Ensemble Guidelines

 

Each time the ensemble meets, we go over guidelines that we devised as a group.  These are a LIVING DOCUMENT, meaning that it can change and evolve as our ensemble does (although it is rare that a guideline is taken away, we have added them consistently over the past few years.  We hold ourselves accountable through reconciliation circles and group discussion.  The guidelines are:

 

HONOR MULTIPLE TRUTHS

 

We all have different intersections and different stories that we walk into the room with.  Let's remember to celebrate our difference!

 

THIS IS A PLACE OF SOLIDARITY

 

We stand in power with each other and approach our intersecting (but different) struggles from a place of active support.

 

SAY MY NAME, SAY MY NAME

 

We call each other by the names and pronouns we want to be called by.  It doesn't matter if it changes throughout the day, we respect each others truths.

 

FAIL FABULOUSLY!

 

Life and theater creation are always works in progress, so let's not be afraid of failure!  It's how we learn.  So when we fail, let's fail boldly and fabulously!

 

OOPS/OUCH

 

If a member violates a guideline or makes another member feel unsafe, the offended member claps and says "ouch", and the member who made the mistake claps and says "oops".  This is for microagressions that must be addressed, but do not necessarily require us to stop for a full group (or small group) conversation.

 

ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT

 

Sometimes we make mistakes.  We're human!  When someone makes a mistake, we understand that it is not to offend us on purpose.  We use "ouch" moments as teaching moments where we can help each other grow, not as accusatory moments where we question each other's intentions.

 

USE INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE

 

Language is very gendered!  Instead of saying "hey guys", try "hey y'all"!

 

DECODING LANGUAGE

 

The language we use is also always expanding.  Not everyone always knows all of the current lingo, so let's help each other learn by not being afraid of saying what we don't know!

 

GROUP NEEDS ABOVE SELF NEEDS / LET IT GO

 

Sometimes our work can be overwhelming, so we need to "let it go" and take a moment to step outside of the work and be with ourselves.  But we also balance the instinct to take care of one's self with an instinct to help the work of the group continue to move forward.

 

ONE DIVA/O, ONE MIC

 

One person speaks at a time!

 

NO WEAPONS ALLOWED

 

We understand many people carry weapons as protection.  They must remain inaccessible and away for all rehearsals, performances and meetings.

 

CELL PHONES FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY

 

No Instagram while we're trying to work!  We love social media, but we love being in the here and now even more!