Frequently asked questions
Our theater is up a flight of 21 stairs (plus a step up off the street) with railings on both sides of the staircase. We do have a separate entrance with dual railings if you prefer a private entrance that is less trafficked. We can also plan seating to accommodate your preferences (i.e seating you near an exit with close access to a single stall, wheelchair-accessible gender-neutral restroom).
While we do not have an elevator onsite, we do have access to a Genesis mobile stairlift (rated up to 400 pounds) is available. Please email newporttheater@gmail.com in advance of your arrival to coordinate entry/operators/liability waivers.
We believe everyone should have access to the theater, so we're happy to work with you to ensure the best experience.
In order to ensure a safe space for producers, crew, performers, and audience members, The Newport Theater has abides by the following guidelines (adapted from the Burlesque Community Against Unsafe Spaces [BCAUS] Code of Conduct):
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We encourage our artists/producers to engage in the following best practices:
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Notice to production members, prior to performance date, of individuals associated with the production, including hosts, performers, photographers, stage crew, etc.
Notice to production members, prior to performance date, of the photography and videography policy of the show.
Keep the dressing rooms private. Producer should specify at time at booking which production members will be given dressing room access. Producers are encouraged to limit dressing room access to only cast members while they are changing costumes. Newport does not provide a staff member to monitor the dressing rooms, so access is the responsibility of the producer.
No one should be allowed to take photos (including selfies) in dressing rooms if any other person can be seen, unless consent for the photo is expressly given.
Hosts should be empowered to give clear instructions to the audience about their expected behavior. This should include instructions to refrain from touching performers and crew (when applicable), as well as instructions to use respectful language with all production members, and information about the photography and videography policy for the show.
Hosts should be informed of appropriate/inappropriate language to use in the particular atmosphere of burlesque, particularly language about consent and respecting performers.
All production members should be referred to by their correct pronouns.
Crew should be notified of and empowered with the responsibility to foster safe environments both with production, audience members and the venue.
Encourage use of the Newport Theater Incident Report in the event of an incident that occurred onsite.
Complainants should be supported in the event they feel uncomfortable about behavior by production members or audience members.
Furthermore, we require the artists we work with and the patrons that attend our events to participate in our safety policy in the following ways:
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Refrain from the use of abusive language or behavior. This includes but is not limited to language and behavior that is: racist, sexist, misogynist, transphobic, homophobic, body shaming, ableist, xenophobic, classist, or violent.
Refrain from touching without explicit consent. Ask consent each time - consent can be revoked at any time.
Refrain from any sexually harassing behavior, as defined in our Sexual Harassment Policy (below).
Refrain from violence or threats of violence.
Everyone should be referred to by their correct pronouns.
Those who aren't cast/crew members - refrain from entering dressing rooms unless you are specifically given access by the producer/artist and limit loitering if you don't need to be there.
Refer to performers exclusively by their stage name, and not their legal name, unless you have been given specific consent.
Although legally the ownership of photos and videos belongs to the photographer/videographer, performers’ ownership of their image as their brand should be respected.
Support and believe community members who come forward with reports of abuse. Fostering a culture of belief is integral to encouraging people to come forward when there are issues.
Support the Newport Theater Values Statement.
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We define our sexual harrassment policy in the following ways:
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Sexual harassment is defined as one or a series of comments or conduct of a gender-related or sexual nature outside the boundaries of consent, that is known or ought reasonably be known to be unwelcome/unwanted, offensive, intimidating, hostile or inappropriate.
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Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to:
Unwelcome remarks, jokes, innuendoes or taunting about a person's body, attire, race, gender, gender identity, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, ability, or other status protected by law;
Negative stereotyping about race, gender, gender identity, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, ability, or other status protected by law;
Unwanted touching or any unwanted or inappropriate physical contact such as touching, kissing, patting, hugging, or pinching;
Unwelcome inquiries or comments about a person's sex life or sexual preference;
Inappropriate comments about clothing, physical characteristics, or activities;
Requests or demands for sexual favors which include, or strongly imply, promises of rewards for complying (e.g., job advancement opportunities), and/or threats of punishment for refusal.
Special consideration is recommended when community members engage in physical or emotional relationships with one another, particularly when one party influences another's professional consideration for employment opportunities or when an imbalanced power dynamic exists. Relationships are also not immune to sexual harassment or sexual misconduct.
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Important Links:
Newport Theater Values Statement.
Newport Theater Incident Report
The Newport Theater no longer requires proof of Covid vaccination to attend shows unless the production itself wishes to establish specific protocols for their show. In that case, that information will be put in the Eventbrite listing.
We will have complimentary masks and KN-95 masks available in addition to hand sanitizer available for those who want it.
We have a dual-HEPA filter air purifier running during events.