Respectful Workplace and Code of Conduct Policy 

​1. Purpose 

RAPA is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where everyone can participate in theatre free from harassment, discrimination, bullying, violence, intimidation and other inappropriate conduct. 

We recognize that creating theatre requires trust, collaboration and vulnerability. Everyone involved in our activities has a responsibility to contribute to a positive and respectful environment. 

This policy is guided by the Canadian Code of Conduct for the Performing Arts. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to everyone involved with RAPA, including board members, actors, directors, stage managers, production personnel, volunteers, and contractors. 

The policy applies to all theatre-related activities, including auditions, rehearsals, performances, meetings, social events, fundraising activities, workshops, and online or electronic communications related to the organization. 

3. Expected Conduct 

Everyone involved with RAPA is expected to: 

• Treat others with dignity, respect, courtesy, and professionalism.

• Respect personal, physical and emotional boundaries. 

• Communicate in a manner that is respectful and appropriate to the circumstances. 

• Refrain from harassment, discrimination, bullying, violence, threats, intimidation and unwanted sexual attention or conduct. 

• Respect the right of others to say no to physical contact.

• Respect the rights of others. 

• Obtain appropriate consent for physical contact, particularly where contact is not essential to a person's role. 

• Follow reasonable direction from those responsible for a production or activity. 

• Raise concerns about unsafe or inappropriate conduct in good faith.

4. Harassment, Discrimination and Violence 

Harassment and discrimination are prohibited in all forms, including verbal, physical, visual, written, electronic and online conduct. 

Harassment may include unwelcome comments, jokes, messages, conduct, intimidation, threats, unwanted sexual attention or other behaviour that a person knew or reasonably ought to have known would be unwelcome. 

Discrimination based on a protected ground under applicable human rights legislation is prohibited. 

Violence, threats of violence and behaviour that creates a reasonable concern for another person's safety are prohibited. 

A single serious incident may constitute harassment or other prohibited conduct even where there has not been a pattern of behaviour. 

5. Consent and Sensitive Material 

Productions may involve physical contact, intimacy, violence, sexual content, or culturally-sensitive material. 

Where such material is required, it will be discussed and appropriately communicated in advance with production personnel. Physical contact must be consensual and consistent with what has been agreed upon for the production. 

No person should be pressured to participate in physical contact or sensitive material beyond what is reasonably required and appropriately agreed upon for the production. 

6. Reporting Concerns 

Anyone who experiences or witnesses conduct that may violate this policy is encouraged to report it. 

Concerns may be brought to either of the following designated contacts: 

Designated Contact: ______________________________ 

Contact Information: ______________________________ 

Alternate Designated Contact: ______________________ 

Contact Information: ______________________________ 

A person does not need to confront the individual involved before making a report. 

Where appropriate, concerns may also be reported to the police, a relevant regulatory or professional body, or another appropriate authority.

Emergencies or immediate threats to safety should be reported to 911. 

7. Response to Complaints 

RAPA will take complaints seriously and will respond as promptly as reasonably possible. 

Depending on the circumstances, concerns may be addressed informally or through a formal investigation. Serious allegations, including allegations involving violence, sexual misconduct, significant harassment or abuse of authority, will not require the complainant to attempt informal resolution. 

The person making the complaint will have an opportunity to be heard, and the person responding to an allegation will be informed of the allegation and given a reasonable opportunity to respond. 

Where appropriate, an independent person may be engaged to assist with or conduct an investigation. 

8. Confidentiality and Protection from Reprisal 

RAPA will make reasonable efforts to protect the privacy and confidentiality of everyone involved in a complaint or investigation. 

Information will only be shared where necessary to address the complaint, conduct an investigation, protect individuals, take appropriate action, or comply with legal obligations. 

Retaliation or reprisal against anyone who makes a complaint in good faith, raises a concern, or participates in an investigation is prohibited. 

9. Consequences 

A person found to have violated this policy may be subject to appropriate action depending on the circumstances and severity of the conduct. This may include a warning, a removal from a production or volunteer involvement, or other appropriate measures. 

10. Responsibilities 

The Board of Directors is responsible for maintaining this policy and ensuring that appropriate procedures and designated contacts are in place. 

Directors, producers, stage managers and other individuals in positions of authority are expected to model respectful conduct and to take concerns seriously when they are brought forward. 

Everyone involved with RAPA shares responsibility for maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive theatre environment.

11. Review 

This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Directors at least annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, and the needs of the organization.