Theatre and Dance

Safety And Security Policy

Introduction: 

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the Department of Theatre and Dance is required to provide a policy and arrangements for the health, safety, and security of its students and employees. 

The departmental safety and security policy depends upon the active involvement of all groups and individuals. A safety committee structure is established to provide for appropriate consultation at all levels, and to consider and advise on various aspects of the policy, including the provision of safety information training and methods of control.

This policy has been formulated to ensure the health and safety of all members of the Department of Theatre & Dance.  It also aims to achieve efficient utilization of resources, and provide beneficial working conditions. 

Responsibility: 

It is the responsibility of the College of Visual and Performing Arts administration to provide, (as far as is reasonably practical) safe working conditions for its students and employees. At the department level, each chair is responsible for ensuring that the safety and security policy is adhered to by students and faculty. Therefore, there are four divisions of responsibility: the chair, the safety committee, individual faculty/staff and students.

Chair's Responsibility 

The chair is responsible for establishing the safety and security committee for the Department of Theatre and Dance. This committee will develop and maintain a departmental safety and security policy. The committee will be comprised of the theatre technical director, two members of the teaching faculty (one theatre, one dance), and the Chairperson of the Department.

The chair will also be responsible for: 

• Ensuring that regular meetings of the safety and security committee are held.
• Ensuring that regular inspections of the facility by the committee are planned and carried out.

Safety and Security Committee Responsibility 

• Establish a departmental safety and security policy.
• Ensure that both faculty and students are fully aware of their individual responsibilities regarding safety and security.
• Ensure that the committee's reports are submitted to the appropriate university officers for action.
• Ensure that the individual hazard reports are submitted to the appropriate university officer for action.
• Ensure that accident reports are forwarded to the appropriate university officer.

Faculty Responsibility 

• Inform all students concerned of the individual responsibility regarding security and safety within the department's individual studios and buildings
• Carry out monthly safety inspections of their area.
• Ensure that all materials, equipment, and machinery purchases conform to recognized standards regarding the Security and Safety policy within the department.
• Report all accidents and/or incidents, which could have resulted in a serious accident to the chair.  (See Accident Report form, Appendix A.)
• Endeavor, within all reasonable practicability and available resources, to keep the students trained in the safe use and maintenance of all machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Instruct every student in the safe use and storage of paints, dyes, and other chemicals and materials.
• Be familiar with the locations of the fire alarm call points and the emergency exits as well as the mode of operation and positions of the extinguishers.
• Ensure that the appropriate protective clothing is worn by students involved in the use of machinery, equipment and chemicals, i.e. goggles, face visors, breathing masks, overalls, etc.
• Ensure that safety harnesses are used when rigging stage scenery if there is a danger of falling.
• Maintain the campus wide smoking policy.
• Know the procedures for the safe evacuation of students in an emergency, i.e. location of fire extinguishers and exits.
• Inform the Chair of hazardous conditions or situations; (See Appendix B).
• Inform students of the evacuation point to be used (from the shop or classroom concerned) and procedures to be followed in an emergency;
• Inform students of the location and use of first aid kits.
• Indicate the location of all fire extinguishers in the studio, shop or classroom and/or the adjacent hallway.
• File with the purchasing office travel and insurance forms for all field trips.

Faculty who observe a student in violation of the policies established in this document must instruct that student to cease such action.

This information and instruction must be presented to each of the faculty's student groups at the beginning of each semester or at the induction of any new student group.  Every new student joining a class must be given the safety information and instruction by the faculty concerned.

Student's Responsibility

• Only use power machinery and equipment for which they have received authorized training from the faculty or professional instructor.  (Students who have not received training in the safe use of machinery, should contact the faculty member responsible.)
• Do not use power machinery when alone in the shops or stage areas;
• Do not use power machinery in the scenic studio when the faculty member or technical assistant is absent;
• Use the appropriate protective clothing when using machinery, i.e. goggles, head bands, overalls, etc.
• Ensure that loose ties, belts, cuffs, jewelry and long hair are properly secured or tucked in while working with power machinery;
• Keep one's own hand tools in good repair;
• Adhere to the no smoking policy in Johnson Hall.
• Do not consume, or bring into the studios, shops, or any building areas, any alcoholic beverage or controlled substance.
• Do not work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Evacuate the building immediately when the "Fire Alarm" is sounded.

Access to Johnson Hall:

During the official semester dates (first day of class to the last day of class), theatre and dance majors have daily access to the Johnson Hall facilities.  Hours of access are 8:00 a.m. to midnight.  Student access to the facilities outside of the regular official semester requires the permission of the Chair of the department.  No access is allowed during official office closures without prior permission of a faculty or staff member.

The names of those students requesting permission from the Chair to access Johnson will be forwarded to Public Safety.  Any student that has not signed the vacation access form and received permission from the chair will be told by Public Safety officers to leave the building.

Hazard Reports and Accident Prevention: 

Every member of the faculty, staff and the student body is required to report any potentially dangerous situation as soon as it becomes apparent.  A "Hazard Report" form is available from the department office.  Any hazard noted must be reported to the Chair immediately.  (See Hazard Report form, Appendix B.)  Prevention also involves safety education.  In addition to training programs, each faculty member, whether full-time or part-time, is required to provide information and instruction to his or her students regarding accident prevention.

The faculty must present safety information and instruction to their student groups at the beginning of each semester or at the induction of any new individual group of students.

Faculty must ensure the general tidiness, cleanliness and housekeeping of the working environment, use of guards or protective clothing where necessary, and the maintenance of equipment.  Faculty must ensure that only authorized and/or adequately trained individuals be allowed to use or operate dangerous machines and equipment.

The first requirement for achieving safety in the studios and workshops is the willingness of every person to accept his or her responsibility for the vital role he or she must play in accident prevention.  The only path to effective accident prevention is knowledge, and action based on that knowledge; action practiced so often that it becomes habit.

Safe Handling of Chemicals and Hazardous Materials: 

Safety Policy in relation to hazardous materials involves the utilization of set procedures so that risk to health and safety is minimized at all stages of storage, distribution, use and disposal.

Security arrangements for the storage of hazardous materials and limitations on the quantities stored, issued or purchased must be strictly observed.

Mixing chemicals may cause a violent reaction or create toxic vapors.  Storage should therefore ensure that different chemicals are kept physically separated. Instructions and procedures for handling of chemicals must be absolutely clear and precise and must be provided on wall charts in each studio and workshop.

Containers and Materials 

All containers and materials should be clearly marked to indicate properties, hazards and proper handling methods.  Any unmarked containers or materials should be reported to the safety committee so that appropriate action may be taken.

Generally, containers should not be used for anything other than their original contents.  But where it is desired to use non-returnable containers for other purposes, they should be thoroughly cleaned out so that there is no possibility of a reaction between incompatible chemicals.  Such containers should always be clearly re-labeled.

Protective Clothing 

The Department will provide protective clothing and equipment for handling hazardous materials. It must be used when appropriate. Where there is even the slightest risk of eye injury, goggles should be worn.

Splashes and Spillages 

If splashing or burning of the person occurs, the affected part must be treated immediately with large quantities of cold water.  Proper medical treatment must be sought after giving this emergency care. Winthrop Police must be informed of the accident (see page 7).

All splashes and spillages must be cleaned up without delay; this is best done by means of washing away with running water.

Accidents: 

In this Policy Statement accidents are defined as incidents that have caused or might reasonably be expected to have caused injury to persons and/or damage to property.

Report the Accident 

• Any accident to a member of the faculty, staff or student must be reported immediately to the Campus Police Department.  Dial 3333.  The officer who reports to the scene of the accident will make a determination about treatment.

Seal Off Danger Zone

Following the occurrence of a serious accident, apart from immediate attention to an injured person or persons and switching off electricity, gas supplies, etc., care should be taken to seal off the area without clearing up, alteration, or removal of equipment or materials until inspection has been carried out by public safety officers.

Restore the Area 

The area should only be reinstated to its normal working condition after obtaining specific approval from the investigating Police officer.

File an Accident Report 

• Obtain an accident report form from the Theatre and Dance office.
• Fill out the form and submit it to the Department Chair.
• Report near-miss accidents or hazards on the Hazard Report Form.
• If the accident includes injuries, the department chair forwards the accident report to the appropriate campus officer.
  
  • If there is an injury to a student, the accident report goes to the Procurement Officer in the Purchasing Department.
  • If there is an injury to an employee of the university, the accident report goes to the Environmental Health and Safety Office.
   

Safety Inspection: 

A designated safety committee of academic and non-teaching staff will carry out regular inspections of the Department of Theatre and Dance, its physical plant, equipment and amenities.

The safety committee will tour relevant areas twice during each semester and once during the summer.  Their reports will be submitted to the chair.

Terms of Reference 

During inspection of Johnson Hall, Safety Groups must observe, record and report on the following:

Electrical fixtures

General organization and tidiness of shops

Machinery - Access and Guards

Compressed air hoses and fixtures

Ventilation efficiency                             

Hand tools and equipment safety

Access to fire doors and exits                           

Flooring

Hallways obstructions                                     

General noticeable hazards

Chemical storage areas                                   

Protective clothing facilities

First Aid Kits                                        

Signs & posted instructions

Fire Evacuation Procedure:

In the event of a fire occurring, the following procedure is advised: 

A.    Faculty, staff or students who are involved with the incident should:

• SOUND THE FIRE ALARM.  This may be done by activating the alarm buttons.  Should the alarm not sound, try another call point or instruct the departmental office to inform all extensions in the building of the existence of fire and the need for evacuation. 
  
  
• CALL WINTHROP POLICE WITHOUT DELAY.  Dial 3333 and give the location, size and type of fire. 
  
  
• ENSURE THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS MET ON ARRIVAL AND GIVEN FULL INFORMATION. 

B.             EVACUATE THE BUILDING.

Faculty in charge of classes must instruct their students to leave the building as soon as the alarm is heard. Faculty should assume responsibility for supervising the evacuation.  Should the alarm not sound, they should initiate the evacuation, notify other faculty to do the same, and notify the secretaries to inform all extensions in the building of the existence of fire and the need for evacuation.

• Areas should be made safe if time permits.
• Doors and windows should be closed.
• The evacuation should proceed quietly but quickly, making use of all available exits.

C.     AFTER EVACUATION, STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF MUST REPORT.

Students should report to the faculty in charge of their class and staff should report to the person to whom they are normally responsible.  The Fire Department should be informed if anyone is known to be missing.

D.    DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING UNLESS GIVEN PERMISSION BY THE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS.

Departmental area policies:

A.  The Scenic Studio:

The scene shop may be used by theatre and dance students enrolled in classes that require the use of the shop or involved in departmental productions.  The scene shop may NOT be used by students for personal projects without permission of the technical director.

During Studio Hours: 

Students will sign in and out with the technical assistant who will note the appropriate class the student is enrolled in, the time in, and the time out. During the time a student is in the scene shop or using shop tools, he or she will adhere to all shop procedures and safety requirements. Failure to abide by the policies, procedures, and safety requirements regarding the scene shop will result in the disciplinary action.

Scenic Studio Technical Assistant Duties: 

All technical assistants (TA) must maintain the scene shop hours they are assigned and/or responsible for working.  If a TA cannot work or otherwise maintain the shop hours he or she has been assigned, the monitor must notify the technical director

In the event of a serious accident in the scene shop, the technical assistant will immediately telephone Winthrop Police.  The phone number (x3333) is posted by the scene shop phone. The technical assistant must tell security their name, location and the nature of the accident.

The technical assistant must remain within the scene shop area during work hours.

The technical assistant will be familiar with all scene shop procedures, policies, and safety requirements.

The technical assistants are responsible for final clean up at the end of day's shop hours.  Fifteen minutes before closing, the supervisor will announce that it is time to clean up the shop.  All students working the shop are required to stop work, return all hand tools to storage, and clean up. 

The technical assistants will inspect the shop before closing to insure that all tools are secured. technical assistants will lock all cabinets and shop doors before leaving.  Any problems should be noted and the information delivered to the technical director.

Scene Shop Precautions:

General:

• Do not operate equipment unless you have been trained by an authorized person, you are capable of operating it safely, have permission to do so and are enrolled in a class assigned to this area.
• Wear safety glasses when operating power equipment.
• Do not work alone.
• Do not use power tools when overtired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Do not talk or otherwise divert your attention or that of other people while operating power equipment.
• Follow directions.  Do not invent ways of operating equipment.
• Never force a cutting tool.  Let each tool do its job.
• Do not try to slow or stop coasting machines.
• Do not leave machines running.
• Do not remove machine guards.
• Do not adjust tools.
• Keep work areas clean and free of trash, oil, etc.
• Know fire exits and location of firefighting equipment.
• Stay alert.  Be responsible for your safety and that of others.
• Keep long hair tied back.
• Remove jewelry.
• Wear shoes.
• All flammable items must be stored in a fireproof cabinet.

Powered Machines 

These principles should be applied to all powered machines to prevent injury:

• Adequate training in the operation of each machine is essential.
• The machine should be set up correctly and all nuts, bolts, and clamps necessary to the safe operation should be secured.
• Guards should always be used and correctly adjusted.  Always report any defect in this respect.
• Never use the machine unless the guards are correctly positioned.
• No loose or flapping clothing, finger rings or gloves should be worn when using a machine.
• Never interfere with or distract another person who is operating a machine.
• Never attempt to clean, adjust, oil or repair a machine unless you have been clearly instructed and authorized to do so.
• When attending to the machine make sure it is switched off and that no one can turn it on while you are working on it.
• Never try to stop moving machinery with your hands or body.
• Keep the floor around the machine clear of scrap, shavings and metal chips.
• Do not run into or around the studio workshops.

Compressed Air 

The misuse of compressed air involves great danger.  If a compressed air hose or jet is applied to an open cut or scratch, air can force its way under the skin and into the tissues. If it then enters the bloodstream the result can be fatal.  If a jet comes into contact with any opening in the body the results may range from a perforated eardrum to possible death.

A further danger arises when compressed air is used to "blow through" machined components, or to clean metal particles or filings from work or work places.  These particles can be blown into the faces of others or rebound into the face of the person using the jet.

Arc Welding 

Areas where welding takes place should have good general ventilation and work in confined areas should receive special attention.  Loose material liable to ignite should be removed from the vicinity.  Wooden floors should be protected by asbestos or steel mats.  Fire extinguishers must be readily available.

The following safety tips for welding should always be observed. 

• Use goggles, hand shield or helmet with dark glass lenses.
• Do not weld near flammable materials.
• Do not attempt to weld enclosed vessels or tanks until safety precautions have been taken.
• Do not weld material that has been degreased with solvents, unless it is absolutely dry.
• Do not weld galvanized or coated metals without taking proper precautions against fumes.
• Use screens to protect your workmates: glare can cause eye injury up to a distance of two hundred feet.

B. The Costume Studio: 

• All persons using the costume shop should follow these procedures. Do not operate any machinery unless you have been taught its use by a supervisor or the costume designer.
• Keep hands out of the way of needles and blades when operating sewing machines and sergers.
• When ironing, be sure to return iron to fireproof pad or surface when finished; do not leave the iron sitting on the ironing table/board.
• Check all materials for possible hazards.  Read labels and MSDS's (Manufacturer's Safety Data Sheets) on file.
• All spraying and use of any materials with hazardous fumes must be done with a fan on and appropriate room ventilation.
• Only authorized and trained personnel may use spray or dye facilities.
• Check posted guide to know which products require the use of protective equipment such as gloves, respirator and filter.  These items must be used when dealing with hazardous chemicals including acetone.
• Protective gloves and dust filter must be used when mixing dyes and for chemical treatments to hair (coloring, permanents, etc.).
• An exhaust fan must be used at all times when using dyes.
• All flammable items must be stored in a fireproof cabinet.
• Turn off all machines, irons, steamers, and glue guns at the end of the work period.

C. Theatre and Studio Theatre:

The Johnson theatres are available to the students, faculty and staff who are selected to work on theatre and dance productions.  The theatres are also public spaces and classroom spaces.  Therefore, the "General Classroom Safety Guidelines" and other Winthrop safety policies apply to these spaces.  In general, the technical director, costumer, and designers are responsible for enforcing the safety policies as the production is being constructed.  During rehearsals and performances, it is the director or choreographer, assisted by the stage manager, who holds responsibility for adherence to these policies. 

All these policies apply to the Winthrop Theatre and Winthrop Dance Theatre productions, as well as Winthrop Theatre Student Works projects, productions by student groups (SAD, Alpha Psi Omega, Terpsichore).

General: 

• No smoking is allowed in any area of the stage, auditorium, or backstage areas, except onstage as required with the permission of the campus safety manager.  Extreme care must be used to dispose of matches, cigarettes or other smoking materials used in the performance.
• No food or drink is allowed in any area of the stage, auditorium, or backstage areas, except onstage as required for a performance.  Covered beverage containers are allowed.
• No pyrotechnics (fire effects) are allowed on stage unless approved by the campus safety manager and appropriately devised and supervised.

Auditorium areas: 

• The rows between seating should be kept clear of objects or trash.  The house manager should always check the house before opening it to the public.
• In the studio theatre, the chairs are movable.  Therefore, the stage manager should ensure before each performance that all chairs are properly placed in rows and are secure on top of the seating platforms.  The stage manager should also ensure that all exits remain unobstructed and that platforms have steps marked with white paint or glow tape so that spectators won't risk tripping in low light.
• Cables must be secured to the floor.
• Exit lights must not be blocked or obscured; the auditoriums should be checked regularly to make sure all lights are working properly.
• In Johnson Theatre whenever the orchestra pit is opened up, a railing or safety tape should be in place at all times except during rehearsals and performances.

Technical booths: 

• No food, drinks, or smoking is allowed in the booths.
• Proper footwear and clothing should be worn to access the tech booths in the studio theatre, since rung ladders are the only means of getting up to the booths.
• Only technicians, stage managers, house managers, and directors/choreographers should have access to the tech booths in rehearsals and performances. 

Stage areas: 

• All policies for safety in shop areas and using hand and power tools will also apply in the theatre areas.
• When the pit is open or when stage traps are in use, all stage personnel should be advised to stay clear of these open areas.
• All wing areas and backstage crossovers and corridors should have adequate safety lighting and be free of obstructions. 
• Emergency lights should be kept in good working order and regularly checked.
• All cables should be taped down.
• Light trees or other structures in the wings should be marked with glow tape and the stage manager should make sure all performers are aware of their placement.
• Set pieces stored backstage should be well organized, out of traffic areas (where actors or dancers must enter or exit).  The stage manager should follow a consistent plan for storing items as they move offstage so performers know where to go and where to avoid.  Items should be illuminated with light and/or marked with glow tape.
• The communication system between the dressing areas, the wings and the booth should be in good working order.  The stage manager should check it before each performance.
• All persons working onstage and backstage should know the meaning of "heads up" and clear the stage whenever battens are being flown in or out.
• Only personnel with appropriate training are allowed to operate the fly system.
• All set pieces and platforms should be free of exposed nails, screws, or broken wood.  Stage managers should check each item before it is used in rehearsal.
• When possible, scene changes should be made in partial light rather than full blackout.
• Movement during a complete blackout should be carefully rehearsed in light before being performed in the dark.
• Set changes involving many crewmembers and/or the moving of multiple stage elements should be carefully rehearsed and supervised by the stage managers.
• The correct ladder or genie lift should be used to hang lights, paint sets, etc. 
• Chairs should not be used as ladders.

Cleaning and maintenance of theatre spaces: 

• Shop crews should clear the stage areas of any debris at the end of their work period.
• The stage manager should have the stage and backstage areas swept and organized before the start of each rehearsal and performance.
• The stage manager should make sure that all the props, set pieces, etc., are returned to proper storage at the end of each rehearsal/performance.

Emergency procedures: 

• The stage manager shall be familiar with all emergency procedures and make sure everyone in the rehearsal/performance ensemble also know what to do in an emergency.
• In the absence of a faculty or staff supervisor, the stage manager will take charge and carry out emergency measures, according to Winthrop policies and the policies listed in this manual.

D. Dance Studios: 

The dance studios are for use by currently enrolled dance students.  Students must be enrolled in a dance class.  All person using these spaces should adhere to these policies.

General: 

• No food, drinks or gum are allowed in the studios.  Water in a closed container is permitted.
• Smoking is prohibited.
• Shoes worn outside are not allowed in the studios.  Only socks, bare feet or other soft dance shoes are allowed.  Tap shoes and character shoes are allowed in Byrnes Auditorium and the Student Activity Center (SAC).  Character shoes are allowed in West 206.
• The cabinets in the studios are to be kept locked and only the dance faculty are allowed to use the music systems and the percussion instruments.
• Cosmetics, perfumes, lotions, hair oils, or sprays that will damage the floors or offend people with allergies are not allowed in the studios.
• No jewelry, or hair ornaments such as banana clips are allowed.
• The studio must be left clean and uncluttered after being used.  All trash and extra clothing and other items should be cleared and removed from the studios.
• Dance Students may use the studios after hours only in pairs and only if the dance faculty has granted permission and Public Safety has been notified. 
• Students are expected to bring their own CD/Tape player if they wish to work with music. 
• The studio doors are to be shut and locked, and the lights turned off when students leave.
• The windows in the studios are to be kept closed.
• Accidents that occur after hours should be handled according to the accident procedure outlined on page 7 of this manual.

E. Box Office:

Box Office Emergency Procedures 

A copy of all emergency procedures shall be posted in the Stage Manager's Promptbook and in the box office during any performance.  All staff and faculty will make themselves familiar with the operation of emergency equipment located in the Johnson Theatre and Johnson Studio Theatre.

EMERGENCY FIRE PROCEDURES:

In the event of fire in Johnson Theatre/Studio Theatre during a performance,

The Stage Manager will:

1. Bring up the house lights as a prearranged signal that the performance is to stop.
2. Go to Downstage Center before the audience and read the following:

   "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.  WE ARE EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES AND REQUEST THAT YOU VACATE THE BUILDING IN AN ORDERLY FASHION.  PLEASE WALK TO THE EXIT NEAREST YOU AND CONTINUE OUT OF THE BUILDING TO THE LAWN FACING THE FRONT OF JOHNSON HALL. THANK YOU"
   

3. Supervise the evacuation of all cast and crew.
4. Make sure that stage lights and other electrical equipment are turned off.
5. Wait outside the main entrance for the arrival of Winthrop Police.
6. Inform the cast and crew when and if it is safe to return.
7. Supervise the continuation of production if feasible.

The House Manager will:

1. Call Winthrop Police at 3333
2. Make sure the audience is cleared from the building.
3. Wait outside the building with the stage manager for the arrival of Winthrop Police.
4. Inform the audience when and if it is safe to return.

All cast and crew and audience members should be evacuated to the grass area across from the front Johnson Hall. The Stage Manager, House Manager and the Director or Choreographer will be responsible for ascertaining that all persons in the building have been evacuated. 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR A POWER FAILURE

In the event of a power failure during a performance, the emergency lights will come on. The stage manager should take a flashlight and go before the audience and read the following announcement: 

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: 

WE ARE EXPERIENCING A TEMPORARY POWER FAILURE AND ARE FORCED TO HALT THIS EVENING'S PERFORMANCE UNTIL POWER IS RESTORED. PLEASE REMAIN IN YOUR SEATS AS WE EXPECT RESUMPTION OF NORMAL ELECTRICAL SERVICE MOMENTARILY.  THANK YOU"

 In the event the power is not restored within fifteen minutes of the initial power failure, the stage manager will post ushers with flash lights in the aisles and make the following statement: 

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

DUE TO THE POWER FAILURE WE ARE FORCED TO CANCEL THE REMAINDER OF THIS EVENING'S PERFORMANCE.  THE USHERS HAVE TAKEN UP POSITIONS WITH FLASHLIGHTS TO HELP YOU LEAVE THE THEATRE SAFELY. PLEASE WATCH YOUR STEP.  WE HAVE (NUMBER OF PERFORMANCES) THIS WEEK.  PLEASE CALL THE BOX OFFICE TOMORROW TO RESERVE A SEAT AT WHICH YOUR TICKETS WILL BE HONORED.  PLEASE KEEP YOUR TICKET STUBS, AS THEY WILL BE NEEDED FOR READMISSION.  THANK YOU." 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR A SEVERE WEATHER WATCH

In the event that threatening weather is forecast.  Weather bulletins will be constantly monitored by the house manager throughout the performance.  The stage manager will be informed that threatening weather is forecast. In the event that a tornado watch is issued the house manager will:

1. Alert the director of the play, and the stage manager that a tornado watch is in effect.
2. Issue flashlights to ushers and house staff.
3. Ascertain that ushers are aware of emergency positions and duties.

4. Should the tornado touch down in the vicinity, the stage manager will stop the performance, will make an announcement regarding the situation and ask the audience to evacuate to the halls outside the offices on the first floor. The audience in the balcony should evacuate to the hall outside the office of the Mass Communication Dept. The stage manager will escort the cast and crew to the hall outside the costume shop and assign people to stay with the various groups and keep them informed of the situation until the danger is passed.

F. JOHNSON HALL CLASSROOMS:

The classrooms used by the Department of Theatre and Dance include: 

Johnson 205 — lecture room seating a maximum of 50 students

Johnson 202 — computer lab for design and choreography students

Johnson 103 — acting classroom

Other Johnson Hall spaces used for classroom instruction include:

Johnson 235 — large dance studio

Johnson 232 — small dance studio

Johnson 126 — the make-up room

Johnson116 — the scene shop

Johnson 122 — the costume shop

Johnson 106 — Johnson Theatre

Johnson 117 — Studio Theatre

Policy Statement: 

In order to foster creativity and collaboration on artistic projects, the Department of Theatre and Dance opens its classrooms, shops, studios, and rehearsal spaces many hours beyond the Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00 workweek; often multiple spaces are in use; at other times, only a few artists are at work in Johnson Hall. 

The following policies are in place to ensure the safety of everyone: 

• All classrooms, studios, shop areas, and rehearsal spaces will close after midnight and theatre and dance students will vacate the building.
• Special events, such as the Midnight Cabaret, require written permission from the department Chair.  This permission must be obtained before the event can be publicized and there must be a faculty or Winthrop staff member on hand through the end of the event.
• No student should be working alone in Johnson Hall — at least one other person should be present. 
• No student may work in tech booths, costume studio, scenic studio or computer lab without faculty, TA, or work study student supervision.
• If a rehearsal ends late in the evening, the stage manager should see that the cast and crew walk out together and that no one is left alone in the building or has to walk out to the parking lot alone.
• At the end of each workday (Monday through Friday, at 5:00 p.m.), the Theatre and Dance Facilities Manager will lock up the theatre and scenic studio.  Students, faculty, and staff who need access to the space after hours will be provided keys to appropriate spaces.  They will also be responsible when they leave the building for locking up all doors and windows they have opened.
• No student, faculty or staff person will give anyone access to any rooms or shop areas unless they can stay with the visitors see them out, securing the space when they leave.
• The stage manager of the last rehearsal/performance of the day is responsible for calling Winthrop Police at x3333 to let them know the space has been vacated.
• All persons who have keys to Johnson Hall are expected to safeguard them and notify the theatre and dance office immediately if any keys are misplaced.
• Students, faculty, and staff should notify the department chair of any and all safety and security issue in Johnson Hall.  They should be thoroughly familiar with all policies affecting the spaces to which they have access.