HUGE Student Handbook

At HUGE Theater we are proud to treat all students as if we expect them to become professional improvisors. We’re glad you’re here.

    ATTENDANCE

    Please be on time for class. The doors are locked one hour after the start of class. If you miss more than three classes, you will not be recommended to continue on to the next level. We do not allow sitting in on a different class as a “make-up” — each group is having their own journey. Your teacher will let you know how they would like to be informed of absences.

    PAYMENT

    The payment plan is not a “per class” charge, the whole tuition for the class is due by the end of the session. If you have trouble keeping up with your payment plan, please let us know so we can help. You’re valuable to us.

    STUDENT TICKETS

    Watching improv accelerates learning – come see shows for free! Active HUGE students can check in at the box office for free admission as available. There is a rush list if the show is close to selling out. There’s no way to reserve student tickets, so you’ll need to pay regular price if you'd like a reserved seat.

    CLASS CANCELLATION

    In case of inclement weather, an announcement will be made two hours before your class and posted on the 1) HUGE Student Facebook Group 2) HUGE Facebook Page and Twitter Feed 3) HUGE Blog. We will also send an email to all students.

    COVID-19 PROCEDURES

    • Please do not come to class if you have COVID symptoms, or have had a fever in the past 24 hours. If you should develop COVID please let us know so we can alert your classmates of potential exposure. Please mask if you have been exposed to COVID.

    PARKING & NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY

    PARKING & NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY To prevent break-ins please don’t leave anything visible on the seat of your car. After night classes, walk with a buddy. Please let us know if you need accessible parking, we have neighborhood contacts.

    OTHER IMPROV OPPORTUNITIES

    HUGE is not pay-to-play, we don’t guarantee your training here will get you into a show. • For extra chances to play, check out a jam. More details at hugetheater.com/community • For an overview of the Twin Cities improv scene, see www.tinyurl.com/welcomeimprov • Facebook groups “HUGE Theater Students!” and “Twin Cities Improv Treehouse”, plus performers.hugetheater.com
    • Ask your classmates to form a practice group!

    HARASSMENT POLICY

    To read HUGE’s full policy, go to https://www.hugetheater.com/theme1/policy In summary, under no circumstances should you be expected to tolerate unwelcome sexual attention or advances from a teacher, fellow student, or anyone at HUGE, whether that happens inside or outside class, online, via text, or any other method. While there are limits to what we can help with outside the walls of our classrooms and theater, we ask you to advise us as situations arise so that we can address them to the best of our ability and identify patterns. It is best if you communicate with your teacher or TA right away. Alternately, please contact:

  • Jill Bernard, Director of Education, at jill@hugetheater.com
  • Charlie B Cecile, Program Administrator, at charlie@hugetheater.com
  • Anonymous feedback - www.hugetheater.com/contact
  • Our whistleblower policy, in case an incident requires a person outside of HUGE Theater to investigate: www.hugetheater.com/performers
  • OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOR

    All things are possible in improv, but some topics and behaviors are only appropriate for a team that rehearses regularly and has agreed to them. Because this is a safe learning environment, here are the rules: • Please respect your classmates’ physical and content boundaries, and care instructions. • Your teacher will immediately end scenes that they determine are on inappropriate topics. You can also stop scenes on these topics.

    DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

    HUGE Theater has a commitment to diversity, and we need your help. Please make our classes a place where all voices are heard. Take care of your classmates, give them space, make them feel welcome and safe. Improv is a group endeavor, we all shine together. To read about our Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, visit www.hugetheater.com/theme3/dei

    MENTAL HEALTH

    Improv is therapeutic but it is not therapy. This class is not a substitute for treatment from a mental health professional.

    VOLUNTEERING

    The box officers, ushers and desk attendants are all volunteers. Join their ranks and help HUGE! Email info@hugetheater.com

    FEEDBACK & QUESTIONS

    If you have any feedback or questions, please email the Director of Education, Jill Bernard (jill@hugetheater.com) or anonymously at http://www.hugetheater.com/contact Please do not hesitate to send questions, comments or complaints our way. We are so grateful you’re here.

    IMPROV STUDENTS’ BILL OF RIGHTS

    Developed in collaboration between Pam Victor and the “Improv Teachers' Support & Collaboration Group” Facebook group, adapted by HUGE Theater.

  • You have the right to be and feel safe during performances, rehearsals, and classes.
  • You have the right to be treated respectfully.
  • You have the right to set boundaries regarding physical contact and subject matter that might trigger a negative emotional response. You have the right to dictate what kind of physical touch you will receive.
  • You have the right to immediately step out of any scene, performance, rehearsal, or class in which you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. And you have the right to excuse yourself from any scene or exercise at any time without explanation.
  • You have the right to inform your teacher of anything you want them to know ahead of time, such as physical or emotional conditions that might make playing certain games difficult or uncomfortably challenging.
  • You have the right to speak to any teacher, House Manager, board member, or any other HUGE representative regarding behavior by any person that you feel infringes on your rights. You also have the right to file an anonymous report.
  • If you are personally aware of any conduct that would have been a violation of your rights if directed toward you, you have the same right to report that conduct as if you were the target.
  • You have the right to define what feels fun and what feels comfortable (and uncomfortable) for you without judgment from others.
  • You have the right to turn down a suggestion you feel is demeaning.
  • You have the right to fail.
  • You have the right to be brilliant.
  • You have the right to love your work.
  • Exercising any of these rights will not adversely affect your ability to progress in classes, to be cast in or be booked for shows.