I much prefer "Heads" when I'm on
stage. "Heads up" will make those not used to ducking and covering look up. Besides by the time you say the second part of the word, it's one less instant someone has to get out of the way. I used to do a
bit of mountain climbing and somehow got into using the "Rock" warning when stuff falls. Everyone knows what that means, kind of instinct but what ever thing you use, make sure anyone around the
stage knows what you will be calling before
hand so they dont' look up and say "Ha?" Also, definately say something even if just a
nut you dropped. Don't hesitate or fear speaking it too loud because you will get in a lot worse trouble by not saying anything.
However, when you are working in the fly loft or above people's heads, there should not be anyone on
stage. The dust alone that you kick off the
fly floor can get into the eyes of the people below. When there is people on
stage and you are doing work a spotter would be very useful to keep them out of the direct path of fire. Oshia would say anyone on
stage needs a
hard hat also during these times.
When I bring in a
drop, in times other than when there is a show, I
call "
Line Coming In" or more specifically which
lineset is coming in and wait in pulling it in until I see everyone is aware of it and looking for the
drop. That's about a standard anywhere I have been. You don't pull a
drop unless everyone on
stage has stopped what they are doing and are watching for it. More importantly, you look and ensure nobody is in the way and watch the
stage as the
drop is coming in all the way down. You are not watching the
lineset unless there is a spotter in direct contact with you.
Pedestrians, even actor cattle have the right of way even if it makes your
cue late. Remember in most instances, the talent on
stage is blinded by a few thousand watts of light plus are a
bit nervice in concentrating on their lines and
blocking. There are frequent mistakes. Just note it to the
stage manager afterwards if during a show so the
stage manager can handle the problem. Your job is to be a professional and since you are not encharged of enforcing disciplin of the actors - the
stage manager is, it's not your place to
jack up the talent much less hit them no matter how tempting it is.
Granted, I had a two week run of a show once (think it was the ballet Gizel) and this one certain lead dancer was always lingering about where the
scrim cam in. Had to hold up the entire
cue because of him and all he ever did was stand there waiting for the
cue to change. Closing night, okay I did
bounce the
scrim off his head a little. But that was only with the permission of the
stage manager.