Why a Strong Code of Conduct Is Foundational for the Nashville Performance Forum

A code of conduct is far more than a list of rules—it is a public commitment to the values that define the Nashville Performance Forum. By clearly articulating expected behaviors and outlining consequences for violations, the Forum creates a safe, professional, and welcoming environment where artists, performers, technicians, and audience members can collaborate and create without fear of harassment, discrimination, or disrespect. Without such a framework, even well-intentioned communities can devolve into misunderstandings, conflicts, or toxic dynamics that undermine artistic expression and cultural growth.

In a city known for its vibrant music and performance scene, the Nashville Performance Forum occupies a unique role. It brings together professionals, amateurs, educators, and enthusiasts across disciplines—from theater and dance to spoken word and live music. This diversity is a strength, but it also means that expectations around behavior, communication, and professionalism may vary widely. A well-crafted code of conduct bridges those differences, creating a shared foundation that allows everyone to focus on what matters most: the art.

Building Trust Across a Diverse Creative Community

The Nashville arts community thrives on collaboration, improvisation, and mutual support. But collaboration breaks down when participants feel unsafe, unheard, or disrespected. A code of conduct builds trust by establishing predictable, fair standards that apply equally to everyone—regardless of their role, experience level, or status in the community. When members know that the Forum will take complaints seriously and respond consistently, they are more likely to participate fully, take creative risks, and contribute their best work.

Trust also extends to the broader public. Audience members, sponsors, and partner organizations look for signals that a performance space is well-managed and inclusive. A visible, enforced code of conduct signals professionalism and care, which can attract more attendees, funding opportunities, and collaborative partnerships. It also protects the Forum's reputation in the event of an incident, demonstrating that the organization has protocols in place and takes accountability seriously.

Protecting the Forum's Long-Term Viability

Beyond interpersonal dynamics, a code of conduct serves a risk-management function. Clear policies around harassment, discrimination, substance use, and physical safety can reduce the likelihood of incidents that could lead to legal liability, insurance claims, or loss of venue access. The Nashville Performance Forum, like many arts organizations, operates on limited resources. Proactively addressing behavioral expectations is far more efficient—and less damaging—than reacting to crises after they occur. It also supports grant applications and funding requests, as many foundations now require evidence of equitable policies and practices.

Core Pillars of an Effective Code of Conduct

While every organization's code of conduct should be tailored to its specific context, several foundational principles apply universally. The Nashville Performance Forum's code should be built around the following pillars, each of which addresses a key dimension of community health.

Respect as the Bedrock

Respect means treating every person with basic courtesy and consideration, regardless of their background, skill level, or personal relationships. In practice, this includes listening attentively during rehearsals and meetings, refraining from interrupting or talking over others, respecting physical boundaries, and honoring others' time by showing up punctually and prepared. Respect also encompasses how members speak about one another—both in person and online—and requires refraining from gossip, personal attacks, or dismissive language. The code should make clear that respect is not optional, and that disagreement or critique must be expressed constructively and professionally.

Inclusivity and Anti-Discrimination

Inclusivity goes beyond mere tolerance to actively creating space for people of all identities, abilities, and perspectives. The Nashville Performance Forum's code should explicitly prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other protected characteristic. It should also address microaggressions—subtle, often unintentional slights that can accumulate and harm individuals over time. Examples might include making assumptions about someone's role based on their appearance, using outdated or offensive terminology, or excluding certain voices from decision-making processes. The code should encourage members to educate themselves and to speak up when they witness exclusionary behavior, while also providing clear pathways for reporting concerns.

Professionalism and Artistic Integrity

Professionalism in a performance context means taking the work seriously, honoring commitments, and maintaining a constructive attitude even under pressure. This includes arriving on time for rehearsals and shows, coming prepared with materials and lines learned, communicating schedule conflicts promptly, and respecting the creative decisions of directors, choreographers, and producers. Artistic integrity involves giving credit where it is due, respecting intellectual property, and avoiding plagiarism or unauthorized use of others' work. The code should also address the use of recording devices, social media during performances, and the handling of proprietary materials such as scripts, scores, or choreography notes.

Safety and Well-Being

Physical and psychological safety are non-negotiable in any performance environment. The code should clearly prohibit violence, threats, intimidation, and any form of harassment—including sexual harassment, stalking, and unwanted physical contact. It should also address substance use policies, such as prohibiting alcohol or drugs during rehearsals or performances, and outline expectations around COVID-19 safety protocols, emergency procedures, and venue-specific rules. Psychological safety includes fostering an environment where members can voice concerns, ask for help, or decline to participate in activities that make them uncomfortable without fear of retaliation. The code should name specific prohibited behaviors and provide examples to reduce ambiguity.

Accountability and Responsibility

Every member of the Forum—whether a featured performer, a volunteer stagehand, or a board member—must take responsibility for their actions and their impact on others. This means acknowledging mistakes, apologizing when appropriate, and accepting consequences for violations without defensiveness or blame-shifting. The code should outline the expectation that members will report violations they witness or experience, and that they will cooperate with any investigation. Bystander intervention—speaking up or stepping in when someone's safety or dignity is at risk—should be encouraged and protected. Accountability also applies to leadership: the code should apply equally to everyone, including founders, directors, and invited guests.

Drafting, Implementing, and Enforcing the Code

Writing a code of conduct is only the first step. To be effective, the code must be developed collaboratively, communicated clearly, and enforced consistently. The following subsections outline a practical approach for the Nashville Performance Forum.

Drafting with Community Input

A code of conduct that is imposed from the top down may feel disconnected from the realities of the community. Instead, the Forum should convene a diverse working group that includes performers, technicians, volunteers, and audience representatives to draft or revise the code. This group can review existing models—such as those from the Musician's Trust performance community standards or the Theatre Communications Group's DEI resources—and adapt them to the Forum's specific needs. Open comment periods or town-hall-style meetings allow broader input and build buy-in. The final document should be approved by the board or leadership team and reviewed at least annually.

Communication and Onboarding

Once drafted, the code must be visible and accessible. It should be prominently linked on the Forum's website homepage, included in registration and membership materials, and displayed at the venue entrance. New members should be required to read and acknowledge the code as part of the onboarding process, and existing members should be reminded of it at the start of each season or major event. The code should be available in multiple formats—print, digital, and, if possible, translated into languages commonly spoken in the community—to ensure accessibility. Public posting also signals to visitors and guests that the Forum takes conduct seriously.

Enforcement Tiers and Due Process

A code without enforcement is merely a suggestion. The Nashville Performance Forum should establish a clear, tiered enforcement system that distinguishes between minor infractions, moderate violations, and serious or repeated offenses. Minor infractions—such as arriving late repeatedly or using inappropriate language—might be addressed with a verbal warning and a conversation about expectations. Moderate violations, such as failing to follow safety protocols or engaging in exclusionary behavior, could result in a written warning, mandatory training, or temporary suspension from certain activities. Serious violations—including harassment, violence, theft, or discrimination—should trigger an immediate investigation and may result in permanent expulsion, a ban from the venue, and, if warranted, referral to law enforcement.

Due process is essential. Accused individuals should be informed of the allegations against them, given an opportunity to respond, and, in serious cases, provided with a hearing before a neutral committee. The Forum should designate a confidential incident-reporting channel—such as an email address or an anonymous online form—and appoint a trained conduct officer or committee to review reports, conduct investigations, and recommend outcomes. All reports should be documented, tracked, and addressed promptly, with clear timelines for resolution. Retaliation against anyone who files a report or participates in an investigation must be explicitly prohibited and treated as a separate violation.

The NASPA student conduct best practices framework offers a useful model for organizations developing their own enforcement procedures, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and educational outcomes even in disciplinary contexts.

Practical Examples and Scenarios

Abstract rules are easier to follow when accompanied by concrete, realistic examples. The Nashville Performance Forum should consider including a set of scenario-based illustrations in its code of conduct or supplementary materials. For instance:

  • Scenario 1: Rehearsal Disruption. A cast member repeatedly arrives late and interrupts scene work with off-topic comments. The director speaks to them privately after rehearsal, referencing the code's expectation of professionalism and punctuality. A verbal warning is issued, and the member adjusts their behavior.
  • Scenario 2: Harassing Comments. After a performance, an audience member approaches a performer and makes inappropriate comments about their appearance. The performer reports the incident via the confidential form. The conduct committee reviews the incident, identifies the individual through ticket records, and sends a written notice explaining why the behavior violated the code and that future incidents will result in a ban.
  • Scenario 3: Exclusionary Language. A stage manager uses outdated, non-inclusive terminology when referring to a non-binary technician. A fellow crew member gently corrects them after the session, and the stage manager thanks them, apologizes, and adjusts their language. No formal enforcement is needed, but the incident is noted as part of ongoing culture-building.
  • Scenario 4: Retaliation. A volunteer reports seeing a board member make a discriminatory remark. Shortly after, the volunteer is removed from future shift schedules without explanation. The code's anti-retaliation clause is invoked, and the conduct committee investigates. The board member is required to complete training, and the volunteer is reinstated and given a formal apology.

These examples help members understand what the code looks like in action and reduce anxiety about how to interpret abstract principles. They also demonstrate that the Forum is committed to enforcing the code fairly across all levels of the organization.

External Resources and Further Reading

No organization needs to build a code of conduct from scratch. Many excellent resources exist to guide the process. In addition to the links already mentioned, the Nashville Performance Forum may find value in consulting the American Association of Community Colleges' equity and inclusion resources, which offer practical checklists for policy development in educational and community settings. The National Endowment for the Arts grantee conduct standards also provide a useful benchmark, particularly for organizations seeking federal funding. Finally, consulting with a local Nashville attorney who specializes in nonprofit governance or employment law can ensure that the code complies with applicable state and federal regulations and addresses any unique legal considerations for the Forum's operations.

Conclusion: Codifying Culture for Long-Term Success

Developing a clear, comprehensive code of conduct is one of the most impactful steps the Nashville Performance Forum can take to ensure its long-term health, reputation, and impact. A well-crafted code does not stifle creativity or impose rigid bureaucracy—it creates the conditions under which creativity can flourish safely and sustainably. When every member understands what is expected, feels empowered to speak up when those expectations are not met, and trusts that leadership will respond fairly, the entire community benefits.

The Nashville Performance Forum has the opportunity to set a standard for other arts organizations in the region. By investing the time and care to develop a code of conduct that is inclusive, enforceable, and faithfully followed, the Forum can model what a truly professional, respectful, and vibrant performance community looks like. That is not just good governance—it is good art. And it is the foundation upon which unforgettable performances, lasting collaborations, and a thriving Nashville arts scene are built.