Code of Conduct
The Brussels Shuffle adopts the same Code of Conduct that Impro Brussels has in place.
You can find the whole document at this link, and we encourage every participant to the BruShu to familiarize themselves with it.
As a brief guide, here are the parts of the Code of Conduct that are most useful in the context of an international Festival.
From INTRODUCTION
Impro Brussels is based in one of the most diverse cities in the world, and our diversity reflects this, with students and staff from across the globe. This makes Impro Brussels a truly unique space. Unwritten social norms, such as how to greet one another and what level of physical contact is accepted during workshops and shows, vary greatly from country to country, therefore from person to person.
Considering this, we must be sensitive, state boundaries, don't use cultural differences as an excuse to cross them, and at the same time understand that people coming from different backgrounds have different notions of what is acceptable and what is not.
As part of the Impro Brussels community, we must all do our best to take care of ourselves and each other.
From DEFINITIONS
Accountable space: Being responsible for yourself, your intentions, words, and actions. It means entering a space with good intentions, but understanding that aligning your intent with action is the true test of commitment. Accountability also means acknowledging that, in this space, we are accountable for actions we take and words we speak, and do our utmost to learn from our experiences.
Boundaries: Limits and constraints we set to safeguard our emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
Consent: Permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.
We acknowledge that consent is more than saying “yes”; it has to be happily given without constraints of any sort, it has to be revocable in any moment, it has to be given in relation to a clearly determined activity that both parties understand.
Considering this, consent is not possible in the case that someone is intoxicated, being pressured into doing something, or is otherwise incapable of making a free decision.
While these characteristics of consent generally apply to sexual encounters, we believe these general principles can also apply to and around improv.
Discrimination: the unfair or prejudicial treatment of people and groups based on characteristics such as race, sex, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation.
Harassment: Unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical or visual, that is so severe or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with an individual’s participation in Impro Brussels’ activities, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational or working environment.
Safer space: A safer space is a supportive, non-threatening environment where all participants can feel comfortable to express themselves and share experiences without fear of discrimination or reprisal. We use the word safer for two reasons:
1. To acknowledge that safety is relative: not everyone feels safe under the same conditions.
2. Impro Brussels cannot guarantee a perfectly safe space. Considering the nature of performance and creative freedom, and the scope of activities Impro Brussels undertakes, not every possible issue can be addressed. However, by acknowledging the experiences of each person in the room, and through this policy, we hope to create as safe an environment as possible.
Sexual harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, sexually-motivated physical contact or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature.
From EXPECTATIONS
Improv should come from a kind, fun, caring, and respectful attitude.
When in doubt, assume good intentions.
Be open to constructive feedback. This applies to all, including staff, students, and the school itself.
Everyone who is involved in the Impro Brussels project is involved in ensuring Impro Brussels provides a safer and accountable space, whether staff or student.
On stage, no student or performer will be expected to, under any circumstance, keep playing a scene where they feel unsafe, threatened, and/or triggered. The refusal to play a scene does not need to be justified or explained.
Be aware of people’s possible triggers.
Be mindful of your and others’ boundaries.
o Everyone is the ultimate arbiter and guardian of their own boundaries.
o Boundaries are non-negotiable and don’t have to be justified.
On stage, one person’s boundaries (be it performer or audience members) don’t automatically become off-topics for the collective.
We operate on a consent-based system, on stage and off stage.
Discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment have no place in Impro Brussels.
Any allegations of discrimination, harassment, and/or sexual harassment will be taken seriously and investigated fairly (see bottom of page).
There will be no retaliation for anyone who makes a complaint or allegation, regardless of who the complaint is made against: staff, students, audience members, or anyone else.
From ARTISTIC LICENCE
Impro Brussels believes that art is an important forum which allows for all kinds of topics to be addressed, especially the challenging ones. Impro Brussels stands for art as a purveyor of change in society at large. In our shows and classes, we keep the following principles in mind:
Scenes on stage and in classes will sometimes deal with challenging topics. This will be done with the strongest attempt to ensure it is done from a place of empathy and respect.
No topic is off limits in principle; however, some topics need to be dealt with more sensitivity. When a sensitive topic comes up, we encourage compassionate and honest dialogue about it afterwards, in order to make it a learning opportunity for everyone involved.
While ensuring the show is consistent with what has been advertised, Impro Brussels is not responsible for each audience member’s possible triggers and any uncomfortable themes that may arise through the duration of the show.
How to report a transgression of the Code of Conduct?
If you wish to report any incident that was about you personally, or that you witnessed, you have 3 options:
You can approach anyone working in the BruShu, teachers or organizers, that you feel comfortable talking to. They will help you report the incident to the “CoC supervisors”, Pierpaolo and Simone.
You can approach directly the CoC supervisors. You can do so in person or by mail.
Pierpaolo’s email: pierpaolo@improbrussels.com
Simone’s email: ellusim@hotmail.comYou can fill this online form. You have the choice to leave it anonymous if you wish, however that would hinder Impro Brussels’ ability to investigate the incident.