If you are teaching improv comedy you should have a clear code of conduct and it should be posted in your room. Below is an example code of conduct. Ideally your group will create their own code of conduct.
Sexual harassment is alive and well in the improv teaching community of North America. This is not acceptable and strong efforts must be made to create a safe a supportive environment.
The code of conduct should also include a list of people to contact. This list of contacts should include a mix of people and not just authority figures.
LEARN IMPROV EXAMPLE CODE OF CONDUCT
“To learn improv comedy in a safe and supportive environment”
Staircase Improv is dedicated and committed to supporting, creating, and learning the craft of improv comedy. We endeavour to approach this with integrity and professionalism. We are devoted to providing a harassment-free space regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, or race. Our goal is to be respectful, open, safe and accessible to our community. In short Staircase Improv will not tolerate harassment.
- Improvise from a place of fun, love, respect and kindness towards others
- Do not compete. Collaborate
- Do not insult or criticize
- Focus attention on your teacher and those performing
- Behave professionally, and respectful towards others
- Comedy does not come at someone else’s expense
- Sexist, racist, and exclusionary behaviour or jokes will not be tolerated
- Abide by safety rules while onsite
- No drug use or alcohol use when attending classes, teaching or performing
- Be on time for class
- Please put your cell phone on silent
- Do not record of photograph participants without their explicit permission.
- Respect physical/sexual boundaries on and off stage
- Maintain physical safety. Do not put yourself or others at risk of injury
- If the scene is putting people at risk physically or emotionally, the scene can be stopped by the student or teacher.
- Concerns should be expressed to teacher or can be emailed to anyone of our reps.
Consequences for breaching our Code of Conduct will be dealt with accordingly and may consist of but not limited to: warnings, apologies, probation, suspension, or even removal from the premises. All decisions in regards to situations will be at the discretion of the Artistic Director and Executive.
*If you have concerns contact any of the following representatives.
- Hugh MacLeod – mobilehugh AT gmail DOT com
- Plus other men and women
This example code of conduct was written by Kelly Kerr and is from Staircase Improv group in Hamilton Canada.