Raked Stage.
Prior to the construction of any raked stage where the incline will be greater than ½ inch per foot, the University and/or Theatre shall promptly notify Equity in writing of such plans and provide such information as Equity may reasonably request. It is understood that when a set is being utilized from a prior production, said notice may not be possible and the University and/or Theatre agrees to notify Equity as soon as a determination is made that such set will be utilized.
When a raked stage of greater than ¾ inch per foot is used, an instructor, such as a physical therapist, sports therapist, or other qualified instructor/practitioner, will give instructions to the cast, prior to opening, as to how to perform on the raked stage in order to minimize the risk of injury.
Identifying Qualified Health-Care Practitioners.
(1) The health care practitioner should be licensed in a field that includes formal training in human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics and
ergonomics. The health care practitioner’s training or experience should include the skills and abilities necessary to assess risk factors associated with musculoskeletal injury/illness. Licensed professionals with such training include physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physicians. However, individuals in other licensed/certified health care professions may be appropriate after demonstrating equivalent study/knowledge in these areas.
(2) It is highly recommended that health care practitioners should have:
(a) Previous work experience with performing artists that includes work
performed in a clinic and at the worksite (theatre).
(b) A minimum of two years of health care professional experience.
In the new rulebooks we are referring to ramps and rakes as inclined playing surfaces to include them in the same "family". So yes, that does include ramps.
In the Production rulebook, available online in the document library, please refer to the Safe and Sanitary section to find the inclined playing surface language.
In our Stock agreements we have this additional language regarding ramps:
In all arena theatres, there shall be no riser between the runway and the stage. A ramp or other leveling device must be provided. There shall be side rails on any ramp adjacent to any pit. Aisles shall be maintained in a firm and even condition and, if not constructed of a hard surface such as concrete, asphalt, or macadam, must be covered, and the coverings be secure. All ramps, stairways, entrances and exits, crossover areas, on or off-stage passageways, which may be affected by blackouts, shall be illuminated with guide lights. In arena theatres, there shall be two guide lights on the edge of the stage and one on each side of every ramp leading to the stage. There shall be a guide light on each side of the aisle adjacent to the first row of seats of every aisle, and there shall be guide lights on each side of every aisle at eight-foot intervals. In addition, there shall be level guide lights on stage along the edge of any pit. There shall be a warning light at eye level on both sides of every pole located in an aisle, or any other obstruction in an aisle, which Equity shall deem to be potentially injurious or unsafe.
Although it isn't specified in our rulebooks, for ramps, a maximum angle of 7.5 percent is considered safe.
So I know we did this 10 years ago when I was in high school, but we did a lot of unsafe things back then.
I want to have my students build a ramp to get down from a 6' platform. I need the ramp to only extend 14' out from the platform. This gives the ramp an angle of about 23 degrees. I plan to put down some 1x4s for grip and I was thinking about adding something like drawer liners to add some traction. Clearly there will be some sturdy railings involved as well.
Thoughts? Comments? Concerns?
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.