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Code of Conduct
This code of conduct outlines expectations for all students, guests, performers and teachers. Every performer, guest and teacher must agree to abide by this code of conduct;
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1. Treat all fellow performers, teachers, students and audience members with respect. We actively encourage a culture of support and collaboration in our community.
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2. “Yes, and…” does not mean blindly going along with an offer and its consequences. We encourage all improvisers to respond to offers made on stage with honesty, awareness and most importantly integrity.
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3. Three Things Theatre’s priority is that ALL performers feel safe and supported while improvising. It is the role of everyone to support others on stage, and to treat them with empathy and respect. No improviser should feel pressured to do a scene, or put up with behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable. Every improviser should feel able to stop any scene that they feel is unsafe or offensive, or to refuse the offer (as their character) from within the scene. No justification is required.
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4. Improvisers are expected to treat risky subjects (e.g. political and social issues, or characters with contrary views) with full emotional intelligence, sensitivity, and an awareness of the implications of the choice. We want to have the capacity to explore difficult subjects on stage, but must do that with respect and awareness, and not at the expense of the victimised group or individual. Where individual projects wish to explore such subjects, this should be discussed and agreed with ALL performers/director involved. Where direction is given by a director or MC during a rehearsal or performance , this should be followed otherwise the performers are in breach of this code of conduct.
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5. Any sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ageist or otherwise prejudiced behaviour or language is not acceptable. This includes before, during and after workshops, at improv shows and social events, or during travel to events.
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6. We cannot tolerate any physical, verbal or emotional abuse, sexual harassment or harassment of any kind. Perpetrators of such behaviour will be asked to leave our venue and may be barred from future involvement with Three Things Theatre. Using the medium of improv to practice offensive behaviour is not acceptable. If you feel at risk from the audience or another performer, you can refuse to perform. You should not put yourself at risk to deal with the offending person or group. Note: this includes physical harm on stage. Three Things Theatre reserves the right to refuse performance slots to groups that are deemed unsafe on stage.
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7. Respect physical boundaries. For safety and respect, you must respect the physical space of others. Always be aware of any signs of discomfort in a fellow player and cease the behaviour that is causing discomfort.
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Do not engage in any inappropriate physical contact. This includes:
-Inappropriate touching or removing another performers clothes.
-If you have not discussed specific boundaries with performers before each show then this is not acceptable.
-Performers can be considered to have agreed to some level of physical contact e.g. holding hands, touching shoulders, as it is inherent in portraying many real-life relationships. Any other physical contact must be discussed and agreed upon prior to performing.
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Consent of contact must be verbally obtained if audience members are taking part in the show.
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8. Performing is a privilege not a right. Eligibility for performance will be established by the show director, and if an improviser has not met the requirements of performing, they may not be allowed to perform. Performers are expected to attend rehearsals leading up to a show, unless agreed with the show director. If performers are unable to attend a rehearsal or will be late, they must contact the director to let them know.
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9. Performers should adjust their performance depending on the context and audience. Where audiences have not been warned of obscene language or risky content, such behaviour must be avoided.
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10. Only offer performance feedback to a fellow improviser if they request it; ensure feedback is constructive and appropriate for the experience of the improviser, and treat the improviser with respect and empathy.
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If you have any concerns or complaints relating to this code of conduct, please inform management. All concerns will be treated with privacy, and no individual or group should fear speaking up.
Thank you for your commitment to these principles.
