Code of Conduct & Theatre Policies

Last updated: 13. September, 2023 – Make it clearer how you can get in touch with us to report an issue and what happens after making a report

There’s a lot to read here! We do this for everyone’s benefit – by defining our policies comprehensively and in writing, we hope to set expectations clearly – for us and you!

We take the safety and comfort of our performers, audience and students seriously – if you’d like to report an issue (no matter how big or small), make a complaint, or otherwise get in touch with us or our Community Liaisons, see our steps for Complaints & Reporting Misconduct, get in touch with someone directly, or use our anonymous reporting form.

Our Community Code of Conduct is centered around five principles, outlined here and further elaborated in our Theatre Policies below. This Code of Conduct is by no means exhaustive or exclusive, and should be read and accepted with an open mind and a spirit of goodwill.
Sensitive and risky subject matter should be treated carefully, creatively and with emotional intelligence, which we define as the ability to handle one’s own emotions, and empathize with people around you. Additionally, all content relating to race, sexual preference, gender or gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, age, disability, religious beliefs, appearance, or identity should never be done in the spirit of hate, disrespect or mockery.

Community Code of Conduct

Trust & Support One Another.

We expect performers to help make each other look good. That means they provide encouragement and support on and off stage; they collaborate and work together instead of competing; they do not distract or discourage performers on stage, and, when possible, they watch and enjoy the show along with the audience; they build trust with one another.

Trust is of utmost importance. If you feel unsafe while performing, you are free to stop the show and shall not be penalized for doing so. 

Be Present.

We expect our performers to give their focus and attention to one another and to their performance. Performers should listen to one another both on stage and off stage. Performers should be in control of themselves at all times; they should know their limits as it pertains to alcohol and drug use, and they should not be visibly inebriated before or during a performance.

Be Respectful.

Practice “The Golden Rule”! We expect performers to respect physical and sexual boundaries. They should limit physical contact to appropriate social norms (handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, consensual hugs) and on-stage editing (in improv). Remember that other performers are here to perform first and foremost, not to be asked out/hit on.

We expect performers to treat sensitive and risky subject matter carefully and with emotional intelligence. Performers should be open to having a constructive, open conversation about a performance afterwards if the occasion arises. Our expectation is that, to the extent that performers/performances critique anyone, they attack the establishment, not the downtrodden.

Be Openhearted.

We believe that performers succeed, and fail, together with grace. Any critique of a performance should only be given when absolutely necessary, and should be accepted and delivered in a spirit of kindness and empathy. We ask performers to make a deliberate, conscious effort to empathize with everyone, even if they seem to be very different from you. We expect performers to make an effort to be a part of the CCB Community and we expect everyone to go out of their way to make others feel welcome.

Practice anti-racism, anti-sexism, anti-hate.

We expect both performers and community members-at-large to listen when people talk about their experiences of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, queerphobia, fatphobia, and discrimination of all kinds. We ask everyone to embrace uncomfortable conversations with those who may have misguided opinions, and to call out discrimination of all kinds. We remind performers and community members to be mindful of the privileges they have, and if someone addresses an issue, there’s no need to feel awkward – say thanks and accept the comment with grace!

Theatre Policies

All Show Producers, Performers, Staff, Volunteers, Programming Directors, and members of the Booking Committee must read and agree to the above Code of Conduct and the applicable Theatre Policies below.

Definitions

  • CCB – Comedy Café Berlin
  • CCBTS  – The CCB Training School
  • CCB Premises – The physical theatre, bar and facilities, including the outside sidewalk at Comedy Café Berlin, Roseggerstraße 17, 12059 Berlin.
  • Performer – An artist/comedian invited to perform in a show programmed at CCB.
    • Guest Performer – Any out-of-town Performer invited to perform at CCB.
  • Show Producer – Anyone asked to produce a show at CCB.
  • Staff – Anyone officially employed by CCB.
  • Programming Director – Anyone working in official capacity, as directed by CCB Company Directors, to oversee the programming of shows at CCB. Current Programming Director: Co-Director Josh Telson and Co-Director Noah Telson.
  • Booking Committee – The committee tasked with programming of shows at CCB. For more information and current members, refer to our Booking Committee page.
  • CCB Company Director – Registered owner(s) of Telson & Katz GbR, the parent company of CCB and CCBTS. Current CCB Company Director: Director Noah Telson and Director Leah Katz
  • Show Program – The scheduled roster of shows at CCB.  
  • Show Time – The advertised and scheduled start of a show at CCB.
  • Ticket Holder – Anyone with a valid ticket or seat reservation for a Show at CCB
  • Doors – The opening of the theatre doors and admittance of ticket holders into the theatre. Generally, 15 minutes before Show Time.
  • Call Time – The agreed time of arrival for Performers before their show but no later than 30 minutes before Show Time.
  • Green Room – A private space reserved for the exclusive use of Performers before and after their Show.
  • Open Stage – Any show where the line up is open to the public at the discretion of the Show Producer such as a Stand Up Open Mic or an Improv Jam

Statement on Discrimination

CCB does not tolerate discriminatory behavior, misconduct or harassment of any kind.

CCB does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, sexual preference, gender or gender identity, nationality, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, religious beliefs, marital status, appearance, or identity in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, programming of shows, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.

Anyone asked to stop any discriminatory behavior, misconduct or harassment is expected to comply immediately.CCB understands that being anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-hate includes policies that actively address systemic inequalities rather than just individual action. CCB and CCBTS attempt to address these inequalities through policies and initiatives aimed at improving diversity and inclusivity in show bookings and courses.

Audience Policies

By entering CCB Premises, patrons, including Ticket Holders and the general public, accept these policies and are expected to observe them when on CCB Premises, including the sidewalk directly outside the building.

Once admitted into the Theatre, Ticket Holders may not move seats or block aisles and exits.

While on CCB premises, patrons must respect CCB property, and observe public safety regulations. Patrons must not disturb performers, performances and other patrons, including but not limited to:

  • Distracting performers or other audience members during a performance, including, but not limited to: holding conversations, either in person or on the phone; chewing gum loudly; entering & exiting the theatre beyond what is reasonably acceptable.
  • Heckling, harassing, taunting, or threatening the safety of others, including behaviour of a sexual nature, particularly during a performance.
  • Crossing barriers including the tech booth, bar, kitchen, Green Room and other locations not open to the general public.
  • Performing or promoting events or shows not programmed or approved by CCB on CCB Premises or by using CCB equipment.
  • Smoking inside.
  • Vandalizing CCB property, or the property of others on premises, including the improper disposal of chewing gum.
  • Wearing or exhibiting any signs or symbols that promote or incite racial, social, national, or religious hatred or abuse.

House Ban

Anyone found in violation of these Policies may be asked to leave the Premises and, at the discretion of CCB Staff, Show Producers or Programming Directors, may be permanently banned. In accordance with German law, so-called “Hausverbot” (House Ban) may be issued to anyone on business premises that are in violation of House Rules and Policies (Hausrecht & Hausverbot nach dem Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuch).

Terms & Conditions for Ticket Sales and Reservations

Any Ticket Holder or member of the general public purchasing or reserving tickets at comedycafeberlin.com, or entering the CCB premises, must agree to the Terms & Conditions for Ticket Sales and Reservations.

Photography & Recording Policy

CCB retains the right to photograph or record performances for marketing purposes, including promoting the theatre, future shows and content for social media. Any producer or performer who wishes to record or photograph their show must get permission from the Programming Directors before the start of the show. 

Release

Should any photography or recording capture any identifiable likenesses of audience members or individuals not in the performance, a release must be signed by that individual and is the responsibility of the Show Producer or Performer to obtain it. In most cases, a general notice can be hung in the theatre and bar informing the public that they may be photographed or recorded and for what reasons will suffice. This must be arranged with Programming Directors at least 24 hours before a show. 

Booking

CCB aims to book and produce shows that represent homegrown Berlin talent as well as showcase Guest Performers when possible. CCB shows shall be booked according to quality and social and conceptual value, and if they demonstrate an accordance with the CCB artistic ethos.

Quality

Performers and Show Producers who demonstrate an aptitude for performing comedy either through reputation from their community through positive public reviews, recognition and industry awards, and/or through successful completion of the CCBTS curriculum. 

Social and Conceptual Value

Any show that provides an important voice for societal good, including giving voice to under-represented communities like BIPOC and LGBTQI+, as well as to politically progressive voices of the Left. The show has an inclusive cast (consisting of performers/producers identifying as under-represented) or primarily a cast of under-represented voices.

Once an audit of BIPOC and LGBTQI+ performer representation at CCB has been completed, CCB will, in partnership with Diversity and Inclusion experts, determine a clear goal for representation and will aim to reach past this goal.

Ethos

CCB believes grounding strong, fun, emotionally honest performances and/or points of view in reality and focusing on relationships (in improv and sketch) allows comedians to resonate and draw connections with audiences.

We believe finding, exploring, and heightening unusual things, patterns, and relationships provide the bedrock for rich, satisfying comedic scenes/joke-writing.

We believe in comedy that empowers vulnerable people and groups; Should humor target anyone, it should be dominant groups and groups who hold power in society. 

We believe the act of performing comedy is inherently a political act and should be used against forces of power, exploitation and hate (hence our motto, “This theatre kills fascists”). Strong comedy is an act of holding truth to power because it rejects authoritarianism, allows the expression of free flowing ideas and, specifically in improv, is built on radical acceptance rather than tendencies toward violent segregation. Comedy should be subversive; it should thrive off changing the status quo. It should constantly ask the audience, “what if the world was different?” and uses a voice of reason to call out an absurdity, or employs irony to show the silliness of irrational behavior, traditions or structures.

Accountability

Show Producers must report decisions of booking to the Programming Directors no later than 24 hours before the start of the show. 

In cases where no under-represented voices can be booked (i.e. only straight white men and women), the cast shall be counterbalanced (i.e. only under-represented voices) in near future bookings but no later than the following calendar month. Should this not take place, Programming Directors are expected to report publicly (either written or in a community led meeting) why this happened and outline a comprehensive plan for improving the booking process. 

Programming Directors shall report all available booking statistics publicly, bi-annually (twice a year). Statistics shall include, where available, to what extent BIPOC and LGBTQI+ voices are represented. 

Open Stage Shows 

Open Stage shows shall be generally exempt from the above criteria but are subject to regular review in an effort to ensure they are welcoming and safe for everyone. 

For Improv Jams, the improv jam guidelines provided by CCB are required to be presented to the audience/performers before the start of the jam. 

For Open Mic shows, all sign ups must read and agree to the CCB Community Code of Conduct.

Payouts and Show Agreements

Generally speaking, Show Producers or Performers are paid a percentage of the ticket sales. Ticket prices are agreed to by the Show Producers and CCB but are generally sold online for 10€. Any tickets purchased at the door have a 2€ surcharge.

Locally Programmed Shows

For shows that book local Performers (i.e. they live in Berlin and/or their reputation and fan base is primarily based in Berlin), unless otherwise negotiated, CCB shall pay the Show Producer or Performer 70% of ticket sales after VAT and online ticketing fees. The Show Producer is responsible for communicating any payment terms to any Performer they booked for the show. Likewise, the Show Producer is responsible for paying the Performer if such an agreement is made.

Guest Performer

For shows featuring out of town guests, unless otherwise negotiated, CCB shall pay the Guest Performer 70% of ticket sales after VAT and online ticketing fees. The Show Producer is responsible for communicating any payment terms to any Performer they booked for the show. Likewise, the Show Producer is responsible for paying the Performer if such an agreement is made.

If an Agency or Agent is employed on behalf of the Guest Performer, CCB shall pay 60% of ticket sales after VAT and online ticketing fees. The Agency or Agent is responsible for communicating any payment terms to their client. Likewise, the Agency or Agent is responsible for paying the Performer if such an agreement is made.

Donation-based Show

Unless otherwise agreed, any free show that collects donations, keeps 100% of the donations and should be divided according to the agreement made between the Show Producer and Performer/s. The Show Producer is responsible for communicating any payment terms to any Performer they have booked for the show. 

Foreign Artist Withholding Tax

If the Show Producer or Performer is a non-German citizen/resident, CCB withholds foreign artist withholding tax (§ 50a Income Tax Act) and forwards the amount to the proper tax authorities if the fee exceeds 250.00€. In this case the Show Producer or Performer will receive a corresponding receipt. 

Payment Method

The Show Producer or Performer receives their fee via bank transfer. CCB will provide full payout details within 2 weeks of the show and payment will be made within 2 weeks of receipt of a valid invoice from the Show Producer or Performer. Any bank charges will be divided between both parties.

In rare cases for Guest Performers, cash payouts may be made available after the show if requested in writing at least 48 hours before the show. CCB cannot guarantee that cash payouts will be possible.

Special Requests

Any Performer or Show Producer with special requests for their performance beyond standard equipment (see below for “Standard Theatre Equipment and Set Up”) must inform CCB no later than one (1) week in advance and shall provide additional equipment themselves and arrange set up in accordance with Call Time policy. 

Additional or Amended Agreements

Any requests to add or change the above Payouts and Show Agreements policy must be made at least 4 weeks before the show date and agreed to in writing. In cases of Guest Performer bookings, a contract may be drawn up and negotiated prior to setting a show date. 

Standard Theatre Equipment and Set Up

CCB provides, but is not obligated to provide, the following free of charge:

  • Basic sound, video and lighting, adequate for the stage.
    • Up to three (3) SM-58 microphones with tripod stands (no stage monitors!)
    • 8-channel audio mixer
    • 720p video projector with HDMI input
    • LED Par CANs providing a neutral wash and back light (not programmable!)
  • Dressing room with lockable closet, mirror and adequate seating.
  • For any non-Open Stage show: 1 free drink (at a cost of 4.50€) and 25% off everything available on the bar menu thereafter for each Performer.

Call Time

Performers are expected to arrive and announce themselves present at least 30 minutes before Show Time. In cases where additional set up is required, an earlier Call Time may be needed. This must be arranged beforehand (see “Payouts and Show Agreements” above).

Performers must inform Show Producers or CCB directly in cases of tardiness via telephone or instant messaging. CCB will hold the show for a maximum of 15 minutes after show time if a Performer fails to arrive on time.

If a Performer fails to arrive on time and after the 15 minute hold, the show may be cancelled. In cases of cancellation, refer to the Cancellation policies below.

Green Room Etiquette

The Green Room is reserved for use by Staff, Volunteers, Show Producers and Performers. Anyone with express permission to use the Green Room must adhere to these Policies in order to keep it habitable for everyone.

In general, anyone with express permission to use the Green Room is requested not to occupy the Green Room unless they are in a show taking place at that time.

Anyone using the Green Room must be respectful of others who are warming up or otherwise preparing for a show. We ask that anyone in the Green Room give deference and priority to Performers whose show is next; tread lightly and quietly after a Show to allow others the space to prepare.

If needed, Performers and Show Producers may take a few minutes to do notes, warm down, or regroup after a show, but are then expected to give over the space to the performers up next.

The door should be closed at all times, and it is common courtesy to knock before entering the Green Room, as other Performers may be using the space to get changed.

The thermostat in the Green Room should not be adjusted except with the permission of Staff.

Keeping order

Coats should be hung on the coat rack and other personal items should be placed under the coat rack, out of the way. A lockable closet is available, but must be opened by Staff. Anyone requiring use of the closet must request to do so ahead of time. Last minute requests may not be possible to accommodate.

Anyone using the Green Room is expected to clean up after themselves before leaving the premises, including, but not limited to, bringing empty bottles and glasses back to the bar, disposing of trash, and putting any items used back to their original location (including props, costumes and books).

For recurring Shows, there is limited storage for items required for continuous use. Anyone requiring long term storage must request to do so with Programming Directors ahead of time and coordinate with Staff once approval has been given.

Warming up / Warming down

Performers must keep any warm-ups, particularly vocal exercises, at a normal volume (no shouting or loud singing) as the Green Room is not sound-proofed and can disturb a performance, Patrons, and our neighbors.

Performers are requested to tidy up after warming up or prepping for their show, as there may be other Performers using the Green Room while another Performance is taking place.

Cancellation

Should a performance not take place due to cancellation by CCB, CCB shall pay 50.00€ to the contracted Performer if the cancellation is not announced within 4 weeks of the show. 

Should the performance not take place due to cancellation by the Show Producer or Performer, including failure to arrive on time, the Show Producer or Performer shall be liable to pay compensation of the costs to CCB (including, but not limited to, marketing costs, staff costs, ticket refund expenses).

Should the Performer be unable to perform due to Force Majeure or illness, the Performer must inform CCB immediately. Force Majeure indicates any situation outside of human control, such as a documented or verifiable natural disaster or pandemic. In cases of illness, the Performer must provide a doctor’s note. Liability of the Performer to perform and liability of CCB to pay performer in this case is inapplicable.

Misconduct Policy

CCB and CCBTS do not tolerate discriminatory behavior, misconduct, or harassment of any kind. The following Misconduct Policy applies to all CCB staff, Show Producers and Performers scheduled to perform and further clarifies our Community Code of Conduct.

CCB firmly believes that every Show Producer or Performer has the right to perform in an open, safe and respectful environment.

Should serious harm be imminent, act immediately by telling someone on site and in charge (i.e. Show Producers, Staff or Programming Directors) and work together to de-escalate and help. Should police be legally necessary, be ready to call.

No Show Producer or Performer should be made to feel unwelcome or uncomfortable due to their race, sexual preference, gender or gender identity, nationality, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, religious beliefs, marital status, appearance, or identity in any way.

Sensitive and risky subject matter should be treated carefully, creatively and with emotional intelligence, which we define as the ability to handle one’s own emotions, and empathize with people around you. Those with a strong emotional intelligence understand their feelings, how to manage them, and how their emotions affect people around them. Additionally, all content relating to race, sexual preference, gender or gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, age, disability, religious beliefs, appearance, or identity should never be done in the spirit of hate, disrespect or mockery.

The trust and support of Show Producers and fellow Performers is of utmost importance in performances. If any Performer ever feels unsafe, they are free to stop the performance and should not be made to feel bad for doing so.

Show Producers and Performers should not treat CCB as a dating platform; Show Producers and fellow Performers are at CCB to put on a show first and foremost, not to be asked out or hit on.

Any Show Producer, Performer, or Member of Staff found to be in violation of this misconduct policy will be immediately suspended and, at the discretion of Programming Directors, prohibited from performing in further CCB shows and/or entering Comedy Café Berlin premises. Comedy Café Berlin is a private enterprise and as such reserves the right to suspend and prohibit Show Producers or Performers based on the discretion of CCB management outside of any policies outlined herein.

CCB takes comedy seriously and believes that all Performers should have full freedom of expression as they perform shows; Show Producers are on hand to provide assistance in a responsible and respectful manner, even with creative work that could be seen as ‘blue’ or adult-only and would be out-of-place in an ordinary workplace. However, Show Producers and Performers should not mistake freedom of expression as a means or excuse to say or take any action that could fall under the following areas of misconduct or harassment. There is a difference between material that could, in some cases, be seen as offensive, and material that is designed to deliberately target or harass a particular individual or individuals, or a specific group or identity. Remember that if your humor must attack someone, make it the establishment and not the downtrodden or historically oppressed!

Misconduct

Misconduct is defined as any of the following actions:

  • Actions which endanger the life or safety of another person, intentional or otherwise;
  • Fighting (or provoking of fights), horseplay, or damage to CCB property, whether negligent or otherwise;
  • Demonstrating a violent propensity through behavior, conduct or threats of such whether on or off CCB premises;
  • Unauthorized possession/use of weapons of any kind on CCB property, premises or places of operation;
  • Engaging in criminal activity or acts of violence or making threats of violence toward anyone on CCB premises or when representing CCB;
  • Threatening or intimidating any staff, employee, performer, or audience member on or off CCB premises;
  • Destruction or damage of property, or the property of staff, employee, performer, or audience member in any manner, intentional or otherwise;
  • Theft of CCB property or the property of staff, employee, performer, or audience member, including the unauthorized removal, possession or duplication of property (such as documents) from the premises without prior permission from Programming Directors; 
  • Unauthorized use of equipment or property for personal reasons, and/or using CCB’s equipment for profit;
  • Any use, or attempted use, by staff or Show Producers of their position and authority for personal gain, whether financial, business, political or otherwise;
  • Being intoxicated during a performance;
  • Any form of retaliation for filing a complaint under this policy or for assisting or participating in an investigation, proceeding or hearing.

Harassment

Harassment is conduct of any kind (verbal, digital, or physical), including written, spoken or visual material that puts down, shows hostility, and/or aversion toward an individual or group because of their race, sexual preference, gender or gender identity, nationality, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, religious beliefs, marital status, appearance, or identity in any way. 

Harassment can further be defined by any conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile or uncomfortable working or performance environment, and/or that negatively affects an individual or group’s performance or employment opportunities.

Harassment includes but is not limited to: Sexual Harassment, Stalking and Sexual Assault

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as offensive or humiliating behaviour that is related to a person’s sex, gender, or gender-identity, or behavior of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, unwelcome, hostile, or offensive educational, performance, or work environment, or that could reasonably be thought to put sexual conditions on a person’s performance or employment opportunities.

Stalking

Stalking is defined as conduct of any kind (verbal, digital, or physical) directed at an individual that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Stalking involves repeated harassment made against the expressed wishes of another individual, which causes that individual to feel emotional distress of any kind, including, without limitation, fear and apprehension. 

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is defined as any non-consensual, intentional physical contact of a sexual nature, such as, but not limited to, unwanted physical contact with a person’s mouth, genitals, buttocks, or breasts. Sexual assault occurs when the act is committed by: a) physical force, violence, threat, or intimidation, implied or otherwise; b) ignoring the objections of another person; c) causing another’s intoxication or impairment through the use of alcohol or other drugs; and/or d) taking advantage of another person’s incapacitation, helplessness, or other inability to consent.

Examples of Misconduct

In an effort to make our misconduct policy as clear as possible, the following is a non-exhaustive and non-exclusive list of examples of misconduct.

Examples of General Misconduct:

  • Using an actual weapon on stage (e.g., pulling out an actual knife in a scene);
  • Throwing actual props (e.g., a chair) without warning or consent;
  • A Show Producer requiring Performers to volunteer or participate on projects outside of CCB as an expressed or implied condition of their booking;

Examples of Harassment:

  • Repeated, deliberate reference to a fellow Performer’s race regardless of the race of their character;
  • Referencing actual or implied specific staff, Show Producers or fellow Performers (non-public figures) in a derogatory or insulting manner during a performance;
  • Getting in, or attempting to get in, the vehicle or taxi of staff, Show Producers or fellow Performers;
  • Derogatory remarks about a person based on their identity in any way (e.g., remarks about a person’s gender or gender identity, remarks about a person’s sexual orientation, remarks about a person’s ethnicity perceived or otherwise, etc.);
  • Retaliation for filing of a formal complaint, or for participating in the investigation of a complaint in any way.

Examples of Sexual Harassment:

  • Pressure for a date or a romantic or intimate relationship;
  • Offensive or unnecessary and unwanted references to parts of the body;
  • Obscene gestures of a sexual or gender-based nature;
  • Unwanted touching, kissing, hugging, or massaging.

Examples of Stalking:

  • Following someone else home from a show;
  • Surveillance or other types of observation, including invasion of digital privacy or videotaping or photographing an individual without their expressed consent or with the intent to cause intimidation;
  • Unwanted communication or contact – including face-to-face, telephone calls, voice messages, electronic messages, text messages, written letters, social media messages, etc.;
  • Sending unwanted gifts (e.g., flowers);
  • Trespassing, property damage.

Examples of Sexual Assault:

  • Non-consensual, intentional physical contact of a sexual nature;
  • Sexual contact of any kind when the other person is unable to consent, due to intoxication or otherwise.

Complaints & Reporting Misconduct

All complaints and concerns are taken seriously by CCB. Anyone who has experienced misconduct or harassment is strongly encouraged to report such misconduct or harassment as outlined below. Anyone who has witnessed misconduct or harassment is strongly encouraged to report such misconduct or harassment as outlined below. All Staff, Performers, Show Producers and Programming Directors are obliged to act on any report of misconduct or harassment they receive, and to forward such reports on to Programming Directors.

Reports should be specific, as detailed as possible and truthful. Reports should include specific charges, details of the incident or incidents, names of the individuals involved, the names of any witnesses and any other evidence in support of the complaint.

In any case where there is a reasonable suspicion or evidence that criminal actions may have occurred or are occurring, in addition to the reporting process described herein, Programming Directors, staff, and Community Liaisons (outlined below), may be obligated to report such actions to law enforcement authorities and to forward all applicable evidence to such law enforcement authority with respect to such actions. It is the policy of CCB that engaging law enforcement will only be a last resort and only when legally required, or when requested by you.

If you have a complaint, concern, or would like to report incidents of misconduct or harassment about a member of Staff, Performer, Show Producer, audience member, or Programming Director, we encourage you to contact the Programming Directors, our Community Liaisons or send in a complaint or report anonymously, as outlined below in Steps for Complaints & Reporting.

Anonymous Complaints & Reporting

CCB will investigate and address complaints and incidents of misconduct reported anonymously, but please be aware that CCB may be unable to investigate or address these reports fully due to their anonymous nature.

CCB encourages all Show Producers and Performers to feel comfortable reporting any issues directly. CCB is committed to the safety and security of all guests, Staff, Performers, and Show Producers at our theatre and your trust is highly regarded.

3rd Party Reporting

Anyone who is the target of misconduct or harassment may wish to have a 3rd party (such as a friend) file a report on their behalf.

CCB will investigate and address complaints and incidents of misconduct reported by a 3rd party, but please be aware that CCB may be limited in its ability to investigate or act on these reports.

Community Liaisons

To make reporting complaints or misconduct as comfortable for Performers as possible we have engaged with members of our community to act as Liaisons as neutral points of contact in addition to Programming Directors. Liaisons may be a point of first contact to report any complaints, concerns, or incidents of misconduct and will act as representatives of CCB in that capacity. Liaisons will treat all reports confidentially and act in the reporting persons’ best interest, but please be aware that investigations and actions addressing incidents of misconduct may necessarily involve Programming Directors and CCB Company Directors. As described above, Liaisons may additionally be required to report incidents to law enforcement, but this will only be done as a last resort.

Steps for Complaints & Reporting

You should always have the opportunity to report any incident immediately. You may report incidents to any member of CCB staff, administration, Show Producers, teachers, or House Team members who can provide immediate assistance in the moment and assist in filing a formal complaint, as necessary.

Anyone wishing to issue a complaint or report misconduct should follow these steps to the best extent possible:

  1. Document and collect all evidence in writing as described above, including specific charges, details of the incident or incidents, names of the individuals involved and the names of any witnesses. Also include contact information should an investigation be opened and further information is required.
    • In instances of third party reporting or reporting as a witness, consent by the target of any misconduct to reporting is encouraged but not mandatory. 
  2. Send your complaint or report to the appropriate person/people. In most cases this will be the Programming Directors and the Show Producers. In instances where you are unsure of who the Show Producer is you can send it directly to the Programming Directors, Booking Committee Members or a Community Liaison.
    • Should you be issuing a complaint or report leveled against a Show Producer, Programming Director or member of the Booking Committee, send your complaint or report to a Community Liaison or Show Producer not involved in the incident.
    • Should you wish to file a complaint or issue a report anonymously you can do so here: https://forms.gle/yqEFRyBPwxyG41Kz8


When we receive a complaint or report, we may contact you (or the target of the misconduct if that’s not you) and collect additional information to aid in any investigation. If the report is in regard to a specific person, we may also need to contact that person as part of an investigation but only if we are able to keep identities of anyone reporting misconduct or making a complaint (i.e. you or the target of the misconduct) anonymous.

You will be informed if an investigation is opened and in certain situations will be notified of the outcome. Please note that we are obliged to keep personal information confidential and in some cases we may not be able to disclose detailed outcomes.

Points of contact for complaints & reporting

CCB Administration:

  • Noah Telson, Company Director/Founder of CCB, Programming Director, Co-Director of The CCB Training School (native English & German): [email protected]
  • Josh Telson, Programming Director, Co-Director of The CCB Training School (native English & German): [email protected]

Community Liaisons:

(The following email addresses are all forwarding addresses for privacy reasons)

  • Antonia Bär, CCBTS Instructor, co-host of The Hedge and It’s That Time of the Month (native German & English): [email protected]
  • Nicole Ratjen, CCBTS Instructor, member of GLB, (native German & English): [email protected]

What happens next

Generally speaking, here’s what would happen after you send in a report or complaint:

  • Depending on how you’ve gotten in touch, CCB Administration or a Community Liaison will determine how your report or complaint should be escalated. We will do our best to involve you in this process, to the extent you’d like to be involved.
    • General complaints about CCB policy, programming, The CCB Training School, etc will be discussed with CCB Administration, The CCB Booking Committe or CCBTS Directors, as appropriate
      • If appropriate, someone may get in touch with you for more information and to assist in addressing the complaint to your satisfaction
    • Specific complaints about a specific person will trigger an investigation by CCB Administration or CCBTS Directors, as appropriate. In the case that complaints or reports are about CCB Administration or CCBTS Directors, Community Liaisons will carry out an investigation.
    • If it is determined that there has been a violation of our Code of Conduct, Theatre Policies or Student & Teacher Code of Conduct:
      • Staff or CCBTS teachers will be suspended from their position(s)
      • Performers will be unable to perform at Comedy Café Berlin in the future. Show Producers will no longer be booked for shows at Comedy Café Berlin.
      • Students will be suspended from a course/workshop if they are currently studying and will be prevented from registering for future courses/workshops.
      • Audience members will be given Hausverbot – a blanket ban from the CCB & CCBTS premises.
      • If warranted, the above actions may be permanent. We aim to give everyone the space and opportunity to grow, and may ask the offending person to take an appropriate workshop, course or seminar before rescinding any of the above actions, if appropriate. Repeated violations will result in an absolute permanent ban.
      • We will do our best to keep you up to date, to the extent that we are legally able to and to the extent that you’d like to be informed.
      • CCB, CCBTS and/or our Community Liaisons will be available to support you and work with you to ensure your comfort, safety and security at the theatre or school.
  • In certain specific cases (if it is clear a crime has occurred or may occur, or if someone may be in danger of hurting themselves), we are legally obligated to report the incident to the appropriate authorities. It is the policy of CCB that engaging law enforcement will only be a last resort and only when legally required, or when requested by you.

These actions are non-exhaustive as every situation is unique and may require additional steps not included here.

Agreement Form

Performers and Show Producers, please fill out the following form to acknowledge having read and accepted the Code of Conduct and Theatre Policies: