Safety Rules

[hiker]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

I would say the most important thing is to be aware of one's surroundings, and that would include searching for threads of a similar topic before starting a new one.
Question: Theatre Safety
Safety Issues in the Theatre

Well thanks a lot for replying Derek, that was a great answer to my question. The only reason why I posted my question even though there might be similar posts and replies to such posts, is that my professor requires evidence that I am not presenting with just my own personal opinion (Universities are low on trust this days). Hence I have to print both my posting and the replies I received as evidence. Thanks for taking the time to send a reply.

[hiker]

Thanks again for taking the time to reply. I did look through the archives and though they are very helpful, part of the project is supposed to be the interview process, collecting the information, and then presenting it. Which really means I have to print my questions and replies and show them as evidence that I was actually in contact with someone, and did not just come up with information on my own.

[jessamarie6]

As a stage manager I think that two key aspects of keeping things safe are communication and chain of command.
You need to be in constant communication with the props master, TD, costume shop manager, designers etc. The more you know about what the set is going to look like, how the props need to be handled, any dark spots or intense light moments to expect during the show... the sooner you can communicate these things to the actors. It is your job to be as informed as you possibly can so you can keep your actors as prepared as possible.
You also need to enforce and follow the chain of command. Everyone should know who problems need to be addressed to and when. This way, if a change occurs you can be sure that the right people have approved it, have fixed the problem appropriately, and the correct people have been informed of the change. An efficient chain of command is also critical in an emergency situation to keep everyone safe by following a planned protocol. If everyone already respects the SM (and ASM) and listens when they speak, they will be prepared to listen and follow instructions when it is most important.

[gafftapegreenia]

Originally Posted by hiker

Thanks again for taking the time to reply. I did look through the archives and though they are very helpful, part of the project is supposed to be the interview process, collecting the information, and then presenting it. Which really means I have to print my questions and replies and show them as evidence that I was actually in contact with someone, and did not just come up with information on my own.

Well, with all due respect, the best thing to do would have been to state that as the intent of your thread in your initial post. We don't know the details of the project like you do.

[mstaylor]

SMs have the resposibility to be the liason between the director and everyone else. This includes saftey both on stage and backstage. Once you are working with the set pieces and things flown, you have to make everyone aware of where they should be when to avoid injury. Pre show during construction it is the TD's job but even then you have to be a contact to make sure it is being done. As mentioned there is a chain of command which also means a chain of delegations. The SM can't do everything and be everywhere. He can oversee the people the he has delegaded certain areas to.

[hiker]

Sorry about that Gaffta, my mistake

[venuetech]

Prop weapons of any and all types need to be treated as the real thing. Even a Nerf sword can cause damage to the unprotected body or its improper use may set in motion a injury causing event. Wooden swords can splinter and break sending splinters flying. it seems the first thing an inexperienced actor does when he picks a sword or dagger up is to wave it in someones face, and then launch into mock combat.

matches are another thing folks like to pickup and strike I do not store any matches, lighters or candles in the props room. Use of such items during a performance must be cleared with the local fire marshal If you do use these things for a production keep them secure when not in use. when the production is done i dispose of the candles and matches.


rember the golden rule "SAFETY FIRST"