Empowering the Stage: Incorporating Consent-Forward Practices in Theatre Productions
In recent years, the importance of consent has gained significant recognition across various domains, including the performing arts. As theatre teachers, we have a responsibility to create a safe and respectful environment for all participants in the production process. By incorporating consent-forward practices, we can ensure that every individual's boundaries and comfort levels are respected. In this blog post, we will explore practical ways in which theatre teachers can integrate consent-forward practices into their production processes, fostering a culture of empowerment, trust, and collaboration.
- Establish Open Communication:
- Encourage open and ongoing communication among all participants, including cast, crew, and production staff.
- Create a safe space for individuals to express their boundaries, concerns, and preferences throughout the production process.
- Educate and Empower:
- Provide comprehensive education on consent, boundaries, and communication techniques during rehearsals or workshops.
- Equip participants with the knowledge and vocabulary to advocate for their own boundaries and respect the boundaries of others.
- Develop Clear Guidelines:
- Establish clear guidelines regarding appropriate behavior and conduct during rehearsals, performances, and any related activities.
- Emphasize the importance of respect, professionalism, and consent in all interactions within the theatre community.
- Incorporate Consent Discussions:
- Include consent discussions as a regular part of the rehearsal process.
- Facilitate conversations about physical contact, intimate scenes, and any potentially triggering or sensitive content.
- Consent for Physical Contact:
- Obtain explicit consent for physical contact during scenes, choreography, or any situation that involves physical interaction.
- Encourage participants to establish their boundaries and communicate their comfort levels with specific types of physical contact.
- Create an Opt-In Culture:
- Foster an environment where participation in specific scenes, roles, or activities is based on informed consent.
- Allow individuals to opt-in and make voluntary decisions regarding their level of involvement in potentially challenging or intimate scenes.
- Implement Choreography Consent:
- Prioritize consent in choreography by involving participants in the creative process.
- Give individuals the opportunity to provide input, suggest modifications, or express concerns about choreographed movements.
- Support and Respect Individual Choices:
- Respect and support individuals who choose to opt-out of specific scenes, roles, or activities for personal or emotional reasons.
- Provide alternative opportunities for involvement that align with participants' boundaries and comfort levels.
- Address Concerns Promptly:
- Establish a system for reporting and addressing concerns related to consent violations or discomfort.
- Respond to concerns promptly and take appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
Incorporating consent-forward practices into theatre productions is essential for fostering a culture of respect, empowerment, and collaboration. By prioritizing open communication, educating and empowering participants, establishing clear guidelines, and incorporating consent discussions, theatre teachers can create a safe and supportive environment for all involved. By respecting boundaries, implementing choreography consent, and supporting individual choices, we can ensure that every participant feels valued, heard, and empowered throughout the production process. Let us work together to build a theatre community that celebrates consent and embraces a culture of respect, allowing creativity and collaboration to flourish on and off the stage.
Copyright, 2023, James Chrismon, All Rights Reserved
Jimmy Chrismon, EdD
Creator and Host
Dr. Jimmy Chrismon is a theatre educator with 17 years of experience in the public schools of North and South Carolina. He currently teaches full time as an Associate Professor of Theatre Teacher Education at Illinois State University. He was an adjunct theatre faculty member at Winthrop University and Central Piedmont Community College. He has acted, directed, designed, and produced professionally for 25 years. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Education from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He received his Master of Education Degree in Theatre Education from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He received his Doctor of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Gardner-Webb University. He has also worked for The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and The Lake Norman School of the Arts. He received the 2022 Johnny Saldana Award for Outstanding Professor of Theatre Education from the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. He has published articles in notable journals. His research includes effective theatre teachers, intimacy direction, wellness practices for theatre teachers, and trauma-informed practices in theatre education. He is a consent forward artist, an Intimacy Director., workshop leader, and guest speaker He currently resides in Bloomington, Illinois.
Dr. Chrismon’s acting credits include: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Lonely Planet, Doubt: A Parable, Company, The History Boys, Godspell, Shadow Box, The Baltimore Waltz, Tick, tick..Boom…
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