Code of Conduct - Courtyard Playhouse

Code of Conduct

The Courtyard Playhouse – Code of Conduct

The Courtyard Playhouse is committed, in attaining its purposes, to:

  • supporting, creating and presenting work that is accessible, diverse, and respectful of our practitioners and our audience; and
  • maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

We therefore ask all participants in our workshops, performances, networking and social events to commit to these principles, to respect each other and our audience, and to maintain professionalism and integrity. We are all ambassadors of our community and should behave accordingly.

Professional Behaviour & Standards

All communication and conduct should be appropriate for a professional, family-friendly environment and must comply with UAE laws and cultural expectations.

Racism, religious subject matter, references to sexuality, sex, terrorism or the occupied territories are deemed unacceptable, as is nudity, kissing, or sexual gestures on stage. This applies both to performance and teaching.

We understand that improv and theatre work are spontaneous and that occasionally things may emerge in the moment. However, as professionals, you are expected to use good judgement to ensure that the work we present never becomes inappropriate or harmful. You are never obliged to accept an audience suggestion that leads outside of these boundaries.

When onsite at The Courtyard Playhouse, please:

  • Attend safety briefings where relevant.
  • Adhere to all safety guidelines and follow all instructions given by management and staff.
  • Respect that we are not a licensed venue — no alcohol is permitted on site.
  • Be on time and prepared for shows, call times, and workshops.
  • Respect the facilities and report any hazards or accidents promptly.
  • Be a good neighbour. Make the Playhouse look good.

Physical Contact & Conduct

Outside of performances and rehearsals, public displays of affection (PDA) or unnecessary physical contact between individuals are not permitted at The Courtyard Playhouse.

During workshops, rehearsals, or shows, physical contact should only occur when it is justified within the context of a scene and handled professionally. Physicality should always serve the story or exercise, never cross into intimacy, or make others uncomfortable.

This ensures that the Playhouse remains a respectful, family-friendly, and professional environment for everyone involved.

Relationships & Boundaries

The Courtyard Playhouse values the sense of community within our theatre, but also recognises the importance of clear professional boundaries.

Romantic or sexual relationships between staff, volunteers, or company members of significantly different seniority (e.g., supervisor and intern, teacher and assistant) must be disclosed to management immediately to prevent conflicts of interest.

  • Staff, volunteers, and adult students must not pursue or engage in personal relationships with minors (under 18) who are part of the Playhouse community.
  • Adults should not spend time with, communicate privately with, or transport minors (for example, giving lifts home) outside of Playhouse activities.
  • Exceptions may only be made with explicit written parental consent and prior notification to Playhouse management.
  • All contact between adults and minors must remain professional and take place through official Playhouse channels.

These rules exist to protect both young participants and adults, and to ensure that The Courtyard Playhouse remains a safe and transparent community space.

Respect for Young Volunteers

The Courtyard Playhouse is a KHDA-licensed training centre that caters to all age groups. We actively encourage youth to participate outside of class time, including volunteering at evening showcases.

This means that teenagers may be present backstage, at front of house, in the tech booth, and in other areas of the theatre. We ask everyone to be mindful of their presence and act as positive role models at all times.

Parental permission must be obtained for youth to volunteer, and parents must be aware that it is an adult environment.

Respect & Kindness

Be kind to others. Do not insult, gossip about, or put down fellow participants.

Harassment, bullying, exclusion, and sexist or racist jokes are not appropriate at The Courtyard Playhouse — whether on stage, off stage, or online.

Anti-Harassment, Bullying, and Non-Discrimination Policy

The Courtyard Playhouse is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race, or religion.

Harassment or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

This policy applies to artists, employees, board members, sponsors, participants, students, volunteers, and audience members.

Reporting and Responding to Incidents

The Courtyard Playhouse is committed to handling all concerns or incidents with care, fairness, and confidentiality. If you experience or witness inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, harassment, or any breach of this Code of Conduct, please follow the process below.

1. Reporting an Incident

If you feel comfortable and it is safe to do so, you may address the issue directly by informing the individual that their behaviour is unacceptable and must stop immediately.

If you are not comfortable doing so, or if the issue continues, please submit a report through our online Reporting Form (which may be anonymous).

  • Reports go directly to CEO Marie Vercruyssen.
  • If the complaint involves one of the senior leadership team members, alternate contacts are listed on the form.
  • Confidentiality will be maintained wherever legally possible.

2. Initial Response and Temporary Suspension

Upon receiving a complaint, HR or management will review the report promptly. If necessary, all parties directly involved (regardless of position or seniority) may be temporarily suspended from their duties or participation while the matter is being investigated.

This step is precautionary, not disciplinary, and is taken to allow for a fair and unbiased review.

3. Investigation and Confidential Meetings

A confidential investigation will be conducted within seven business days.

Each party involved will meet privately with HR (or a designated management representative) to share their account. Information shared during these meetings will remain strictly confidential.

A two-person review panel — typically consisting of one board member and one staff member — will oversee the process.

4. Evaluation and Outcome

Once all information has been gathered, HR and senior management will evaluate the situation and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Possible outcomes may include:

  • Mediation or counselling between parties
  • Formal apology
  • Disciplinary action or removal from position
  • Reinstatement with follow-up support
  • Implementation of further training or policy measures

5. Follow-Up and Confidentiality

The complainant, respondent, and any affected parties will be informed of the outcome and next steps. Where appropriate, follow-ups will be arranged to monitor future working relationships.

6. False or Malicious Complaints

Knowingly false or malicious reports will be treated as a breach of this policy.

Whistleblowing

Any staff member, volunteer, or student who suspects unethical, unsafe, or inappropriate behaviour (including abuse, harassment, or exploitation) is encouraged to report it via the Whistleblowing and Reporting Form.

Reports can be made confidentially or anonymously. Retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern will not be tolerated.

Consequences

Consequences for breaching the Code of Conduct will be proportionate to the severity of the situation and may include:

  • Apologies to affected parties
  • Fines where financial loss has been incurred
  • Exclusion from events or performances
  • Removal from workshops without refund
  • Permanent exclusion from the theatre

The Courtyard Playhouse reserves the right to make final decisions in all such matters.

Disclaimer

The Courtyard Playhouse will not be liable for any legal or state action taken against a performer or participant due to inappropriate behaviour or language.

Questions or Feedback

If you have questions about these policies, suggestions for improvement, or other concerns:

Thank you for helping make The Courtyard Playhouse a safe, welcoming, and creative theatre for all.