Studio VII Theatre Co.

Studio VII Theatre Co. Bylaws

I.  Studio VII Theatre Co. is Seven Lakes High School’s theatre arts organization, whose educational mission is to involve students in personally rewarding theatre experiences, evoke in students an excitement and appreciation for both creating and attending theatre, and develop a sense of confidence within each student for the rest of their lives.  It accomplishes this by:

A.     producing live theatrical productions

B.     providing students with a forum to express themselves socially and creatively

C.     when possible, exposing students to other outside theatre practitioners and performers

II.    Conditions of membership

A.     To be eligible to join Studio VII Theatre Co. or Thespians a is student must to be one or more of the following:

1.   Be an annually paid company member of the Studio VII Theatre Co.

2.      Be eligible with grades according to UIL rules (70 or higher each Six Weeks)

3.      Must have Consent to Treat form and Safety Contract form on file with the directors

B.      Must participate in theatre activities after school either by acting or working on tech and do so to the best of their abilities.

III. Conditions of removal and reinstatement:

A. A student will be removed from a Studio VII Production Co. if they receive a grade of below 70 in any course on the previous six-weeks report card. (The student may be reinstated after three weeks when the following progress report demonstrates adequate improvement per UIL. rules.)

B. A student will be removed from a Studio VII Production Co. if they receive one N or one U on the previous six-week report card. The student may be reinstated if the progress report shows adequate improvement.

C.  A student will be removed temporarily from the organization on any days they are assigned ISS and may not participate in any Studio VII activities during the day of the ISS assignment. The student will be reinstated on the day following their last day of ISS.

D. A student may be removed for behavior during theatre productions, theatre activities, group outings, field trips, etc. that are distracting or disturbing to others. If distractions persist, removal will occur. 

E.  A student may be removed without warning if they commit a Level III Offense or higher (as per the Katy ISD Code of Conduct).

F.  A student may be removed from Studio VII Theatre Co. if they miss 3 or more meetings/rehearsals unexcused. The student will be eligible to rejoin the following school year if criteria in Article II. A. are met.

G. Students will be warned of impending removal, prior to it being finalized, and given the opportunity to self-correct. The sponsors reserve the right to decide whether or not the student will be allowed to be reinstated and under what conditions.

IV.   Studio VII Theatre Co. field trips.

A.     To be eligible to attend a Studio VII Theatre Co. sponsored field trip a member must:

1.      have the required forms, such as a permission slip, signed by a parent/Guardian

2.      purchase a ticket in advance (unless otherwise announced)

3.   Follow school/sponsor rules regarding dress code and behavior

4.  Be enrolled in a theatre class during the time of the field trip

B.     A student is ineligible to attend a Studio VII Theatre Co. field trip if:

1. The field trip occurs during a time in which the student is removed from the club (as listed in Article III).

2. The sponsors deem that the student’s behavior on a previous field trip or other activity merits ineligibility to attend other field trips.

3. You receive a failing grade (below 70) in any class during that UIL eligibility time period (unless the failing grade is in a KAP/AP/GT course)

C. While on a Studio VII Theatre Co. field trip, a student must exhibit appropriate conduct as described in the KISD Student Code of Conduct. If conduct is inappropriate, parents will be contacted and told to come get the student. Disciplinary action at the school may follow the next school day.

V. Studio VII Theatre Co. Productions

A.     A member of Studio VII is not automatically a participant in a Studio VII Theatre Co. production. 

B.     In order to participate in a Studio VII production, a member must:

1.      audition for the cast and/or sign-up and be interviewed for the crew

2.      attend after-school rehearsals as required by the director (including Saturdays)

3.      have permission slip signed by their parent or guardian, as well as a Company Membership Form (found on the Studio VII Theatre Co. website)

4.      must be at least a paid company member within the Studio VII Theatre Co. if they are either cast in a production, or on crew for a production

5.      check the Callboard and Remind DAILY for updates

C.     A student may be removed from a Studio VII production if they:

1.      are removed from the club for a reason listed in Article III.  If a student is removed from the production because they are removed from the company, the director of the production is not obligated to reinstate the student into the production, even if the student is reinstated into the company.

2.      fails to abide by the play production contract.  Each production will have a rehearsal schedule and guidelines for attendance that each participant will sign acknowledging that they will comply.

3.      has excused absences that have accumulated to an excessive amount (to be determined by the director based on: reason for absences, the size/demand of the role, the student’s preparation for the role, and amount of rehearsal time left.)

VI.     Thespian Officers for Troupe 7014 

A.Studio VII Theatre Co. members (not current Seniors, unless a current officer) will elect student officers for the next school year. All officers must be able to abide by ALL of the following regulations and responsibilities:

1.  complete officer packet by the due date

2.  provide effective leadership all school year as well as lead by example

3.  carry out the duties of their individual office all school year

4.  manage their individual committee with bi-weekly meetings and hold planned outings/events

5.     attend all Studio VII Theatre Co./ Thespian General Assemblies, Booster Club Meetings, school wide events, recruiting events and weekly officer meetings as scheduled by the troupe director all year long

a.  The following events are required events all officers must attend each year:

i.  Summer officer meetings, Fish Camp, Spartan Spectacular, Booster club meetings, All Studio VII productions, All weekly officer meetings, Bi-Weekly company meetings, Holiday Extravaganza, 8th Grade parent night, Thespian Inductions and Studio VII Theatre Co. Banquet

6.  maintain a high level of dedication and involvement in Studio VII Theatre Co. all school year

7.  be a leader and an example for all theatre students on and off the stage, showing respect to each other, the directors and fellow theatre students.

8.  be enrolled in an Upper Level Theatre course for the entire school year (Theatre 2 or higher or Tech Theatre 2 or higher)

9.  have passed ALL (KAP/AP included) classes each six weeks the previous school year (report card is required) (including semester grade as well)

10.   Understand that officers are held to a higher standard than anyone else in the company and professionalism, dedication and love for all of theatre is a must.

11. Thespian officers are seen as role models for Troupe 7014 and at Seven Lakes.  As such, Thespian officers must realize that the manner in which they conduct themselves in their classes, at official school activities, on social media and during non-school hours is considered to be representative behavior of Studio VII Theatre Co. and Troupe 7014.  It is critical that Thespian officers’ conduct themselves in a manner which positively represents the students at Seven Lakes High School as well as the Theatre Department. Derogatory comments about Seven Lakes High School staff, students, productions and/or policies will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the position of a Thespian officer.

If an officer is no longer able to carry out their duties effectively or professionally or is guilty of excessive absences (2) or tardies to any meeting/rehearsal without prior communication to the directors, or receives two demerits for any reason, or for any other reason as determined by the theatre directors or the school administration, will be removed from office.  If an officer steps down, or is removed from office, the Troupe Director will appoint a replacement officer or utilize the hierarchy of placements.  If a new candidate is needed, possible candidates must complete all required paperwork. 

There shall be seven (7) officers for Troupe 7014. They are:

President must be a senior at Seven Lakes High School, as well as a previous officer unless vetted by troupe directors. They will preside at all meetings, appoint all standing and special committees, and direct and supervise troupe activities. They are responsible for the Troupe Bonding Committee (Troupe get-togethers, activities to bond, etc.). Officer chores (as shown in chore list) will be done on a weekly rotation. 

Vice President must be a junior or senior at Seven Lakes High School, as well as a previous officer unless vetted by troupe directors. They will preside in the absence of the president and are responsible for the induction of new members into Troupe 7014. They are responsible for managing all committee heads and making sure bi-weekly meetings and events are occurring. They are also responsible for the Jr. High Committee (Jr. High Education, workshops, get-togethers, productions, etc.). The VP and their committee should help out the Jr. High Productions, see their productions, and teach workshops. Officer chores (as shown in chore list) will be done on a weekly rotation. 

Vice President of Productions (VPOP) must be a junior or a senior at Seven Lakes High School and must be enrolled in Tech Theatre 3 or 4. They are responsible for helping with the design and drafting of all productions as well as being in charge of supervising all crews and all tech rehearsals. They will be in charge of the PAC calendar and scheduling and will act as the company liaison/stage manager for other PAC events. They are responsible for the Tech Committee (tech workshops, help with Tech at Jr. Highs and local theatres, work in the PAC, etc.). Officer chores (as shown in chore list) will be done on a weekly rotation. 

 Secretary must be a junior or a senior at Seven Lakes High School. They will keep the records of all meetings (officer, company, committee, Thespian, etc.) and attend troupe correspondence while using the Call Board efficiently. They are responsible for the Theatre Geek of the Week Board, and updating it weekly as well as the bulletin boards outside the Black Box in the Main Hallway and updating them monthly. They are responsible for Seven Lakes High School Outreach for Theatre (school announcements, posters around school, lunch ticket sales, pep rallies, etc.). Officer chores (as shown in chore list) will be done on a weekly rotation. 

Treasurer must be a sophomore or junior at Seven Lakes High School. They keep the troupe’s books and help pay bills for Thespians, and may act as business manager of Thespian productions. They work closely with the other officers and plan financially the events and fundraisers. They are also in charge of all production dues and other monetary jobs. They will attend or find a representative to attend every ComedySportz match and count money from box office and concessions after every match. They are responsible for the Patron Committee (collecting Thespian dues, fundraiser money, spreadsheets, donations, etc.). Officer chores (as shown in chore list) will be done on a weekly rotation. 

 Public Relations must be a sophomore or junior at Seven Lakes High School. They are in charge of the company Instagram account and making connections with other troupes and the community. They are responsible for the Publicity Committee (bring Studio VII Theatre Co./Thespians to the community, Improv, act-offs, community service, etc.). Officer chores (as shown in chore list) will be done on a weekly rotation.

 Historian must be a sophomore or junior at Seven Lakes High School. They will keep a picture and video documentation of all productions and troupe outings throughout the year.  They will make a scrap book for every production to keep within the company. They will also maintain the bulletin board and the display case in the main hallway as well as change them as needed. They are responsible for the Banquet EOY Slideshow and Senior Slideshow.  They are responsible for the Charitable Hearts Committee (fundraisers, thespian events, etc.). Officer chores (as shown in chore list) will be done on a weekly rotation. 

Class Representatives for the Studio VII Theatre Co. will be elected at the beginning of the school year by paid Studio VII Theatre Co. members only. There will be one class representative from the freshman class and if a sophomore is not represented in the officer board, a sophomore representative will also be elected. If there is not a class represented on the board from Article VI. C. then that class will also have a representative. Once elected, these representatives are expected to attend the weekly officer meetings.

The list of officer chores will be discussed and updated each year and rotations will be handled by the president and troupe directors. 

VII.  Company Meetings, Thespian Meetings, and Officer Meetings

A. Company Meetings will be held bi-weekly (twice a month) in the PAC or the Black Box.  These meetings will be run by Troupe 7014 officers and the Troupe Directors.  These meetings should last no more than 15 minutes.  Productions, committees, and outreach should be discussed at each meeting.  Closed Thespian Meetings will be held as needed.  Additional meetings can be added at any time, and meetings can be canceled at any time. The Studio VII Instagram, and Remind messages are the most up to date locations to check the status of Studio VII events.

B. Officer board meetings will occur once a week on Wednesday mornings at 6:45am. Officer meetings must meet a quorum of four (4) officers and a president, or vice president must be present to run through the agenda. 

VIII.   Voting and Elections

A. To gain voting rights, students must be paid company members in good standing with the company. 

i. To vote in Officer Elections, company members cannot be a Senior (unless an elected officer), and must listen to all candidate speeches and be physically present at the meeting (not a call-in).

ii. To vote in End of Year awards, students are encouraged to see all Studio VII theatre productions during the school year

B.  Any voting needs (run-offs, miscount, special elections, etc.) will be at the discretion of Directors, Sponsors, and/or Officer Board. 

IX.     The Studio VII Theatre Co. / Thespian Bylaws may be amended or altered with the consensus of the troupe director and the school principal. As always, all bylaws can be changed at any time, and any bylaw can fall under the category of “Director’s Discretion”. Officers and members will always be made aware if any alterations to the Bylaws occur.

Last Updated: July 2025