WOODSTOCK ARTS VISIONARY HANDBOOK
Who We Are
Woodstock Arts provides performing arts productions, classes, and camps to and with the surrounding community. Woodstock Arts was formed to provide not only theatrical arts but visual arts, music, dance, and culinary arts. To do so, Woodstock Arts and the City of Woodstock collaborated on acquiring a 4-acre property and green space to grow this vision.
Mission Statement
Engage the community with relevant art experiences every day.
Vision Statement
To create vibrancy.
Our “Visionaries”
Volunteers are critical to the success of Woodstock Arts and are essential to the organization’s day-to-day operations. A volunteer is defined as anyone who, without compensation or the expectation of compensation, performs a task at the direction and on behalf of the organization. Woodstock Arts Visionaries are referred to as “Visionaries”, as you are essential to helping us fulfill our vision of bringing the arts to our community.
Dear Visionary,
Woodstock Arts started as a local non-profit theatre in 2002 under the name Towne Lake Arts Center. Since then, we have expanded to include a presenting series (The Lantern Series), visual arts exhibits (The Reeves House Visual Arts Center), cultural events, classes, and camps to the surrounding community. Through it all, we have been supported by the dedication of volunteers to help drive forward our mission of engaging the community with relevant art experiences every day.
Whether you are joining us as a new volunteer or a returning friend, you are a valued member of our team. We refer to our volunteers as "Visionaries" for you help us fulfill our vision of bringing the arts to, and creating vibrancy for, our community.
The information presented with this packet is designed to help you better understand how you fit into our vision to create vibrancy in Woodstock and the Greater North Metro Atlanta community. We believe that this information will create the basis for a positive and satisfying experience.
Thank you for choosing to give your time and talents to our organization and community! Your help is needed and always appreciated. We hope this is the beginning of a wonderful and fulfilling Visionary experience with the Woodstock Arts organization.
Sincerely,
Your Woodstock Arts Family
Woodstock Arts
Administrative Offices & Theatre: 8534 Main Street // Woodstock, GA 30188
Reeves House Visual Arts Center: 734 Reeves Street // Woodstock, GA 30188
678-494-4251 // office
678-494-8751 // fax
STAFF
Christopher Brazelton
Executive Director
Brian Gamel
Managing Director
Zach Stolz
Artistic Director
Lindsay Lutes
Business Manager
Kyle Eason
Theatre Education Manager
Harmony Reid
Visual Arts Education & Outreach Manager
Lakyn Cole
Production Manager
lakyn@woodstockarts.org
Chris Keil
Creative Marketing & Programs Manager
ckeil@woodstockarts.org
Liz Siegel
Hospitality Manager
liz@woodstockarts.org
Shawn Leary
Exhibit Manager
shawn@woodstockarts.org
Nico Johnson
Volunteer Manager
nico@woodstockarts.org
Debbie Tidwell
Reeves House Studio Manager
Heather Stevens
Kish Center Studio Manager
Joe Lemmo
iThink Improv Troupe Director
Katie Caldwell
Board President
PROGRAMS
THEATRE: Since 2002, Woodstock Arts Theatre has been providing world-class theatre productions to our community. Since then, the theatre has expanded to attract the Greater North Metro Atlanta area with professional and semi-professional talent as well as receiving 9 Metropolitan Atlanta Theatre Awards.
THE LANTERN SERIES: The Lantern Series is a presenting series designed to bring world-renowned artists and performers to our community.
THE REEVES HOUSE: The Reeves House Visual Arts Center is the visual arts component of Woodstock Arts. The Reeves House, which had its grand opening on May 14th, 2021, boasts an expansive open-plan exhibition space with moveable walls, a gallery dedicated to local history, a large education studio for art classes, and a coffee shop/wine bar. Rotating exhibits feature a wide variety of compelling art from local, national, and international artists, combined with robust public programming. Our vision is to provide ample opportunities for artists to engage with our audiences, and to foster community education, growth, and appreciation for art from a variety of perspectives.
EDUCATION: Woodstock Arts is proud to offer classes and camps (for both adults and children) that provide training in theatre, performance arts, and visual arts. We’ve extended our outreach by giving schools opportunities to creatively participate in programming such as RepTouR – a trained group of individuals that perform for over 10,000 students every year.
Visionary Philosophy
Visionaries and staff are partners in fulfilling the mission and vision of Woodstock Arts. Visionaries are essential and valuable team members that enrich our programs and the arts experience in Woodstock and Greater North Metro Atlanta.
As a Visionary, you provide our organization with insight, talent, passion, and creativity. Woodstock Arts takes pride in being inclusive and seeks a diverse group of Visionaries.
Woodstock Arts does not discriminate against, nor does it tolerate discrimination against or harassment of, any person based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Visionaries are welcomed based on their skills, abilities, and suitability to perform Visionary responsibilities.
Visionary Rights and Responsibilities
Visionary Rights:
- To have your time and talents used wisely.
- To be recognized for your talents and contributions.
- To be given appreciation and respect from staff, board members, and other Visionaries.
- To be offered opportunities based on your interests, skills, and availability.
- To be given the tools and support needed to perform your duties.
- To be given the opportunity to work as part of a team and build community with others.
- To be given opportunities to develop as a Visionary through participation in other Woodstock Arts activities and roles.
- To be given the opportunity to provide open feedback about your Visionary experience.
- To have clear and consistent information about your Visionary duties, responsibilities, and time commitment.
- To have reasonably safe and acceptable working conditions.
- To receive prompt and quality communication about events and opportunities.
Visionary Responsibilities:
- To be open and honest in your interests, skills, availability, and intentions.
- To assume diligent responsibility for your attendance and promptness and provide communication about delays/absences with as much advance notice as possible.
- To accept instruction from staff and lead Visionaries.
- To respect patrons, staff, and other Visionaries.
- To perform duties reliably and as instructed by staff or lead Visionaries.
- To maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information you may be provided.
- To report any witnessed harmful or unlawful activities to staff immediately.
- To treat all organization equipment and property with respect.
- To be alert, sober, and drug-free while volunteering.
- To keep honest and open communication with staff about your experiences to help better the Visionary experience for yourself and others
Staff Rights and Responsibilities
Staff Rights:
- To provide instruction or correction to Visionary about the work involved.
- To be respected.
- To report any incidents to the Visionary Coordinator or executive staff.
- To turn down or dismiss any Visionary thought unsuitable for duty.
Staff Responsibilities:
- To provide training and clear instruction to Visionaries and provide reasonable support of duties.
- To communicate with a Visionary all necessary information to effectively complete tasks.
- To set and maintain performance standards.
- To respect, appreciate, and give recognition to Visionaries.
- To provide reasonably safe and acceptable working conditions.
Visionary Conduct
The lasting impression that VIsionaries make on those they serve and work with reflects directly on all staff, Visionaries, and board members of Woodstock Arts. Woodstock Arts expects Visionaries to conduct themselves in a manner that protects the interests and safety of all Visionaries, employees, guests, and the organization, and which does not interfere with operations, bring discredit to Woodstock Arts or offend consumers, guests, employees, or fellow Visionaries. All words and deeds should help to build the Visionary program and its reputation for quality. If a Visionary violates the organization’s standards of conduct or acts in an otherwise inappropriate manner, Woodstock Arts reserves the right to dismiss the Visionary immediately and decline any further service from the volunteer.
Dress Code
Visionaries representing Woodstock Arts are expected to dress appropriately for the Visionary job environment, maintaining good grooming and personal hygiene/cleanliness. Due to work involved with certain Visionary jobs, some program areas or events may have a specific dress code. Please refer to the Dress Code Guide or discuss the proper attire for your Visionary role with your lead Visionary or staff member if you have any questions.
While we have a casual dress code, please review the following general guidelines:
- Clothing must cover all areas of the body from the upper torso to the mid-thigh.
- Shoes are required; you cannot be barefoot.
- At no time will employees or Visionaries wear clothing or accessories (masks, hats, jewelry, etc.) that are imprinted with illustrations or messages that are or may be insulting, demeaning, harassing, endorsing a religious and/or political group/party.
- Please dress appropriately for outdoor activities as needed.
- When you are joining us as a part of your group/organization planned service, you are permitted to wear clothing with the branding of your group/organization (ie: Woodstock Arts, National Charity League, Rotary Club, Sorority/Fraternity) unless it violates any other stated dress code policy for offensive content.
Woodstock Arts staff reserves the right to dismiss any Visionary based on a violation of the dress code. The Visionary may return to service once dress code violations are corrected.
Personal Cell Phone Use
Woodstock Arts requests that during working hours, Visionaries devote their full time and attention to their roles. Visionaries should limit the use of personal cell phones, and the receipt of personal phone calls and/or texts while volunteering.
Background and Reference Checks
Reference checks and/or background checks may be required for Visionaries in certain roles, such as working with children or extensive cash handling. Woodstock Arts reserves the right to decline a volunteer’s service based on the results of a background check.
Attendance
Frequent absenteeism and/or tardiness that is unexcused or excessive may result in the discontinuation of that volunteer’s service. Visionaries who have been absent for health reasons may be asked to provide a medical release prior to being allowed to return to volunteer duties that may be considered high risk based on illness and/or injury severity.
Feedback and Evaluation
Woodstock Arts believes that open communication and feedback are a vital part of organizational growth. As such, Woodstock Arts encourages open feedback from Visionaries pertaining to the Visionary program via in-person discussion, email, or electronic surveys. Woodstock Arts maintains the right to conduct evaluations of the volunteer’s performance and provide feedback and further guidance to help each visionary and advance the mission.
Safety and Security
In order to provide a secure, safe and healthy work environment for Visionaries, Woodstock Arts may provide information to Visionaries about safety, health, and security protocols. All Visionaries are expected to follow appropriate safety guidelines while volunteering.
If a Visionary is injured, even slightly, the Visionary is expected to immediately seek first aid or medical attention if necessary. The Visionary must inform their Visionary lead or staff member about the incident and complete an incident report form. If the injury or illness is deemed to be serious and/or life-threatening, the appropriate emergency service and emergency contact will be called immediately. No medications, prescription or non-prescription, will be dispensed by Woodstock Arts staff at any time.
The Visionary should not resume the activity until treatment has been provided and/or they have been given approval from a Visionary lead or staff member to continue the activity. In the event of a serious injury or medical event, the Visionary should not resume volunteer activities until given approval by a medical professional.
Visionaries who violate safety standards, who cause hazardous or dangerous situations, who fail to report where appropriate, or fail to remedy such situations, may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discontinuation of Visionary service.
Harassment-Free Workplace
Woodstock Arts is committed to a work environment free from unlawful harassment in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity while working on Woodstock Arts site/premises, at a Woodstock Arts social function, and while working as an official representative of Woodstock Arts at any non-Woodstock Arts event. Woodstock Arts has zero-tolerance for unlawful harassment.
Unlawful harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, older age (beginning at age 40), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history). Harassment can also include "sexual harassment" or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. Harassment becomes unlawful where 1) enduring the offensive
conduct becomes a condition of continued involvement, or 2) the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive for a volunteer, patron, or employee.
Visionaries are responsible for reporting any concerns regarding unlawful harassment to the Visionary Manager or other Woodstock Arts staff/board members. Visionaries who act in good faith to report or assist in the investigation of a possible violation of this policy will not be retaliated against. If, after investigating any claim of unlawful harassment, Woodstock Arts concludes that a Visionary has filed a claim in bad faith, provided false information regarding a claim, or refused to cooperate in an investigation of a claim, disciplinary action, up to and including discontinuation of Visionary service, may be taken.
Violence-Free Work Environment
Woodstock Arts promotes a safe work environment for all Visionaries and staff and does not tolerate any type of violent behavior committed by or against Visionaries or staff. Threatening or violent behavior committed by anyone against Visionaries, employees, vendors, patrons, or clients during work or off-duty hours will not be tolerated.
Such behavior may include but is not limited to the following:
- Physical injury to another person;
- Threats and behaviors that create a reasonable fear of injury in another person;
- Intentionally causing damage to Woodstock Arts property or property of another Visionary or employee;
- Possession of weapons (for example, guns, knives, clubs, explosive devices, etc.) on Woodstock Arts property or while at Woodstock Arts sponsored activities; or
- Committing acts motivated by, or related to, sexual harassment or domestic violence; or
- Statements or gestures that in any way suggest that the employee may engage in violent conduct.
Visionaries have a responsibility to report any potentially dangerous situations or unauthorized individuals on the Woodstock Arts site/premises to a Visionary lead or staff member immediately. Reports of statements or behavior which may violate this policy will be investigated promptly and in as confidential a manner as possible. Incidents involving violent behavior by a Visionary may warrant the removal of the individual from the premises until further evaluation determines their suitability for return to Visionary service. An evaluation that finds a Visionary suitable to return to the workplace does not negate further disciplinary action up to and including discontinuation of Visionary service.
Property and Property Loss
Woodstock Arts works to prevent property loss of any kind. All property used to conduct business belongs to Woodstock Arts. Visionaries are discouraged from bringing large amounts of cash or other personal valuables to their shift. Woodstock Arts assumes no liability for personal property brought to any Woodstock Arts worksite that may be damaged, lost, or stolen.
Visionaries may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discontinuation of Visionary service if:
- Their negligence or improper conduct leads to or has the potential of leading to any damage of any organization property and/or asset, property of consumers, fellow Visionaries, employees, or others.
- They’re found to have unauthorized or inappropriate possession of property belonging to the organization, employees, fellow Visionaries, consumers, or anyone on organization property, including the improper acquisition of organization products.
- They partake in the willful destruction of property or fail to report knowledge of such actions.
Cash and Card Handling (Money Handling)
Whenever possible, two or more Visionaries and at least one employee should be involved when handling money, fees, and donations to ensure that funds are adequately accounted for. Visionaries who will be handling cash and payment transactions should receive additional training on policy and procedures.
Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Woodstock Arts maintains a workplace that is free from the effects of drug and alcohol misuse and/or abuse. Woodstock Arts will not tolerate any misuse and/or abuse of drugs or alcohol that imperils the health or well-being of its staff or the customers it serves, threatens its operation, or compromises the safety and reputation of its products and services.
Woodstock Arts Visionaries are allowed to purchase up to two alcoholic beverages while working. This is permissible at and post-intermission during a theatre production or Lantern Series concert and at the midpoint of any event with no intermission, unless otherwise stated by staff at the commencement of an event. Alcohol consumption is not permitted while working in the scenic shop, costume shop, while working an art gallery installation, or working backstage or in the booth as a theatre technician. Alcohol consumption is discouraged when doing any tasks related to set-up and tear-down of the venues for any event. Visionaries are subject to immediate dismissal if deemed necessary based on perceived sobriety during their shift.
While on Woodstock Arts property or while performing Woodstock Arts business off-premises, Visionaries are prohibited from unlawful possession, use, manufacture, distribution, sale, or dispensation of illegal drugs or alcohol. Visionaries who use legally prescribed drugs during work, and have any reason to expect that such use may affect their ability to perform work, are encouraged to report this fact to the Visionary Manager.
Tobacco is defined as any product from tobacco intended for use by smoking, inhalation, chewing, sniffing, or sucking including, but not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, pipes, bidis, and kreteks, and vapes, e-cigarettes, and other electronic nicotine delivery systems. We ask that Visionaries not partake in tobacco use while working in Woodstock Arts buildings or premises, nor during the fulfillment of Visionary duties. The use of tobacco products should be done during designated breaks from Visionary service and away from other Visionaries and patrons.
Issue Resolution
Visionaries are encouraged to report, without fear of retaliation, any condition that they believe poses a safety, health, or security risk in the workplace. Woodstock Arts will investigate such reports promptly and thoroughly and take appropriate corrective action.
Concerns should promptly be reported to a Visionary lead or staff member. The Visionary lead or staff member will investigate the matter in order to take appropriate action, and advise the Visionary Manager of the situation.
Visionaries are strongly encouraged to follow the steps listed below to discuss any concerns with their Visionary lead or staff member.
- If the concern the Visionary is having involves their Visionary lead or staff member, the Visionary should report their concern to the next level of department manager who will review the situation. If the manager views the situation and cannot resolve the issue, the Visionary will be notified for further action.
- If the problem is not resolved by the Visionary lead or staff member, the Visionary is encouraged to seek assistance from the Visionary Manager. In an effort to resolve the problem, the Visionary Manager will consider the facts, conduct an investigation, review the findings and recommendations with a Director and respond back to the volunteer. The Visionary will be asked to put the concern in writing and provide appropriate documentation.
- If the Visionary is not satisfied with the decision of the Visionary Manager, they may prepare a written summary of the concerns and request that the matter is reviewed by a Director. In these instances the decision of the Director is final.
- If the concern the Visionary is having involves the Director, the Visionary should report their concern to the Executive Director who will undertake an investigation. The investigation will include a full examination of the facts (which may include a review of the written summary of the volunteer’s statement, discussions with individuals concerned, and a further investigation if necessary) and will advise the Visionary of its decision. The decision of the Executive Director is final.
- If the concern the Visionary is having involves the Executive Director, the Visionary should report their concern to the Board who will undertake an investigation. The investigation will include a full examination of the facts (which may include a review of the written summary of the volunteer’s statement, discussions with individuals concerned, and a further investigation if necessary) and will advise the Visionary of its decision. The decision of the Board is final.
Retaliation
Retaliation is prohibited against any employee or Visionary who seeks advice from, raises a concern with, or makes a complaint to a Visionary lead or staff member, or other members of management or the board.
Representing Woodstock Arts
Prior to any action or statement, which might significantly affect or obligate Woodstock Arts, Visionaries should seek prior consultation and approval from the staff. These actions may include but are not limited to, public statements to the press, collaboration or joint initiatives, or any agreements involving contractual or other financial obligations.
Visionaries are authorized to act as representatives of the organization as specifically indicated within their position/job descriptions and only to the extent of such specifications. Visionaries should not represent themselves as a spokesperson or representative for the organization under any circumstances unless previous approval has been granted by Woodstock Arts staff. Only employees and board members of Woodstock Arts have the authority to serve as and/or designate spokespersons for Woodstock Arts.
Confidentiality
Patrons, employees, and Visionaries have a right to confidentiality. Any discussions regarding clients, employees, or Visionaries will be professional and pertain only to the issues at hand. Visionaries are not allowed to discuss confidential issues in public places or with any person, except a qualified staff member. Visionaries are not allowed to record or divulge any information of a personal nature that they may be given access to during the course of their service.
Computer Usage
Woodstock Arts computers and networks, including their connection to the Internet, are to be used primarily for business-related purposes. Any unauthorized use of computers, tablets, or the Internet is strictly prohibited. Internet messages on the Woodstock Arts network are non-confidential. Under no circumstances shall information of a confidential, sensitive, or otherwise proprietary nature be placed on the internet. Offensive, demeaning or disruptive messages are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, messages that are inconsistent with the Woodstock Arts policies and other unlawful harassment, bullying, or discrimination.
Discontinuation of Visionary Service
A Visionary has the right to terminate their service for any reason without notice. Woodstock Arts also reserves the right to terminate a volunteer’s service for any reason with or without cause. Visionaries who violate any of the organization’s standards of conduct, assignment guidelines, organization safety regulations, or participate in any other action to be found detrimental to Woodstock Arts’ mission, will have their Visionary service reviewed and the appropriate measures taken up to discontinuation of Visionary service. Documentation of the reason for dismissal may be noted in the volunteer’s record.
We Thank You for your time and Service!
