BUILDING A CREATIVE FOUNDATIONCommunity Standards

As part of our mission, Big Couch wishes to build a collaborative foundation upon which people can create. Collaboration flows from shared values, ground rules, good will, and transparency. To that end, we expect to conduct ourselves by and have performers and workshop participants adhere to these Community Standards, which we believe represent positivity, common sense, empathy, and acceptance.

We believe in equal treatment and respect for all. For us, this specifically includes performers, participants, and audience members. None of our decisions will be influenced by race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The following rights extend to all performers, those participating in workshops, and audience members. Everyone involved in Big Couch is empowered to

• Set boundaries regarding physical contact and subject matter that might trigger a severe negative emotional response.
• Immediately step out of any scene, performance, rehearsal, or workshop in which they feel uncomfortable.
• Speak to any Big Couch representative regarding behavior by any person.
• Have this discussion held in confidence or to be shared in the manner agreed upon by them and the person to whom they make a report.
• Report any conduct that one believes to be a violation of another’s rights to the same extent as if it had been a violation of one’s own rights.

Big Couch does not tolerate discrimination, abusive conduct, or sexual harassment.

We expect our performers, participants, and audience members to uphold the same values. This means that anyone involved in our organization is expected to

• Always act fairly and considerately towards others
• Contribute to the self-confidence and self-esteem of others
• Maintain positive relationships

Big Couch’s owners, performers, workshop participants, and audience members should not engage in harassing or abusive conduct targeted toward another individual or group of individuals.

To anonymously report discrimination, sexual harassment, or any other concern regarding these community standards, complete this form, which will be forwarded to Big Couch’s owners. Should you wish, you may email your concern directly to either or both of the owners at scott@bigcouchnola.com or carrie@bigcouchnola.com.

Big Couch will not retaliate against any person for making a good faith report under these standards. Any Big Couch representative, performer, or workshop participant who retaliates against another for utilizing in good faith the procedures in these standards will have their affiliation to Big Couch terminated.

Please note that if Big Couch learns that a crime has been committed, it may be obligated to report that crime to the relevant authorities. Similarly, Big Couch will comply with any requests for records or information made in connection with any police investigation as required by law, or with any subpoena issued lawfully in any legal proceeding.

We do not believe that these standards stifle the freedom of expression we each enjoy or the spirit of creativity. Big Couch invites the exploration of content, including that which deals with race, gender, sexuality and other subjects as long as it is done in a creative, intelligent manner without malice, hurtfulness, disrespect, or mockery.

However, freedom of expression will not be considered as an excuse for words or actions that may fall under any of the following categories of discrimination, abuse, or sexual harassment.

Big Couch wishes to provide a positive, productive, and entertaining environment; therefore, we encourage an open and frank atmosphere in which any problem, concern, or question can be addressed and discussed. We value your feedback and suggestions. Through mutual cooperation and constant communication, we can identify and develop best practices in performing our jobs and addressing the needs of our community. We appreciate the opportunity to resolve all matters to a satisfactory end. 

Our hope is that this endeavor leads to the opening of a performance and rehearsal space, which will include a thorough Community Handbook commensurate with growth and devised via support from professionals with expertise in human resources, accessibility, and inclusion.