Glossary

9.4 Ethics and responsibilities in performance

6 min read•august 13, 2024

Performance ethics and responsibilities are crucial for creating meaningful experiences. Performers must consider their impact on audiences, ensuring representation and diversity while respecting intellectual property. They should prioritize participant safety, obtain , and address environmental concerns.

Ethical marketing, audience safety, and inclusivity are key responsibilities for performance teams. They must manage risks of audience interaction, including unpredictability and emotional impact. Informed consent and ongoing participant autonomy are essential for maintaining audience safety and trust.

Ethical Considerations in Performance

Impact on Audiences

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  • Consider potential triggering content, offensive material, or misleading information that may negatively affect audience well-being
  • Take responsibility for the emotional and psychological impact of the performance on the audience
  • Provide content warnings or resources for support when dealing with sensitive topics (trauma, violence, discrimination)

Representation and Diversity

  • Strive for authentic representation of diverse identities and experiences in performance
  • Avoid stereotyping, , or marginalization of underrepresented groups (racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities)
  • Promote inclusivity and equity in casting, storytelling, and production processes
  • Engage with communities being represented to ensure accuracy and respect

Intellectual Property and Credit

  • Ensure necessary permissions are obtained for copyrighted material used in the performance (music, scripts, artwork)
  • Properly credit sources and collaborators involved in the creation process
  • Avoid plagiarism or unauthorized use of others' intellectual property
  • Respect the rights of creators and compensate them fairly for their contributions
  • Obtain informed consent from performers and participants involved in the performance
  • Clearly communicate expectations, risks, and compensation associated with participation
  • Provide a safe and supportive environment for performers and participants
  • Address any concerns or boundaries expressed by individuals involved in the performance
  • Have protocols in place for managing unexpected situations or participant distress

Environmental and Societal Responsibility

  • Consider the environmental impact of the performance, such as resource consumption and waste generation
  • Strive to minimize the ecological footprint of the production (using sustainable materials, reducing energy usage)
  • Be mindful of the societal impact of the performance and avoid promoting harmful ideologies or behaviors
  • Use the platform of performance to raise awareness about important social and environmental issues
  • Engage in community outreach and partnerships to create positive change beyond the performance itself

Responsibilities of Performance Teams

Ethical Marketing and Communication

  • Provide accurate and truthful information about the content and nature of the performance in marketing materials
  • Avoid misrepresenting or exaggerating the performance to attract audiences
  • Clearly communicate any content warnings, age restrictions, or other important information to potential audience members
  • Ensure that marketing and communication strategies align with the values and intentions of the performance

Audience Safety and Well-being

  • Prioritize the physical safety of the audience during the performance, considering potential hazards or accessibility needs
  • Have emergency protocols in place for evacuation, medical assistance, or other crisis situations
  • Address the emotional well-being of the audience, particularly when dealing with sensitive or challenging content
  • Provide resources or support for audience members who may be distressed or triggered by the performance
  • Train performers and staff in mental health first aid and crisis management

Inclusivity and Accessibility

  • Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all audience members, regardless of their background or identity
  • Provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities, such as wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpretation, or audio description
  • Offer content warnings or alternative engagement options for audience members who may be uncomfortable with certain aspects of the performance
  • Foster a culture of respect and empathy among performers, staff, and audience members
  • Actively work to dismantle barriers to participation and promote diversity and inclusion in the performance community

Privacy and Confidentiality

  • Respect the privacy and confidentiality of audience members and their personal information
  • Obtain explicit consent before collecting or using any personal data from audience members
  • Securely store and protect any collected information to prevent unauthorized access or misuse
  • Be transparent about how personal information will be used and provide options for individuals to opt-out or request data deletion
  • Have clear policies in place for handling sensitive information shared during interactive or participatory elements of the performance

Risks of Audience Interaction

Unpredictability and Disruption

  • Anticipate and prepare for unexpected audience behaviors that may derail the intended narrative or disrupt the experience for others
  • Develop strategies for managing disruptive or inappropriate audience actions (heckling, interruptions, non-compliance with instructions)
  • Train performers and staff to handle unpredictable situations calmly and professionally
  • Have contingency plans in place for adapting the performance if necessary due to audience interaction

Emotional and Psychological Impact

  • Recognize that interactive performances may blur the lines between fiction and reality, potentially causing distress for some participants
  • Clearly communicate the nature and boundaries of the interaction to participants beforehand
  • Provide support resources or trained staff to assist participants who may experience emotional or psychological discomfort
  • Allow participants to opt-out or take breaks if needed during the performance
  • Debrief with participants after the performance to process their experiences and provide any necessary support

Physical Safety Concerns

  • Identify and mitigate potential physical risks associated with audience participation (tripping hazards, physical contact, use of props)
  • Provide clear instructions and guidance to participants to ensure their safety during interactive elements
  • Train performers in proper techniques for safe interaction with audience members
  • Have medical professionals or first aid trained staff available in case of accidents or injuries
  • Regularly inspect and maintain any equipment or set pieces used in audience interaction

Accessibility and Inclusivity Challenges

  • Consider how participatory elements may unintentionally exclude certain audience members due to physical, cognitive, or emotional barriers
  • Provide alternative engagement options for individuals who may not be able to fully participate in interactive elements
  • Ensure that the physical space and activities are accessible to participants with disabilities
  • Be mindful of language barriers or cultural differences that may impact participation and understanding
  • Foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment that encourages participation while respecting individual boundaries and comfort levels

Comprehensive Information and Disclosure

  • Provide clear and detailed information about the content, themes, and potential risks of the performance before obtaining consent from participants
  • Disclose any potentially triggering or sensitive content, such as violence, sexual themes, or emotionally intense scenes
  • Explain the nature and extent of audience participation or interaction expected during the performance
  • Communicate any physical requirements, limitations, or safety precautions related to participation
  • Offer opportunities for participants to ask questions and clarify any concerns before giving consent
  • Emphasize that consent is an ongoing process and can be withdrawn at any time during the performance
  • Provide clear instructions on how participants can opt-out or discontinue their involvement if they become uncomfortable
  • Respect participants' boundaries and autonomy, allowing them to engage at their own comfort level
  • Have designated staff or performers available to assist participants who wish to withdraw or need support
  • Regularly check in with participants throughout the performance to ensure their continued consent and well-being

Physical and Emotional Safety Measures

  • Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential physical hazards in the performance space
  • Provide necessary safety equipment, such as protective gear or harnesses, for any physically demanding activities
  • Train performers and staff in proper safety protocols and emergency response procedures
  • Have medical professionals or first aid trained personnel available to address any injuries or health concerns
  • Offer emotional support resources, such as trained counselors or quiet spaces, for participants who may experience distress

Confidentiality and Privacy Protection

  • Establish clear policies and procedures for protecting the confidentiality and privacy of participants' personal information
  • Obtain explicit consent before collecting or using any personal data, such as names, contact information, or photographs
  • Securely store and limit access to participants' information, ensuring it is only used for intended purposes
  • Provide options for participants to remain anonymous or use pseudonyms if desired
  • Have protocols in place for handling any breaches of confidentiality or unauthorized disclosure of personal information

Reporting and Addressing Misconduct

  • Develop clear guidelines and procedures for reporting any instances of misconduct, harassment, or violation of consent during the performance
  • Designate specific individuals or roles responsible for receiving and investigating reports of misconduct
  • Ensure that all reports are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and addressed promptly and appropriately
  • Provide support and resources for individuals who have experienced misconduct, such as counseling services or legal assistance
  • Foster a culture of accountability and zero tolerance for any form of harassment, discrimination, or abuse within the performance community
  • Regularly review and update policies and procedures to ensure they effectively prevent and address misconduct

Key Terms to Review (18)

Activist theatre: Activist theatre is a form of performance that seeks to raise awareness, provoke dialogue, and inspire action on social, political, and environmental issues. This genre often engages audiences in critical discussions about injustices and encourages them to consider their roles in societal change. It blurs the line between art and activism, aiming to create a transformative experience that empowers individuals and communities to advocate for change.
Actors’ Equity Association Guidelines: The Actors’ Equity Association Guidelines are a set of rules and standards established by the Actors' Equity Association (AEA) to protect the rights and welfare of actors and stage managers in the United States. These guidelines cover various aspects of professional theater, including working conditions, pay standards, safety protocols, and ethical practices, ensuring that performers are treated fairly and with respect within the industry.
Artistic integrity: Artistic integrity refers to the commitment of an artist to remain true to their own values, beliefs, and vision in their creative work. This concept emphasizes the importance of authenticity and honesty in performance, ensuring that the artist’s intentions and messages are not compromised for commercial success or external pressures. Maintaining artistic integrity often involves navigating ethical dilemmas and responsibilities, particularly when it comes to audience engagement and representation.
Audience Agency: Audience agency refers to the ability of spectators to actively participate in, interpret, and influence the performance experience rather than being passive observers. This concept highlights the dynamic relationship between performers and their audience, emphasizing that viewers can shape the narrative, meaning, and impact of a performance through their reactions and engagement.
Community-based performance: Community-based performance is a form of artistic expression that actively involves members of a specific community in the creation and presentation of performance art. This approach prioritizes local narratives, experiences, and identities, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration among participants. It often emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, addressing social issues and cultural expressions relevant to the community.
Cultural Appropriation: Cultural appropriation is the act of taking or borrowing elements from one culture, particularly by members of a dominant culture, without understanding or respecting the original context, meaning, or significance. This practice often leads to the commodification and distortion of marginalized cultures, raising important discussions around power dynamics, representation, and ethical responsibility in artistic expression.
Deontological ethics: Deontological ethics is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of following rules or duties in determining what is right or wrong. This approach asserts that actions are morally right based on their adherence to established principles or obligations, regardless of the consequences. It highlights the responsibility individuals have in their roles, particularly in situations involving performance, where ethical standards must guide behavior and decision-making.
Ethical accountability: Ethical accountability refers to the responsibility individuals and organizations have to act in accordance with ethical principles and standards, being answerable for their actions, especially in the context of performance. It emphasizes the importance of transparency, integrity, and fairness in decision-making processes, ensuring that performance practices do not harm individuals or communities. Ethical accountability calls for practitioners to not only adhere to ethical norms but also to be held accountable for the outcomes of their actions.
Informed Consent: Informed consent is the process by which individuals voluntarily agree to participate in an activity or research project after being fully informed of the potential risks, benefits, and implications involved. It emphasizes the importance of transparency and respect for participants' autonomy, ensuring they have the necessary information to make a knowledgeable decision about their involvement. This concept is vital in various contexts, promoting ethical standards and accountability.
Judith Butler: Judith Butler is a prominent philosopher and gender theorist known for her work on gender performativity, which suggests that gender is not an inherent trait but rather a series of repeated actions and performances that construct identity. This idea fundamentally shifts how we understand gender, linking it to cultural norms and social practices, and has implications across various areas including feminist theory, queer studies, and performance.
National Arts Council Code of Ethics: The National Arts Council Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines designed to promote integrity, accountability, and professionalism among artists and arts organizations. It establishes a framework for ethical behavior, ensuring that the arts community operates with transparency and respect, fostering trust between artists, stakeholders, and the public. This code emphasizes the responsibility of artists to engage in fair practices and uphold the values of cultural diversity and inclusion within the performance field.
Participatory theatre: Participatory theatre is a form of performance that actively involves the audience in the creation and experience of the theatrical event. This approach emphasizes interaction, breaking down traditional barriers between performers and spectators, and often encourages viewers to contribute to the narrative or engage in the performance process itself. Through this involvement, participatory theatre explores ethical considerations and responsibilities while fostering collaborative creation.
Social Justice Performance: Social justice performance refers to artistic expressions that aim to promote social change, raise awareness about injustice, and advocate for marginalized communities. This form of performance not only entertains but also educates and inspires audiences to engage with critical social issues, fostering dialogue and encouraging action towards equality and justice.
Social Responsibility: Social responsibility refers to the ethical framework that suggests individuals and organizations have an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large. This concept highlights the importance of considering the social, environmental, and economic impacts of actions, particularly in performance settings where artists and companies influence audiences and communities. Being socially responsible means that performers and organizations not only strive for artistic excellence but also engage in practices that promote positive societal change.
Spectatorship ethics: Spectatorship ethics refers to the moral considerations and responsibilities of audiences when engaging with performance art. It emphasizes the need for spectators to reflect on their role in the viewing process, recognizing how their interpretations, reactions, and behaviors can impact both the performers and the larger social context. This ethical framework encourages viewers to be conscious of their privileges, biases, and the potential implications of their presence and actions during performances.
Transparency: Transparency refers to the clarity and openness with which information, intentions, and actions are communicated in performance contexts. It emphasizes the importance of honesty and accountability, allowing audiences to understand the underlying processes and motivations of performers. In this way, transparency can build trust between artists and their audiences, ensuring ethical practices and responsible performances.
Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. It emphasizes the consequences of actions and promotes decisions that provide the greatest good for the greatest number, making it highly relevant in discussions of ethics and responsibilities in various fields, including performance.
Victor Turner: Victor Turner was a prominent anthropologist known for his work on performance, particularly in the context of rituals and social processes. His theories on liminality and communitas have profoundly influenced the study of performance, especially in understanding how individuals transition through various social roles and experiences.
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