Student Handbook for festivals, intensives and one-day classes
HUGE Theater is proud to host special workshops and festivals with world-class instructors! We’re glad you’re here.
- 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
- 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.
ATTENDANCE
Please be on time for class. If you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible, there are often wait lists for these classes.
PAYMENT
Payment is due on the day of the class. We always offer scholarships and payment plans, please let us know how we can assist you.
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 Parking is available on the street in front of the theater and surrounding side streets. There is also a pay lot on Lyndale between 28th & 29th Street. If you need handicapped parking please let us know, we'll make arrangements. To prevent break-ins please don’t leave anything visible on the seat of your car.
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:
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.
FEEDBACK & QUESTIONS
If you have any feedback or questions, please email the HUGE Theater 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.
Exercising any of these rights will not adversely affect your ability to progress in classes, to be cast in or be booked for shows.