Nudity, whether entire or not, is not required by a performer until after the performer has been auditioned, and no 'sex acts' shall be carried out during that selection period, according to recommendations made by The Association of Performing Arts Practitioners (APAP).

In light of recent events, APAP met today to discuss the ethical guidelines on how auditions and rehearsals should take place when it comes to sensitive scenes.

A few weeks ago, veteran actor John Suda was charged with violent indecent assault on a 22-year old woman. The court heard how during one-to-one training, Mr Suda locked the room and proceeded to ask her to strip to her underwear. Then, when both were in the nude, the actor grabbed her hand and placed it on his private parts, asking her to give a description of what she felt, it was said in court.

Without going into this specific case, the association said that nudity or semi-nudity during auditions may only be permitted if an observer chosen by the performer is present.

The performer is only required to undress during the filmed or staged scenes and not for the rehearsal period, and should always be provided with a safe exit. If nudity is absolutely required during rehearsals, a leotard or dance belt should be provided.

In the case of productions which include nudity or acts of a sexual nature, all performers should be informed in writing, highlighting the extent of such acts. Participants should be informed of this prior to signing contract, and the script should also be handed to the performer if requested.

The professional and artistic interest of all people present should be agreed to by both parties before the audition.

The association said that no producer or director should force a performer to do something they don't want to do.

In the case where directors might include a nude or 'sex' act halfway through the rehearsal process, the initial contract should include a clause that highlights this possibility.

APAP said that in the past year, a bad light was shed on the performing arts industry and the association is trying to fix that somehow tarnished image.

The association is a non-profit body set up in response to a perceived need for an association for all performing art practitioners in dance, music, theatre, technical support or production in Malta.

It aims to foster development and growth in the performing arts and to improve health and safety practices.