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STudent Handbook

At Improv North we are proud to treat all students as if we expect them to become professional performers. We’re glad you’re here.

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ATTENDANCE

Please be on time for class.

 

The doors are "locked" one hour after the start of class. If you miss more than two 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” at this time — each group is having their own journey. Your teacher will let you know how they would like to be informed of absences.

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PAYMENT

The payment plan is not a “per class” charge, the whole tuition for the class is due by the start of the session unless a specific arrangement has been made in your case.

 

If you have trouble keeping up with your payment plan, please let us know so we can help. You’re valuable to us.

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CLASS CANCELLATION

In case of inclement weather, a critical issue with the venue, riots or so on... an announcement will be made two hours before your class and sent via email and text, as well as posted on the Improv North Discord.

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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. This applies to other, as yet unknown infectious diseases.

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OTHER IMPROV OPPORTUNITIES

Improv North is not pay-to-play, we don’t guarantee your training here will get you into a show. But we will keep students and graduates informed of performance opportunities on a case by case basis over on the Improv North Discord. Further, at our discretion, we will recommend students and graduates to third party productions if asked.

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HARASSMENT POLICY

To read Improv North's full policy, go here. In summary, under no circumstances should you be expected to tolerate unwelcome sexual attention or advances from a teacher, fellow student, or anyone at Improv North, 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 right away. 

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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:

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• 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.

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DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Improv North 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. 

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MENTAL HEALTH

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

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IMPROV STUDENTS’ BILL OF RIGHTS

Developed in collaboration between Pam Victor and the “Improv Teachers' Support & Collaboration Group”  and HUGE Theatre, adapted by Improv North

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  • 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 Improv North 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.

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Exercising any of these rights will not adversely affect your ability to progress in classes, to be cast in or be booked for shows.

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