SCIT Code of Conduct and Class Enrollment Policy

SCIT Code of Conduct

Introduction and Scope:  Steel City Improv Theater (SCIT) prides itself on offering high quality improv classes and shows to create opportunities for everyone to come in and experience improv and other forms of comedy and theater. The SCIT’s Code of Conduct applies to all employees (including office staff, teaching staff, house management, box office staff, and tech crew), students, performers, interns, volunteers, patrons, and all other participants within the SCIT community. We set forth this code to model the behavior we wish for all of our employees and community members to exemplify, and provide steps for rectifying potential conduct issues which may arise. As employees, it is our duty to ensure that SCIT strives to create a safe place in which students can make mistakes and learn from them. No one is a born improviser, but everyone can improvise. This Code of Conduct applies to our interactions in various areas of our shared lives, including Steel City Improv Theater offices, classes, rehearsals, performances, social media and email exchanges, social events, and other events where we represent Steel City Improv Theater. This Code of Conduct may also apply to interactions between members of SCIT community outside of the SCIT spaces and officially sanctioned events. 

SCIT Artistic Statement:

Steel City Improv Theater welcomes free artistic expression and the presentation of difficult or sensitive topics, but always in a manner consistent with empathy and respect. Playing a judgmental or discriminatory character in the context of art is not the same as exhibiting judgmental or discriminatory behavior. If it is determined that the offensive content expressed during a class or performance was done in an effort to harass a particular individual or to express hatred and/or intolerance to an individual or group, then appropriate disciplinary action will occur.  If it is determined that an action was done without malicious intent, but has nevertheless caused discomfort or feelings of harassment, this behavior will be addressed with the individual or people responsible. If the identified behavior persists, corrective action will be taken.  Steel City Improv Theater reserves the right to create work that could present discomforting or disturbing topics, but solely in the interest of artistic exploration and enrichment.

Policies and Definitions on Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment:

Discrimination and harassment of employees (including office staff, teaching staff, house management, box office staff, and tech crew), students, performers, interns, volunteers, patrons, and all other participants within the SCIT community is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Discriminatory and/or harassing conduct by anyone, whether in classes, rehearsals, performances, in the office, at work assignments outside the office, at office-sponsored social functions, online via social media and email exchanges, or elsewhere, will not be tolerated. This policy also applies to all persons involved in the operation of Steel City Improv Theater and prohibits discrimination and/or harassment by any employee of Steel City Improv Theater including co-workers as well as by any person doing business with or for the company, including outside vendors, business partners, customers, contractors, and all visitors to SCIT. This policy also strictly prohibits any retaliation against an individual who has complained about discrimination or harassment, or any retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a harassment complaint.  “Discrimination” means the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex (gender). “Harassment” means unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical or visual, that is so severe or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with an individual’s participation in Steel City Improv Theater’s classes, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational or working environment. Behaviors include but are not limited to:

• Discrimination, harassment, or intimidation of any kind based on:

• • an individual’s gender expression or identity
  • race, ethnicity, national origin, or ancestry
  • religion
  • political affiliation
  • age
  • genetic information
  • sexual orientation
  • education status, socioeconomic background, or military status
  • disability, use of a guide or support animal for disability, or relationship to a person with a disability

• Assaultive or otherwise violent conduct (verbal or physical) directed toward another employee, student, performer, intern, volunteer, patron, or any other participant within the SCIT community.
• Inappropriate or unwanted sexual harassment, conduct, or advances (written, verbal, or pictorial) made toward another employee, student, performer, intern, volunteer, patron, or any other participant within the SCIT community.
• Malicious and deliberate destruction of SCIT property or another individual’s personal property.

“Sexual Harassment” means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually-motivated physical contact or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Unwelcome sexual advances-whether they involve physical touching or not; Sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life; comment on an individual’s body, comment about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess;
• Displaying sexually suggestive objects and/or media;
• Unwelcome leering, whistling, brushing against the body, sexual gestures, suggestive or insulting comments;
• Inquires into one’s sexual experiences; and,
• Discussion of one’s sexual activities.

In short, no one involved with Steel City Improv Theater may request or require an applicant, employee (including office staff, teaching staff, house management, box office staff, and tech crew), student, performer, interns, volunteers, patrons, and all other participants within the SCIT community to submit to sexual harassment as a condition of receiving any benefit or avoiding any detriment.  Sexual harassment also includes sexual assault.

Reporting Procedure and Investigation:

Because Steel City Improv Theater takes allegations of discrimination and harassment seriously, we will respond promptly to any reports of discrimination or harassment. Where it is determined that such inappropriate conduct has occurred, we will act promptly to eliminate the conduct and impose such corrective action as is necessary, including disciplinary action where appropriate.  As stated above, this policy strictly prohibits any retaliation against an individual who has complained about discrimination or harassment, or any retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a harassment complaint.  The investigation will be conducted in such a way as to maintain confidentiality to the extent practicable under the circumstances. Our investigation will include a private interview with the person filing the complaint and with witnesses. We will also interview the person alleged to have committed the discrimination or harassment. An effective policy and thorough investigation require the support of all personnel. Consequently, anyone apart of or associated with the SCIT community who engages in discrimination, harassment or retaliation or who fail to cooperate with investigations of discrimination, harassment or retaliation may be subject to discipline. If it is determined that inappropriate conduct has occurred, we will act promptly to eliminate the offending conduct by taking appropriate remedial measures. The confidentiality and privacy of those involved will be respected during the investigation. If any of ouremployees (including office staff, teaching staff, house management, box office staff, and tech crew)students, performers, interns, volunteers, patrons, and all other participants within the SCIT community believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or offensive conduct, either directly or in their presence, and whether committed by other employees, students, performers, interns, volunteers, patrons, and all other participants at SCIT that person has the right to report such conduct. This may be done in writing or orally. Contact one of the office staff members listed below:

Phone: (412) 467-6548

*DISCLAIMER*

The primary purpose of this Code of Conduct is to create a safe and fair environment for all members of Steel City Improv Theater community. This Code of Conduct is NOT a charter for a proxy legal system, intended to replace legal action or offered as an alternative to seeking legal aid. If any member of the SCIT community believes they have been the victim of a crime, the SCIT office staff encourages said individual to seek any and all necessary legal counsel from a licensed, practicing attorney, or immediately contact the police. Our Code of Conduct is primarily intended to mediate and discourage unwelcome behavior that may make individuals feel uncomfortable. If Steel City Improv Theater is made aware of a criminal conviction or a legal order (such as a restraining order), SCIT will support these rulings and abide by them.

Class Enrollment Policy

Thank you for your interest in Steel City Improv Theater’s classes. We are very excited to have you begin or continue your training with us. Steel City Improv Theater’s classes are dedicated to the development of our students as performers, writers and human beings. We strive to provide our students with a place to practice their craft and become a member of a community. It is extremely important that our classes are held in a supportive, non-threatening and creative environment. With that, we ask that you read and agree to our Class Enrollment Policy, as well as our SCIT Code of Conduct, before you register for a class.

Age Requirement You must be 18 years of age or older to sign up for our level improv program.

Refund Policy There are no refunds. No exceptions. All sales are final. We only offer refunds, in the event a class is cancelled. There are no class exchanges, please be sure that you are able to attend the class that you have registered for.  

Attendance Policy: All our classes rely on group participation, and absences will affect your growth, as well as the growth of your classmates. We ask that you attend every class within the session and arrive on time. If you miss MORE THAN 25% of the classes CLASSES, you will not be permitted to perform in the class show  (if there is one) nor will you be allowed to advance to the next class level. However, you are allowed to attend as many classes are you can, even if you have 30 % or more absences. *If an emergency or conflict arises, please email your instructor to let them know you will be missing the class so they can do their best to catch you up and plan accordingly.

Conduct Steel City Improv Theater’s classes are held in a supportive, non-threatening and creative environment. In order to achieve this, students are asked to agree to the Class Enrollment Policy, as well as the Steel City Improv Theaters Code of Conduct, before enrolling in a class.  Inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Consumption of drugs or alcohol before or during class or show.
• Destruction of physical classroom space, including but not limited to walls, chairs, tables, lights, restrooms and doors.
• Inappropriate verbal, physical or sexual conduct with other students or the class instructor.
• Bringing uninvited guests to class. In addition, we do NOT allow auditing of any of our classes or workshops.  Only those who have registered may attend the class.
• Eating in class when not on a break.
• Talking while the instructor is talking or while your classmates are performing.
• Arguing with the instructor and/or classmate(s) to the extent it disrupts the class and/or show.
• Students must also abstain from using electronics in class, including audio or video recording devices and cellular phones (this includes reading or writing text messages and using the internet in class or a show).

Inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the class. Refunds will not be given if you are removed from a class due to conduct. 

Destruction of Property If you destroy any property at Steel City Improv Theater whether it is by accident or on purpose, you will be liable for the cost of repair. You will not be allowed to attend more classes, or to register for another class, until payment arrangements have been made to replace the destroyed property.

Liability You agree that you choose to voluntarily participate in the class with full knowledge that the activity may be hazardous to yourself and/or your property. You voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks of loss, property damage or personal injury, including death, that may be sustained as a result of participating in the activity. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Steel City Improv Festival, Steel City Improv Theater, Steel City Improv LLC, or Ellsworth Arts Pgh and its employees, members and volunteers for any loss, liability, damage or costs, including court costs and attorney fees, that may occur as a result of your participation in the activity. We are not responsible for lost or stolen property.

Instructor Attendance Steel City Improv Theater reserves the right to replace a class instructor at any time with another equally qualified instructor, without notice.

Cancellation Steel City Improv Theater reserves the right to postpone or cancel a class if an emergency or unforeseen conflict arises. In the event of a full class cancellation, students’ tuition will be refunded or credited. Any fees incurred by students for travel, lodging, etc. will not be reimbursed by Steel City Improv Theater.  In the case, an individual class cancellation, a predetermined “snow/rain date” will be used to reschedule the class.  If no replacement individual class is scheduled, a partial refund will be issued.   Steel City Improv Theater reserves the right to accept or deny any individual’s enrollment.

Contact Information Students are always welcome to contact Steel City Improv Theater’s office via email or phone.

SCIT Classes Email: classes@steelcityimprov.com SCIT Office Phone Number: (412) 467-6548

 YOU MUST AGREE TO THE CLASS ENROLLMENT POLICY, AND THE SCIT CODE OF CONDUCT,  IN ORDER TO TAKE ANY CLASS WITH STEEL CITY IMPROV THEATER OR ELLSWORTH ARTS.