Theater Production Safety

Each year, United Educators (UE) receives claims arising from theater production incidents. Proper planning can help your K-12 school, college, or university prevent falls from stages, injuries from props, and fires.

Production Planning

Once you choose a production, assess its risks and the theater’s physical space. Consider these actions:

• Create pre- and post-production safety checklists. They encourage assessment of potentially hazardous conditions such as spilled liquid, props that may become tripping hazards, improperly maintained stair treads, or unsecured lighting or ladders.
• Identify if your equipment and effects require a permit from the fire marshal or special permission from the theater. Examples may include pyrotechnics, special effects (fog machine or lasers), or dangerous props (swords or fly riggings).
• Confirm that set builders have been properly trained in equipment and power tool use. Provide personal protective equipment for all participants in construction and rigging activities.
• Require adequate fire protection if your production uses open flames or pyrotechnics. This includes the need for a fire curtain. Confirm the location and operability of fire extinguishers. Create a fire safety and evacuation plan for backstage.

Set Construction

As set construction begins, ensure the production supervisor is prepared to:

• Confirm all props and decorations are made from a commercial noncombustible material or treated with an appropriate flame retardant.
• Monitor and enforce the use of protective gear such as goggles or gloves — particularly when creating or moving set components and decorations.
• Use proper lifting techniques, hand trucks, or carts when moving heavy items.
• Secure electrical and extension cords to avoid tripping hazards.
• Secure and inspect all lighting riggings.
• Keep walkways and all exits clear of set materials and props.
• Create a plan to properly disassemble and dispose of sets and construction materials when they’re no longer needed.

Props

An experienced property (prop) master is essential to keeping your production safe.

• Require training on your policies and procedures as well as any specialized props.
• Store all sets, props, and costumes securely and away from sprinklers and heating units.
• Ensure the prop storage area is locked and organized, and free from tripping hazards or falling items.
• Create an inventory system and track prop use as well as the need for any repairs.
• Ensure the prop master or assistant take safety precautions when conducting any necessary prop creation or maintenance.

Performances

Integrate safety checks and risk avoidance into the performance. Consider whether:

• Someone reviewed stage directions and clearly marked for the performers stage edges, stairs, orchestra pits, and trap doors.
• Stage weapons are securely stored when not in use.
• Performers work to avoid personal injury by engaging in appropriate warm-ups and cool-downs for their performances.
• Performers have adequate hydration available, and the theater is maintained at an appropriate temperature.
• Makeup kits are provided for each performer and, to avoid contamination, are clearly labeled with the performer’s name. Confirm that props and other costumes are cleaned or disinfected after each performance.

Additional Resources

Princeton University: Theater Safety Resources 

University of North Florida: Theatrical Health and Safety Self-Evaluation Checklist

Columbia University: Safety Guide to Using Prop Weapons

Arts, Crafts & Theater Safety corporation

NFHS Learning Center: Theater Safety