Code of Conduct

The goal of Desert Playwrights’ Retreat is a productive and social seven days in the desert. We’re loathe to create a set of rules for a creative gathering—we’d prefer the adults gathered settle into whatever self-governance feels appropriate for our time together. Queer playwright anarchy, if you will.

But experience has taught us that a few simple rules and guidelines are helpful to guarantee everyone feels comfortable while we’re gathered.

This Desert Playwrights’ Retreat “Code of Conduct” outlines what we consider best practices for our time spent together at the Retreat. While DPR is largely a DIY experience, all participants, including staff and guest artists, are required to read and sign the document, and agree to its terms before attending the Retreat.

  1. The Desert Playwrights’ Retreat is a safe space for expression in all forms, diversity of beliefs, and dissent.
  2. We will assume the best of each other, approaching others with open hearts. Feedback in any context will be to uplift, not tear down.
  3. Healthy debate is encouraged; personal attacks are not. There will be no speech police, so we will use common sense.
  4. We will offer grace for honest mistakes and misunderstandings.
  5. We will acknowledge intention and impact are equally important.
  6. We will acknowledge that conversations are spoken “in draft,” with permission to make mistakes, offer correction, and accept correction implicit.
  7. Consent will be mandatory in all situations for which it is commonly required, and we will ask first.
  8. We will not body shame.
  9. Illegal drugs are not allowed on the premises; marijuana is legal in California, and is permitted. We will follow all local, and/or federal laws as they pertain to the use of illegal drugs or abuse of prescribed drugs while at the Retreat.
  10. Firearms and other weapons are absolutely forbidden on premises regardless of personal permits, local or federal laws and regulations.
  11. The rental properties are located on quiet streets in residential neighborhoods. We will be respectful of the neighbors, treat the rental property as if it were our own home, and abide by all rules set forth by the property owner. We will not vandalize, steal, smoke indoors, or otherwise intentionally damage any property belonging to the homeowner, or any of the Retreat’s staff or participants.
  12. Inappropriate physical interactions (sexual or physical assault) or disruptive behavior will result in immediate expulsion from the rental property. (This does not include consensual sex between participants.)
  13. We will not invite guests into the rental properties without prior approval, and we will have no overnight guests.
  14. In general, we will conduct ourselves in a way that is not a danger to ourselves, the community, the environment, the other participants, visiting guests, and staff of the Retreat.