Protocols/Resources for Rehearsing and Performing Material Containing Nudity, Consensual Sexual Touching, and Depicting Sexual Assault

Designating the Need of Intimacy Director

For scenes with nudity, sexual content, and/or consensual sexual touching, the need for an intimacy director (ID) shall be determined by the director, participating actors, and stage manager, in consultation with the Concentration Head and Director of Production.

All productions with scenes depicting sexual assault must employ the use of an intimacy director.

Regardless of initial decision, the director, stage manager, or participating actors may request an intimacy director at any point during the rehearsal or production process.

Role of Stage Manager

The stage manager and intimacy director (if used) are the co-facilitators for all protocols relating to scenes with nudity and/or sexual content (including consensual sexual touching and sexual assault). At the first rehearsal, the stage manager will highlight the protocols to the company, and confirm that all members of the company have read, understood, and consented to this policy. In preproduction, the stage manager will enumerate the scenes with any potential nudity, sexual content, consensual sexual touching and/or sexual assault, and in the rehearsal room will work with the ID to take down the choreography to ensure the choreography is repeated. Stage Management is responsible for letting the company know of nudity/sexual content in the rehearsal room at least 24 hours prior.

As facilitator for these protocols, stage managers who meet with any resistance from any member of the production team (students, staff, faculty, administration, and any outside colleagues hired for the production), should immediately report such instances to their Concentration Head and the Director of Academic Administration for further counsel.

If at any time the stage manager feels more resources are needed or has any questions, they are encouraged to reach out to their Concentration Head or a trusted faculty member.

Auditions and Casting

For any scene, presentation, or production that contains nudity, sexual content, consensual sexual touching, or depicts sexual assault, the Theatre Program reserves the right to limit the casting and crewing of the show to those 18 years or older.

The use of any potential nudity, sexual content, consensual sexual touching and/or sexual assault will be announced beforehand to actors auditioning for the show. The audition form for the show will contain the written description of any potential nudity, sexual content, consensual sexual touching and/or sexual assault mutually approved by the Theatre Program and director, along with the director’s justification for nudity. No actor will be required to perform any potential nudity, sexual content, consensual sexual touching and/or sexual assault, or to be in a production containing such. Potential crew members will also be advised in advance of nudity or sexual content.

There is no nudity, simulated sexual acts, or kissing in auditions.

Director’s Responsibility

The director should determine what kind of nudity, simulated sexual activity, or even physical contact is required or possible in a scene and communicate this during their consultation with the Head of Production and Department Head. The audition form must name the roles requiring nudity, the exact degree of nudity, and describe actions to be performed while nude. Auditioning actors must be allowed to decline to perform such roles, or decline to be on stage during nude scenes, or decline to be in the production.

During the first week of rehearsal, the director, in consultation with the intimacy director (if used), playwright, stage manager, and dramaturg, will have discussions with the actors who are involved with scenes with nudity, sexual content, consensual sexual touching, or sexual assault. When in rehearsals, if improvisation is involved in these scenes, boundaries of the actors should be clear before any improvisation begins.

Actor’s Responsibility

Actors are advised to consider very seriously the commitment they may make to perform nudity or any form of sexual content. If an actor commits to play a nude scene, they are expected to perform as agreed; otherwise, it is unfair to the production and to other actors who might have been cast in the role. That being said, an actor has a right to withdraw consent at any time. If an actor removes their consent after agreeing, production has the option of collaborating with the actor to fit their needs, or recast. These considerations are not to be taken lightly, and production

and the actors will make their best effort to work out a solution between themselves. The Theatre Program will not permit any person under the age of 18 to perform nude, regardless of the child’s willingness to do so.

Nudity/Simulated Sex Release Forms

If there is nudity or simulated sexual acts involved in the production, a Nudity/Simulated Sex Release Form will be facilitated by the stage manager in consultation with the director and intimacy director for the actors performing the nudity or simulated sexual acts to sign. This should be signed and filed after rehearsing of the scene to ensure specifics and before technical rehearsals.

Rehearsal

When a scene with sexual content is rehearsed, there will be a conversation between the director and actors, in consultation with the playwright (if present), choreographer (if any), stage manager, dramaturg, fight director, or intimacy director (if so determined). Discussion of scenes with sexual content should address the following parameters (The “5 Cs”) and how they will impact the rehearsal and performance process:

• context
• consent
• communication
• choreography
• closure

At any point during the rehearsal process, the stage manager, dramaturg, playwright, or actor in the scene that contains sexual content can decide that the presence of a fight or intimacy director is necessary, regardless of whether it was previously determined to not have one. Rehearsals of those parts of the scene/scenes that have been identified are to be suspended until a fight or intimacy director can be present.

If at any time in rehearsal an actor feels unsafe (that affirmative consent has not been given, that a harassing act has taken place, or that a mistake in protocol has occurred) the actor may say “Hold.” This requires the other actor(s), the director, stage manager, or faculty member (during class) to temporarily suspend the action. At that time the actors, director, stage manager or faculty member (if present) discuss how the rehearsal may proceed safely and in a productive manner. In any situation, it may be necessary for the class or company to take a break, while the faculty member or stage manager and/or director talks with the actors about the scene.

Closed Rehearsals

A closed rehearsal will be provided for any scene that contains nudity, sexual content, consensual sexual touching or simulated sexual assault. In a closed rehearsal, only those essential to the scene at the moment are permitted in the rehearsal room. If there’s any question of who should be involved, there will be a consultation between the director, stage manager, and actors. Appropriate signage should be posted indicating the rehearsal room is off limits to those not directly participating in the scene. Additionally, the cast will be given at least 24-hour notice if intimacy or nudity will be performed during a rehearsal either via daily call or schedule. Video and photography will be strictly forbidden during a closed rehearsal. During tech, the stage management will inform the cast and crew on the schedule if there will be nudity or strong sexual content performed.

Actors performing nude scenes shall bring robes to rehearsal, or robes must be supplied to them by the costume department as directed by stage management. The robes will be kept close at hand, and actors will cover up during any break in the rehearsal for notes, etc.

When a Minor is Present

If the show requires nudity, contains sexual content, consensual sexual touching, or sexual assault, and in addition, requires the presence of an actor under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian of said actor must affirm in writing they have read the script and grant the child permission to audition and possibly be cast.

For all productions, presentations, or scenes which require the presence of a person under 18 years old, the director, choreographer (if applicable), Intimacy Director, participating actors, and stage manager must complete the Columbia University Protection of Minors Training | compliance.columbia.edu/content/protection-minors, which must be retaken after two years to remain in effect.

Rehearsals

It is the responsibility of the faculty member to alert students when they are assigned scene work that may involve nudity, depictions of sexual content, consensual sexual touching, or sexual assault. Such notice may be given in writing, via e-mail, or during an in-person meeting. If the student feels unsafe performing such content, the student has the right to request an alternate scene. The student may request the assistance of an intimacy director or faculty assistance. Likewise, even if first refused, a student has the right to request the assistance of an intimacy director or faculty assistance at any time.

If a student feels unsafe at any point, the student has the right to suspend a rehearsal or refuse to rehearse a scene. (See “Resources” below.)

In rare circumstances, actors in class may be assigned or choose to work on a scene that depicts sexual assault; actors whose choose to rehearse such scenes may only do so after consulting with their faculty. Conversely, faculty should only make such assignments after notifying the Concentration Head and in consultation with the actors.

Rehearsing without an Intimacy Director or Third Party

When a rehearsal has no faculty, director, or stage manager present, it is especially important to acknowledge and respect boundaries in rehearsing scenes with sexual content or consensual sexual touching, including kissing. Prior to staging physical action of sexual content, consensual sexual touching, or sexual assault, the actors are to discuss the sexual content of the scene, and communicate their boundaries within the context of that rehearsal; this creates the container for that particular rehearsal. The first time the physical action related to sexual content in the scene is rehearsed, it is recommended a third party be present to observe and help the actors follow the rehearsal protocols.

All actors are expected to work within the parameters of the rehearsal protocols set forth in this document. The actor is responsible for acknowledging their own personal boundaries – regardless of the scene – and communicating that information to the actor’s scene partner(s) as clearly as possible prior to the start of any rehearsing.

Actor should communicate forthrightly about their personal boundaries, since all parties involved in the rehearsal need to know what has been affirmatively consented to in order to begin scene work. The first step is always a conversation with actor’s scene partner(s). This communication may be difficult for some actors who are reticent about stating their boundaries. If this is so, actors are advised to consult with their faculty, Concentration Head, Chair, or the Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs.

Before initiating an improvisation that involves consensual sexual touching, scene partners must clarify what physical boundaries are in play, and give their affirmative consent to the touching incorporated into the improvisation. If an actor feels unsafe at any point, the actor may say “Hold” to temporarily suspend the improvisation, and the sexuality, sexual touching, or protocols should be discussed. It is far better to stop an improvisation than to breach the trust of another actor.

Further Considerations for Productions and Scenework

The energy exchanged between actors in a scene is in service to the story of the play. Sexual attraction between two characters is not the same as – and should not be confused with – sexual attraction between the individual actors who portray those characters.

If an actor’s scene partner(s) give(s) the actor permission to touch them in an intimate way in rehearsal, that permission does not extend outside the context of the scene. Actors should not make assumptions about their scene partner(s) based on their work with actor in rehearsal. In scenes involving simulated consensual sexual touching, it is each actor’s personal responsibility to seek ongoing, unambiguous affirmative consent from a scene partner: the actor must ascertain verbally what is acceptable to their scene partner, before any and all sexual touching, including kissing. The interpretation of the scene may be ambiguous with respect to any character’s intent, but the actor must have clarity with respect to their fellow actor’s ongoing affirmative consent to sexual touching. Third party assurances (“the director/teacher said it was okay”) are not acceptable as consent. Ongoing affirmative consent can only be given by the actor or actors being touched and the actor performing the touching.

Safety overrides spontaneity in every circumstance. Spontaneous changes to staging involving sexual touching are unacceptable both in rehearsal and performance, unless they fall within previously agreed boundaries.

All sexual acts are simulated. There are no actual sexual acts permitted in rehearsal or performance.

Accidental Touching

During rehearsal, if an actor accidentally touches a body part that was not stated as being acceptable, the actor who committed the accidental touching will verbally let the scene partner know that this has occurred, and will ask permission to continue with the work within agreed parameters.

During a performance, if an actor accidentally touches a body part that was not stated as being acceptable, the actor who committed the accidental touching will – following the scene or the completion of the performance – verbally acknowledge their inappropriate touch by letting their scene partner know this has occurred, and agree maintain the work within agreed parameters in future performances.

Failure to Comply

As stated above, any member of the Columbia University community involved in a Columbia University School of the Arts’ Theatre Program rehearsal or production who fails to comply with any of the protocols detailed below may be referred to the Theatre Program Chair and/or the Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs for sanction.

Furthermore, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and actual sexual assault are illegal and are not tolerated at Columbia University. All members of its community are to refrain from participating in these behaviors and to take steps, when possible and safe, to interrupt and address them if and when witnessed. All members of the Columbia University community should be familiar with the Gender Based Misconduct Policy and Procedures for Students | studentconduct.columbia.edu/gbm.

When staging intimacy and/or nudity for virtual productions, all protocols for in-person productions and classroom scenework must be maintained. In addition, the following questions should be considered:

• details on the type of nudity or staged intimacy the actors are expected perform and what camera angles will be utilized
• how the simulation of the sexual content (if any) will be achieved
• how the virtual content will be showcased (e.g., streaming or pre-recorded, sharing/distribution, any editing, etc.)
• the security and privacy of the rehearsal and performance platforms
• the distribution and archiving of footage, audio, or images
• how images or audio of simulated sexual acts or nudity will be used in promotional materials

Auditions and Casting

The information above should be made available for the actor’s review during the audition and/or callback. If nudity or simulated sexual activity is added to the production during the rehearsal process, a consultation with the Program Chair and Director of Production is required.

Closed Rehearsals

It is the responsibility of the stage manager to make certain the online platform where rehearsals are held is safe and secure. The space must have a private link, be password protected, and prevent anyone from entering once rehearsal is closed.

Nudity/Simulated Sex Release Forms

These forms must be updated to explicitly specify:

• what nudity or simulated sex the actors are expected to show on screen and what camera angles will be utilized
• how the virtual content will be showcased (e.g., details on mode of distribution, timeline, etc.)
• details of planned additional recording of simulated sexual conduct or nudity (e.g., photography, audio, etc.) to be used in promotional materials
• the storage/archival plan for footage, audio, and images
• any other details the actor requests in writing

Content Safety in Pre-Recorded or Edited Footage

All digital footage containing any nudity or simulated sex shall be stored by the producer on an external, password-protected drive.

In addition, any footage of simulated sexual conduct or nudity that is not used in the final product must be destroyed by the producer; or the producer must tell appropriate parties to do the same. It is acknowledged that the producer is not responsible if others do not comply with their instructions.

Privacy in Performance

Controlling the distribution of digital content is practically impossible. However, it is the responsibility of the entire production to act in good faith to ensure images of simulated sexual conduct or nudity are not distributed beyond the intended audience. Columbia University is not liable for any recording or distribution beyond the scope of rehearsals or performance.

Sexual Exploitation

Non-consensual abuse or exploitation of another person’s sexuality for the purpose of sexual gratification, financial gain, personal benefit or advantage, or any other illicit purpose. Acts of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to:

• Non-consensual streaming, sharing, or distribution of images, photography, video, or audio recording of sexual conduct, nudity, or state of undress when and where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, without the knowledge and affirmative consent of all participants;
• Observing, photographing, videotaping, or making any other visual or audio recording of sexual conduct or nudity or state of undress when and where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, without the knowledge and affirmative consent of all participants;
• Exposing one’s genitals in non-consensual circumstances; or
• Inducing incapacitation for the purpose of making another person vulnerable to gender-based misconduct.

Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual contact, and other verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s academic, co-curricular, or student life activities;
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic evaluation, grades, advancement or student life decisions affecting that individual (i.e., “quid pro quo”). Quid pro quo sexual harassment can occur whether a person resists and suffers the threatened harm, or a person submits and avoids the threatened harm, and can occur even if the person delays in reporting the harm;
• Such conduct is intentional, serves no legitimate purpose, and involves contact with parts of another individual’s body that may cause that person to feel degraded or abused;
• When the behavior is for the purpose of gratifying the actor’s sexual desire; or
• Such conduct has the effect of unreasonably interfering with another student’s education
• or participation in educational programs or activities or such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, demeaning, or offensive academic, campus, work or living environment.

The following describes some of the acts that may be sexual harassment:

• Conduct of a sexual nature, such as intentional and non-consensual physical contact which is sexual in nature, including touching, pinching, patting, grabbing, poking, or brushing against another person’s intimate body parts;
• Unwanted sexual advances, propositions or other sexual comments, such as:
  • subtle or obvious pressure for unwelcome sexual activities; or
  • sexually oriented gestures, noises, remarks, jokes or comments or questions about a person’s sexuality or sexual experience which are sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a hostile environment;
• Threats or non-consensual disclosure of a person’s sexual orientation (i.e., “outing”); or
• Displaying pictures, posters, calendars, graffiti, objects, promotional material, reading materials, or other materials that are sexually demeaning or pornographic in nature and which are sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a hostile environment.

Brian Kulick, Program Chair | [email protected] | 212.854.7017

Lauren Elmore, Director of Academic Administration | [email protected] | 212.854.2969

Laila Maher, Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs | [email protected] | 212.851.0442

Public Safety Manhattanville | 212.853.3333

Public Safety Morningside | 212.854.5555

Student Conduct and Community Standards (to report an incident involving another student) | studentconduct.columbia.edu

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (to report an incident involving an employee or affiliate of Columbia | eoaa.columbia.edu

Ombuds Office (neutral, confidential for issues regarding workplace and safety) | ombuds.columbia.edu | 212.854.1234

For a full list of Columbia student resources | universitylife.columbia.edu/student-resources#wellness