Community Code of Conduct

Houston Ballet is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming for everyone who attends or participates in our programs, performances, events, and online spaces, including audience members, patrons, donors, volunteers, and community members.

By attending or participating, individuals are expected to follow this Community Code of Conduct. This applies to all Houston Ballet spaces and activities, whether in person or online.

Houston Ballet staff and venue personnel may take appropriate action to protect the safety, dignity, and experience of everyone involved.

What We Expect:

·      Respect others

·      Support a safe and welcoming environment

·      Act responsibly and follow all rules and instructions

This means treating others with courtesy, following staff direction and venue policies, and avoiding behavior that disrupts performances, programs, events, or the safety of others.

Harassing, discriminatory, threatening, unsafe, or disruptive behavior may result in a warning, removal from the event, denial of entry, or restrictions on future participation, without refund.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and welcoming community. 

1. Respect Others:

Treat others with respect. Constructive feedback and respectful disagreement are welcome when shared in a way that supports a safe, inclusive, and professional environment.

Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to:

·      Harassment of any kind, including unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. This includes in person and online harassment or targeting of participants, artists, staff, students, or the organization that affects their safety, participation, or ability to engage in programs

·      Discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic

·      Bullying, intimidation, threats, or hostile behavior

·      Obscene, sexually explicit, or abusive language or conduct directed at others

·      Disruptive behavior that interferes with performances, rehearsals, classes, or events (including sustained noise or refusal to follow staff instructions)

2. Support a Safe and Welcoming Environment

·      Everyone plays a role in creating a safe and welcoming environment

·      Do not engage in behavior that endangers, intimidates, or threatens others

·      Follow all staff instructions, venue rules, and emergency procedures at all times

·      Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, especially when interacting with minors or vulnerable individuals. Immediately report any concerns involving suspected misconduct, safety risks, or inappropriate behavior 

3. Act Responsibly and Follow Rules and Instructions

·      Comply with applicable laws and organizational policies

·      Alcohol service may be refused to anyone who appears intoxicated. Individuals who are intoxicated or disruptive may be denied entry or removed from the premises

·      Weapons are prohibited to the fullest extent permitted by law and venue policy

·      Unauthorized recording, photography, or distribution of images, video, or audio is prohibited where restricted by policy, ticket terms, or staff instruction, or where it violates privacy or intellectual property rights

·      Use of Houston Ballet’s name, logo, or branding requires prior written authorization

How to Get Help or Report a Concern

·      Emergency situations: Call 9-1-1 immediately

·      Onsite concerns: Notify staff or venue personnel right away

·      Non-urgent reports: Contact Houston Ballet leadership at 713-523-6300

·      Confidential reporting: Ethics Hotline at 844-635-4504 or houstonballet.ethicspoint.com

How Reports Are Handled

·      We take all reports of misconduct seriously

·      Reports will be reviewed and addressed as appropriate to ensure safety and accountability

·      Confidentiality will be maintained as much as possible, consistent with the need to investigate and respond

·      Staff and venue personnel may take immediate action, including issuing warnings, removing individuals from events, denying entry, or involving law enforcement when necessary

·      Authorized staff and venue partners may make final onsite decisions needed to protect safety and operations. Houston Ballet may review incidents internally as appropriate

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and welcoming community.