Completion of the NTPA STARS Youth Protection Training is now required in order to receive an NTPA Photo ID Security Badge.
EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2025
No adult may work with children on NTPA premises without a valid NTPA Photo ID Security Badge.
“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.”
TEMPORARY STARS SECURITY BADGE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GETTING A TEMP BADGE
At North Texas Performing Arts, the safety and protection of youth is the highest priority. The STARS Youth Protection Program was created to ensure every child in NTPA’s care is supported in a safe, positive, and secure environment. The last “S” in STARS stands for Security Badge. This badge functions as a volunteer’s “passport” to access non-public spaces and work directly with youth.
A STARS Security Badge is required for NTPA Volunteers in these situations:
• Work directly with children (e.g., backstage, in the light or sound booth, rehearsal areas, etc.), or
• Handle money on behalf of NTPA.
Volunteers whose activities do not involve minors (such as set-build shop work or painting when children are not present) are not required to have a badge, though all volunteers are encouraged to complete the STARS process.
Temporary Badge Location
Temporary badges are made available at the reception desk of each NTPA facility.
• They may be issued by either:
o The Show Manager for a production, or
o An NTPA staff member.
Eligibility for a Temporary Badge
A Temporary Badge may only be issued to a volunteer who has:
• Completed the full STARS approval process,
• Successfully passed the background check, and
• Completed all STARS online training modules.
• Remains an NTPA Volunteer in good standing.
Verification Process
1. The volunteer must present a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or equivalent).
2. To accelerate verification and avoid the need to search the database:
o The volunteer may present their approval email from Badges@ntpa.org, which contains an image of their permanent badge.
3. If that email is not available:
o A QR code in the Badge Notebook links to the full, up-to-date list of approved volunteers.
o The volunteer’s name must appear on this list in order to be issued a Temporary Badge.
NOTE: If the volunteer does not appear on the approved list, a Temporary Badge may not be issued. Under extraordinary circumstances in EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, see the location’s Managing Director, VP of Youth Theatres, Business Manager or CEO.
Issuing the Temporary Badge
• Once verified and logged, provide the volunteer with a paper sticker Temporary Badge.
• Temporary Badges are valid for one day only. The validity date is the date of issue.
Lost or Misplaced Permanent Badges
If a volunteer has lost or misplaced their permanent badge, they should request a replacement by emailing Badges@ntpa.org.
• Replacement badges are printed almost daily.
• A replacement will typically be available within 48 hours.
• Until the replacement badge is issued, the volunteer may use a Temporary Badge following the process above.ntent Goes Here
WE NEVER TAKE THE SECURITY OF OUR YOUTH FOR GRANTED!
That’s why we created NTPA STARS Youth Protection. STARS is a comprehensive initiative built on national best practices and customized for our community. We modeled and benchmarked modeled the most respected youth safety and protection programs in the country and created STARS!
NTPA is pleased to introduce its STARS Youth Protection Safety Program built on these key pillars:
- Safety First Standards
- Two Deep presence
- Always be Vigilant
- Report Concerns
- Security Badge