Odyssey Theatre has signed the National Code of Conduct for the Performing Arts and approved a new anti-harassment Policy. The Theatre stands firmly against all forms of workplace harassment and is taking measures to ensure that inappropriate conduct in the workplace will not be tolerated.

Odyssey Theatre’s new Policy provides clear expectations for acceptable behaviour and outlines a well-defined process to address complaints, including third party review where warranted. The Policy was developed by Odyssey Board member and lawyer Andrew Higdon, and approved by the Board, who created a dedicated Committee to oversee its implementation.

“Odyssey is committed to providing a safer, more inclusive and respectful workplace where artists, volunteers, and staff can thrive,” Laurie Steven, founding Artistic Director of Odyssey Theatre, said. “Our new Policy is fundamental to our values as a theatre and we will not turn a blind eye to unwanted sexual advances or harassment in our workplace.”

By signing onto the National Code of Conduct, Odyssey Theatre has committed to following a uniform set of values, expectations and voluntary commitments developed by and for the performing arts.

The new Policy builds on Odyssey’s participation since 2018 in the Not in Our Spaces program, a national anti-harassment and respectful workplace campaign for artists between Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres. This new Policy applies to Odyssey artists, staff, cultural workers and volunteers.

About Odyssey Theatre

Odyssey Theatre is Ottawa’s premier professional open-air theatre, delighting audiences with award-winning productions for 35 years. Odyssey is renowned for innovative and imaginative masked performances that draw inspiration from Italian Commedia dell’Arte, puppetry, clown, physical theatre and culturally diverse dance-theatre forms.  

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