WMT CODE OF CONDUCT
Woodside Musical Theatre (WMT) is committed to fostering a performing arts community where people can work and learn with safety, respect, dignity, and freedom from abuse. WMT does not tolerate discrimination, bullying or sexual harassment of anyone or by anyone involved in WMT activities. This policy applies to volunteers, employees, independent contractors and interns. We expect all theatre relationships among WMT participants to be professional and business-like.
Compliance with this policy is mandated in WMT’s employment and volunteer agreements.
Definitions of Abusive Behavior
This policy prohibits the following categories of abusive behavior at WMT.
Discrimination is giving or withholding preference in allocation of benefits (e.g. hiring and casting) based improper criteria. The law prohibits discrimination based on perception or reality of these categories: race, religious creed, color, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, domestic partner status, family care or medical leave status, veteran or military status. WMT also prohibits discrimination based on family relationships (i.e. nepotism).
Note: As a theater company, however, WMT recognizes our social and artistic obligation to cast by gender, age, race and other physical characteristics appropriate to the script, and the judgment of the Artistic Director.
Bullying is extreme rudeness, insulting, belittling, threatening, humiliation, physical and/or emotional intimidation, or use of offensive language. A single act shall not constitute bullying, unless especially severe or egregious.
Sexual Harassment is unwelcome sexual advances or touching, requests for sexual favors, lewd conduct or statements, by which a reasonable person would be offended, intimidated or humiliated.
Note: Theater sometimes involves stories in which characters interact in abusive or intimate ways. WMT's policy is for directors and performers to go slow; check in verbally; ask permission; remain professional as these scenes are rehearsed to ensure all participants remain comfortable and safe. Combat scenes must be staged by a trained fight choreographer.
Misuse of Authority is a supervisor leveraging their position to improperly influence someone they supervise, teach or direct.
Retaliation against anyone making a complaint, and knowingly making a false complaint under this policy are also prohibited.
Complaint Process
WMT encourages immediate reporting of any incidents of alleged abusive behaviors inconsistent with this policy, so that they may be quickly and fairly resolved.
Making a Complaint. Whether the target of the abuse or a witness, any person may make a complaint against a person or group if he/she considers this policy may have been violated. A complaint may be made to any WMT Producer, verbally or in writing.
Complaint Handling. When a WMT producer receives a complaint, he/she shall make reasonable inquiries regarding the issue and notify WMT's Board of Directors of the existence of a complaint without releasing details.
WMT is committed to undertaking prompt, thorough, objective and good faith investigations of any complaints. In handling a complaint, WMT will maintain confidentiality for all parties to the extent practical, but we cannot guarantee to process purely anonymous complaints.
The Board may decide that the accused must temporarily step down from WMT roles and responsibilities until resolution.
The producer will assist the complainant to consider their options. The producer, with input from the complainant, will determine the approach that should be pursued.
Informal Approach. The producer can discuss the issue with the accused, and attempt to broker a resolution.
Formal Approach. Failing an informal settlement, the complaint must be provided in writing. With Board approval, the producer can coordinate mediation, hire an independent consultant, or refer the matter to relevant civil authorities.
Conclusion.When the investigation is concluded by the producer or independent consultant, the whole Board will hear the findings and decide on an appropriate response. If the WMT Board determines that abuse has occurred, effective remedial action will be taken in accordance with the circumstances involved. The action may include:
a) Imposing a warning, receiving adequate assurance that the abuse will not recur,
b) Directing the offender to attend counseling to address their conduct,
c) Suspending the rights, privileges and benefits for a specific period of time;
d) Terminating the role currently performed by the offending individual or group.
If the WMT Board determines that abuse has not been substantiated, the roles and responsibilities of the accused will be restored.
Legal Remedies.Employees, contractors, volunteers or interns who harass co-workers can be personally liable for the harassment under law. Participants can also file complaints and seek legal remedies through the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (or CRD). The contract information for the CRD can be found on the internet or in a telephone directory.
Work Relationships
Community is a key pillar of WMT’s identity. Participants are encouraged to socialize and develop personal or professional relationships, provided these do not interfere with individual work performance or the effective functioning of the workplace. Individuals who engage in personal relationships (including romantic and sexual relationships) must be aware of their professional responsibilities and be responsible for assuring the relationship does not raise concerns about favoritism, bias, ethics or conflict of interest. Advice and counsel should be sought from WMT Producers in cases of doubt.
In cases of romantic or sexual relationships between a supervisor (e.g. a director) and a subordinate, the supervisor must be disclose the relationship to a WMT Producer. This is for protection of both parties and the organization as these relationships, even if consensual, may ultimately result in workplace conflict or difficulties.
Minors
WMT takes its responsibility to protect minors participating in its productions very seriously, and will report abuse of minors by adults to legal authorities as required by law. Romantic or sexual relationships between adult WMT participants with anyone under the age of 18 are by definition abusive, illegal and prohibited.
It is also WMT's policy to confidentially contact a minor's parent or guardian if we observe behavior or issues that might be of concern.