Code of Conduct
At Boho Arts’ School of Improv we come together to learn, have fun, collaborate and explore creativity through improvisation. We aim to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels safe to participate and take creative risks.
These guidelines reflect the shared expectations that help our workshops run smoothly and respectfully for everyone.
Respect and Personal Boundaries
Treat everyone - participants, teachers, staff and volunteers - with kindness and respect.
Boho Arts welcomes people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We ask everyone to help create an environment where participants feel comfortable and respected.
Intentionally harmful behaviour, bigotry, or repeated disregard for others has no place in our community and will not be tolerated.
Creative Risk
Improvisation encourages spontaneity and creative risk-taking. Participants are encouraged to explore freely, be playful, and not overthink their contributions.
Occasionally something may come out awkwardly or unintentionally cause discomfort. When this happens, we address it with openness and understanding as part of the learning process.
We encourage participants to approach sessions in a spirit of generosity, curiosity and good humour.
Safety and Wellbeing
If you feel uncomfortable or have concerns about something happening in a session, please speak to the teacher privately during a break or report it afterwards.
If something requires immediate attention, please inform the teacher so it can be addressed promptly.
Participants should avoid interpreting or speaking on behalf of others’ feelings. Everyone is encouraged to raise their own concerns if they wish.
Health and Illness
Participants are asked to use their own judgement about attending when unwell.
If someone appears too unwell to participate comfortably, the teacher may ask them to leave the session.
Participants with health conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to illness should consider whether a group environment is appropriate for them.
Health-related expectations for sessions are set by Boho Arts and the teaching team. Participants should avoid setting rules or expectations for others.
Participation and Access
Our sessions are designed for independent adult participants who are able to take part in group activities without one-to-one support.
We aim to make reasonable adjustments where possible, but Boho Arts cannot provide individual support workers or specialist supervision within sessions.
Support workers or companions are welcome to accompany participants to the venue but cannot attend the workshop itself. They may wait in reception during the session.
If you have access needs that may affect your participation, please add a note when booking or contact us in advance so we can discuss how best to support you.
Sessions Structure
Participants are expected to follow the guidance of the teacher and respect the format of the session.
Activities are structured to support learning, group connection and creative exploration. Sessions are experiential and the learning often emerges from the group. Participants are encouraged to remain open and flexible rather than arriving with fixed expectations or agendas.
Breaks are provided at appropriate times. If you need to take time out from an activity or step away from the class, you are welcome to do so quietly.
At Leonardo Hotel (our primary teaching venue), the first-floor reception along the hall can be used as a quiet space if needed.
Be On Time
The warm-up at the start of each session is an important part of the learning process and helps build trust and connection within the group. Please arrive in good time so you are ready to begin at the scheduled start time.
Repeated or significant lateness disrupts the session and group. If lateness becomes a pattern, we may ask you to pause your participation or delay entry or decline entry once a session has begun.
Eye Contact and Close Interaction
Improvisation often involves connection with others through listening, attention, eye contact and sometimes physical interaction as guided by the teacher.
We encourage participants to engage with others in ways that support collaboration, while recognising that people may experience touch and eye contact differently.
Personal Comfort and Clothing
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement.
As some activities may involve bending or lying on the floor, clothing should allow you to move freely without risk of accidental exposure. We ask participants to avoid overly revealing clothing and to wear shoes suitable for light physical activity.
Sessions involve working in close proximity with others, so participants are expected to maintain a reasonable standard of personal hygiene. If hygiene becomes an issue that affects the comfort of the group, a teacher may raise this privately with the participant.
Phones
Please keep phones on silent during sessions unless required for an emergency.
Photography and Social Media
Please respect the privacy of others when sharing images or recordings.
Photos or videos shared within Boho Arts community groups (such as WhatsApp groups for classes or social events) are generally acceptable, provided participants are comfortable with this. However, please ask permission before posting photos or videos of others on public platforms such as social media.
If someone asks not to be included in photos or recordings, please respect their wishes.
Reporting Concerns
If you feel unsafe or concerned about behaviour in a session, please speak to the teacher or contact one of our safeguarding leads.
Bev Fox
CEO & Co-Artistic Director
Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
bev@bohoarts.co.uk
Ben Dickenson
Trustee
Senior Safeguarding Lead (SSL)
ssl@bohoarts.co.uk
Admission
Boho Arts reserves the right to refuse admission or remove participants where necessary to protect the safety, wellbeing, and positive learning environment of the community.
Thank you for helping us create a positive and supportive learning environment.