Have lots of up-front conversations in preparation of working together.
Every participant in the collective should know what they are agreeing to participate in.
Ensure everyone is aware of the nature of the work to be done.
If you intend to explore areas that might be triggers for some, let people know in advance what is intended to be explored.
Consider guidelines to support an inclusive and respectful workplace and manage the potential impact of a production.
Establish clearly defined roles
Acknowledge any inherent power dynamics, and discuss how to deal with them.
Set procedures for how you would like to work in the room and what will make everyone comfortable.
What does everyone need to feel heard and respected?
Create and read a First Day Statement to ensure everyone in the Collective understands their responsibility for maintaining a safe and respectful workplace.
Do self-reflection exercises.
Talk about privileges, particularly for productions with difficult subject matter.
Have check-in and check-out conversations.
Consider opening the day and debriefing at the end of the day.
Put in place and review:
- Decision-making protocols
- The process for giving feedback to all members of the Collective
- Clear boundaries and expectations around potential changes to the creative elements, such as script, direction, and production/technical elements
- A Community/Room agreement
- Conditions for photography/recording and the use of images
- Transparency for funding, financing, and reporting
- Considerations of one person in multiple roles (e.g. Writer/Director/Producer or Stage Manager/Production Assistant)