Theatre & Dramatic Performance
The University of Dayton recognizes that theatrical performances are unique forms of creative expression that may explore complex, mature, or historical themes. In alignment with the Marianist tradition of educating the whole person while respecting our diverse community, student organizations producing theatrical works must adhere to the following standards:
- No Nudity or Explicit Sexual Content: Productions may not feature any nudity, explicit physical depictions of sexual acts, or crude, overt references to sexual behavior and anatomy.
- Profanity & Obscenity Boundaries: While a script may contain incidental adult language where it is vital to the historical or dramatic context of a piece, pervasive obscenity, excessive profanity, or songs and dialogue centering on vulgarity are prohibited.
- Dignity and Respect: Performances must not promote hate speech or dehumanize, degrade, or marginalize the dignity of any individuals or groups.
- Stage Safety and Weapons: Any production that includes staged physical violence or the use of prop weapons (including, but not limited to, prop firearms, blades, or blunt objects) must submit a comprehensive safety and weapons plan to Public Safety (UD Police) in coordination with the Center for Student Involvement. Additionally, a certified stage combat choreographer, or if approved by the adviser, a faculty/staff member with stage combat training or an approved safety professional must oversee the staging and execution of all staged physical conflict and weapon handling to ensure actor and audience safety.
- Stage Intimacy: Any production that includes staged physical intimacy (including, but not limited to, kissing, romantic physical contact, or simulated vulnerability) must establish clear, consensual boundaries with the cast prior to rehearsals. Students must not coordinate these boundaries or the choreography of intimate scenes on their own. Instead, an intimacy coordinator, an approved faculty/staff member with appropriate training, or the organization's Faculty/Staff Advisor must facilitate the consent process and oversee the explicit choreography of these interactions. Participating actors retain the right to modify or revoke consent for any physical interaction at any point during the production process without fear of retaliation or casting penalty, and production teams must work with their facilitator to adjust staging accordingly.
- The student organization's Faculty/Staff Advisor must actively consult with the student director and production team. The Advisor is responsible for reviewing the directorial vision, staging plans, and choreography to ensure that the live execution of the show remains appropriate, maintains human dignity, and aligns with the approved script and UD's Marianist values.
- Audience Transparency (Content Warnings): To respect the autonomy of our campus community, all promotional materials, ticketing sites, and programs for productions containing mature themes or sensitive content must include clear content advisories.
- Mandatory Prior Review: To ensure compliance with University values and mission, all selected scripts, performance materials, and licensing requests must be submitted to the Senior Associate Director for the Center for Student Involvement for formal review and approval prior to audition notices, space booking, or the purchasing of performance rights.