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Dakota Stage and Shade Tree Players

Code of Conduct

Updated by Tara Lamey, Executive Director on June 26, 2026

Dakota Stage Ltd. (DSL) & Shade Tree Players (STP) are dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all participants—including artists, volunteers, staff, and especially children and youth. We recognize the power of theatre to engage the whole person—emotionally, intellectually, and creatively—and we are committed to ensuring everyone can participate without fear, harm, or discrimination.

This Code applies to all persons engaged with DSL/STP—including employees, contractors, volunteers, directors, designers, stage managers, cast, and other production personnel.

1. Core Expectations

All engaged persons are expected to:

  • Act with openness, honesty, and respect toward every individual.
  • Honor and support the unique abilities, backgrounds, and identities of all participants.
  • Prioritize safety and emotional well-being, especially of minors.
  • Speak up against harmful situations without fear of retaliation.

2. Inclusivity & Non-Discrimination

DSL/STP is committed to providing equal opportunities in staffing, volunteering, participation, and all production-related roles—regardless of:

race, color, religion, nationality, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, creed, marital or familial status, or any legally protected condition.

Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in any form is strictly prohibited. DSL/STP will actively support diversity, equity, and accessibility in all programs and productions. 

3. Safety, Boundaries & Consent

We cultivate an environment where:

  • Participants are informed in advance and give consent for sensitive or physically/emotionally charged activities (e.g., intimacy, staged combat, revealing costuming, or culturally sensitive material). 
  • The physical environment is smoke‑free, alcohol‑free, and substance‑free, promoting a safe space for all. 

4. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are unacceptable and violate this Code:

  • Harassing or derogatory remarks, jokes, gestures, or visual displays targeting an individual’s identity, including but not limited to body, attire, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or protected status. 
  • Behavior that may constitute sexual harassment—such as unwanted advances, suggestive remarks, offensive touching, or inappropriate displays—without consent, even if part of a production. 
  • Conduct that creates a hostile, intimidating, or unsafe environment, physically, emotionally, or materially, for any participant. 

5. Reporting Violations & Concern Resolution

DSL/STP encourages transparent reporting and swift resolution of concerns:

  • Reporting: Any violation or concern must be reported immediately to the Executive Director (ED) or with the online Incident Report form
  • Investigation: The ED will investigate promptly, respect privacy, recommend solutions, and prepare a written report. Temporary protective measures may be imposed during investigation.
  • If the ED is the Alleged Perpetrator: Reports may be made to any member of the Board of Directors. The Board will appoint a committee of three members to investigate and issue a report.
  • Retaliation is strictly forbidden. Anyone who retaliates against someone reporting in good faith will face disciplinary measures. 
  • Resolution & Sanctions: Depending on severity, resolutions may include counseling, removal from activities, termination, or referral to law enforcement.
  • Documentation: All incidents will be documented, ranging from a memo to file for minor issues to a full report for serious cases.

6. Real-Time Safety or Volunteer Coverage Concerns 

If a situation comes up during a rehearsal, class, performance, or event where someone may not be able to safely continue in their role, the immediate priority is the safety and well-being of participants, patrons, volunteers, staff, and minors.

Concerns should be handled through the following escalation order:

  1. Executive Director
  2. Board President
  3. Board Vice President
  4. Designated staff or leadership onsite

If the Executive Director is unavailable, the situation should move to the next person in the order above.

The situation should be handled discreetly, with only those who need to know involved. Specific personal, medical, or sensitive details should not be discussed broadly, in Slack, or through informal side conversations. A brief incident report or written summary should be completed afterward when appropriate, including the date, time, location, people directly involved, who was contacted, what action was taken, and any recommended follow-up.

7. Appeals

Decisions of the Executive Director or investigating committee may be appealed to the Dakota Stage Board of Directors. The Board’s decision will be final.

8. Confidentiality

Investigations and reports will be handled with discretion and confidentiality to the extent possible, respecting all parties and ensuring objectivity.

Participants, staff, volunteers, board members, and production personnel are expected to respect the privacy of others. Personal, medical, disciplinary, or sensitive situations should not be discussed broadly, speculated about, or shared through side conversations, Slack threads, or other informal channels. Concerns should be reported through the proper process and shared only with those responsible for review and follow-up.

Repeated or serious violations of confidentiality may be addressed through the concern resolution process and may result in corrective action.