hold harmless agreement is effective as of the date signed and returned to NTP and shall remain valid and in effect even after the conclusion of the individual’s participation in the Program. The undersigned represents and warrants that he/she is authorized to sign this waiver, release, and hold harmless.

WELCOME TO THE PENGUIN PROJECT!

     We are about to embark on a remarkable journey together!!  We anticipate that this will be a “life-changing” experience for your family. This sheet is designed to provide general information about the program and the rehearsal process in hopes of insuring that everything goes as smoothly as possible.   If you have any questions, please contact Nora Paine at (443) 850-8997.

    The Penguin Project prides itself on being a safe environment for creative expression.   We have a NO TOLERANCE policy for bullying, teasing, and physical violence.   ANYONE who violates this policy may be asked to leave the program.

     Please make certain that we are aware of any special circumstances, potential problems, or restrictions, particularly any issues related to behavior or health.  Let us know how we should deal with significant behavior problems. Our standard approach will be to remove the child from the rehearsal area to allow him/her to calm down.  If this does not work, we will call you to come get him/her. 

     Please fill out the calendars identifying any and all conflicts. This will allow us to schedule rehearsals based on conflicts to maximize everyone’s time commitment.  If you are unable to fill out the calendar today, please bring a completed calendar to the next meeting/rehearsal.

       Due to Covid-19, New Tampa Players will require face masks. Face masks will be mandatory at all rehearsals and performances.

 Group Rehearsals will generally be held on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. More information on locations and times will be coming. Your flexibility with scheduling and locations will be important this year. Rehearsals start promptly at 7:00 pm, again unless otherwise specified.  Please arrive 10 minutes or so earlier so your child is “ready to go” when rehearsal begins. Additionally, we will have an occasional Saturday rehearsal as well as adding Tuesday rehearsals in January and Wednesday rehearsals in February. The location, dates, and times will be included in the rehearsal calendar which will be distributed through email before our first rehearsal.

     The frequency of rehearsals will increase for everyone as we get closer to the performance.  Rehearsals during the last two weeks before the performance, and may last up to 2½ hours.  We will not be having rehearsals over the Thanksgiving & Christmas breaks.

     Rehearsals will typically last for 1 hour and fifteen minutes unless otherwise specified, and will be followed with a take-home snack.  Children should wear face masks, comfortable clothes, and sneakers to rehearsals to allow movement.  Please do not wear sandals, flip-flops, or go barefoot.  Also please dress appropriately – girls with tops that are not revealing, and boys with shorts/pants that do fall below the waist. No under-garments should be exposed.   

     Parents and care givers are welcome and encouraged to remain at rehearsals to watch their children, as long as they wear face masks and remain out of the “performance area” and do not interfere with the rehearsal.  We want you to sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your children as they do amazing things.  This can also be a time to “network” with other parents.   If you drop your child off, please plan to return to pick him/her up at 8:15 pm, or whenever the rehearsal is scheduled to end.  The production staff will always stay until every child is gone, so please be prompt.

   If your child will be unexpectedly unable to attend a scheduled rehearsal, please contact us through the Penguin Project of New Tampa Facebook Group Page. If a rehearsal is cancelled due to weather, we will post the notice on our Facebook page.

    We like to serve “snacks” after each group rehearsal (crackers, popcorn, water, juice boxes, etc.).  We are looking for a  Snack Coordinator. The Snack Coordinator will be contacting our Penguin Project families for assistance. If your child has any special dietary restrictions, please let us know. 

     After four to five weeks of general rehearsals, we will cast the show based on our observations of the children.  We will have a separate rehearsal for anyone interested in a speaking part to hear the children read, but there will be no true “auditions.”  A list of the roles and the size of the roles in terms of scenes, lines and songs will be provided. As indicated previously, those receiving lead roles will be expected to attend more frequent rehearsals, depending on the size of the role.  Until the final 2 weeks, however, I do not anticipate that anyone will need to rehearse more than four times per week.

     Each Young Artist with a Special Need will have a peer mentor to assist them at rehearsals and on stage. The mentor will be on stage and costumed appropriately, but will be expected to remain “in the background” to provide support and guidance as needed.  Please let us know if you would like a specific mentor for your child.  We will do our best to honor these requests, but will always do what we feel is in the best interest of the child and of the cast.  Over the first two to three weeks, we match the children based on our observation of their strengths and needs.  If an artist and a mentor want to continue as partners, they need to let the mentor coordinator know this.  Everyone will be matched by 3 to 4 weeks.  If at any time you perceive that there is a problem with your child and his/her partner, please do not discuss this with the children directly.  Please bring your concerns to us ASAP, and let us handle any problems. 

     Each Peer Mentor will learn the part of his or her Young Artist including lines, songs, and stage directions.   Mentors will receive additional training in “mentoring” throughout the rehearsal process.   Mentors will be expected to attend all rehearsals of their partner.  Please let us know if you will be unable to attend a rehearsal, so we can find a “sub.”

     Each member of the cast (Young Artists and Mentors) will be given a script book and a digital file of the songs.  Cast members will be expected to work on their lines and songs outside of rehearsals, at home with their family or their mentors. This will allow us to focus the rehearsal time on group activities.

    Parent involvement is critical to the success of The Penguin Project.  In addition to helping your children prepare for rehearsals, we will need adult volunteers to assist with sets, costumes, props, stage crew, etc.   We will also need adult volunteers to help backstage during the performances.  Let us know if you are interested in serving in any of these capacities.

COVID-19 Policies:

1)    We will rehearse outside as much as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please come prepared with a camp chairs for parents, water for parents and children, and appropriate clothing and shoes.

2)    All staff, participants, and parents will wear face masks during all Penguin Project rehearsals and performances. Face masks must be snug to the face and have at least 3 layers. Please avoid neck gaiters.

3)    Participants will be organized into smaller groups for rehearsals and not rehearse in larger groups until late January/early February at the earliest.

4)    If anyone in your family is exposed to COVID-19, please call Nora Paine (443)-850-8997 as soon as possible. You will be asked to keep your child from rehearsal for 5 days and have a negative covid test on the 5th day to return.

5)    If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please call Nora Paine (443) 850-8997 as soon as possible. You will be asked to keep your child from rehearsal for 10 days and have a negative covid test on the 10th day to return.

6)    Leading into tech week of the production (week before performances), New Tampa Players may add temperature checks and COVID testing to our COVID-19 Guidelines.

“Our Penguins may not be able to fly; but that does not prevent their spirits from soaring”