GAOS Golden Rules Of The Theatre

A REMINDER ABOUT SOME GOLDEN RULES OF THE THEATRE Rule # 1 - Have Fun!

Theatre Safety

The increasing complexity and size of GAOS productions requires each of us to take even greater responsibility for the safety of those around us. This means cast, crew and audience. The following are important reminders to help us keep GAOS a fun and secure place to be.

Remember these lines -

Always think - "Safety is my responsibility"	It's the same rule for everybody. Cast, Front Of House, Crew and every GAOS member.
Cast and Crew in-theatre conduct.	Walk Don't Run. Look out for safety hazards. Keep walkways and corridors clear Observe the GOLDEN RULES.
Know your environment.	Move carefully in darkened spaces. Be aware of what is above, behind and below you
Work within your abilities.	Avoid lifting or moving items you feel are too heavy. Ask for help. Don't use equipment you are uncertain of, particularly power tools and theatre installations that are new to you. Get advice first.
Cables and electrical equipment.	Do not touch any object that is hot, sparking, or smouldering. Report hazards immediately to SM or a lighting team member.
Spillages and sharp objects	Clean up any spillage immediately. Or report it at once to a Crew member. Clear away tools, and working materials as you go along. Screws, nails and splinters are dangerous. Step around and not on to dismantled scenery, cables, ropes etc.
Safety Equipment	Hard hats, gloves and first aid boxes are available; Be familiar with their whereabouts. Use them as necessary.
Protect your friends.	Don't be shy or embarrassed to point out safety mistakes and hazards to others.
Alcohol	Stay sober. Be clear headed. Be in control.
Smoking	Smoking is generally prohibited or limited to specific areas. Respect those GAOS members who may be concerned for their voices and / or health.
Drinks on stage	It is generally prohibited to take drinks on stage due to risk of spillages etc. You will be told when it is acceptable and when not.
Stage Manager	Ultimately responsible for all aspects of theatre safety. Cast and Crew will be instructed about Safety at the Dress Rehearsal handover. The SM's word is law.

Theatre Etiquette

Players

Personal jewellery (e.g. rings, necklaces) & watches	Remove these before going on stage, unless they are officially designated as 'props'
Glasses	Consider participating without your glasses, unless they are needed for your well being.
Once you are in costume and/or made-up....	Do not go front-of-house. It will reduce the 'mystery' of the performance. If you need to contact someone, send a friend!
Callers	A Caller's role is to organise you when the time comes to go on stage. Listen to them, and please do what they ask, when they ask. They too are under instructions, from the Stage Manager. If you have a problem with their requests, do not ignore them. Instead, speak later to the Stage Manager.

Stage Crew

Dress code	All black or near black (designs on T-shirts, etc. excepted), including footwear.
Torches	Be careful where you aim torches backstage, as they may be visible to the audience. In particular, try not to aim them directly at the closed front curtain, as the light may show underneath

Front Of House

Auditorium doors/passage of latecomers

The door from the auditorium should remain closed throughout the performance. This reduces the disruption of audience members and also avoids distraction of the players.

All

Valuables	We cannot and do not guarantee the security of valuables. So, do not bring valuable objects, music players, large amounts of money, etc. to the theatre.
Noise	Too much noise becomes an intrusion, disturbing both players and the audience. Please do what you can to keep it to a minimum, and in particular please help boisterous children to keep calm and to not run about
The main curtain	Do not touch the main curtain during a show unless absolutely necessary. In particular, NEVER open the curtain to look out at the audience, for example to see if a relative or guest is there. Go out to front of house in person, or if in costume and/or made up, ask a friend to go for you. During pantomimes, please do not 'play' through the curtain with children (or anyone else!) on the apron, even though it looks to be fun.
After the show is over ...	It doesn't finish with the last curtain call! Everyone is expected to help clear up the theatre after the last performance - fill in your name on a sign-up sheet.