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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Safety Practices in Theatre and Film Production
Course: THO251

First Term: 2023 Fall
Lec + Lab   1.0 Credit(s)   2.0 Period(s)   2.0 Load  
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T - Lab Load


Description: Safety practices in theatre and film production. Includes Focus on national safety organizations and production practices of theatre stages and soundstages, theatrical rigging, electrical, scenic construction, paint and chemical handling, automation, special effects, welding, and personal safety practices.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Discuss the history of safety within theatre and film. (I)
2. Identify national safety organizations and production practices in theatre and film. (II)
3. Identify the responsibilities of theatre personnel as it relates to safety reporting practices in theatre and film. (III)
4. Demonstrate the proper safety procedures used in a performance space. (IV)
5. Demonstrate the proper safety procedures used in a scene shop and scenic art area. (V)
6. Demonstrate the proper safety procedures used in an electric shop and performance lighting area. (VI)
7. Evaluate various safety scenarios commonly found within the theatre production industry. (VII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. History of safety within theatre and film
   A. Theatre and film studio disasters of the pre-2000
   B. Theatre and film studio disasters post-2000
II. National safety organizations and production practices in theatre and film
   A. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
   B. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
   C. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
   D. Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA)
   E. Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP)
   F. International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
      1. United Scenic Artist Health
      2. Safety resource library
   G. Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS)
   H. Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
   I. Other organizations and references
III. Theatre personnel and reporting practices in theatre and film
   A. Theatre staffing structures
   B. Reporting practices
IV. Safety procedures in the performance space
   A. Stage deck
      1. Stage deck
      2. Traps and pits
      3. Ladders and lifts
   B. Loading and unloading of trucks into a venue
   C. Rigging
      1. Overhead
      2. Specialty and atypical applications
   D. Automation and moving scenery
      1. Overhead
      2. Specialty and atypical applications
   E. Audience
      1. House space and audience movement
      2. Atmospheric effects, fog, smoke and haze
      3. Other potential audience hazards i.e. strobe, loud noises
      4. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
   F. Fire Safety
      1. Fire triangle
      2. Identification
      3. Fire extinguishers
      4. When to fight
V. Safety procedures in the scene shop and scenic art area
   A. Wood construction
      1. Potential hazards
      2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
      3. Proper clothing
      4. Power tools
   B. Welding and metal construction
      1. Potential hazards
      2. Electrical welding safety
      3. Specialty and atypical applications
   C. Plastics and styrofoam
      1. Potential hazards
      2. Handling, shaping
      3. Attachment
   D. Scenic art area
      1. Types of paint, stain and dye
      2. Storage and disposal
      3. Application precautions
   E. Chemicals used in theater
      1. Types of chemicals and use
      2. Storage and disposal
      3. Application precautions
VI. Safety procedures in the electric shop and performance lighting area
   A. Electric area
      1. Lighting
      2. Audio
      3. Pyrotechnic
      4. Projection
      5. Media
   B. Safety procedures
      1. Electrical hazards
         a. Electrocution
         b. Arc flash blast
      2. Personal safety equipment
      3. Clothing
      4. Work areas
   C. Cable types
      1. Building
      2. Running
      3. Storage
   D. Equipment maintenance
      1. Lighting instruments
      2. Audio equipment
      3. Projection and media equipment
      4. Pyrotechnic
VII. Safety scenario analysis
   A. Production shop
   B. Performance spaces
   C. External influences
      1. Hazards
      2. Weather
      3. Active shooter
      4. Police actions
      5. Other
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 28, 2023

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.