COMEDY SCHOOLHOUSE CODE OF CONDUCT

If you do not agree with (or cannot comply with) the code of conduct, please email us at info@thecomedyclubhouse.es so we can try to find a solution.

At The Comedy Schoolhouse, our goal is to provide a supportive and welcoming environment to people of all ages, genders, cultures, physical abilities, and sexual orientations. In order to create a safe space and fun, friendly environment for all participants in TCS activities (including students, teachers, performers, and visitors) we ask that everyone thoroughly read and agree to the following code of conduct.

Last updated: 2023-08-12

1. Treat all students, faculty, and staff with respect and kindness. This includes patience for any communication issues, giving full attention to those speaking and performing to you, and respecting start and end times of events.
2. Improv relies on agreement and acceptance, but we should never take advantage of that by putting another performer into an uncomfortable, unsafe, or demeaning position. You always have the right to say “no” in an improv scene, especially when doing so would safeguard your wellbeing. 
3. Respect the physical boundaries of fellow participants. Do not touch anyone without prior consent. Even a seemingly innocuous touch can trigger an injury or emotional trauma. When in doubt, avoid touch. 
4. Teachers, students, and performers should be sober while participating in all activities.
5. In communications with the school, students and teachers will see personal phone numbers, social media profiles, and email addresses of staff and students. Texts, emails, posts, tags, or phone calls between students and between teachers and students should only be related to improv activities and opportunities (e.g. upcoming classes, shows, or festivals). Having access to someone’s contact information is not an invitation for DMing, sexting, or harassment.
6. Harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct – whether verbal, physical or visual – that is based upon a person’s race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. It includes all actions, words, jokes, comments, derogatory remarks and/or visual displays that affect an individual’s work environment or employment status, or tend to belittle, provoke or denigrate others. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to: slurs or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; and kidding, teasing, practical or denigrating jokes directed at a person. Sexual harassment is absolutely prohibited, and is defined as any unwanted or unwelcome visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, directed toward any person regardless of sexual identity.
7. A teacher and student may not have a romantic relationship while that student is an active participant in any classes or workshops organized by TCS, nor for a full year from the date of the last class or workshop attended. If a teacher and student are currently romantically involved, participation must be approved before a course.
8. In personal/social interactions between teachers/staff and students, a teacher or staff member retains their professional role. 
9. Incidents reported through the anonymous system will be investigated by a third party and appropriate, proportional, and remedial consequences will be applied, including but not limited to: removal of a teacher or student from a class, full or partial refund of tuition, suspension or removal of a teacher or student from the school and its activities, or criminal prosecution.

School Director Noah Levin has been trained in Sexual Harassment for Managers and Supervisors (most recent certification 8 July, 2023). All complaints and incidents are reviewed by a Comedy Clubhouse administrator Hannah Becker and outside certified Peer Mental Health Tutor and Mediator, Nicolette Sweeney.