Inappropriate Behavior on-stage

While the previous section details behaviors and actions that are unacceptable, fostering an open and inclusive community where everyone feels welcome requires more than simply defining bad behavior.

What we do requires pushing some envelopes, and we have an obligation and desire to support each other in that. Open channels of communication, in which all parties can share through mutual respect and without fear or shame, is critical.

In trying new things, in being bold, attempting to be authentic, representing real life on stage, and — most of all, building this 747 in mid-air — we let ourselves be vulnerable to making mistakes which outsiders might find troublesome.

We can share our concerns in a spirit of support and encouragement, recognizing the vulnerability our scene partner accepted.

We can receive those concerns without shame, accepting the support and love in which they were given.

The Guiding Principle is…

When in doubt, speak up. Your voice and concerns are invaluable to the community.

Even if you aren’t sure whether the action rises to the level of inappropriate behavior, it’s still important to speak up.

Your concern may help establish a pattern of inappropriate behavior, which when taken individually, don’t seem to be “so bad” but need to be addressed. Talking through your discomfort with the scene, if even you ultimately decide there was no inappropriate behavior, can help you and your scene partners work better together.

When to speak up

• Immediately if not in a show, and the action needs to be called out. Examples may include, but aren’t limited to

  • Inappropriate touching

  • Sexual innuendo or advances towards a minor, whether:

    • the performer is underage

    • the character in the scene is underage

  • Racist or sexist remarks

• With the group: Instructors and coaches will set aside time at the end of each class, practice, and post-show notes as an open invitation to discuss any moments in which performers were uncomfortable.

• Alone with a CATCh staff member at breaks, or before/after class (show, practice, etc.).

• Online via our form or through email to respect@CATCh.theater.

How to speak up

If you experience discrimination, harassment, or other inappropriate behavior at CATCh, your judgement and your voice are the ultimate authority on how to proceed.

However, through talks with experienced performers, many of whom have faced such situations, we have developed some guidelines to help foster the conversation towards a positive conclusion (i.e., the immediate end of the behavior and a better community understanding).

Make statements about yourself and your feelings. Focus on the behavior, not the person. If possible, address the issue within your group (team, class) to encourage conversation and openness about these subjects.

How to listen

Nobody likes getting notes. Hearing that your character or jokes on stage were hurtful or inappropriate is doubly difficult to take.

However, your teammates need you to have their backs, and that means taking the feedback to heart — whether you’ve been talking over others or making a lot of sexist moves.