Yes And Fest is committed to creating playful, respectful, and genuinely welcoming spaces — whether you’re learning, performing, rehearsing, teaching, working, or simply watching. Everyone in our community shares responsibility for maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.This Code of Conduct is a living document and may be updated as we grow.
Improv can get tactile, but your body, your rules.
- At the start of workshops and jams the facilitator will check in with participants about physical contact, and manage the session to support your needs. Ask before initiating physical contact in other settings.
- Permission must be given clearly and can be withdrawn at any time
- Anyone may pause or stop a scene or exercise if they feel uncomfortable,unsafe, or unsure.
- Report any concerns directly to the facilitator or via yesandfest@tbcimprov.com
2. Topics, Triggers & No-Go Zones
Scenes can take unexpected turns. If you have topics that are off-limits:
- Tell the facilitator anytime, or
- Flag concerns during a scene or exercise, or
- Escalate privately via yesandfest@tbcimprov.com
We will always support you in stepping back from material that feels harmful or inappropriate.
3. Inclusion & Respect for Identity
Everyone is welcome here. We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or jokes at someone’s expense based on identity—including gender or gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion or lack thereof, socioeconomic background, or physical appearance. This includes inappropriate touch, stereotypes, slurs, demeaning language, or identity-based "punchlines".
Whether teaching, learning, performing, facilitating, rehearsing, or attending:
- No one has the right to ignore or override someone’s boundaries.
- Don’t talk over, interrupt, shame, belittle, or intimidate others.
- Treat others’ comfort levels with the same generosity you’d give a scenepartner’s offer.
5. Accessibility, Comfort & Our Spaces
We work to make our classes and events accessible and comfortable. If something in the venue or environment affects your safety, inclusion, or abilityto participate:
- Let the facilitator or organiser know, or
- Email yesandfest@tbcimprov.com
We will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible.
6. Alcohol & Substance Policy
To ensure safe, responsible spaces:
- Teachers, facilitators, performers, and rehearsal participants must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while teaching, performing, or rehearsing.
- Audiences may consume alcohol at licensed events, but must continue to behave respectfully and safely.
- Anyone whose behaviour becomes unsafe or disruptive may be asked to step out or leave the event.
7. Photos, Videos & Opt-Out
Our facilitators and staff may take photos or short recordings of classes, jams orevents, and shows may be photographed or filmed for promotion or documentation.
If you prefer not to appear in any images or recordings:
- Tell the facilitator or organiser at any time, and we’ll ensure you are opted out.
8. Retention
Performers, students, teachers, and facilitators all have the right to halt a scene, exercise, or interaction if something feels unsafe or inappropriate. Likewise, hosts may decline, modify, or stop audience suggestions or participation that crosses boundaries.
9. Reporting, Escalation & How We Handle Concerns
If you experience or witness behaviour that violates this Code:
- Speak with the facilitator, organiser, or host, or
- Email yesandfest@tbcimprov.com
When concerns are raised:
- We take them seriously.
- We will review, investigate, and follow up as appropriate to the situation.
- The Artistic Director (or designated lead) will respond and update youwhere due and appropriate.
- Actions may include warnings, mediation, removal from an event/role, orother measures needed to maintain safety.
10. No Retaliation
Raising a concern will never lead to punishment or negative treatment.We are committed to protecting anyone who speaks up in good faith.
With care and commitment,
Lauren Berning, Isobel McKenzie, Isaac Droscha
Yes And Fest Board
