Kickstand Comedy Space at the Siren Theater

Kickstand Comedy is a performer run comedy space and a partner of the Siren Theater. We are a community hub, performance space, and comedy gym for all forms of comedy.

We are known for rad intimate shows but also serve as a space for improvisers, stand ups, and sketch writers to practice, hone skills, try new formats, get weird, and put comedy up in front of an audience while it's still developing.

Our founding goals for the space are:

- Give performers/writers an intimate nightly space to perform and develop
- Meet new creatives and comics as we build and foster community across PDX comedy scenes
- Connect writers w/performers`
-Put up new work, formats, and experimental comedy in front of an audience
- Create opportunities for feedback
- Cultivate nightly Improv Jams and Open Mics
- Support and produce showcases where comics can invite audience, bookers, talent agents etc,,,
-Create a space for shows that require an accesible and affordable venue
-Grow and adapt as necessary
-GET BETTER AT COMEDY AS A COMMUNITY

“DBAS” (Don't Be A Shithead) Policy: How to act in the space.

By using the Kickstand Space you acknowledge our “Don’t Be a Shithead” Policy. Kickstand is a fully inclusive non-discriminatory space. We are not tolerant of racism, sexism, homophobia, and hate. You, your performers, and your audience are responsible for the words they choose both on and off stage. We don’t believe in “off-limits” topics but we do believe in good comedy. Kickstand believes good comedy doesn’t use the victim as the punchline, if you can’t take criticism about something you say maybe you don’t need to say it. Acts or threats of physical violence will lead to permanent removal from Kickstand and The Siren Theater. Respect the physical space, don’t touch stuff that isn’t yours we’re very lucky to have The Siren Theater's support, don’t be the person that ruins it! Kickstand reserves the right to rescind use of the space to anyone for violating this policy

Kickstand's Official Harassment Policy:

All teachers, students, performers, producers, volunteers, audience members, and hosts are responsible for assuring that our theater and classrooms are a safe environment, free from sexual harassment and discrimination of any kind. Kickstand Comedy Space strongly supports the rights of all its students and performers to work in safe and supportive environments, free from all forms of harassment, including harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability.

Harassment is any systematic or continued act or communication that’s unwelcome, including but not limited to:
● Unwelcome sexual advances in person, phone/text, or online
● Requests for sexual acts or favors
● Negative stereotyping
● Hate speech of any kind against any person
● Other verbal, physical, or online conduct of a sexual or aggressive nature that has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s comfort or performance
● Any action or communication of written or graphic material resulting in a threatening, intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment, including any material that is placed on walls, bulletinboards, or elsewhere on the premises, or circulated in the space, social media, or elsewhere online
● Teachers, students, performers, producers, volunteers and hosts are prohibited from harassing other teachers, students, performers, producers, audience members, and hosts whether or not the incidents of harassment occur on Kickstand Comedy Space property and whether or not the incidents occur during class hours. If a student feels that they have been subject to harassment or any unwanted attention by anyone, they should:Make their unease and/or disapproval directly and immediately known to the alleged harasser if possible, and report the incident immediately to either their teacher, another faculty member, or any member of the leadership team:
Dylan Reiff - dylanj.reiff@gmail.com , Adam Trabka- trabka@gmail.com , or Kara Moore - karamoore65@gmail.com

All complaints will be promptly and carefully investigated by the the Leadership Team. All teachers, students, performers, producers, volunteers, audience members, and hosts will be protected from any and all reprisal or retaliation for filing such complaints. A determination of appropriate action will be made from the facts on a case-by-case basis. All students should be aware that their privacy and the privacy of the accused person will be kept strictly confidential.

Action will not be immediately taken if the information is based off of rumor or third party hearsay in an effort to ensure the accuracy of facts and clear communication..

In the event a student or performer has an existing restraining order or charges filed against someone in the community, Kickstand Comedy Space will take all necessary measures to follow court orders once notified of their existence.

Prevention is the best tool for the elimination of sexual harassment.

Please be respectful of all students and faculty. Relationships with Students: (Instructors/prospective instructors) currently training/instructing, acknowledge they are not to engage in romantic or sexual relationships with students currently enrolled in Kickstand Comedy Space in affiliation with Straight Face Productions LLC improv education program.

Kickstand Comedy Space prohibits harassment of any kind. If the result of an investigation indicates that corrective action is called for, such action may include disciplinary measures up to and including immediate
expulsion of the offender.