Our students will:

Show respect for others:

Our students will respect the rights and feelings of the other participants. Fighting, bullying, name calling, intimidation, bigotry of any kind, inappropriate language or any other form of emotional or physical abuse or unwanted contact directed to one another, Directors, Coaches, Staff, or Volunteers will not be tolerated.

Maintain a Professional Focus:

  • Cell phones should be turned off or switched to silence when entering the classroom. Please save any calls or texting for breaks. If you have a special situation such as a sick relative or work crisis and need to check your phone, let your instructor know before class starts.
  • Absolutely no picture taking or recording during class without express permission and a photo release.
  • No eating while actors are working.
  • What goes on in class stays in class. To take creative risks, actors must feel safe. Respect your fellow classmates’ privacy.
  • Be respectful and quiet while other actors are working and during feedback. One of the best ways to learn is from watching others!
  • There is only one acting coach. Do not critique other class members’ work in or outside of class. Kudos and encouragement are welcome but specific acting directions must come from AZAA staff and guest artists only.
  • Do not comment on other actors’ work. This includes “are you okay?” etc. It must be understood that our work requires incredible vulnerability and courage. Emotion and vulnerability is to our medium as paint is to the visual artist. You will see the whole spectrum of human experience in our class.
  • Do not be concerned about an actor’s wellbeing because they are using their medium successfully! Respect the tears, rage, and laughter as part of the process and nothing more.

Respect our Theatre:

Participants will respect the theatre facilities, costumes, props, sets, and all other Arizona Actors Academy and Theatre Upstairs property. They will pick up after themselves and work to keep the theatre and classrooms clean. If property is damaged participants will be held financially responsible for the replacement of such.

Substance Use and Dangerous Items

  • Drugs and Alcohol:
 The use of illegal drugs, misuse of prescription medications, or consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in connection with any Arizona Actors Academy classes, rehearsals, performances, or events on or off-site.
 Students may not attend class under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so compromises safety, focus, and the integrity of the learning environment.
  • Tobacco:
 The use of tobacco is not permitted inside the theatre or classrooms. Please use designated outdoor areas and do so only during scheduled breaks.
  • Weapons:
 Weapons of any kind are not permitted on the premises at any time, including theatrical props that resemble real weapons, unless explicitly authorized by a director for a supervised scene. Violation of this policy will result in immediate review and possible removal from the program.

Displays of Affection:

Do not engage in inappropriate public displays of affection. Our students and performers are expected to act as professionals on and off the stage at AZAA/Theatre Upstairs, and no unprofessional or suggestive conduct will be tolerated.

  • Romantic relationships with other AZAA students is highly discouraged. Do not interfere with each other’s learning process.

Off-Site Conduct & Conflicts

  • Conflicts that occur between students at gatherings outside of school/theatre events do not belong in our building or related events. No personal drama. The student will strive to maintain the integrity of a safe, creative environment to risk take and grow. Retaliation or inappropriate behavior in response to personal relationships brought into our school/theatre events will not be tolerated.
  • While Arizona Actors Academy does not monitor or control off-campus behavior, we recognize that incidents that occur outside of our direct supervision may still impact the safety or well-being of our learning environment. Therefore, if a student reports serious misconduct by another student (such as harassment, assault, or threats), even if the incident occurred off-site, the report will be taken seriously and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • We do not investigate or make determinations of guilt for off-campus incidents where we lack authority or jurisdiction. However, if the reported behavior creates a reasonable concern for safety, we may take non-disciplinary steps to support the reporting student, create distance, or make appropriate adjustments to classroom arrangements.
  • We will not take formal disciplinary action without clear evidence, identification of individuals involved, or a repeated pattern of behavior. This protects all students—both those making a report and those named—from harm, retaliation, or wrongful assumption of guilt.
  • Students can make reports directly or anonymously through our online feedback form: https://www.azactorsacademy.com/feedback-reports-of-misconduct/

Always be On Time:

Show up to rehearsals, classes and performances on-time and ready to get to work with all necessary props, costumes, notes or scripts.

Do not Leave Unless Dismissed:

Do not leave the theatre during a class, show or rehearsal unless excused by an instructor/Director or when the instructor/Director dismisses the group.

Dress Appropriately:

Our students are expected to dress appropriately for all rehearsals and classes except where otherwise guided by the Director for a show’s costume or for specific program activity. Items with provocative, offensive, violent or drug related pictures or slogans will not be permitted. Appropriate footwear is expected at all times.

Never Discriminate:

Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, age or on any other basis prohibited by law, is never allowed.

  • Any student who believes that he or she has observed or has experienced prohibited behaviors should report these immediately to an instructor, the Artistic Director, or our reports form on our website.
  • Clear information on how to access our feedback/reports form will be shared before you have your first class.