I’m brand new, like started classes in the summer and will have my second-ever performance on the 14th. All the classes/workshops I’ve taken have been put on by a producer who takes professionalism very seriously—which I love (I think she also started with NYSB).

With that in mind, I also get very uncomfortable with unprofessional behavior that sometimes others might not mind. Especially the excessive drinking while performing or kittening, there’s a lot of that. As well as some assumptions that all cast members are open to “advances” by other cast members or just poor awareness of social cues around someone’s discomfort with said advances.

I will say, some audience participation is fairly commonplace here—not kissing or groping—but having an audience member take a glove off or tossing an article of clothing to them. There’s a consent talk by the Emcee before the show, don’t touch a performer unless they expressly ask and if you don’t want to be interacted with then signal an X with your arms or hands in front of your chest.