“Safety at NTPA is not assumed—it is intentionally crafted, continuously reinforced, and collectively ensured.

Together, we create an environment where youth can flourish, free from harm and full of possibility.”

NTPA STARS YOUTH PROTECTION

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

At North Texas Performing Arts, our mission is to develop the character of youth through quality performing arts education. But this mission can only thrive in an environment that is safe, respectful, and welcoming to every child. That is why we have established the NTPA STARS Youth Protection Program—a comprehensive, values-based safety initiative grounded in nationally recognized best practices.

For nearly four decades, NTPA has maintained an impeccable safety record. While we are proud of this legacy, we know that safety is not a guarantee—it is a responsibility. The STARS Program outlines our commitment to protecting every child in our care and ensuring our volunteers are informed, prepared, and empowered to contribute to a culture of accountability, vigilance, and care.

Why It Matters

Theatre transforms lives. The experience of stepping onto a stage, finding one’s voice, and building confidence through performance changes a child’s perspective—and their future. We serve over 11,000 youth each year, and studies show this participation improves confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being. But none of this growth is possible without a foundation of safety.

Unfortunately, the risks are real. One in four girls and one in six boys in the U.S. will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. Children with disabilities are three times more likely to be victimized, and more than half of deaf children report experiencing abuse. One in five children report online sexual solicitation. These statistics highlight the importance of strong safety protocols and constant vigilance.

We benchmarked the very best youth protection programs from the most respected youth organizations in the country, culminating in a “best practices” approach to youth protection, NTPA STARS.

What Is STARS?

STARS is a five-pillar framework that defines how NTPA protects children and empowers its volunteers. Each letter stands for a core principle:

  • S – Safety First Standards

  • T – Two-Deep Supervision

  • A – Always Vigilant

  • R – Report Concerns

  • S – Security Badge Required

Safety First Standards

The “S” in S.T.A.R.S. stands for Safety First Standards, laying out our expectation that our youth can expect a safe space at NTPA. These standards define the expectations for behavior and boundaries for our students, volunteers, and staff.

These are “First” because they are our priorities, they are lines we don’t cross, and the behaviors we model for one another. This means safety comes before convenience, tradition, or artistic goals.

Here are a few of the core Safety First expectations we want to highlight. Further details are provided in the NTPA Code of Conduct, Employee Handbook, and Volunteer Handbook:

  • All volunteers have to complete the new online child safety training, pass a background check, and follow our Code of Conduct.
  • All parents and volunteers be open to discussions with NTPA staff regarding any concerns about their student’s behavior, emotional well-being, or learning experience. If a student has a medical condition, a unique need, or any situation that could present a challenge to their safety—or to the safety of others—please let the director know.
  • Emergency contact information must be kept current, and that families stay alert to safety communications coming from the theatre—especially during tech week and performances.
  • NTPA maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment. That includes physical, emotional, verbal, and non-verbal bullying. This also applies to cyberbullying—even if it occurs outside our facilities.
  • No student should ever be subjected to yelling, aggressive language, swearing, or humiliation. And we strictly prohibit personal, verbal, physical, or sexual harassment in any form.
  • If physical touch is part of a show’s blocking or choreography, it must be age-appropriate, tasteful, necessary to tell the story, and done only with consent. Every participant must give clear permission before proceeding.
  • NTPA staff members are not allowed to transport students in their personal vehicles under any circumstances. Volunteers may only do so with express parental consent.
  • Students must be at least 14 years old to work in the scene shop or on set construction, and only adults may use power tools in our spaces (except under special pre-approved circumstances in set-build construction classes under the guidance of set-build professionals).
  • Any elevated set piece over 36 inches in height must include a protective safety railing.
  • NTPA does not allow sharp or dangerous props on our sets, and costumes must not restrict movement or introduce trip hazards.
  • No NTPA volunteer or staff member may work with children or in our set build areas while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • NTPA students are not permitted to be under the influence, consume or have in their possession illegal drugs, alcohol, or any impairing drugs or tobacco products within 300 Feet of NTPA premises or event.

Those are just some of the key highlights of our safety first rules, and there are further details in the NTPA Code of Conduct, Employee Handbook, and Volunteer Handbook.

Two-Deep Supervision

Two-Deep Supervision is the gold standard in youth protection. This policy requires that a minimum of two adults be present anytime a child (other than their own) is involved in an NTPA activity. Whether in rehearsal, backstage, or a dressing area, one-on-one adult/minor situations are prohibited (except in those private lesson situations where specific approval has been provided by the parent or guardian).

This policy protects students from misconduct and adults from false accusations. Volunteers are expected to plan ahead to ensure compliance at all times.

Always Vigilant

The “A” in S.T.A.R.S. stands for Always Vigilant, and that means being actively aware of your surroundings, the people in them, and the environment we’ve created for our students. Vigilance starts with observing behavior—watching for anything that seems off, unsafe, or out of line with our Code of Conduct or other standards, and paying attention to how students and adults are interacting, both on and off the stage.

But vigilance goes further—it includes checking that everyone in restricted areas such as our backstage, dressing rooms, and rehearsal spaces is wearing a valid and visible NTPA security badge.

Vigilance also applies to the physical safety of our production environment. Are the stage platforms solidly built and secure? Does the selection of props or costumes pose unnecessary risks, or create confusion or danger? Are there tools or other items in the room that might create an unsafe sitation.

If something doesn’t look or feel right, bring it to the attention of the director or a staff member. Our participant’s eyes and instincts are critical. When every participant commits to this level of awareness, we create not only safe spaces, but a culture of accountability, trust, and care.

Report Concerns

Volunteers are expected to report any concerns immediately—no matter how small they may seem. Early reporting prevents escalation and protects everyone.

Urgent safety concerns (injury, unconsciousness, or imminent danger) should be addressed by calling 911 and taking all necessary first-aid or protective actions. Otherwise, report issues through these channels:

  1. Start with your Volunteer Show Manager. If uncomfortable or inappropriate for the specific issue, go directly to the Show Director or Theatre Managing Director.

  2. If unresolved, escalate to the Show Director.

  3. For serious, ongoing, or sensitive matters, report to the Theatre Managing Director.

  4. For urgent, serious, or anonymous or highly confidential reporting, use our anonymous and confidential system: BeSafe@ntpa.org, the Be Safe hotline, or online at ntpa.org/beSafe. Every report goes directly to the CEO, our HR Manager, and a designated Board representative.

Additionally, all adults working with youth at NTPA are designated Mandatory Reporters under Texas law. Any suspicion of abuse—physical, emotional, or sexual—must be reported. Volunteers should notify the Managing Director or CEO, who will ensure proper reporting to Texas Child Protective Services.

Security Badge Required

No adult may interact with, supervise, or work with children other than their own on NTPA premises without wearing a valid NTPA photo security badge.

The badge represents that an individual is an NTPA participant in good standing, has completed required youth protection training, passed a background check, and agrees to follow NTPA’s Code of Conduct.

Badges must be worn visibly at all times. If forgotten, a temporary badge may be issued if the volunteer is already cleared in our system. If lost, a new badge may be requested. Adults not wearing badges will not be permitted in non-public areas.

Empowering our Volunteers

NTPA wants to equip and empower our volunteers, give them the knowledge, clarity, and confidence to lead, to support, and to protect. By embracing these standards, you’re not just volunteering… you’re joining a dedicated team of thousands of volunteers committed to building something bigger than any one of us: a safe, respectful space where every child can thrive.

STARS Emblem Symbolism

The emblem of the NTPA STARS Youth Protection Program embodies our profound commitment and unwavering dedication to ensuring the dignity, security, and well-being of every youth entrusted to our care. Each detail of the emblem has been carefully chosen and thoughtfully designed and is infused with meaning for the strength and importance of this program.

Symbolism of the Colors:

  • Gold signifies excellence, vigilance, value, and integrity and symbolizes the precious nature of every child, and our “gold standard” of child safety practices.
  • Black represents authority, seriousness, and steadfast discipline of our youth protection program.

The Texas Star: Central to the emblem is Texas Star, symbolizing our commitment to making NTPA a safe, welcoming home.

Concentric Circles: The emblem’s concentric circular design symbolizes our program’s multi-tiered approach to child safety.

The Gold Circle: Encircling the Texas Star is a prominent gold circle—representing an unbroken ring of vigilance and accountability.

The Scroll: The scroll symbolizes our safety standards outlined in our Code of Conduct, Volunteer Handbook and other documents.

North-Pointing Arm: The topmost arm of the Texas Star extends beyond the protective gold circle, pointing to the North Star. This represents our unwavering ethical direction, our commitment to clarity and transparency, and the moral guidance that lights our way forward.

Radiating Sunrays: The sunrays radiating form the center symbolize our effort to illuminate awareness, shine light on potential risks, and eliminate darkness where harm or exploitation might otherwise thrive.

Two Outer Stars: The two stars positioned on the emblem’s outer ring represent “Two Eyes”—symbolizing constant vigilance, attentiveness, and proactive supervision.

Gold Orbs: At the tip of each arm of the Texas Star sits a golden orb, symbolizing the reliance we have on five key roles: Our parents, volunteers, children, staff, and board members.

Two Groups of Five Leaves: On either side of the emblem are two symmetrical groups of five golden leaves, representing the NTPA Ten Characters.

Outer Ring Inscriptions: The outer ring clearly lists the five pillars of our STARS program.

This emblem reflects our deep conviction that every child deserves to feel safe and supported, and that every member of the NTPA family shares in making that ideal a daily reality.