Sbt Code of Conduct

Purpose

Squeaky Bum Time (SBT) is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for everyone involved in our activities. Improv thrives on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. This Code of Conduct exists to support those values and to ensure that all participants can take creative risks in a supportive environment.

This policy applies to all SBT-run activities, including but not limited to:

  • Workshops and Courses

  • rehearsals and coaching sessions

  • performances and jams

  • social events organised by SBT

  • online communication spaces connected to SBT

This policy applies to participants, performers, facilitators and audience members.

Community Standards

All members of the SBT community are expected to uphold the following standards.

Respect and Inclusion

SBT welcomes people of all backgrounds and identities. Discrimination, harassment, or exclusion based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic will not be tolerated.

Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect both on stage and off.

Harassment and Bullying

Harassment is not permitted in any SBT environment. This includes behaviour that is verbal, physical, written, or online that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Examples may include:

  • Discriminatory language or slurs

  • unwanted sexual comments or advances

  • bullying, intimidation, or persistent negative behaviour

  • targeted humiliation or harassment in scenes or conversations

  • inappropriate or unwanted physical contact

Consent and Physical Contact

Improv can involve movement and interaction. However:

  • Physical contact should never be assumed

  • participants should seek clear consent

  • anyone may decline or stop contact at any time

If someone expresses discomfort, that boundary must be respected immediately.

Content in Scenes

Improvisers are encouraged to make bold creative choices. However, scenes should not rely on harmful stereotypes, harassment, or discrimination.

Participants should avoid:

  • jokes or scenes that target marginalised groups

  • deliberately humiliating or singling out other participants

  • creating environments that feel unsafe or hostile

Creative freedom should never come at the expense of another person’s safety or dignity.

Workshop and Course Participants

Participants attending SBT workshops or classes are expected to:

Participate Respectfully

  • treat facilitators and fellow participants with respect.

  • listen and collaborate with scene partners.

  • Support a positive learning environment.

Respect Boundaries

Participants may decline or step out of any exercise or scene if they feel uncomfortable. Facilitators will respect this choice.

Participants should also be mindful of the comfort levels and boundaries of others in the room.

Support a Safe Learning Environment

Learning improv involves vulnerability and experimentation. Participants should avoid:

  • interrupting or undermining other learners

  • dismissive or hostile criticism

  • dominating exercises in a way that prevents others from participating

Constructive feedback and curiosity are encouraged.

Performers and Teams

Performers representing SBT or appearing in SBT shows are expected to uphold additional professional standards.

Professional Conduct

Performers should:

  • treat fellow performers, technicians, hosts and venue staff respectfully

  • arrive prepared and on time for rehearsals and performances

  • support other performers and the collaborative nature of improv

On-Stage Conduct

While creative freedom is central to improv, performers should avoid material that:

  • Targets individuals in the audience or other performers

  • relies on discriminatory stereotypes

  • deliberately humiliates or intimidates participants

Physical interaction with audience members should only occur with clear consent.

Responsibility to the Community

Performers help shape the culture of the SBT community. As such, they are expected to:

  • model respectful behaviour

  • help maintain a safe and welcoming environment

  • support newer improvisers and participants

Reporting Concerns

We take your safety and comfort seriously. If you experience or witness a violation of this Code of Conduct, you have several ways to report it:

  • Speak to an organiser:

    • At Sunday shows/jams: please speak directly to charlie irvine (showrunner)

    • at workshops/residencies: please speak directly to chris mcNally (Director)

  • Email the team: you can raise a concern directly to our admin team at admin@squeakybumtime.co.uk. This is monitored by Chris and Haley.

  • External Reporting: If your concern involves the organizers, or you prefer to speak to a neutral third party, you can email our independent External Liaison* at [safe@squeakybumtime.co.uk].

*To ensure a safe and impartial environment, Squeaky Bum Time has appointed Chris Mead as our Independent External Liaison. Chris is a highly respected figure in the international improv community and operates entirely outside of our daily Glasgow operations.

If you have a concern or grievance that you do not feel comfortable raising with the core SBT team, you can contact Chris directly at safe@squeakybumtime.co.uk. He acts as a neutralthird party to listen, maintain confidentiality, and advise on the best next steps.

Note: Squeaky Bum Time leadership will, when necessary, consult with ACAS guidelines to ensure all reports are handled fairly, neutrally, and safely.

All claims will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and information will only be shared with those strictly necessary for the investigation.

Consequences

Anyone asked to stop behaviour that violates this policy is expected to comply immediately.

Depending on the situation, SBT may take actions including:

  • A conversation or informal warning

  • removal from a workshop or event

  • removal from a performance lineup

  • restriction from future SBT Activities

These measures are intended to maintain a safe and supportive environment for the community.

Shared Responsibility

Improv works best when everyone feels safe to take creative risks.

By participating in Squeaky Bum Time activities, all members of the community agree to help create a space that is:

  • Welcoming

  • respectful

  • collaborative

  • supportive of diverse voices and experiences

This code of conduct has been adapted from the lovely people at The Atom Improv. Check them out if you’re in liverpool!