The Freelance Cosmonauts Constitution

Overview
The Freelance Cosmonauts are an improvisation group at Cornell College whose main
goal is to entertain those who wish to laugh. Secondly, the Freelance Cosmonauts also want to
teach improvisation to other students of Cornell College by organizing Freelance Ground
Control, an improvisational rehearsal designed to attract and include other Cornell students and
interact with them. This may include on occasion bringing in outside improvisational experts to
educate both The Freelance Cosmonauts and the general student body on the nature of
improvisation. Thirdly, The Freelance Cosmonauts will perform at various locations and attend
different educational comedy theatre conferences around the nation in order to develop their
abilities and broaden their skills and understanding of the art.
Vocabulary
Cosmonaut - Any performing member of The Freelance Cosmonauts outlined in Article V.
Pilot - A Cosmonaut member of The Freelance Cosmonauts that has been voted to handle artistic
responsibilities outlined in Article VI.
Mission Commander - A non-performing member of The Freelance Cosmonauts that handles
administrative responsibilities outlined in Article VII.
Chief Technology Officer - A non-performing member of The Freelance Cosmonauts that
handles technological responsibilities outlined in Article VIII.
Freelance Ground Control - A series of workshops/rehearsals open to the public, run by
Cosmonauts outlined in Article II.
Article I General Group Mission
The Freelance Cosmonauts will rehearse at least twice a week (barring extenuating
circumstances such as block breaks/vacation) and develop an improvisational show performed
third and/or fourth week of every block. This show will take place in a variety of venues at the
discretion of the Pilot in charge and Cosmonauts. Also, the Freelance Cosmonauts will be
available for students to book as a possible performance attraction at either parties or various
events held by groups on campus. These performances will be in the same vain as the end of
block Cosmonaut shows. The Freelance Cosmonauts may be asked to perform at events that are
organized by Cornell College Students, but must be notified at least two weeks prior to said
events. The Cosmonauts reserve the right to decline performance offers from students for any
reason including but not limited to scheduling conflicts, conflicts of interest, work load, or
simple exhaustion.
Article II Freelance Ground Control Mission
Freelance Ground Control is open to all students of Cornell College as well as non-Cornell
students at the discretion of the Cosmonauts present. It will be advertised more than 48 hours in

advance and will be organized similarly to a Freelance Cosmonaut Rehearsal. Ground Control
will consist of improvisational exercises. Everyone who shows up is not required to participate
but is strongly encouraged to. Different exercises will be used based on the individual Ground
Control meeting and the creative minds of the Cosmonauts present that day. Some Ground
Control meetings will be organized around a theme, possibly, but not necessarily, right after a
Cosmonaut trip (See Article III). It is not required for every Cosmonaut to be at the Ground
Control meetings but it is encouraged. The Mission Commander will be required at every ground
control meeting to tally the people who are there and organize the meeting. The exercises will be
up to the discretion of the Cosmonauts. During a meeting of Freelance Ground Control, an
outside instructor may be brought in. This outside instructor would be funded by Student Senate,
and would be appropriated for on an as needed basis. The instructors would be here to teach
both Cornell Students and the Cosmonauts themselves about different elements of improvisation.
These lessons will be open to the whole campus but may be held to a cap number based on the
incoming instructors discretion.
Article III Off Campus Mission
The Freelance Cosmonauts third and final mission is to broaden the improvisational
horizons of the Cosmonauts by performing at locations off campus and by attending comedy
theatre conventions around the nation. There would be a request for Student Senate funding for
the travel expenses of these trips. All requests will follow the Appropriations By-Laws of
Student Senate. The experience and knowledge gained from these trips could also influence the
content covered in sessions of Freelance Ground Control. If the Cosmonauts go somewhere to
perform and are given payment for their performance, 20% of the earnings will be placed in a
separate reserve account under the Freelance Cosmonauts that is different than their budget
account. This money will be used to cover the cost of future trips that the Cosmonauts take. The
remaining funds may be split evenly amongst all those who performed.
Article IV Auditions
1. Auditions are held on an as needed basis throughout the year. After the auditions
have been completed, all members of The Freelance Cosmonauts vote on which of those who
auditioned will be asked to participate in a trial period, which is generally the length of one block
(Length may change as needed). Who will be asked back for the trial period is decided by a
simple majority vote for each individual being asked back. Trial Members expectations and
limitations are as follows:
a. Trial members are expected to attend and participate in all regular
rehearsals, unless they communicate a conflict beforehand.
b. Trial members are expected to attend all group meetings, unless
they communicate a conflict beforehand.
c. Trial members are not allowed to vote on any matters.
d. Trial members will not perform in the show that block.

2. At the end of the trial period, all full members of The Freelance Cosmonauts will meet
to discuss which of the trial members to extend the offer of becoming a Cosmonaut to. Each trial
member must receive a 2/3 majority vote to be offered a Cosmonaut position.
Article V Cosmonaut
1. Responsibilities Each Cosmonaut is expected to attend regularly scheduled
rehearsals and perform in all Freelance Cosmonaut shows. If an individual Cosmonaut
cannot attend or perform in a rehearsal or show, it is their responsibility to communicate
when and why they cant attend. Reasons include emergencies, work, school,
mental/physical health, etc. When said Cosmonaut feels they can resume their abilities as
a Cosmonaut, they may do so as long as they have communicated with the all other
Active Members of the group before their absences. This communication can take the
form of in person one on one talks, discussion without the absent Cosmonaut, or any
other method that allows for every Cosmonaut to be aware of the reasoning behind the
absence. Beyond that, each Cosmonaut is expected to do their best to improve their own
skills as well as support the group in their attempts to better themselves and their
performances.
2. Restrictions - It is a Cosmonauts mission to accomplish all of their
responsibilities in any means they deem necessary with the exceptions of the following.
a. While each Cosmonaut is expected to voice concerns and ideas for
bettering a rehearsal or performance, they must yield to any executive decisions
made with regards to artistic control by the Pilot in charge. (See Article VI)
b. While each Cosmonaut is expected to voice concerns and ideas for
bettering administrative activities such as communication or funds, they must
yield to any executive decisions made with regards to administration by the
Mission Commander. (See Article VII)
c. While each Cosmonaut is expected to voice concerns and ideas for
bettering technical aspects of The Freelance Cosmonauts, they must yield to any
executive decisions made with regards to technology by the Chief Technology
Officer. (See WArticle VIII)
d. A Cosmonaut may not break any rule that jeopardizes The
Freelance Cosmonauts position with STC, Cornell College, or any other
organization necessary for the functions of The Freelance Cosmonauts.
Article VI Pilot
1. Responsibilities The Pilot is responsible for the artistic progress of the group.
This includes having final say on the concept and form of shows. (Concept and Form
includes whether the show is short form, long form, etc., as well as who is in what game,
what games are played, etc.) Pilots are also responsible for managing rehearsal for that
block. This includes deciding what exercises are done that day as well as guaranteeing the
Cosmonauts are all practiced and comfortable with the concept and form of the upcoming
show. Lastly, a Pilot is responsible for facilitating a cohesive artistic aesthetic. This
means it is their responsibility to make sure that the Cosmonauts are working on and
bettering themselves as performers and as a group. The form of a Cosmonaut show will

be set a minimum one week before the performance date of a show. It is expected that
they facilitate a positive group dynamic.
2. Election Process The Election Process will go as follows:
a. At the beginning of each block, a Cosmonaut will be nominated by
another active member of the group to be the Pilot of the Block
b. This nominated Cosmonaut will then be voted on by all Active
Members of the Freelance Cosmonauts
c. This election will be decided by a simple majority.
d. A Pilot must be elected no later than the second rehearsal of a
block as to allow proper time for each Pilot to put together a show.
e. If there is a tie between a plurality of nominated Cosmonauts, the
Mission Commander will facilitate a meeting in which each Pilot will discuss
their possible contributions to the block in question as well as the possible
scheduling conflicts or outside commitments each Pilot will have.
3. Restrictions It is the Pilots mission to accomplish all of their responsibilities in
any means they deem necessary with the exceptions of the following.
a. A Pilot may not exclude any Cosmonaut who wants to perform
from performing in a show.
b. A Pilot may miss a maximum of two scheduled rehearsals in a
block.
c. A Pilot can only direct a maximum of two blocks in a row.
d. A Pilot is bound by all other restrictions that apply to a Cosmonaut.
Article VII Mission Commander
1. Responsibilities The Mission Commander is responsible for managing all
financial, organizational, and administrative responsibilities of The Freelance
Cosmonauts. This includes securing funding for trips, activities, and general group
budget. Facilitating communication within the group as well managing all
communication for The Freelance Cosmonauts with outside groups such as STC, Cornell
College, performance venues, instructors, etc. The final responsibility of the Mission
Commander is bookkeeper. This includes collecting data on attendance of
shows/Freelance Ground Control Meetings as well taking notes for rehearsal reports for
STC. If the Mission Commander cant fulfill their responsibilities personally at any given
time, they may find a volunteer, within or outside The Freelance Cosmonauts, to handle
them.
2. Appointment Process A Mission Commander must be appointed by any member
of The Freelance Cosmonauts (Including the previous Mission Commander) and be
approved by a simple majority vote by all other active members of The Freelance
Cosmonauts to participate in a trial period, generally the length of one block (Length may
change as needed). The rules and regulations for the Trial Mission Commander are as
follows;
a. A trial period for a Mission Commander can take place while the
previous Mission Commander still holds the permanent position.
b. A trial Mission Commander is expected to attend all group
meetings, unless they communicate a conflict beforehand.

c. A trial Mission Commander is not allowed to vote on anything,

unless there is not an active Mission Commander.
d. After the trial period, all active members hold another vote in order
to ask the trial Mission Commander to take the permanent position of Mission
Commander. The trial Mission Commander must receive a 2/3 majority vote to be
approved. If they are approved the previous Mission Commander automatically
steps down from the position.
e. There can only be one Mission Commander at any given time.
3. Restrictions - It is the Mission Commanders mission to accomplish all of their
responsibilities in any means they deem necessary with the exceptions of the following.
a. The Mission Commander may not commit the group to any
performance or engagement without a plurality of the Cosmonauts confirming
their want and availability for the engagement. Not all Cosmonauts must be
present for engagements that are not blockly shows.
b. The Mission Commander cannot refuse to help organize an event
The Freelance Cosmonauts have decided to take on by a vote of simple majority.
(The Mission Commander could still have a volunteer stand in for this
responsibility. See Article VII, item 2.)
c. While The Mission Commander is expected to voice concerns and
ideas for bettering a rehearsal or performance, they must yield to any executive
decisions made with regards to artistic control by the Pilot in charge. (See Article
VI)
d. While The Mission Commander is expected to voice concerns and
ideas for bettering technical aspects of The Freelance Cosmonauts, they must
yield to any executive decisions made with regards to technology by the Chief
Technology Officer. (See Article IIX)
e. The Mission Commander may not break any rule that jeopardizes
The Freelance Cosmonauts position with STC, Cornell College, or any other
organization necessary for the functions of The Freelance Cosmonauts.
Article IIX Chief Technology Officer
1. Responsibilities The Responsibilities of the Chief Technology Officer are as
follows:
a. The Chief Technology Officer is responsible for managing all tasks
for the group relating to technology. This includes videotaping performances,
editing the video, and posting it on The Freelance Cosmonauts social media.
b. The Chief Technology Officer is responsible for managing said
social media, which entails making sure there are regular, up to date posts.
c. The Chief Technology is responsible for making sure Cosmonauts
have all required technology for their show, so long as it is communicated to the
Chief Technology Officer two weeks in advance by the Cosmonauts, and
reasonably possible to obtain.
d. If the Chief Technology Officer cant fulfill their responsibilities
personally at any given time, they may find a volunteer, within or outside The
Freelance Cosmonauts, to handle them.

2. Appointment Process A Chief Technology Officer must be appointed by any

member of The Freelance Cosmonauts (Including the previous Chief Technology Officer)
and be approved by a simple majority vote by all other active members of The Freelance
Cosmonauts to participate in a trial period, generally the length of one block (Length may
change as needed). The rules and regulations of the Trial Period for the Chief Technology
Officer are as follows;
a. A trial period for a Chief Technology Officer can take place while
the previous Chief Technology Officer still holds the permanent position.
b. A trial Chief Technology Officer is expected to attend all group
meetings, unless they communicate a conflict beforehand.
c. A trial Chief Technology Officer is not allowed to vote on
anything, unless there is not an active Chief Technology Officer.
d. After the trial period, all active members hold another vote to ask
the trial Chief Technology Officer to take the permanent position of Chief
Technology Officer. The trial Chief Technology Officer must receive a 2/3
majority vote to be approved. If they are approved the previous Chief Technology
Officer automatically steps down from the position.
e. There can only be one Chief Technology Officer at any given time.
3. Restrictions - It is the Chief Technology Officers mission to accomplish all of
their responsibilities in any means they deem necessary with the exceptions of the
following.
a. The Chief Technology Officers posts to social media must be in
the best interest of The Freelance Cosmonauts. Any posts deemed not in the best
interest of The Freelance Cosmonauts by a simple majority vote by all active
members may be taken down by any other member.
a. The Chief Technology Officer must post all posts requested by a
simple majority of the active members of The Freelance Cosmonauts. (The Chief
Technology Officer could still have a volunteer stand in for this responsibility. See
Article IIX, item 2.)
b. While the Chief Technology Officer is expected to voice concerns
and ideas for bettering a rehearsal or performance, they must yield to any
executive decisions made with regards to artistic control by the Pilot in charge.
(See Article VI)
c. While the Chief Technology Officer is expected to voice concerns
and ideas for bettering administrative activities such as communication or funds,
they must yield to any executive decisions made with regards to administration by
the Mission Commander. (See Article VII)
d. The Chief Technology Officer may not break any rule that
jeopardizes The Freelance Cosmonauts position with STC, Cornell College, or
any other organization necessary for the functions of The Freelance Cosmonauts.
Article IX Cosmonaut Judicial Process
1. Judicial Process Within Group - If any member of the Freelance Cosmonauts is
not fulfilling their responsibilities or is being disruptive, belligerent, or destructive

enough that the functionality, safety, and well-being of the group and its members is
being threatened, the steps are as follows.
a. When an Active Member has a concern with another Active
Member, it is their responsibility to come to the Mission Commander with these
concerns. If the Mission Commander is the concern itself, come to the Pilot of the
Block.
b. Once the Mission Commander or Pilot has been notified about said
concerns, a meeting must be held with the individual in question with all
available active members where all behavioral concerns are brought to the
individual in a civil, professional manner. The objective of the meeting is to find a
solution to the concerns in question.
c. If a solution cannot be found, the person called into question will
be suspended from the group until a second meeting is held with regards to their
status.
d. At this second meeting, whose time can be set by all other active
members of the group, all other active members have the ability to vote the
individual out of the group by a simple majority vote. This vote must take place in
the second meeting with the individual in question not present.
e. If the vote is to remove the individual, they must be informed by
one or more representatives of the group in a face to face conversation.
f. If the vote is to not remove the individual, another meeting is held
with the individual. This process is repeated until the concerns are addressed or
the individual is removed from the group.
g. If it is not possible to meet with the individual in the foreseeable
future, The Freelance Cosmonauts may skip to vote on the individuals removal.
2. Judicial Process Outside of Group If any member of The Freelance Cosmonauts
commits any violation of any rule that must be handled by an outside organization (STC,
Cornell College, Police, etc.), the steps are as follows.
a. The Freelance Cosmonauts contact the outside organization about
the individuals actions and comply with the requirements of the organization.
b. If the action also violates the rules of The Freelance Cosmonauts
constitution, the group may also begin the Judicial Process Within Group (See
Article IX, item 1)
Article X Constitutional Amendment Process
Any changes to this constitution must take place at a meeting with at least of all active
members of The Freelance Cosmonauts. The steps to then change this constitution are as follows.
a. A motion to discuss a change must be made and seconded.
b. At any point during the discussion, a motion to call the change to
vote must be made and seconded.
c. The vote must pass with a simple majority of all active members of
The Freelance Cosmonauts, including those who may not be present.
Article XI -- Lieutenants

1. Responsibilities - The purpose of the Lieutenant position is to assist the Chief

Technology Officer, Mission Commander, or Pilot in charge with their duties within the
group. When a responsibility is given to a Lieutenant by a superior, they retain that
superiors authority with regards to that specific responsibility over all members of The
Freelance Cosmonauts with the exception of their specific superior.
2. Appointment Process - A Lieutenant is appointed by the Chief Technology
Officer, Mission Commander, or the Pilot in charge. To appoint, the Chief Technology
Officer, Mission Commander, or Pilot in charge must clearly outline the responsibilities
of the possible Lieutenant for all active members of The Freelance Cosmonauts. The
appointment must then be approved by a majority vote of all active members of The
Freelance Cosmonauts. A Lieutenant position can be given to anyone within or outside
the group. A Lieutenant can resign at any time, be dismissed by the superior who
appointed them, or be voted out of the Lieutenant position by a simple majority of the
active members of The Freelance Cosmonauts. If a Lieutenant holds a second position in
The Freelance Cosmonauts and resign from, or are dismissed from, their Lieutenant
position, they retain all other held positions within The Freelance Cosmonauts.