At Extreme Improv we are committed to ensuring that our live shows, podcasts, streaming and online video series, workshops and other activities are continually a positive and safe experience for all involved. This includes our performers, audience, production staff and beyond.
As such we are implementing a code of conduct which will be available for anyone to read on our website.
Extreme Improv aim to provide a fun, friendly and supportive atmosphere for all involved, and these guidelines will continually evolve and be updated to reflect these values.
Extreme Improv welcome people of all backgrounds to an inclusive environment to enjoy improv and comedy together. Whatever your age, country of origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability or upbringing is, you will be welcome to watch and/or take part in Extreme Improv activities.
We promote teamwork, understanding and flexibility. Our emphasis is on building a strong and supportive community around Extreme Improv, and to be a positive part of the wider improv and performing arts community.
As our shows are live, improvised and based on audience suggestions it is not always possible to know or predict what a performer or audience member will say or do within a show. As such these guidelines are here to inform our regular and guest performers of our expectations in terms of behaviour, attitude and presentation standards that we have for everyone who represents Extreme Improv.
- Performers are expected to always treat each other, venue staff and audience with respect.
- Violent and aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated at all.
- Bullying and harassment will not be tolerated.
- Performers should not be under the influence of recreational drugs, alcohol or be abusing prescription medicine.
- Performers should respect each other’s personal space. Assumptions should not be made that it is ok to physically kiss, hug, or touch another performer in an intimate way on or off stage. Trust is gained over time, and can be easily broken.
- Stage combat shouldn’t be used in scenes if the performers involved have not predetermined what each other’s understanding of the craft is, along with their own skill and comfort levels.
- Performers should always be well presented. These includes being appropriately dressed and hygienic.
- We do not allow nudity in our shows, nor do we allow any controversial logos or slogans to be worn.
- We do not have a strict dress code beyond this, but may give guidance in particular instances if a show has a theme or the occasion calls for it. As an example, for the most part we wouldn’t mind if performers wore t-shirts with copyrighted pop culture images on, but for certain opportunities we may request these be avoided.
- As it is improv, it is typical for performers to play characters who are different ages, ethnicities, genders and religions to their own. These differences should always be handled carefully, and should not be ridiculed, mocked or treated with disrespect.
- Advice on these topics can be given along with guidance from our directors and regular performers, as well as from teachers and leaders from the wider improv and performing arts community.
- Pushing limits of bad language, controversial themes or topics should be played with carefully. ‘Extreme Improv’ may be the company’s brand name, but does not give license to overboard with continual profanity, or to attempt to shock audiences.
- If a show director gives a warning about any aspect of your behaviour or attitude during a show or rehearsal, please attempt to take on board the feedback immediately. If a show director feels the need to give a note during a live show, where possible this will be done as light hearted and discreetly as possible as not to create an atmosphere that may be hard for the scene or show to recover from. If this is not picked up on in the first instance, the show director may be more direct with the note being given. Please take it on board, and do not rebel against it during the show. If you feel you have been unfairly given a note, please address it to the director on a one to one basis after the said show/rehearsal in the first instance.
- Argumentative behaviour, belligerence and creating conflict is not acceptable conduct.
- If audience members cause conflict or heckle a performer on stage, they should be ignored as much as possible. Each venue have their own security procedures in place, and where possible our company will leave it to the trained venue staff to deal with any individuals causing trouble.
- If a performer is concerned that an audience member is drunk, may become violent, or is shouting abuse please make this concern known to the show director if possible in the first instance, or to venue staff to handle the situation.
- If performers have significant worries about an audience member, the performer is free to remove themselves from the situation and will have the full support of the company, director and other performers. This includes interrupting the show/a scene, and if necessary leaving the stage to backstage or to consult with the show director or venue staff. A word of warning would be to try to judge such action carefully as it risks escalating the situation.
- If performers have any major concerns regarding the safety of themselves or others we encourage the performer to seek immediate support from the appropriate authorities.
These guidelines are not an exhaustive list, and if a concern is raised that is not specifically listed here, it will be handled on a case by case basis.
If there are concerns that anyone is breaking these guidelines, the person in question may be excluded from future Extreme Improv events and activities. We will always endeavour to resolve issues where we can, and will deal with concerns discreetly where appropriate. If however we feel that there are ongoing or significant concerns about an individual’s behaviour that individual may be removed from inclusion effective immediately.
In a first instance for any concerns a performer, audience member or other staff may have, the recommendation would be to contact company director David Pustansky with your concern. Any concerns will be handled in confidence, treated with respect and responded to quickly and with appropriate action.
David Pustansky
Email: dpustansky@googlemail.com
extremeimprovcomedy@gmail.com
If you have concerns regarding any illegal, or threatening behaviour where you feel you or others are at risk, I would encourage you to consult appropriate authorities for support.
Extreme Improv are continually working to develop, evolve and improve our infostructure and policies.