Our Health, Safety & Accessibility Policies
BANDALOOP is a learning organization that acknowledges its own fallibility. As such, we approach the work of anti-oppression and building equity with curiosity and humility. BANDALOOP works to be a more equitable organization with the understanding that harmful historical bias and oppression pervades the performing arts, a reflection of the larger system of false hierarchies of human value.
With an understanding that access needs are diverse and every disability is different, BANDALOOP Studios strives to create a safe(r) space for the justice, dignity and joy of persons living with disabilities. We are committed to transparency around access at BANDALOOP Studios. Below are our present and evolving Accessibility Guidelines.
For questions, requests and further accommodations, please email studios@bandaloop.org.
We recognize that the BANDALOOP website is not accessible to all users and screen-readers. For access support, please contact studios@bandaloop.org.
Wheelchair Access
Both Studios East and West, along with BANDALOOP Studios’s bathrooms are ADA Accessible. Our mezzanine is not ADA accessible at this time. To support our efforts to create more ADA access at BANDALOOP Studios, please check out The Anchor Fund.
Toilet Facilities
BANDALOOP Studios’s toilet facilities are ADA Accessible and gender neutral.
Access Services
BANDALOOP Studios employs the services and counsel of Gravity Access Services for access needs of community members with diverse sensory modalities and physicalities including live and recorded Audio Description services, pre-show Haptic Access Tours, ASL referral services, Site Visits, and Media Assessments.
For related inquiries please contact studios@bandaloop.org
COVID-19 & Masking Protocols at BANDALOOP Studios
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we are monitoring the recommended healthcare guidelines from government and public health officials, in addition to our wider community. As the State of California and Alameda County announce guidelines for our industry we will continue to offer in-person classes that adhere to those guidelines.
Masking is supported and not required for indoor activities at BANDALOOP Studios by employees, contractors, dancers, teachers, students, facilitators, riggers, safety personnel, and use of space licensees.
Masking will be further advised for all indoor activities by employees, contractors, dancers, teachers, students, facilitators, riggers, safety personnel, and use of space licensees, whenever illness, viral or bacterial, in the public arena, is being watched and/or alerts activated by public health officials in Alameda County, California.
Vaccination is encouraged for all students when possible.
Vaccination is required for all employees of BANDALOOP.
If any participant is experiencing Covid/flu-like symptoms, they are required to stay home from BANDALOOP activities
Partial refunds will be considered in the case of serious injury, illness, or personal emergency. Refunds are determined on a case by case basis. Email workshop@bandaloop.org to request a refund.
In an effort to increase agency for persons at BANDALOOP Studios to meet their access needs, masking could be required for programming at any time per the request of a teacher, student, space licensee or at the discretion of BANDALOOP management /staff in coordination with public health officials in Alameda County.
PPE is available upon request at BANDALOOP Studios.
Fragrance-Free Studio
Recognizing that some workshop attendees, employees and visitors may have sensitivities or allergic reactions to personal body odor and various natural or artificial fragrant products, we kindly ask all persons at BANDALOOP Studios to be cognizant of their body odor and scented personal products that they use or bring onto the premises such as cologne, perfume, oils, lotions and powders.
Smoke-Free Studio
BANDALOOP Studios is a smoke-free zone. Smoking of any kind (tobacco, marijuana, etc) is prohibited on the premises and within 20 feet of entry ways.
Surveillance at BANDALOOP Studios
Surveillance Cameras are used at BANDALOOP Studios for the sole purpose of potential safety incidents that require review per our insurance. These are not monitored or viewed unless an incident is reported.
Service Animals and Companions
BANDALOOP Studios loves to be a friendly host to animal companions and service animals.
Service animals are allowed to be with their companion during programming in the Studios unless such steps would result in an undue burden on the animal or companion. (IE: loud sound system, unpredictable large group movements, etc).
Well behaved (non-service) dogs are welcome in the upstairs area of the BANDALOOP Studios. Walking your dog through the downstairs areas, but please don't tie them up or let them hang out downstairs. Be mindful of those who may have fear of dogs or allergies.
Non-service dogs must belong to or be under the care of a BANDALOOP admin staff member and not be left unattended.
Non-service Dogs must be housebroken and relatively quiet. dogs that make ongoing noise, urinate/defecate inside, or are aggressive will kindly be asked to leave.
Thank you for being part of making our studio a welcoming place for humans and dogs!
For Service Animal Accomadation Requests or Inquiries, please contact studios@bandaloop.org.
Safe(r) Spaces Code of Conduct
BANDALOOP Studios promotes a zero tolerance policy for harrassment of any kind, including but not limited to sexual harassment and bullying. The commitments and definitions herein promote the creation and strengthening of safe(r) spaces that uphold the equitable treatment of all people regardless of their various identities and positionalities, including gender identity, race, age, ability, ethnicity, culture, immigration status, sexual orientation and identity, class position, home status, economic background, religious belief and affiliation.
BANDALOOP Harrassment Free Workplace Policy
BANDALOOP Discrimination-free Workplace Policy
What is A Safe(r) Space?
A Safe(r) Space is a balanced, healthy space where all people feel valued and respected. The term ”safe(r)” espouses an intersectional approach to the term “safe”, acknowledging that what is “safe” shifts depending on one’s various identities and positionalities.
How is Sexual Harassment Defined by the Law?
Sexual Harassment in the workplace is a crime. Quid pro quo sexual harassment is when a term or condition of employment is contingent upon the acceptance of unwelcome sexual behaviour. Hostile work environment sexual harassment is when unwelcome sexual behaviour of any kind creates an abusive work environment.
What is Consent?
Consent is a clear and unambiguous agreement to engage in a particular activity. It is expressed outwardly through mutually understandable words or actions. Consent is reciprocal and free of force. Minors, by virtue of being minors, cannot give consent. Someone incapacitated due to drug, alcohol or other substance use cannot give consent.
What Impacts Consent?
Force, which can be physical, psychological or emotional. Examples include but are not limited to: grabbing, touching, manipulation, stalking, exposing oneself, holding someone down, using weapons, verbal threats, peer pressure, blackmail, guilt or coercion.
Power Dynamics, which exist in relationships between employer/employee, teacher/student, bandleader/collaborator, director or producer/artist, festival promotor/artist, manager/artist, booking agent/artist, artist/audience, etc
Abuse of Power, which occurs when offenders use their position to control, manipulate or take advantage of another. Prestige, elder status, institutional clout, or financial power does not grant anyone permission to be abusive.
Speak Up, Seek Support, or Ask for Help when witnessing, experiencing or suspecting any form of harassment. Your silence may enable an abusive situation. If you witness, experience or suspect harassment of any kind please contact the Studio Manager in person or via email at teaque@bandaloop.org or if you need to seek counsel outside of BANDALOOP’s Management Teams, contact The BANDALOOP Wellness Committee at wellness@bandaloop.org