A note on safety and our Code of Conduct
Constellations will bring together diverse people that share a passion for improv, while bringing different experiences, perspectives, communication styles and needs. We see improv as a space for creativity, exploration, commitment and connection. This can also involve vulnerability, uncertainty and challenging moments, both on and off stage. Commitment in improv means honoring what our scene partners bring to the stage and unapologetically believe in the reality we create, showing up with care and responsibility for everyone involved. At Constellations, commitment never means overriding your own boundaries or asking others to override theirs; it means showing up with care, presence and responsibility for the ensemble. Since we will be sharing workshop rooms, theatre venues and community spaces, the way we treat each other has a direct impact on everyone’s experience. The goal of Constellations is to create a festival where people can show up authentically and connect with others through improv, and we can only reach that goal by ensuring safety. We believe that building a welcoming and safe(r) environment is a shared responsibility: a safe festival is something we create together.
This Code of Conduct applies to everyone participating in the festival. It contains the shared values, expectations and responsibilities that help us create a positive festival experience together. The Code provides guidance for how we treat each other and how we work collectively to maintain an environment that is respectful, inclusive and safe.
As an individual involved in Constellations activities (as an organiser, volunteer, teacher, workshop participant, performer or audience member), you are expected to:
- Be kind to yourself and to others. Improvising can lead us into unexpected situations where it’s not always clear how to respond, so we encourage everyone to approach every festival moment with curiosity, compassion, generosity and care.
- Be respectful, inclusive and accepting to everyone. This includes your actions as well as your words. Join our activities with an open mind and good intention. Any kind of discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated.
- Be mindful of the space you take in shared spaces, both physically and in terms of time, attention and voice.
- Respect the boundaries of others, both physical and mental.
- Keep physical contact appropriate and do not engage in physical contact without the consent of the other party. We recognize that the concept of “appropriate touch” varies and it is ultimately the right of the person being touched to determine what is acceptable for them.
- Respect each other’s boundaries in terms of triggering topics and distressing content. Workshop teachers are encouraged to incorporate a boundary check in their sessions.
- Respect your own boundaries. The improv principle “yes, and” doesn’t mean you can’t say no. If you are expected to do something that is physically or mentally uncomfortable, please make any adjustments you need to be comfortable, including leaving the scene if necessary.
- If implicit or explicit boundaries are crossed during a workshop, teachers are expected to pause, adjust, intervene or seek support from the Constellations team as appropriate, in order to re-establish safe(r) and respectful behaviour.
- Be accountable for your behavior and its consequences. We understand that intention is not the same as impact, and sometimes positive intention can lead to unintended harm. We do not expect perfection, but we do expect accountability and the intention to reflect and learn together, as well as make amends when harm is caused.
- If you feel able to do it safely, you are encouraged to speak up whenever you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, both for yourself and for others. If speaking up in the moment is not possible, you can reach out at any point to our designated safety contact or a member of the Constellations team.
- Immediately comply if you are asked to stop your behavior because it constitutes a breach of this Code.
- Treat the physical workshop, performance and community spaces with care and respect. This means protecting the space while you’re using it, returning the space to the state you found it, and disposing of any trash when you leave.
- Not bring guests to workshops unless explicitly agreed with the Constellations team in advance.
- Not take pictures or videos during a workshop without the explicit consent of the workshop teacher and all the participants. This measure is in place to respect everyone’s right to privacy.
- Recognise that power dynamics may exist between teachers and participants, directors and performers, organisers and volunteers, and experienced and newer improvisers. People in positions of authority or influence are expected to exercise that position with particular responsibility and are held to a higher standard in their conduct, decision-making, accountability and adherence to this Code.
The Constellations team commits to:
- Take accountability for upholding this Code and modelling its practices in our own behavior.
- Take concerns and reports regarding the Code seriously. Anyone who shares a concern will be listened to with care, discretion and respect and without fear of retaliation.
- Provide clear information before and during the festival about who participants can contact if they have a concern.
- Respond as promptly as reasonably possible to reported or observed breaches of this Code, prioritising immediate safety, care for affected people and proportionate action.
- Take appropriate action where this Code is breached. Possible actions may include a conversation, warning, removal from a workshop or show, removal from a role, exclusion from part or all of the festival, refusal of future participation or escalation to venue staff or authorities where necessary.