For many of us, CATCh is a place we go to get away from the hassles of the outside world. I've heard people call it their therapy, their retreat, their happy place.

This doesn't happen by accident. It comes from our collective desire to be a part of something different and meaningful.

Why it matters

Remember how you felt as a beginner student on your first day of class? How it took a few classes for you to let down your guard, your worry about looking foolish, before you could really let go and experience the joy of the exercises?

We do things in improv that we don't do elsewhere. We are bold, fearless, stretching ourselves in new ways. That's exciting and joyful, it also makes us vulnerable. That sense of being wide open to committing to the scene, the character, the emotion is a direct result of our ability to trust our fellow improvisers to have our back.

What it means

We already have an anti-harassment policy. Be sure you understand it.

But more important is that we have a common, collective vision about how we are as a community, and what it means to "have your back."

In that spirit, we will lay out our positive intentions, the precepts that we all aspire to as part of this improv family:

CATCh is our third place

We come here to escape the rigors of life, to relax, to experience joy, and to connect to others in a meaningful way. The complex ambitions and subtexts that make other places challenging have no place here.

Intentions

• We will be direct and honest with each other.

• We approach each other with kindness and compassion.

• We give each other grace.

CATCh is where we can be authentic

Most of us have to wear masks as we move through the world, altering the way we dress, how we speak, how we move -- changing what it means to be us, in order to be successful. CATCh is a place where we can let all that go, to take off that protective emotional armor and rest, even if only for a while.

Intentions

• We look for ways to make each other feel comfortable and supported, leaving our romantic, financial, and status ambitions at the door.

• We accept feedback about unwanted attention or inappropriate comments the same way do all things: as an opportunity.

CATCh is for art

The assembly line nature of our modern world leaves very little room for creativity and expression. That shared expression lifts us all when it comes from an authentic place, but it hinders the community when not backed by thoughtfulness and intention.

Intentions:

• Shocking, boundary-pushing, risqué, and other potentially uncomfortable content only works when it comes with appropriate context.

  • If you are not examining your own use of such moves, it's probably coming from a place of fear, doubt, or anger.

  • If you are not open to feedback that may be hard to hear, that's a good sign you shouldn't be pushing that envelope.

• We support each other, and commit to lift each other up through

  • volunteering around the theater

  • helping market shows & classes

  • being ON TIME to classes, practices, and shows

  • coming to other teams' shows

  • giving encouragement