ONSTAGE SMOKING POLICY

As smoking tobacco inside public buildings and places of work is illegal, there can be no smoking of tobacco or herbal cigarettes and pipes onstage at any time.

Should scripts or direction imply the need for smoking onstage by a performer, only electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) may be used.

If smoking onstage is required, the Front of House department will note this fact on signage posted in the lobby.

No performer will be required to smoke against his or her will.

For realistic effects with a match onstage, the following must be present:

• A stage technician is assigned to be on fire watch for when the live flame is used
• They must be able to see the flame at all time
• If not possible, more than one crew member is assigned to fire watch detail so the flame is always in someone’s unobstructed view
• The fire watch crew must be holding a fire extinguisher at all times
• A container with wet sand must be present on both sides of the stage
• An ash tray with KY – Jelly (water-based) on stage to put the match in after use in the scene
• Fire exits must be clear, assessable and clearly marked for audience to use if needed
• All costume pieces worn by actors who may be at risk of a flame accident must be treated with flame retardant
• All set piece that come within 5 feet of the fire source must be treated with flame retardant
• A live flame is not left unattended
• A live flame is extinguished as soon as the scene allows

BEFORE A SMOKING EFFECT CAN BE USED ON STAGE IT MUST BE APPROVED BY STAFF.

PLEASE SUBMIT A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE EFFECT.

Pyrotechnics

NOTE:

THE USE OF ANY PYROTECHNICS ON STAGE MUST GO THROUGH STAFF

PYROTECHNICS BELONG TO A COMPLETELY DIFFEERENT CATEGORY OF LIVE FLAME AND A DIFFERENT SET OF POLICIES APPLY TO THEIR USE

Flame Retardant

Flame Retardant must be complete whenever:

• Live flame is being used on stage
• Pyrotechnics is being used on stage
• Smoking effect is being used on stage
• A flammable object it placed near a heat source.

o E.g. a light near a curtain

You must use the correct type of flame retardant for the job.

Three main categories of flame retardants:

• Wood
• Natural Fabric
• Synthetic Fabric

Please read manufacturer’s directions for proper use and applications. Also please read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)/Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the precautions and personal protective equipment needed.