5a - ethics

ethics |ˈeTHiks|

pluralnoun

1 [ usu. treated as pl. ] moral principles that govern a person's or group's behavior: Judeo-Christian ethics.

• the moral correctness of specified conduct: the ethics of euthanasia.

2 [ usu. treated as sing. ] the branch of knowledge that deals with moral principles.

I wanted to get a concrete definition of “ethics” and I love definition one. Moral principles are key to a good working life as you have a mutual understanding of key principles. This creates a healthy lifestyle which optimises employees. 

Ethics in the work place:

I think the following ethics apply to all work places, not only the performing industry:

1. Arrive punctually 
2. Look presentable and ready to work
3. Be approachable
4. Be prepared (bring appropriate tools for your trade with you)
5. Keep your senior updated if you cannot make it into work for any reason
6. Adhere to contract rules for booking holidays, appointments etc

To the performing industry I would redefine these by:

1. Arriving punctually - if you are late, not only does it affect your reputation, you could miss out on some vital choreography/harmonies, which will affect your performance.
2. Looking presentable and ready to work - our industry is all about image, and that is initially what ‘sells’ you. It is the first thing that a casting director sees and makes a judgement on, therefore, you need to keep up your presentation to keep up your look.
3. Be approachable - it is especially important taking direction and learning different styles to be open to feedback and taking it in a graceful way.
4. Be prepared - it’s important, especially in an audition, to be prepared and bring everything you need. For example, shoes - you could be asked to do any genre of dance - and without your tap shoes, this could ruin your chance!
5. Keep your senior up to date - if you are injured it is protocol to tell them so that they can re-block or prepare the understudy/swing.