At Vertebra Theatre, we are fully committed to the wellbeing of everyone we work with – artists, collaborators, and the wider communities we engage. We believe in creating an environment that is safe, respectful, inclusive, and inspiring. We value collaboration, openness, curiosity, and support. Together, we are not only making art, but also building a more accessible and experimental visual theatre practice where everyone’s contribution matters. We welcome feedback, reflections, concerns, or complaints about any aspect of working with Vertebra Theatre. Wherever possible, we encourage these conversations to take place in a direct, curious, and non-judgmental way – knowing that dialogue helps us grow together.

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Our Code of Conduct​

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As a member of Vertebra Theatre, we ask that you:​​

•    Support fellow members.

•    Respect each other’s choices – no pressure, no pushing anyone into something they don’t want to do.

•    Keep within the rehearsal or performance boundaries set for safety and focus.

•    Take part in our work with respect for co-creation, valuing collective decisions.

•    Look after any equipment belonging to or hired by the company.

•    Treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion, or sexual identity.

•    Speak up if you see or experience unsafe or inappropriate behaviour.

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As a member of Vertebra Theatre, you have the right to:

•    Feel safe, supported, and happy in your role.

•    Be listened to and taken seriously.

•    Be respected and treated fairly.

•    Enjoy your work in a professional, caring environment.

•    Be free from bullying, harassment, or abuse – from within or outside the company.

•    Be treated as an equal to all other members.

•    Share your concerns and ask for help – and to be believed.

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If Something Goes Wrong

If the code of conduct is broken, we encourage you to first address it directly, with kindness and clarity, to the person involved. If the issue continues, the directors or producer will step in to resolve it. Persistent breaches may mean ending someone’s involvement with the company.

Our Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility

Inclusion and accessibility are ongoing, living conversations. We want to keep learning and improving together.

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Pronouns

• At the start of every session, we invite everyone to share their name and pronouns (if they wish). Not sharing is also completely valid.

• Consent matters: our boundaries are real and fluid. In movement work, if something feels wrong, you can step away, shift contact, or say so. Boundaries must always be respected.

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Social Model of Disability 

• We follow the Social Model of Disability: barriers are created by society, not individuals. Our work aims to dismantle these barriers.

At the beginning of each project, the Artistic Director and Producer will share an Access Needs Rider so we can better understand how to support you. Sharing is optional, and information is treated confidentially.

 

• Not all impairments are visible – please check in with one another.

• When working with wheelchair users:

  - Use inclusive language (e.g. “moving” rather than “walking”).

  - Treat wheelchairs as part of the person’s space and essential equipment – not as props.

  - Always ask before leaning, touching, or putting weight on someone’s wheelchair.

  - Remember: every chair and every person is different. Always ask, never assume.

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In Summary

This Code of Conduct is here to support a safe, kind, and collaborative space where creativity can thrive.

If you ever have questions, feedback, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Together, we are shaping not only performances, but also a culture of care, trust, and imagination.

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Trauma Informed Practice​

Vertebra Theatre company is a Trauma Informed Theatre company.

We understand trauma as the response to deeply distressing experiences. We recognise the importance of co creating - as possible - a trauma informed culture of a community that is able to co-regulating with others. We do all this by offering a place that is safe and playful and also a place where we can meet the challenges of the creative industry. This is a practice that we aim to constantly evolve as new tools and insights become available. Therefore, we try to keep our knowledge updated with attending trainings and CPD courses whenever possible.