Performers should not be required to be nude during auditions unless they have signed an informed consent form and an agreed-upon observer is present, the Association for Performing Arts Practitioners (Apap) has recommended.
Moreover, all performers should be informed about the nature and extent of any nudity or sex acts in a production before being engaged and should only be seen naked for the purpose of the filmed or staged scene, not for most of the rehearsal period.
The recommendations form part of a list of guidelines regarding nudity on stage and screen, which were agreed yesterday evening during a consultation meeting in Valletta.
"Our aim is to offer guidelines that protect both performers and producers, particularly when it comes to putting on sensitive material," said Apap spokesman Chris Gatt, an established theatre director.
The meeting follows allegations that veteran actor John Suda had sexually assaulted a young actress during one-to-one training for a TV audition last mon.
The actress was allegedly blindfolded and asked her to strip to her underwear, "to control her inhibitions and be a better actor", before Mr Suda allegedly got naked and placed her hand on his private part.
"In the public eye, recent events have created a sense of the whole industry being somewhat beyond the pale," Mr Gatt said. "We are not saying that we shouldn't touch sensitive subjects but there are ways and means for this to be done."
The new Apap guidelines also lay out that nude or sex scenes should be treated like choreography and planned and negotiated with the performer.
A third party should always be present during nude scenes and performers should always be provided with a safe exit.
Yesterday's meeting was attended by some 50 performing arts practitioners and representatives of leading theatre companies. In an often-contentious two-hour discussion, those present highlighted the importance of protecting both directors and performers, and of allowing space for negotiation to avoid stifling different forms of theatre, which may have their own specific requirements.
"We are not imposing regulations but putting forward guidelines which performers can opt to follow or adapt," said Mr Gatt.
"As more young people receive training abroad, it is important to have an association that gives a professional image and voice to people in the industry."