These policies are applicable to events produced by The Game Theatre, including those that occur live in-person or online. Our policies are intended to undergo regular revision and rigorous review by our community.

photo - Video POLICIES

If you purchase a ticket to our events you accept our photo & video policy. It’s very simple. We have photographers and sometimes a video crew at the events. Sometimes we have outside media visiting. That means that you may appear in pictures or videos. We’ll be respectful about it, of course, but mention it here so there are no misunderstandings later. Any participant who attends our events consents to being photographed and featured in a video.  Photographs and videos are important to capture the magical moments at our events and, most importantly, offer our participants memories of their amazing role-play, friends, and costumes forever. 

Consent & Inclusion Policies

The Game Theatre produces a variety of events that involve person-to-person interaction, role-play, character development, and the completion of objectives. The company’s rules focus heavily on safety (physical and emotional), consent and communication, inclusion, and varying levels of immersion. These principles are integral to participants having a safe and enjoyable experience at our events, and The Game Theatre team is supportive of these principles throughout the larger gaming, live-action role-play (LARP), and interactive theater communities. The Game Theatre’s events and games are intended to be a fun and joyful escape from the “real world” and these inclusive policies help support that mission.

These policies apply to all experiences produced by The Game Theatre, including but not limited to in-person events and games, online forums and groups, and online games (hereinafter all referred to as “Games”). All attendees to Games by The Game Theatre agree and consent to abide by these policies and understand that violating these policies may result in being removed from the Game without a refund by The Game Theatre.

Questions or concerns? Email: info@thegametheatre.com

- Physical & Mental Safety

Every attendee has the right to feel physically and mentally safe at events run by The Game Theatre, including but not limited to in-person events/games and online forums/events/games. That means they should find all of The Game Theatre’s Games are free of:

• Physical and mental distress

• Danger

• Abuse

• Harassment (including slurs and deliberate misgendering)

• Threats

• Unwanted behavior

• Violation of physical and personal space 

• Harmful real-world events and ideologies, discrimination, bias, racism, sexism, knowingly and willfully misgendering others, or any other harmful behavior that affects the welfare of others. 

• Also, The Game Theatre's Games are free of all real-world harmful content, including but not limited to harmful symbols, images, slogans, sayings, printed or other materials, speech, comments, or any other harmful content communicated verbally or displayed in a tangible form of any kind. 

Whether run by The Game Theatre production team or in conjunction with another business or convention, our in-person games follow all local laws, and we require our participants to do so as well.

- Emotional Safety

The Game Theatre places a priority on emotional safety. Therefore, ‘outside’ real-world ideologies, opinions, stances, feelings, or other real-world aspects such as government, current events, or any other outside-world issues should not be a part of your character or your intent before entering into the fantasy worlds created by The Game Theatre. Harmful outside real-world aspects are prohibited at our Games for the safety of all players who attend our Games to experience wonderful adventures as an escape from anything having to do with the “real world”. The Game Theatre understands all human beings have ‘bad days’ and this sometimes can roll over into how they feel entering a game, however, The Game Theatre prohibits real-world content from being introduced into its Games, albeit in-person or online. If you as a player are having a bad day feel free to take a break from the Games and reach out to a Game Master for a “safe space”.

- Inclusion

The Game Theatre strives to make a welcoming environment for all participants, including trying at all times to select fully accessible venues. The company accepts and values participants and never discriminates based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or any similar attribute.

- Pronouns

You will play a fictional Character that is human/humanoid or a fantasy being, and you are free to choose any fantasy name you want. Often, you will be referred to by your Character’s name (or nickname) or ‘title’. However, having one’s pronouns respected (there are many types of pronouns, let’s recognize and respect them) helps players feel safe and able to trust their fellow participants. Everyone should treat everyone with respect, so players should use their best efforts to refer to other players by their preferred pronouns and if they use an incorrect pronoun the speaker should simply correct themselves. Sometimes incorrect pronouns are used despite good intentions, and this causes negative and hurtful feelings that were not intended. If a person is corrected, they should accept it graciously and use the proper pronoun, and treat their co-players with respect. The overriding principle is: if you make a mistake and use the wrong pronouns in spite of your good intentions, the best response is to acknowledge the mistake, correct it, and continue on with gameplay. Over-apologizing exaggerates the mistake and derails the role-play. Thus, a simple “thank you” is preferred as its the least anxiety-producing for everyone involved.

- Immersion

Though immersion (or feeling as though you truly embody the character) is not always the goal of role-playing in general, immersion is most achievable when players feel safe and included in a setting that allows for clear communication and consent. At Game Theatre events, immersion is not a rule (the team wants people to be comfortable pursuing what they wish when they wish), but deeper immersion is there to pursue. With that in mind, the company encourages a safe, inclusive, and transparent community and consent culture – because it’s kind – but also to support an environment conducive to immersion and quality interactive gaming.

- Safety Concerns

Safety concerns at The Game Theatre Games should be communicated immediately to the Game Directors/Runners, Christopher Batarlis and Evan Michaels, or Game Masters and Staff, examples: in the case of environmental dangers, medical issues, harassment, and legal violations, Game Masters are available to assist you. The Game Theatre will make decisions that ensure the safety of players at our Games and will address the safety of players/attendees who attend our Games.

- Zero Tolerance Policy

The Game Theatre has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal behavior, violence against other community members, stalking, harassment, and other types of abuse at Games run by The Game Theatre in-person or online, and any violation of these policies can result in removal from any Game without a ticket refund. 

- Responsible Use

In-person Games by The Game Theatre may include the service of alcohol. We urge our participants to drink responsibly. Alcohol will only be served to persons of 21 years of age or older in the United States.

Event Objectives

Physical and emotional safety: creating and supporting a safe environment is paramount. Plus, it’s necessary to facilitate the second objective. Enjoyment: the company wants to present and maintain an environment full of rewarding and enjoyable experiences!Rules, mechanics, and in-game objectives: if players are safe and enjoying themselves, then they can do amazing things within the social adventure designed by The Game Theatre!

If you have any questions, please email the company at: Info@TheGameTheatre.com