Handbook & Class Policy

Gregory Berger
(Berg)
www.bergstudios.com
3245 Casitas Ave, Suite 104
Los Angeles, CA 90039
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction…………………………………………………………………..…………....2
Communication………………………………………………………………..……….….3
Tuition and Payment……………………………………………………………………....4
Accepted Forms of Payment…………..……………………………………..…....5
Private Coaching Payments………………………………………………………..5
Monthly Tuition Payment Obligation..……...………………………………….....6
Late Drops………………………………………………………………………....6
Unpaid Balance…………………..……………………………………..................6
Attending Classes………………………………………………………………….6
Leave of Absence………….……………………………………………………....6
Training…………………………………….……………………………………………...7
Resume Listing………………………………………………….………....……...7
Class Schedule…………………………………………………………………….7
Boot Camp…………………………………………………………….…………..7
Mastermind……………………………….……………………………………....8
Course Levels & Advancement……………………………………….…………..8
Rules of Class Conduct…………………….……………………………………………...9
Scene Work………………………………….………………………………………….....10
Scene Scheduling…………………….…………………………………………....10
Scene Partners……………………….…………………………………………….10
Scene Selection ……………….…….………………………………………….….10
Props, Food, Etc…………….…….……………………………………..…………11
Workshops………………………………………………………………….......................12
Special Topics…………………………….…………………………….......……..12
On Camera Technique…………..……………….………………………………..12
Safety……………………………………………………………………………....………13
Stage Combat & Prop Weapons………………………………………….…….....13
Physical Intimacy & Personal Work…………………………………….…...……13
Sexual Misconduct Policy……………………….…………………………….…..14
Warnings & Expulsion………………………….………………………………………...16
Student Agreement……….…………………………………………………………….…17
Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form………………………………………….….19

All topics listed in the Berg Studios Handbook pertain to classes/workshops held either at Berg Studios
(3245 Casitas Ave, Suite 104, Los Angeles, CA 90039) or any other facility to which students are
directed for classes and/or workshops being hosted by Berg Studios.

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 INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Berg Studios, established in 1998. Gregory Berger (Berg) leads this award-winning acting
school as Founder and Artistic Director. Based on teaching principles of the acclaimed Yale School of
Drama, the studio offers technique classes in Scene Study, On-Camera, Commercial & Theatrical
Audition, Movement, Voiceover, Mask Work, Clown Work, Alexander Technique, and more.

Sustained by a staff of graduates from the Yale School of Drama, Juilliard and the like, the Berg Studios
philosophy is grounded in a solid foundation of repeatable technique, conceived for working effectively
on set or stage.

Whether you are a novice actor or veteran performer, Berg Studios welcomes actors of all skill levels.
Advancement is based on your implementation of the studio technique and conversations with your
instructor.

With the solid foundation that comes from a disciplined work ethic rooted in technique, your abilities
will be challenged, your skill elevated, and your understanding expanded. You will learn a physical
approach to acting and not one that is solely intellectual. The result is the spontaneity, honesty and
originality that come from subtext and the imagination.

Berg Studios is known as a premier training ground for students, from novice actors to those who have
graduated from esteemed drama programs such as Juilliard and Yale. Our technique can be seen in the
work of today’s most notable performers and Yale Alumni, such as Lupita Nyong’o, Meryl Streep, Paul
Giamatti, Sigourney Weaver, Liev Schreiber, Tony Shalhoub and many, many more.

We’re glad you’re here.

Gregory Berger
Founder & Artistic Director

“Freedom is the ultimate goal of technique. Many actors who come to me have no repeatable system of
work. Afraid that technique will trap them, they use random instincts, which produce random results. By
asking, "How do I work on this? What is my system?" our work becomes consistent, and our acting is
rooted in a truth that actually frees us to be spontaneous and bold even while doing multiple takes for
the camera or eight shows a week on stage. I find all other craftsmen, whether they be dancers,
musicians, or athletes, depend solely on technique and leave the results alone. They are more interested
in the process rather than the final outcome; recognizing that process ensures a successful result. When
they put their attention to what must be done, rather than the way they are doing it, results happen. They
begin to have consistency and confidence. They become less self-aware and more willing to explore and
play. They take larger risks and challenge their own personal bests. They begin to have fun. I think
actors should have the same privileges.” - Berg

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 COMMUNICATION

All communications to and from Berg Studios will be conducted through the administrative offices. For
all administrative inquiries, including but not limited to tuition, enrollment, and attendance, email us at
contact@bergstudios.com or call 323-666-3382. In addition, you can text us at 323-395-1352.

Our regular office hours are Monday-Friday, 10:00AM-5:00PM. If you contact us over a weekend or
holiday closure, we will respond when the office re-opens.

You are only to contact Berg to schedule private coaching. All other inquiries should be directed to the
administrative team.

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 TUITION AND PAYMENT

Scene Study Class: Tuition is $280 per month. Each scene study class consists of one class per week, a
total of four classes per month. There are no make-ups for missed classes for any reason, nor is tuition
prorated due to absence. You may reserve a spot in a future class with a deposit of fifty percent of your
monthly tuition ($140).

Boot Camp: Tuition is $325 for the full four-week cycle and must be paid in advance. Please refer to
“Boot Camp” under Training (p. 7) for more details.

Workshops: Berg Studios offers monthly workshops on varying topics (see below, p. 12); tuition
varies. Workshop tuition is billed separately from Scene Study (Studio Technique) tuition. Students
concurrently enrolled in Scene Study receive discounts on Workshop tuition. Tuition payments
(including deposits) for either Scene Study or Boot Camp cannot be transferred to cover Workshop
tuition.

Private Coaching: Berg offers private coaching to students for $110 per hour. For non-students, the rate
is $135 per hour. For self-tape sessions, the rate is $135 for students and $150 for non-students. To
schedule a private coaching, text Berg directly at 323-497-2106. Once you have scheduled your
private coaching, please contact the office in order to submit payment. Payments for private coaching
need to be made in advance of the coaching time.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT

Berg Studios accepts all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and
payment by check. Payment by check will only be accepted if a valid credit card is on file. Cash will no
longer be accepted as a form of payment. Checks that do not clear are subject to a reinstatement fee to
cover bank costs.

Credit cards: Students who have a card on file will be billed on that card, unless they contact the
office before the monthly billing date to update their card information or notify office via email
of a pause in tuition. Please see the procedures outlined under “Monthly Tuition Payment
Obligation,” below.

Checks: Students who elect to pay via check and do not notify the office within the allotted time
frame (per the procedures outlined in this document) will be responsible for a minimum $140
reinstatement fee in addition to regular monthly tuition. The reinstatement fee applies regardless
of the time elapsed between the late drop and re-enrollment. (See more under “Late Drops,”
below.)
e.g. If you communicate with the office on August 27th that you have decided not to
enroll in the upcoming September Scene Study class, a late drop penalty will be issued.
Whenever you re-enroll in class at Berg Studios—whether it is a month later or years
later—you will then be responsible for the $140 reinstatement fee (late drop penalty) as
well as the $280 tuition. This can be paid via check or credit card.

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PRIVATE COACHING PAYMENTS
Payments for private coaching sessions are to be made by the student/client on or before the date of the
session. Charges for late cancellations or no-show appointments for sessions will be charged to the
student’s/client’s credit card on file with Berg Studios.

A student/client that has made an appointment for a session may cancel or change the time of the
session, provided that a minimum of 24 hours’ notice is given. You can make these changes by texting
Berg: 323-497-2106.

Students/clients will be charged for the full cost of the session on any late cancellations (that is, with less
than 24 hours’ notice) or no-show appointments.

MONTHLY TUITION PAYMENT OBLIGATION

You will have until before midnight (11:59pm PST) on the 23rd of the current month to notify the office
if you will not be attending class for the upcoming month.

e.g. If you need to take the month of August 2018 off from class, you need to contact the
office before midnight (11:59pm PST) on July 23rd, 2018.

Payment will be processed on the 26th of each month. Berg Studios reserves the right to charge the credit
card on file on the 26th or the first business day thereafter if payment for tuition has not been received or
if Berg Studios has not received notice of a leave of absence on or before the 23rd of the previous month.
(For more information, see “Late Drops,” below.)

There are no refunds or prorating of tuition due to absence.

The office can be contacted by:

Phone: 323-666-3382 / *email: contact@bergstudios.com / Text: 323-395-1352
*All pauses/drops of monthly Scene Study class MUST be sent via email to ensure processing.

The Student/Client shall not be relieved of Student’s/Client’s obligations to make payments agreed to,
and no deduction from any payments shall be made because of Student’s/Client’s failure to use the
Studio’s facilities. (Student/Client tuition is for the period of time and is no way related to or adjusted
based on, actual usage of the Berg Studio’s classes).

LATE DROPS
If you do not notify the office before midnight (11:59pm PST) on the 23rd of the current month that you
will not be attending class the following month, a late drop penalty will be applied. If you notify the
office on or after the 24th but before the date of your first class, you are responsible for 50% of the
payment. (In other words, we will retain the class deposit of $140; this also applies to students on
payment plans, as deposits are non-refundable.) If you notify the office on or after the date of your first
class—regardless of whether you attend—you are responsible for the full tuition payment.

All deposits are non-refundable for monthly Scene Study after the billing date. For Boot Camp and other
workshops, fifty percent of the tuition is also considered a deposit, and is non-refundable after the
payment is processed.

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UNPAID BALANCES
Students will not be permitted to attend any class until all fees are current. Student/Client is obligated to
pay any collection and/or legal costs incurred by Berg Studios for collection of any fees. If any check or
credit card charge payable to Berg Studios is not honored, Berg Studios will assess a $25 charge for
each check and credit card rejected and collects the current and past-due balance in any subsequent
month.

ATTENDING CLASSES
You will not be allowed to attend a class in any capacity (working or auditing) if you have not paid for
class. If you have been unable to get together with your scene partner during the week and you do not
end up working in class, that does not mean you do not have to pay for that class or that you are entitled
to a refund for that time you didn’t “work.” Take responsibility for your development as an actor. You
should always have a monologue to work on in the event your partner does not or cannot attend a class.
If you haven’t had time to rehearse with your partner, which of course can happen, you can always do a
first read in class and/or an exercise. But this should happen very rarely. Berg Studios offers you the
opportunity to audit all other classes if you are a current student in good standing. You are considered a
current student in good standing if your tuition for the current month of class has been paid in full.

There are no class make-ups. If you can only take two classes in one month, you are still responsible for
the entire month tuition.

Tuition covers four classes a month. If the day of the week of your class occurs more than four times in
any given month, the office will notify you in advance as to which class will not be held.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Training is ongoing until you decide to leave. You may not come in and out of class (e.g. take every
other month off).

However, if an extended leave of a month or more due is required due to an industry-related job, a leave
of absence may be arranged. All temporary or extended leave requires a nonrefundable deposit of $140
to secure a place in class. Upon return, the deposit will go towards tuition.

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 TRAINING

RESUME LISTING
The proper way to list the studio on your resume under training is:

Gregory Berger / Berg Studios

CLASS SCHEDULE (subject to change)

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

BOOTCAMP Studio Technique II Studio Technique II Studio Technique II

(Adrian LaTourelle) (Camillia Monet) (Adrian LaTourelle) (Ann Noble)
11:00AM-2:00 PM 11:00AM-3:00 PM 11:00AM-3:00 PM 11:00AM-3:00 PM
Studio Technique I
Voice & Speech* (Ann Noble)
Tessa Auberjonois 2:00-6:00 PM
(3:00PM-5:00PM) Studio Technique I
*8-week program (Camillia Monet)
Studio Technique II Studio Technique III Studio Technique IV Studio Technique III Studio Technique I 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
(Gregory Berger) (Gregory Berger) (Gregory Berger) (Gregory Berger) (Chasten Harmon)
6:00-10:00 PM 6:00-10:00 PM 6:00-10:00 PM 6:00-10:00 PM 6:00-10:00 PM

Studio Technique I
(Adrian LaTourelle)
6:30-10:30 PM
Hollywood (Thymele Arts)

All classes and Boot Camp are held at 3245 Casitas Avenue Suite 104, Los Angeles, CA 90039, unless
otherwise noted on the above schedule.

Berg Studios takes off Thanksgiving Day and the last two weeks of December. If the teacher cancels a
class, it will be made up.

Enrolled students are encouraged to audit classes other than their own as often as they choose, at no
additional cost.

BOOT CAMP
Boot Camp is mandatory for all new students; enrollment must begin as soon as possible upon joining
the Studio. Boot Camp consists of four classes that explain and define the fundamentals of the
techniques used in class. Boot Camp is held on an ongoing basis on Sundays, 11:00am – 2:00pm. Please
refer to Tuition and Payment (p. 5) for more details.

If you cannot begin Boot Camp right away or have a conflict with attending a class, contact the
administrative offices at contact@bergstudios.com or call 323-666-3382. For further information, please
see the Boot Camp materials in the Foundations Packet.

Upon completion, students in good standing who are concurrently enrolled in a Studio Technique class
are welcome and encouraged to audit Boot Camp sessions for free at any time. If you are going to audit
a Boot Camp class, please check with the office to confirm that class will be taking place that week.
MASTERMIND

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The Mastermind group provides resources on the business of acting. It’s designed to help you hold
yourselves (and your classmates) accountable to your career goals and growth. It is a place for actors to
share their experiences and information about how to further your careers and navigate the entertainment
industry. The Mastermind group is moderated by one of the Berg Studios instructors.

Students who join Mastermind for the first time are assigned to the Beginning to Work group. Those
who are further along in their careers may progress to the Ready to Work group at the instructor’s
discretion. All Mastermind participants are partnered with another student in their group, working in
pairs for greater accountability.

Mastermind groups meet once per month. Tuition is only billed month-to-month, but participants are
expected to commit to a six-month enrollment to ensure that they have sufficient time to work actively
on their career goals. Students who are concurrently enrolled in an ongoing Scene Study course receive
a discount on Mastermind tuition.

COURSE LEVELS & ADVANCEMENT

Studio Technique I and II introduce students to the fundamentals of the Berg Studios technique.
Students who are proficient at working with these techniques continue to develop them at an advanced
level in Studio Technique III and IV, which are primarily taught by Berg.
For more information on the instructors, visit our website at www.bergstudios.com.

Advancement is at the instructor’s discretion, based on a student’s knowledge and implementation of the
technique. The length of time a student remains at any level can therefore vary greatly.

All Berg Studios students are expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism and work ethic,
and to abide by the Rules of Class Conduct outlined below.

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 RULES OF CLASS CONDUCT

1. Class begins on time. Do not enter the theatre while others are working; if you are late, wait
until there is a break in the work to go to your seats.

2. Props for your scene must be placed neatly along the side wall at the beginning of class so as not
to interfere with other scenes.

3. Students are expected to attend the entire class no matter what time their scene has been
scheduled. There is absolutely no leaving at the break. This is out of respect for your fellow
students. They support you and you should support them. If for any reason the class is running
late, you will not be required to stay longer than the allotted time (e.g. 11am-3pm, 6pm-10pm),
but you are highly encouraged to do so.

4. Students should reserve eating, talking, and using the bathroom for the allotted break time only.
Students must turn off cell phones before class begins. (Vibrate is not off!)

5. Students are given the opportunity to ask questions and make comments throughout class at the
instructor’s discretion. Students are also encouraged to forward any questions and/or comments
to the Office either by phone or email.

6. Break is taken after the first two hours of class and lasts ten minutes. Please mind the noise level
during break. Class will begin again promptly when break is over. If scene work begins before
you return to the theatre, do not enter while others are working.

7. Please respect the instructor’s need for a break and reserve questions or concerns until class
resumes. Questions that do not pertain to scene work should be reserved until the end of class.

8. It is the students’ responsibility to set up in the allotted time before their scene in order to begin
promptly. Students going up may assist in breaking down the previous set, being careful when
handling others’ props.

9. Students are responsible for any damage done to the studio and/or studio furniture in the
course of scene work. If damage occurs, the student must pay to replace or repair the damaged
items (the price will be set by the theatre). Student belongings and props should not be left at the
studio. The studio is not responsible for your belongings.

10. All personal props and items must be cleaned up at the end of class. The Studio is not
responsible for lost items. Students are responsible for any damages caused because students did
not clean up materials (theirs or the Studio’s) after their scene.

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 SCENE WORK

SCENE SCHEDULING
Students sign in their scenes in a timeslot on a first-come, first-serve basis using the scheduling board
provided in class. All scenes will be evenly rotated to ensure scheduling fairness for everyone.

SCENE PARTNERS
New students are assigned partners at the Class Manager’s discretion. Continuing students are
responsible for determining their own partners, using the section on the scheduling board marked “New
Partners.” Students may only partner with other students in their own class.

You must respond to your scene partner within 24 hours of being contacted if it is regarding work. It is
recommended that scene partners rehearse twice each week outside of class.

When your current scene is released, it is advisable find your new scene partner as soon as possible. If
you are unable to find a partner, or none is available to you that week, you can be scheduled to perform
a monologue or solo exercise the following class until a partner is available. However, it is rare that
partners aren’t available. If you have trouble finding a partner, contact your Class Manager and/or the
Berg Studios Office for assistance.

It is the responsibility of the partners to exchange contact information, choose a scene, and schedule
rehearsals.

If scene partners are consistently not performing to the standards of the Studio, or are unprofessional
with their rehearsal and class schedule, please email any concerns to the administrative office at
contact@bergstudios.com.

SCENE SELECTION
Scenes are self-selected by students and must be no more than 3 minutes in length.

Students may select their scenes from screenplays or plays. Students can easily search and find plays at
Samuel French in West Hollywood, or at any library. Film and television scripts can be found online.

Scenes will typically go up 3 times before being released. In Studio Techniques I-II, the expectation is
that every student will get to work in each class; all scenes will go up, and if your scene partner is absent
you may do a monologue or solo exercise. In Levels III-IV, more time is dedicated to discussion of
technique during and between scenes, which means that not every scene will work every week.

Students may leave the classroom one scene prior to their scene going up to prepare.

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PROPS, FOOD, ETC.
A prop room is provided for students to make use of for their scenes. The shelves along the wall are
labeled (for plates, glassware, flowers, etc); any items you use during your scene must be placed back in
the appropriately labeled spaces at the end of class.

Food can be used during presentations but must be put away otherwise. Food or drink, except water, is
only allowed during break time. The tableware in the studio may still be used for set decoration, but if
you are going to use drinks or food in your scene, you must bring your own tableware from
home. Any tableware belonging to the studio must be clean and dry before being placed back in the
prop room.

Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited to use as props.

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 WORKSHOPS

SPECIAL TOPICS
Berg Studios hosts master teachers from around the country for monthly workshops, which are open to
all current and former students as well as to non-students. Workshop topics in 2018 include
Shakespeare, clowning and physical comedy, psychological gesture, reel building, and screenwriting.
Workshops are scheduled and billed separately from ongoing classes. Students who are concurrently
enrolled in Scene Study receive a discount on their Workshop tuition.

ON-CAMERA TECHNIQUE
Approximately every six to eight weeks, an on-camera workshop is held during regularly scheduled
scene study classes. Students are required to use scenes from TV or film and bring two copies of sides to
class. A few suggested places to locate television sides are www.actorsaccess.com and
www.sidesexpress.com.

Scenes should be less than two minutes in length.

Students are expected to have their sides memorized and to ask a classmate to be their reader at the onset
of class.

Each student will have their performance recorded and critiqued before getting a chance to review their
footage. Students who wish to take home a copy of the footage should bring their own SD card.

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 SAFETY

STAGE COMBAT & PROP WEAPONS

If your scene involves physical violence or combat, it is your job to rehearse it, block it and
practice it safely. You and your partner must agree on a safe word for any scene you work on in
class. The Berg Studios is not liable for any harm that might befall you in the course of your scene work,
in rehearsal or in class. Your safety is your responsibility.

Any movement of furniture or props is made at the discretion of the scene partners. Berg Studios is not
liable for any injury sustained during the movement of such. You know your physical limits better than
anyone; use your best judgment.

Only prop weapons may be brought to class. You must receive approval from your instructor before the
scene begins or you will be stopped immediately.

No alcoholic beverages or drugs use may be used in a scene.

PHYSICAL INTIMACY & PERSONAL WORK

It is your responsibility to discuss all physical intimacy with your partner and to clear it with them
for rehearsal and for class. All such physical contact is your responsibility, not that of the studio, nor
does it reflect on the studio in any way. If you ever feel uncomfortable in any way with something your
partner is doing or with something you are being asked to do, it is your responsibility to say something
to your partner and/or instructor. If an instructor asks you to do something during a scene that makes
your uncomfortable in any way, you may refuse to do it.

If you experience any inappropriate behavior from your scene partner or another classmate,
report it directly to the instructor and the studio office, and action will be taken immediately.

You should feel safe in class and in rehearsals. A lot of the work we do is very personal. It is expected
that you will maintain a code of confidentiality and not discuss or share other students’ personal
information outside of the classroom.

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 SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY

Berg Studios Policy is that all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual and gender-related violence,
assault, harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are prohibited and will be promptly
responded to with disciplinary and/or corrective action measures as appropriate.
This Policy applies to misconduct whether it occurs on Berg Studios property or anywhere else
connected to sponsored events or programs involving the Studio. Conduct outside the Studio (including
but not limited to rehearsal time at any offsite location) that can interfere with students having a safe or
welcoming experience at the Studio, and/or that poses a threat or danger to the Studio community, is still
within the Studio’s oversight for the protection of our students. Any concerns should be brought to the
attention of the Berg Studios Office.
The following are among the forms of sexual misconduct that violate Berg Studios policy and
the associated definitions, which overlap in some areas:
 
1. Sexual Assault: Having or attempting to have sexual intercourse with another person:  
• By force or threat of force;  
• Without effective consent; or  
• Where the person is incapacitated.

Sexual Assault includes, but is not limited to: rape, forced sodomy, forced oral copulation, rape by a
foreign object, sexual battery, or the threat of any of these.

Sexual intercourse includes vaginal or anal penetration, however slight, with a body part (e.g., penis,
tongue, finger, hand) or object, or oral penetration involving mouth to genital contact.

2. Nonconsensual Sexual Contact (or attempts to commit the same): Having or attempting to have
sexual contact with another person:  
• By force or threat of force;  
• Without effective consent; or  
• Where the person is incapacitated.

Sexual contact includes intentional contact with the intimate parts of another, causing another to touch
one's intimate parts, or disrobing or exposure of another without permission. Intimate parts may include
the breasts, genitals, buttocks, groin, mouth or any other part of the body that is touched in a sexual
manner.

3. Sexual Exploitation: Occurs when one person takes nonconsensual or abusive sexual advantage of
another person for one’s own advantage or benefit, or to the benefit or advantage of another
person. Examples of sexual exploitation include:  
• Causing or attempting to cause another person to become drunk, drugged or otherwise incapacitated
with the intent of engaging in a sexual behavior;  
• Recording, photographing or transmitting images of sexual activity and/or the intimate body parts
(groin, genitalia, breasts or buttocks) of another person without their consent;  
• Allowing third parties to observe sexual acts and voyeurism (spying on people who are engaging in
sexual acts or other intimate activities such as undressing, showering, etc.);  
• Exposing one’s genitals in nonconsensual circumstances or inducing someone to expose their genitals;  
• Knowingly transmitting a sexually transmitted disease or virus to another person without his or her
knowledge; or  
• Sexually based stalking and/or bullying.

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4. Domestic Violence: Violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the
victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating
with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to
a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant
monies, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts
under the jurisdiction’s domestic or family violence laws.

5. Dating Violence: Violence committed by a person –

(A) who is or has been in a relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and
(B) where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the
following factors:
(i) The length of the relationship.
(ii) The type of relationship.
(iii) The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

6. Stalking: A course of physical or verbal contact directed at another person that would cause a
reasonable person to –  
(A) Fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or  
(B) Suffer substantial emotional distress.

7. Retaliation: Action which is taken against a person or group of persons because of their participation
in a complaint or investigation of sexual misconduct, including but not limited to, Complainants,
Respondents, witnesses, or others involved in the complaint, investigation and/or resolution of the
alleged sexual misconduct. Retaliation can take many forms, including threats, intimidation, pressuring,
continued abuse, violence or other forms of harm to others.

8. Sexual Harassment or Gender-Based Harassment is unwelcome, sexual or gender-based verbal or

physical conduct that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive to interfere with, deny or limit a
person’s ability to participate in or benefit from Berg Studios education program and/or activities.
Sexual harassment has many forms. Sexual harassment is harmful regardless of gender of the perpetrator
or the victim.

One form is quid pro quo or “this for that.” Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or
other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when it is implicitly or
explicitly suggested that submission to or rejection of the conduct results in adverse educational or
employment action. An example is a student asking another student to have sex in exchange for
professional opportunities and/or career advancement.

Another form of sexual harassment involves hostile environment. It is sexual harassment when an
individual receives unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted verbal, physical, or visual behavior of a
sexual nature, or is made to feel uncomfortable because of their gender, gender identity or sexual
orientation. Conduct that may constitute sexual or gender-based harassment may include one or more of
the following:  
• Physical conduct: unwanted touching, blocking normal movement or interfering with work;  
• Verbal conduct: epithets, derogatory comments, slurs, humor or comments of a sexual nature;  
• Visual conduct: leering, making sexual gestures, displaying suggestive objects or pictures, cartoon
posters in a public space or forum;  
• Written conduct: letters, notes, or electronic communications containing comments, words or images
as described above.

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 WARNINGS & EXPULSION

Berg Studios retains the right to expel or refuse to train anyone for any reason at any time.

A student that is in violation of any class policy listed above will be, at a minimum, put on warning, and
in cases of severe violation of policy may be asked to leave the Studio immediately. After three
warnings for a particular violation, the student will be asked to leave the Studio permanently. Typical
reasons for warnings are:

• Chronic late payments

• Chronic unexcused scene cancellations
• Chronic tardiness
• Chronic unexcused absences
• Leaving at the break
• Not being responsible to your scene partner
• Inappropriate and/or unsafe behavior with your scene partner
• Violating any of the above Class Policies
• Violating any aspect of the Sexual Misconduct Policy

The administrative office will give notice of warnings and/or other disciplinary action via email.

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 STUDENT AGREEMENT

Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns openly and candidly with the Berg Studios office at
any time. We want to maintain open channels of communication. If you have complaints or suggestions,
please feel free to let us know via email.

You are responsible for your own wellbeing. By enrolling in class, you agree to release Berg Studios
and your instructors from responsibility or financial liability of a lawsuit for any incidences, accidents or
altercations of any nature, which may occur during class or rehearsal for class. Berg Studios will not be
liable for any reason whatsoever, including personal and Studio publicity or promotion, which pertains
to the Studio or instructors.

Berg Studios reserves the right to change this agreement at any time without notice.

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 3245 Casitas Ave, Suite 104, Los Angeles, CA 90039
323-666-3382

Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form

The Berg Studios Student Handbook (hereafter Handbook) describes important information about the
studio, and I understand that I should consult the office and/or my instructor regarding any questions not
answered in the Handbook.

Since the information, policies, and benefits described here are necessarily subject to change, I
acknowledge that revisions to the Handbook may occur. All such changes will be communicated
through official notices, and I understand that the revised information may supersede, modify, or
eliminate existing policies. Only the ownership of Berg Studios has the ability to adopt any revisions to
the policies in this Handbook.

(*Please check or initial all)

I have received the Handbook, and I understand that it is my responsibility to read it, and to comply
with the policies contained in this Handbook and any revisions made to it.

I understand that I am responsible for any damages to the Studio and/or studio property held at any
facility used by Berg Studios. I will be held responsible for repairing these damages and/or for replacing
damaged property with items of equal value.

I understand that I am to be respectful of all employees of Berg Studios as well as of all fellow
students.

I understand that I am personally liable for any injury to myself and/or my scene partner during the
course of a class or workshop held at any facility used by Berg Studios.

I understand that if for any reason it has been found by Berg Studios management that I have violated
any studio policy listed within this Handbook, I could be asked to leave the Studio with no refund and/or
credit of tuition paid.

I understand that it is at the discretion of Beg Studios to issue refunds and/or credits for tuition paid,
and that missed classes are non-refundable.

Student print name:________________________________________

Student signature:_________________________________________ Date:___________

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