WELCOME TO THE HAPPIER VALLEY COMEDY COMMUNITY!
the Hvc Leadership Team
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STUDENT BILL OF Responsibilities and rIGHTS
Happier Valley Comedy is committed to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive community where people of all identities and backgrounds are seen, valued, and respected. While we support students in taking beneficial risks and learning from mistakes, we strongly uphold a community of mutual respect for every race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental ability, religion, place of origin, citizenship, size, and age. You have a responsibility and the right to review this agreement before your first class.
At your first class, you will be asked to signify your agreement to everything in this document by signing your initials. In doing so, you agree that you’re aware of our commitment to inclusivity and respect and you’re willing to take responsibility for your role in the learning process. Now let’s get into some specifics…
Thank you for agreeing to the Student Bill of Responsibilities & Rights. We are grateful to have you join our community! If you have any questions, please reach out to:
Pam Victor, Head of Happiness
Scott Braidman, General Manager/Artistic Director
Maddy Benjamin, Program Manager
At your first class, you will be asked to signify your agreement to everything in this document by signing your initials. In doing so, you agree that you’re aware of our commitment to inclusivity and respect and you’re willing to take responsibility for your role in the learning process. Now let’s get into some specifics…
- Let’s be clear: Bigotry has no place at Happier Valley Comedy.
- However, we have lots of space for Humanity, and - news flash! - humans are messy and gloriously fallible. Given the unpredictable nature of learning comedy, our classroom cannot be considered a “safe space.” However, HVC maintains a deep commitment to maintaining a brave, intentionally caring space of trust-building and profound respect for people of all backgrounds and identities.
- Assume Good Will is our golden rule. We trust that anyone who crosses a boundary or otherwise challenges us means well, though their actions may not sit well. We assume good will of all intentions while navigating the impact of specific actions. We also agree to assume good will in turning missteps into learning opportunities.
- You have the right to define what feels fun and comfortable for you without judgment. You have the responsibility to communicate your boundaries with clarity and compassion. You have the right to change and expand your boundaries if it feels productive to your learning process to do so.
- Though you may learn important life lessons at HVC, comedy class is not therapy. Your teachers are only here to teach their subject matter. Your learning journey in class may be uncomfortably vulnerable at times even when it’s productive. If you’ve recently experienced trauma or are in the middle of a very tender healing process, you have the right to withdraw from class. To empower your self-care, you have the right to the Compassionate Care Refund, which you can request up to 5 days before the second class, to receive a total refund from Happier Valley Comedy if you decide that this is not the right time for you to study comedy. (We’ll be here with open arms when you’re ready.)
- While your teacher is responsible for stopping or redirecting an exercise if something disrespectful or unsafe happens, you also have the right to stop any moment in class whether or not you’re directly involved. You have the right to turn down a suggestion that feels demeaning or unfun. You also may leave any exercise or classroom that feels unsafe or unhelpfully-uncomfortable with or without explanation.
- You are responsible for using your most reserved judgment in class. When in doubt, don't do it (then discuss.) If you have the thought, "I wonder if this is appropriate?" DON'T do or say it. But DO bring it up later with the group or teacher to clarify the class’s culture of trust, beneficial risk-taking, and respect.
- For physical contact, if it’s appropriate in a reserved business setting, it's appropriate in our classroom. For example, a tap on the shoulder, handshake, or high five is okay unless otherwise requested. Don't ever use aggressive contact, inappropriately touch, pick up, or even hug your classmates. You have the right to require the class to respect your specific physical boundaries even if that means no touching at all.
- If your classmates set specific limits for content or touch, you are responsible for respecting them whether or not they line up with your personal boundaries. In short, if anyone says, “I’m not comfortable with that,” don’t do it.
- You have the choice to share your pronouns in class. This is optional. If you choose not to share your pronouns, just share your name. If you are cis-gendered - meaning your personal identity and gender corresponds with your birth sex - please do not make any commentary, flippant remarks, or jokes about pronouns. We recognize that sharing pronouns can be a significant act of trust that demands respect. We all have the responsibility to use any pronouns shared by an individual.
- You have the responsibility and right to report any behavior that infringes on your or any other community member’s rights. You have the right to have this discussion held in confidence or to be shared in the agreed upon manner. Exercising any of these rights will not adversely affect your ability to progress in classes, to be cast in or to be invited to shows. If there is an issue with something that comes up in class, please bring it up as soon as possible. We can’t fix what we don’t know about. You have your teacher’s contact information, and you can find the contact information for HVC Leadership, the Impartial Mediator, and the Anonymous Reporting System on the “Contact Us” page of the website. Remember: Better out than in.
- In addition to this agreement, you also are responsible for being familiar with the Anti-Harassment & Issues of Respect Policy and The On the Nose Pause for Learning process before your first class. We know it may feel like a lot to sort through. Thanks for your patient attention. The fun starts soon!
- You are responsible for extending ample compassion and patience to learn according to your and your classmates’ unique personal timeline.
- You have the right to learn from your mistakes and to redefine those mistakes as gifts.
- You have the right to love your work.
- You have the right to have more fun than anyone!
Thank you for agreeing to the Student Bill of Responsibilities & Rights. We are grateful to have you join our community! If you have any questions, please reach out to:
Pam Victor, Head of Happiness
Scott Braidman, General Manager/Artistic Director
Maddy Benjamin, Program Manager
You are expected to initial your agreement to the Student Bill of Responsibilities & Rights at your first class. You do not need to print out and sign this document. Hard copies are available in class, if desired. If you'd like to print it out for your own benefit, click below to download the PDF:
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hvc training center
frequently asked questions
gENERAL rEGISTRATION stuff
Can I drop the class and get a refund? What's the Compassionate Care Refund? Comedy is an emotional contact sport; emotions and content brought up and the learning curve may be uncomfortable for you. For those who have recently experienced trauma or are in the middle of a vulnerable healing process, the most compassionate act may be to skip class for now. In that case, the Compassionate Care Refund can be requested up to 5 days before the second class to receive 100% refund if you decide that this is not the right time for you to take comedy class. (We’ll be here with open arms when you’re ready.) Email us for more information.
What's the Work Exchange Program? In exchange for discounts on classes, Work Exchange Volunteers help out on show nights. Applications open several weeks before each session if there are spots available. More info here.
How do I use Equity Pricing for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)? If you identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color including Asian American and Pacific Islander,) email us to get 50% or 100% off your registration. Equity Pricing is our "green-lining" compensation to members of marginalized communities for the extra effort it takes to work in a predominantly white space until HVC achieves our goals of more equitable representation.
For more about Equity Pricing, click here.
When do classes open for registration? Classes and workshops publicly open for registration at 7:00am on a Friday about one month before they begin. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to be notified about everything coming up! (Sign up at the bottom of any page of our website.) We strongly recommend registering as soon as you can as some classes fill up quickly. Trying to get into our level 1 classes? Click here to get on the early registration list for Improv 1. (See below for details.)
What about Super Secret Early Registration? Current Improv 1 - 3 and those on the early registration list for Improv 1 receive a “super secret early registration” opportunity 2 - 4 days before a class opens to the public. If that's you, you'll receive an email by the Friday before registration opens to the public with all the information needed for Super Secret Early Registration. Due to the nature of the program, there is no early registration for advanced classes.
What if I don't have the funds to register right away or I can't afford tuition? This is no problem at all! Email us at least a week before registration opens, so we can schedule a payment plan. If you need further assistance, you can use the HVC School Fun Fund. If the money is in the Fun Fund and you need it, it’s yours!
What if I have trouble registering online? If you have trouble registering online or have any questions about how our online ticketing venue works, click here for Showclix Support. That link also includes an option for live chatting with a support agent in the bottom right corner. If you still can’t register online, please email us to register and pay the old-school way.
How do I unregister for or change my class? To cancel or change your class, please email us and we will notify Showclix and do the necessary paperwork on our end. If appropriate, refunds will be issued by Showclix for the registration price, but service fees may not be refunded. Please keep registration changes to a minimum! Refunds will not be provided once class has begun unless you're using the Compassionate Care Refund.
What’s the Improv To Improve Student Referral Discount? Refer our Improv To Improve professional development program, and if it leads to a booked event, you can save 50% off your next class! Email Pam for more info.
Any other questions about registration? Email us please.
What's the Work Exchange Program? In exchange for discounts on classes, Work Exchange Volunteers help out on show nights. Applications open several weeks before each session if there are spots available. More info here.
How do I use Equity Pricing for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)? If you identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color including Asian American and Pacific Islander,) email us to get 50% or 100% off your registration. Equity Pricing is our "green-lining" compensation to members of marginalized communities for the extra effort it takes to work in a predominantly white space until HVC achieves our goals of more equitable representation.
For more about Equity Pricing, click here.
When do classes open for registration? Classes and workshops publicly open for registration at 7:00am on a Friday about one month before they begin. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to be notified about everything coming up! (Sign up at the bottom of any page of our website.) We strongly recommend registering as soon as you can as some classes fill up quickly. Trying to get into our level 1 classes? Click here to get on the early registration list for Improv 1. (See below for details.)
What about Super Secret Early Registration? Current Improv 1 - 3 and those on the early registration list for Improv 1 receive a “super secret early registration” opportunity 2 - 4 days before a class opens to the public. If that's you, you'll receive an email by the Friday before registration opens to the public with all the information needed for Super Secret Early Registration. Due to the nature of the program, there is no early registration for advanced classes.
What if I don't have the funds to register right away or I can't afford tuition? This is no problem at all! Email us at least a week before registration opens, so we can schedule a payment plan. If you need further assistance, you can use the HVC School Fun Fund. If the money is in the Fun Fund and you need it, it’s yours!
What if I have trouble registering online? If you have trouble registering online or have any questions about how our online ticketing venue works, click here for Showclix Support. That link also includes an option for live chatting with a support agent in the bottom right corner. If you still can’t register online, please email us to register and pay the old-school way.
How do I unregister for or change my class? To cancel or change your class, please email us and we will notify Showclix and do the necessary paperwork on our end. If appropriate, refunds will be issued by Showclix for the registration price, but service fees may not be refunded. Please keep registration changes to a minimum! Refunds will not be provided once class has begun unless you're using the Compassionate Care Refund.
What’s the Improv To Improve Student Referral Discount? Refer our Improv To Improve professional development program, and if it leads to a booked event, you can save 50% off your next class! Email Pam for more info.
Any other questions about registration? Email us please.
Class Completion requirement
How many classes can I miss and still move on to the next level? Each student may only miss two classes of each session in order to graduate to the next level.
cancelled/rescheduled classes
What if there is snow or inclement weather? We will notify students at least 3 hours before class via email whenever possible.* A notice will also be posted on the HVC Community and HVC Facebook pages. Feel free to reach out if you're not sure.
*If we are unable to give three hours notice, we'll also text all students. (So make sure we have your correct cell phone number, entered when your registered!)
What about make-up days? Each class has scheduled make-up days noted on the class page. Please keep those dates open, if possible. If we have to cancel a class due to weather, teacher illness or absence, etc., that make-up date will be used. If no classes are cancelled that session, the make-up date will not be used.
*If we are unable to give three hours notice, we'll also text all students. (So make sure we have your correct cell phone number, entered when your registered!)
What about make-up days? Each class has scheduled make-up days noted on the class page. Please keep those dates open, if possible. If we have to cancel a class due to weather, teacher illness or absence, etc., that make-up date will be used. If no classes are cancelled that session, the make-up date will not be used.
"improv to improve" professional development & workplace wellness
Improv is so useful outside the classroom! Do you provide professional and personal development events? We sure do, and it's called the Improv To Improve Program. Pam works with local businesses, organizations, and colleges spreading the wide applications of improv through interactive workshops, keynotes, and retreats focused on communication, collaboration, innovation, redefining failure, strengthening resilience, workplace wellness and wellbeing, and so much more. Let's explore the place where your workplace and improvisation meet!
- Student Referral Discount: If your Improv To Improve referral leads to a booked event, you will save 50% off your next class! Talk to Pam for more info.
- Click the “Professional Development” tab on the navigation menu above for more about our programs, including short videos of events in action.
Class Behavior
Will you kick me out if I'm a jerk?
Long answer: It’s extremely important to us that our school is a place where everyone feels free to fully express themselves without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of biological sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, religious affiliation, size, age, or physical or mental ability (to name but a few.) Given the nature of comedy, we try to balance students’ freedom to explore new, risky, and potentially uncomfortable territory while at the same time maintaining your feeling of personal safety and respect. It’s a tricky balance, which is why we ask you to be familiar with so many policies during our onboarding process.
Any student unable or unwilling to abide by the Student Bill of Responsibilities & Rights and the Anti-Harassment & Issues of Respect Policy may be asked to leave the school for a set period of time or permanently depending on the issue.
Short answer: Don’t be a jerk. (We know you won’t anyway!)
Long answer: It’s extremely important to us that our school is a place where everyone feels free to fully express themselves without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of biological sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, religious affiliation, size, age, or physical or mental ability (to name but a few.) Given the nature of comedy, we try to balance students’ freedom to explore new, risky, and potentially uncomfortable territory while at the same time maintaining your feeling of personal safety and respect. It’s a tricky balance, which is why we ask you to be familiar with so many policies during our onboarding process.
Any student unable or unwilling to abide by the Student Bill of Responsibilities & Rights and the Anti-Harassment & Issues of Respect Policy may be asked to leave the school for a set period of time or permanently depending on the issue.
Short answer: Don’t be a jerk. (We know you won’t anyway!)
connect with the community:
keep the fun going outside of the classroom!
HVC School on Social Media
- Happier Valley Comedy on Facebook Get all the latest updates about shows, workshops, and classes.
- Happier Valley Comedy School Community A private Facebook group restricted to only current and past HVC School students. A good place to connect with friends and make new ones, or pitch your next show!
- Happier Valley Comedy on Instagram
Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy as to students
The Happier Valley Comedy School admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, ability, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, size, age, ability, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.