IC STUDENT HANDBOOK
Improv Cincinnati Student and Performer Bill of Rights
You have the right:
To be and feel safe during classes, rehearsals, and performances.
To be free from all forms of discrimination including, but not limited to: race, sex, gender, age, disability, sexual preference, or faith.
To set boundaries regarding emotionally triggering subjects and what kind of physical touch you receive.
To rehearse, perform, and learn without being sexualized in scenes without your consent.
To turn down a suggestion from an audience/teacher/fellow student.
To immediately step out of any scene, performance, rehearsal or class in which you feel demeaned, unsafe, or uncomfortable, and to define what feels fun and what feels comfortable (and uncomfortable) for you.
To inform your teacher or coach of physical and emotional conditions (or any concerns) – and to receive reasonable accommodations.
To speak to any representative of Improv Cincinnati (teacher, staff member, owner, etc) regarding behavior by any person that you feel infringes on your rights, and to have your concerns heard and addressed.
To fail, to succeed, to explore without judgment in a nurturing and uplifting environment .
To love your work and have fun.
Exercising any of these rights will not adversely affect your ability to progress in classes, to be cast in house teams, to be booked for shows, nor any other forms of retaliation.
We recommend that anyone who feels their rights have been violated should address their concerns with their instructor or coach. If you feel the situation can’t or shouldn’t be resolved by your teacher or coach, please report the incident to the Safe Space Committee using improvcincinnati.com/report.
Class Guidelines:
Keep it classy. Improv walks a fine line between letting creativity fall out of your brain and self censorship. That said, we don’t allow any humor that can be considered mean-spirited, sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, creepy, or crude. Accidents happen, but strive to keep it classy. All students must abide by the student safety contract.
Come clear headed. Avoid showing up to class tipsy, drunk, high, or otherwise impaired.
Be cool. Don’t be violent, threatening, or sexual to any student or instructor inside or outside of class. This rule is inclusive of actual behavior and behavior while improvising.
Be respectful. Honor people’s boundaries and access needs. Respect the classroom space and furniture. Avoid being on your cell phone. Encourage and support your classmates - don’t criticize them or give them notes. Please don’t bring guests, kids, or pets without approval.
Be there. Make every effort to be on time. Please don’t skip classes. More than two absences is considered a drop.
Consequences will vary depending on the severity of a conduct problem. Particularly unruly or disruptive behavior will result in a student being removed entirely from a class and not permitted to enroll in future classes. Refunds will not be given to students who are removed from a class due to conduct.
Attendance
Improv is a group activity that is best learned in a creative and supportive learning environment. The best way to support yourself and your fellow classmates is to attend all classes. Absences hinder your growth as an improviser and in turn affect your ability to support your classmates in class and on stage. If you cannot attend all scheduled classes, consider waiting until a course you can fully commit to is available.
That said, IC understands emergencies do happen. To maintain course integrity we do not allow more than TWO absences. Upon a third absence you will be removed from the session.
Removal means you cannot attend any more classes or participate in the class showcase. Once removed, you are eligible to retake the class for half price, assuming you attended at least three sessions of class.
Absence Make Up Policy
You can make up an absence by attending a class’s alternate section, assuming it has one. This needs to be done in the same week you missed class. Ie, if you miss (or will miss) class #2 of one section, you must attend class #2 of the other section. Please warn your teacher when you will be swapping into the other class.
Class Registration
Students officially enroll by completing class registration via the IC website. Students who make verbal or emailed requests to enroll are not officially enrolled. Students who do not officially enroll may be asked to leave class if it sells out.
Refund Policy
Because registered students are occupying a spot that could go to someone else, we do not offer refunds for class tuition for any reason.
If you need to cancel or drop before the class session begins, we’re happy to offer a class credit that you can use at any time in the future.
If you cancel or drop after the class session begins, you can retake the class at half price.
If a session of classes is canceled by Improv Cincinnati, you may choose between a full refund or class credit.
Liability
You agree that you choose to voluntarily participate in the course with full knowledge that the activity may be hazardous to yourself and/or your property. You voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks of loss, property damage or personal injury, including death, that may be sustained as a result of participating in the activity. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Improv Cincinnati LLC and its employees, members & volunteers for any loss, liability, damage or costs, including court costs and attorney fees, that may occur as a result of your participation in the activity.
IC is not responsible for lost or stolen property. If you destroy any property at an IC class, whether it is by accident or on purpose, you will be liable for the cost of repair.
Watching Shows
Students are encouraged to watch shows as much as possible. We offer free rush tickets to students and performers, which are only applicable after the paid audience has been seated. For guaranteed seating, students must buy a ticket.
Age Requirement
You must be 18 years of age or older to sign up for IC courses. Students 16+ may take the class assuming a Parent/Guardian is also taking the class. Please contact IC to arrange. If you are under the age of 16, you cannot participate in IC classes at this time.
Course Instructor
IC reserves the right to replace a course instructor at anytime with another equally qualified instructor without notice. (This is very unlikely to happen without a great reason).
Performing for Improv Cincinnati
Completion of the Core Curriculum of classes may provide students with the opportunity to join a Catalyst Team. Participation on a IC House Team or Main Stage Show is by audition or invitation only.
Inclement Weather
In the event that classes are canceled or postponed, students will be contacted. If you do not hear from us, assume that classes will proceed as planned.
IC will attempt to reschedule a class that is canceled or postponed due to weather, however it is not guaranteed it will be viable for all students’ schedules.
Canceled Classes and Session
IC reserves the right to postpone or cancel a full session if it does not reach a minimum number of students.
If an individual class is canceled due to an unforeseen teacher conflict a substitute will be arranged. If a substitute is unavailable, the teacher will work with the class to schedule a makeup, however it is not guaranteed it will be viable for all students’ schedules.
Leave of Absence
If you have not participated in an IC course within the past two years, please contact IC to see which level is appropriate for you to re-enter.
Accept or Deny Anyone
IC reserves the right to accept or deny any individual's enrollment.
Building Accessibility
At this time, most IC class locations are inaccessible by wheelchair. Please contact IC to verify ADA compliance. If requested, we will do our best to move a class to a more accessible location.
If you have any questions please contact IC at 513.900.1110 or info@improvcincinnati.com.