Who We Are

Cantrip Comedy was created with an aim to foster a conscientious, caring, and creative improv community. We believe that authenticity allows for brilliant comedy and that diverse perspectives result in richer storytelling. We champion players who listen, support each other, and lift each other up, both in and outside the classroom.

Respect is paramount, since improv naturally lends itself to intimacy of expression. We stress the importance of clear personal and group boundaries to maintain a high level of trust not only between players but also between players and facilitators.

Content Expectations

Racism, homophobia, sexism, ablism, bigotry or any other hate-based expression will not be tolerated.

Punching down is lazy and unfunny. Don’t do it. Avoid stereotyping, mocking, or otherwise insensitive associations. Choose characters you can play with care and respect.

Vulgarity must be earned. Lewd and crude humor has a place, but leading with it is rarely impressive. Aim higher. Broad, obvious choices do not align with the improv tenet of “playing to the top of your intelligence.”

Honest mistakes are inevitable. We believe in growth and second chances. If questionable content shows up, the scene will be stopped and there will be an opportunity to discuss why and what happened with an expectation that learning will occur.

Student Bill of Rights

Adapted from RISE Comedy in Denver CO

Students have the right to:

  • Be and feel safe during classes, rehearsals, and performances.

  • Define what feels fun and what feels comfortable (and uncomfortable) without judgment from others.

  • Dictate what kind of physical touch is received.

  • Set boundaries regarding subject matter that might trigger a negative emotional response.

  • Inform a teacher or coach of physical or emotional conditions that might make playing certain games difficult or uncomfortably challenging.

  • Be excused from any scene, performance, or exercise without explanation.

  • Immediately step out of any scene, performance, rehearsal, or class due to safety or discomfort.

  • Speak to any teacher or other representative of Cantrip Comedy or Mom’s Womb regarding behavior by any person that has infringed on these rights.

  • Turn down a suggestion from an audience member/teacher/fellow student if deemed demeaning.

  • Fail

  • Succeed

  • Explore

  • Be challenged

  • HAVE FUN

Exercising any of these rights will not adversely affect the ability to participate in workshops or performances.

Safe Environment & Harassment Policy

Under no circumstances should a teacher, director, facilitator, coach – or any other individual in a position of power at Cantrip – demand or expect any physical or emotional interest from a student or player in exchange for opportunities.

Under no circumstances should a teacher, director, facilitator, or coach express sexual or emotional desire toward any student.

Under no circumstances should a student be expected to tolerate any degree of unwelcome sexual or emotional attention from anyone in a position of power, whether that be inside or outside class, online, via text, or any other method .

Under no circumstances should a student be expected to tolerate unwelcome sexual attention or advances from other students or performers, whether that be inside or outside class, online, via text, or any other method.

If you or anyone else is having a conflict with another student or a facilitator, please contact Lauren Backes in person or through this website. If it is an issue where someone does not feel comfortable coming to Lauren directly, please contact Tempest Carvalho of Immersion Brewing at (541) 728-3288.