Introduction 

Having (and collectively upholding) a code of conduct is how we keep the FRINGE in PortFRINGE. It applies to show content and behavior within/throughout the festival and is expected to be followed by all participants, including, but not limited to, the PortFringe committee/co-directors, audience members, volunteers, and artists.

PortFringe believes in the power of performing arts—in community—for how they can comfort, disrupt, provoke, inform, move, and change us. We care deeply about the take-risks-and-be-weird traditions of “fringe” and creating spaces for artists—especially artists who have existed on the margins; artists who challenge perceived norms, traditions, and structures within traditional theater and society—to be given a spotlight and for audiences to experience their work.

Our core festival is intentionally un-juried and un-curated.

Un-juried: Show submissions to PortFringe are accepted and entered into the lottery

Un-curated: Shows are selected at random from the lottery without any further review

We also offer other special events, such as the Festival’s late-night series, which are not.

PortFringe is dedicated to fostering a community where everyone can be their authentic selves in a safe and inclusive environment. The festival prioritizes the protection of individuals from harm based on factors like gender/gender expression, race, disability, sexuality, religion, socio-economic status, nationality, and other identities. It emphasizes that the impact of actions, rather than intentions, will be used to evaluate how effectively it creates this inclusive space for all.

The following Code of Conduct for 2025 is a commitment to protecting and taking care of one another that PortFringe is asking our community to uphold, a guide for how artists can participate in an uncensored PortFringe, and an outline of steps that will be taken if the privilege of uncensored art puts anyone’s safety and dignity at risk. 

Behaviors Not Tolerated

• Harassment, Hate Speech, Intimidation, and Bullying: This includes both physical and verbal actions or threats, as well as displaying hateful or violent symbols.
  • Microaggressions: Microaggressions often reflect and reinforce societal power imbalances and stereotypes. Though commonly described as “small” and “often unintentional,” PortFringe recognizes the cumulative impact of microaggressions made through statements and actions and strives to keep them out of the festival.
• Sexual Assault and Harassment: Any form of sexual misconduct is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, unwanted touching, comments, gestures, or propositions. 
• Substance misuse: Know your limits and use alcohol and other legal substances responsibly.
• Disregard for accessibility: PortFringe strives to utilize venues that exceed ADA standards and takes additional steps to ensure performance environments are set up to allow for maximum attendance and participation. Use of ASL interpreters, particular arrangement of chairs, lighting, microphone use, announcements, breaks, and signage are some examples of things done by the Committee to accommodate community members who are disabled and/or neurodivergent. Any changes to PortFringe venue set-ups must be managed by Committee members and/or volunteers.

The Code distinguishes between intent vs. impact, emphasizing that the impact of actions on others is paramount, regardless of intent. PortFringe strives to guide the community towards culturally responsive and restorative practices, aiming for reconciliation and reparative actions when necessary. 

Reporting and Response Process

• Reporting: Concerns or violations should be reported to the PortFringe Committee via email (portfringe@gmail.com) or an anonymous online form.
• Response: The Committee will prioritize community and relationship-based responses to misconduct and conflict in ways that center reporters/affected individuals, wherever and whenever appropriate. This may include mediation, conflict resolution, and restorative processes.
• Outside Resources: In cases where a safe resolution can’t be reached—or if more urgent and/or skilled intervention is necessary—outside resources may be referred or called in by the committee.

The Code of Conduct applies in all PortFringe venues and on social media platforms, reflecting the same expectations for behavior both online and in-person. Any issues or concerns should be communicated through PortFringe Committee co-directors, who act as liaisons between artists, audience members, and venue hosts.

The PortFringe Committee reserves the right to remove any individual from the festival at any time, which may include the discontinuation of a show. Through methods of mediation and conflict resolution, where appropriate, that center individuals reporting harm, we strive to make reconciliation a core practice that we may continue in our commitments to an uncensored artistic environment AND the insurance of dignity, respect, and safety for everyone in our community. 

How we work as a collective:

Show Producers: Producers are responsible for submitting all necessary documents (such as content descriptions and artist intake forms) on time, ensuring accessibility for all, and maintaining communication with PortFringe representatives.

• Submit all requested documents to the PortFringe Committee on time
  • Documents, such as show content descriptors, scripts, and individual artist intake forms help the co-directors and volunteers to prepare the festival to be as welcoming and supportive as possible
  • Accessibility partners—including, but not limited to, ASL interpreters and venue managers—use these documents to prepare for your shows in ways that allow more people to show up and experience your work
  • The co-directors of the PortFringe festival are also volunteers. Submitting documents and information on time respects their capacity and abilities to prepare for your participation, including any assistance, unique requests, and answers you may need. 
• Communicate in a timely manner with PortFringe co-directors as advised, respecting set timelines and methods of contact.
• Be responsible for your team. Act as a liaison between PortFringe and your people so that everyone is a part of adhering to and upholding this Code of Conduct and the spirit of Fringe. 

Audience Members: Audiences are encouraged to review show content ahead of time to ensure they are comfortable with the material being presented. They should respect the artistic space and not engage in harmful behavior toward artists or anyone else. 

Audience members are encouraged to use the experience of PortFringe—and the nature of artistic performance—to practice having human emotions and responses in a safe environment. Shows may cause extreme discomfort, extreme joy, confusion, epiphanies, and so much more. PortFringe strives to create environments and opportunities for audience members to interact with each other and the broader PortFringe community so that questions can be asked and thoughts, feelings, and reactions can be processed. 

When necessary, audience members should report misconduct by contacting a volunteer or a member of the PortFringe Committee or by utilizing the anonymous online form.

Volunteers: Volunteers manage all aspects of PortFringe events, including ticketing, tech, and audience management. They are the first point of contact for artists and audience members at performance venues and are responsible for ensuring the Code of Conduct is followed from the moment doors open until the last PortFringe community member leaves the venue.

Volunteers are expected to field in-the-moment concerns but aren’t asked nor expected to resolve conflicts beyond simple problem-solving (such as making adjustments for accessibility). Volunteers should contact a Portfringe Committee co-director for anything else and document any issues or concerns until they arrive.

Co-Directors: Members of the PortFringe Committee (also volunteers) are the co-directors of the festival and serve as the liaison between artists, volunteers, audience members, venues, and community partners. Prior to the festival, the co-directors are responsible for communicating the Code of Conduct and making sure that resources are in place to make sure it will be effective. 

Throughout the festival, co-directors will be available for community management and support, including intervening when a breach of the Code of Conduct occurs. They will, within reason as it pertains to their skillsets and abilities, respond to conflicts and facilitate resolution. As needed, PortFringe co-directors will take responsibility for calling in community services (such as EMS or crisis intervention).

Please note: This Code of Conduct applies to circumstances and events that occur within festival spaces/activities (including digital), during festival time, and involving PortFringe community members. PortFringe volunteers and co-directors will not and cannot serve as mediators nor managers of issues relating to personal/historical conflicts and misgivings.