RockCentral brings people together to enjoy live stand-up comedy. We want our shows to be welcoming, professional and enjoyable for audiences, performers, venue teams and everyone working behind the scenes.
Comedy can be challenging, provocative and occasionally uncomfortable. That's part of the art form. But there is a difference between pushing comedic boundaries and treating people badly.
This Code of Conduct sets out what we expect at RockCentral events, the material we will not accept on our stages, and how concerns can be raised and addressed.
01 / Our approach
WHO THIS CODE APPLIES TO.
These are RockCentral's standards for the people taking part in, working at or attending our events.
This code applies to comedians, MCs, promoters, event staff, volunteers, contractors, audience members and others involved in RockCentral events. It covers conduct during shows, backstage, in event-related social settings and in communications connected to our events.
Performers are expected to follow this code when accepting a RockCentral booking. We also ask audiences and venue partners to uphold the same principles of respect and safety.
02 / How we treat people
RESPECT & PROFESSIONALISM.
We expect people to treat one another decently, on stage and off.
01 / EVERYONE
Respect others
Treat people with dignity and respect, regardless of background or identity.
Respect personal boundaries and consent, including during audience interaction.
Do not bully, threaten, intimidate, harass or discriminate against others.
Follow reasonable instructions relating to safety, accessibility and venue rules.
Do not retaliate against someone who raises a concern in good faith.
Disagreement and criticism are not automatically misconduct. How you behave towards others matters.
02 / PERFORMERS AND MCS
Be professional
Arrive at the agreed time, communicate delays and be ready to perform when required.
Respect fellow performers' sets, venue staff, organisers and audience members.
Look after the venue and its equipment; avoid unnecessary disruption backstage.
Be fit to perform. Anyone impaired by alcohol or drugs may be removed from the line-up.
Tell the promoter as soon as possible if illness, travel problems or another issue affects your booking.
03 / COMMUNICATION
On and offline
Professional standards extend to social media and communications connected with our events. Honest feedback and disagreement are welcome; harassment, threats, intimidation and personal abuse are not.
03 / Our editorial standards
COMEDY & CREATIVE FREEDOM.
RockCentral supports comedians exploring difficult, controversial and sensitive subjects. We do not ban topics simply because they are uncomfortable or provocative.
Where we draw the line
Creative freedom does not mean freedom from editorial standards. Material that degrades women or other groups through sexual slurs or stereotypes, or that uses an identifiable person's disclosure, allegation or experience of rape, sexual assault or abuse as a punchline at their expense, is not acceptable on RockCentral stages.
In practical terms, calling women degrading sexual names because of the clothes they wear, or turning a named person's allegation or account of sexual violence into a joke at their expense, would breach this code. Describing something as a roast, banter or edgy comedy does not make those exceptions.
We also do not accept threats, encouragement of violence or hatred, or sustained intimidation or sexual humiliation of an audience member.
That does not prohibit comedy about misogyny, prejudice, abuse or sexual violence. Those subjects can be explored critically, satirically or thoughtfully. The distinction is between making harmful attitudes the target of the joke and making the people affected by them its target.
Comedy is subjective, and the fact that someone finds a joke offensive does not, in itself, mean this Code has been breached. Audience members do not have a veto over a comedian's material. RockCentral will consider the context, target and nature of the material or behaviour when making editorial decisions. However, personal abuse, targeted sexual insults and harassment of audience members are not acceptable.
These are editorial standards for RockCentral events, not a claim that every breach is unlawful.
04 / Personal safety
SEXUAL HARASSMENT & BOUNDARIES.
Sexual harassment is not acceptable at RockCentral events. Being a comedian, part of a show or in a social setting is not an excuse.
What it means
Sexual harassment includes unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of violating someone's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
It can happen in person or online. Behaviour does not have to be intended to cause harm to have that effect.
Examples
Unwanted touching or sexual advances.
Inappropriate sexual comments directed at someone.
Persistent unwanted sexual attention or messages.
Sexualised intimidation, coercion or unwanted sexual behaviour.
Respecting boundaries
No one should be pressured to accept unwanted behaviour because it is presented as a joke, banter or part of working in comedy. We take concerns about sexual harassment seriously whether the behaviour comes from a performer, promoter, staff member or audience member.
05 / Speak to us
RAISE A CONCERN.
If you experience or witness something concerning at a RockCentral event, please tell us. You can speak to the MC, promoter or a member of the venue team at the event. If the concern involves one of those people, speak to somebody else you feel able to approach.
After an event, email info@rockcentralpromotions.com. You can begin with a brief message asking to discuss a concern; you do not have to set out sensitive details in your first email.
We understand reporting may be difficult, particularly if you may work with the person involved again. You can raise a concern about something you experienced or witnessed. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
We aim to respond promptly, fairly and proportionately, taking account of the circumstances and the needs of those involved.
01 / FIRST STEPS
Listen and assess
We will consider whether anyone needs immediate support or protection, listen to the concern, seek relevant information where appropriate and work with the venue to address immediate risks.
Information will be handled sensitively and shared only where reasonably necessary to address a concern, protect people or meet legal obligations. We cannot promise absolute confidentiality.
02 / POSSIBLE ACTIONS
Consequences
Depending on the seriousness and circumstances, action may include a warning, stopping a performance, removal from an event, cancellation of future bookings or exclusion from future RockCentral events.
We will not tolerate retaliation against anyone raising a concern in good faith or helping us establish what happened.
03 / SERIOUS INCIDENTS
Outside support and authorities
Serious incidents may require contact with the police or other appropriate authorities. Where possible, we will discuss this with the person affected, although safety concerns or legal duties may sometimes require us to act without their agreement.
07 / Advice and support
INDEPENDENT SUPPORT.
If you would rather seek advice outside RockCentral, these organisations offer information and support. They are independent of RockCentral Promotions.