POLICIES
At Leela Improv Theatre, we believe our students are at the core of everything we do. We are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive, and creatively empowering environment where each individual has the opportunity to learn, grow, and explore their craft free from intimidation or harm.
To help maintain this standard, we ask that all students review and agree to our policies.
Prerequisites
Please note that we do not offer advanced placement in any of our programs. Each level is carefully designed to build upon the skills and concepts introduced in previous levels. As such, all students—regardless of prior training or experience—are expected to begin at Improv 1.
Refunds/Transfers/Exchanges
Please note that all sales are final. No refunds, exchanges, or transfers. We will NOT respond to refund, exchange, or transfer requests. By enrolling, you commit to your growth and engagement in the course. We believe in the value of what we offer and trust that you will too.
Canceled Course
In the event that a course is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances—such as low enrollment, illness, or emergency—enrolled students will be transferred into the next available section of the course.
If the new schedule does not work for the student, a course credit or refund will be issued.
Illness
For the health and well-being of our entire community, we kindly ask that you do not attend any Leela classes or events if you are feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms of illness.
Making Up Missed Classes
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. One makeup class may be permitted per six-week course, subject to availability in another section of the same level. All makeup classes must be scheduled in advance and approved by Jill Eickmann.
To request a makeup class, please email Jill at [email protected].
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Each six-week course allows up to two absences in the case of emergencies or unavoidable circumstances. In the interest of maintaining class cohesion and fostering a strong ensemble experience, no more than two absences are permitted. If a student misses three or more classes, they will be required to repeat the level before advancing in the curriculum.
Tardiness
Prompt attendance is expected of all students. Arriving late disrupts the flow of class and requires the instructor to re-explain exercises or concepts, which affects the experience of the entire group. For this reason, students are encouraged to plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early to account for unforeseen delays.
Students are permitted up to two late arrivals per term in the case of emergencies or unavoidable circumstances. A third late arrival may result in removal from the course without a refund.
If a student arrives more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start time, they will not be admitted to class and will be marked as absent for the session. This policy supports the integrity of the learning environment and honors the commitment of the entire cohort.
Leaving Early
Students are expected to attend the full duration of each class. Departing more than 30 minutes before the scheduled end time may be recorded as an absence if key concepts were missed or if the student was unable to participate in all required exercises.
Class Times
While we make every effort to keep class days and times consistent throughout each program, we cannot guarantee scheduling continuity from term to term. To increase the likelihood of continuing with the same cohort on the same day and time, we strongly encourage students to enroll in the next level of their program at least two (2) weeks before the start of the new term.
Although many students do complete their training with the same group, cohort continuity is not guaranteed.
Substitute Instructors
Occasionally, a substitute instructor may be required due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or emergencies. While these situations are rare, they are a natural part of working with a dedicated team of human beings.
When a substitute is needed, they will be provided with the class curriculum and teaching materials to ensure continuity and a high-quality learning experience. We will make every effort to notify students in advance; however, advance notice may not always be possible depending on the timing and nature of the situation.
Conduct
All students are expected to uphold a standard of respectful and responsible behavior that supports a safe, inclusive, and focused learning environment. Inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or removal from class without refund.
Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to:
– Use of drugs or alcohol during class
– Vandalism or damage to the physical class space
– Failure to clean up or dispose of trash properly
– Bringing uninvited guests to class
– Inappropriate verbal, physical, or sexual conduct
To help foster a positive and collaborative classroom experience, students are also asked to minimize distractions by refraining from eating during class and avoiding side conversations while instructors or classmates are speaking.
Bill of Rights
At Leela Improv Theatre, we believe that creativity thrives in an environment of safety, respect, and mutual trust. Improvisation is a deeply vulnerable and expressive art form that often asks individuals to step outside their comfort zones in service of growth, learning, and discovery. To support this journey, we are committed to cultivating a community rooted in consent, inclusion, and care.
This Bill of Rights exists to clearly outline the fundamental rights of every participant at our theatre and training center. It ensures that all members of the Leela community—students, instructors, performers, and staff—understand and uphold the boundaries necessary to co-create an inclusive, respectful, and supportive space. These rights are not conditional, and exercising them will never impact your ability to learn, perform, or lead at Leela.
You have the right to:
– Feel safe in all classes, rehearsals, performances, and events.
– Be treated with respect by classmates, instructors, performers, and Leela’s leadership team.
– Work in a sober environment—free from the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
– Set personal boundaries, including physical contact and content that may trigger emotional distress.
– Define and communicate what physical touch is acceptable to you.
– Step out of any class, scene, rehearsal, or performance immediately if you feel unsafe—no explanation required.
– Excuse yourself from any exercise or activity at any time, for any reason.
– Inform your instructor, coach, or director of any physical, emotional, or psychological considerations that would help you participate fully and safely.
– Report any behavior—from students, instructors, or community members—that you believe infringes upon your rights.
– Choose who you feel comfortable reporting to, whether it be your instructor, a coach, or a member of Leela’s leadership team. You are always welcome to reach out confidentially to:
• Artistic Director – Jill Eickmann ([email protected])
• Executive Producer – Christopher Eickmann ([email protected])
You may request that your concern remain confidential or be shared in the way that feels right for you.
– Report conduct even if you were not the direct recipient but believe it would violate these rights if it had been directed toward you.
– Define what feels fun and what feels unsafe—and know that both will be honored without judgment. Only you get to choose when and how to challenge your comfort zone.
– Say “no” to any suggestion that feels demeaning or inappropriate.
– Exercise any of these rights without fear of retaliation or consequence. Your choice to uphold your well-being will never affect your eligibility to progress in classes, be cast in a Performing Improv Ensemble, be invited to perform, or be considered for a leadership or teaching role.