Guildhall School of Music & Drama targets sexual misconduct in theatre

The course will be comprehensive and evidence-based, trauma-informed, trans-inclusive and intersectional. Workshops for students aim to support students in: challenging sexual violence myths; understanding and practicing ethical and legal consent both within and outside of the rehearsal room; information about internal and external support available when sexual violence happens.

Later in the year students will also take part in Bystander Intervention workshops where they will explore community responsibility and solidarity when sexual harassment and/or violence is witnessed and practice a number of techniques to safely intervene.

Guildhall School’s vice-principal & director of Drama Orla O'Loughlin said ‘Ongoing incidents of sexual misconduct within the theatre, TV and film industries further highlight the urgent need to be proactive in ensuring that we all have a clear understanding of consent within our sector and the wider world.

'We're deeply grateful to the School of Sexuality Education for bringing their experience and expertise to our acting programme. Their rights-based, sex-positive, non-binary, trauma-informed approach will create invaluable space for our staff and students to reflect, learn and evolve. This work is a vital part of the ongoing culture change within the Drama Department.’

The School of Sexuality Education said ‘testimonies from survivors of sexual violence – including #metoo and #EveryonesInvited – have long demonstrated the need for culture change around consent and sexual violence within educational institutions and the entertainment industry. We are pleased to have been invited by the drama department at Guildhall School to support with staff training and student workshops as part of the school's wider commitment to developing a more consent-based practice and improving prevention and response to sexual violence.’

www.schoolofsexed.org