There is no all encompassing document that lists fire codes for all theatres and performance venues. The
NFPA is a good resource, but fire codes vary from region to region. If you're serious about learning what you can do for your
venue, request a walkthrough with your local
fire marshal. This individual, more than anyone else, will be able to bring any violations to light, and should be willing to work with you in determining how to
address those issues. Just bare in mind that the
fire marshal only has jurisdiction over issues that relate to fire codes. For other
safety related issues, it might be worth the effort to arrange for
OSHA and your local building inspector to do a walkthrough of your space. Just bear in mind, that when these people bring a problem to your attention that you are required to
address that problem within a specified period of time.
With that said, we have had walkthroughs done by all three of these agencies, and as outsiders they found
safety issues, that while in hindsight were fairly obvious, I would never even have thought to look for. Most of the issues they brought up were relatively minor and easy to fix. Some, however, were a
bit more serious and required a significant capital investment on the part of the company to fix. Overall though, we have a safer facility now thanks to our local
fire marshal, the city building inspector, and the CalOSHA inspector.