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Code of Conduct

  • The spirit of improv is acceptance. To create great improv, we should set ourselves up to accept offers, build upon these offers, and create experiences that are fun, funny, authentic, and interesting.

  • In order to practice acceptance, What If Theatre prioritizes inclusion of performers, students, teachers, and contributors from diverse and varied backgrounds.

  • As such, we are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ability, age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion (or lack thereof).

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  • As we create art, we understand we will all make mistakes.

  • We are building a culture of tolerance, authenticity, and acceptance. This culture means that we accept responsibility, apologize for unintended behavior and make strides to create a more welcoming community in our future actions.

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  • We expect the following of our performers, students, teachers, and all members of the What If Theatre community:

    • Show respect in your speech and actions, both on and off-stage. 

    • Be mindful of our space, your surroundings, and your fellow participants.

    • Do not engage in physical contact without the consent of the other party.

    • Do not harass, demean, or discriminate against other members of the community.

    • Use community members’ requested names.

    • Use community members’ proper pronouns.

  • What If Theatre has zero tolerance for any of the following behaviors:

    • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following (online or in person).

    • Inappropriate photography or recording.

    • Inappropriate physical contact. 

    • Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.

    • Posting or displaying sexually explicit or violent material.

    • Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.

    • Sustained disruption of classes, workshops, shows, or other events.

    • Unwelcome sexual attention, including sexualized comments or jokes, inappropriate touching, groping, and unwelcome sexual advances.

    • Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person.

    • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.

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  • Unacceptable behavior from any community member will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop inappropriate behavior is expected to comply immediately.

  • What If Theatre employees and teachers are prepared to enforce the rules of this Code of Conduct by asking the violating community members to leave a situation.

  • If a community member engages in unacceptable behavior, What If Theatre may take any action they deem appropriate, including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from the community without warning (and without refund in the case of a paid event).

  • Community members are encouraged to alert What If Theatre employees or teachers if they notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct. 

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Class Expectations

Classes and workshops are a group experience, and we expect all students to behave in a way that ensures that all students have a safe, fulfilling, and productive experience in every class, and to maintain the ongoing environment for future classes.

 

  • Treat instructors, facilitators, and your fellow students with respect and help welcome them into the larger improv community.

  • Respect the physical space, especially when What If Theatre is welcomed into the space of other organizations. This means protecting the space while you’re using it, returning the space to the state you found it in, and disposing of any trash/recycling.

  • Support the work of all.

  • Do not bring guests to a class or a workshop.
     

Performer Expectations

  • Treat our front-of-house staff, tech support, hosts, and audience with respect and help welcome them into the larger improv community.

  • Respect and support the other acts. This can look like loudly applauding the sets onstage - or quietly arriving and heading to the green room. If there is a set onstage when you are called, please use the back door if possible. to be minimally disruptive.

  • Difficult subject matter in scenes, characters with unpleasant viewpoints, and political issues can be tackled on stage if that is the artistic choice of the group, as long as the scene is treated with full emotional intelligence and the themes and moral implications of those viewpoints are explored intelligently.

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If you need to report an incident anonymously, you can do so HERE.

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