Open Forum

Hi folx!

We recently acquired fabulous prop guns for our production of Clue, however our HR Director consulted with a School Resource Officer (SRO), an officer in our local police department, who advised against using any sort of prop gun that didn't look like a neon orange water gun. How have other schools and productions that have an SRO handled this challenge? Any advice would be much appreciated! 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Julianne Kusmierczyk (she/her)
Performing Arts Faculty
747.474.0224
Providence High School
511 S. Buena Vista St. Burbank, CA 91505

California Educational Theatre Association
CA
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I have worked with my SRO on several shows to make sure he and I are both comfortable. Some things we've always done: I keep possession of the weapon on my person until it goes on stage. It comes back to me as soon as it leaves the stage. The prop goes home with me at night and is never at the school. When it is time in the rehearsal schedule for us to fire it, then I make sure my faculty and staff know in case they are working in the building at night. We also make sure the local police department knows. At performance time, warning signs about the discharge of a theatrical weapon are on the entrance doors and in the programs.  Good luck!

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Lisa Rule
Chillicothe High School
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2022 14:28
From: Julianne Kusmierczyk
Subject: The use of prop guns in Clue productions

Hi folx!

We recently acquired fabulous prop guns for our production of Clue, however our HR Director consulted with a School Resource Officer (SRO), an officer in our local police department, who advised against using any sort of prop gun that didn't look like a neon orange water gun. How have other schools and productions that have an SRO handled this challenge? Any advice would be much appreciated! 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Julianne Kusmierczyk (she/her)
Performing Arts Faculty
747.474.0224
Providence High School
511 S. Buena Vista St. Burbank, CA 91505

California Educational Theatre Association
CA
------------------------------

Here's the prop weapons (and also stage combat) agreement I've used for years. It's mostly geared towards a rental event coming into the theatre, but it will work for any event/show.

I've made it generic to any district, and left it in Word, so that anyone may adapt it to their specific situation.

I also address this issue in more detail in my book "High School Theatre Operations".

Good luck!

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Beth Rand, EBMS
Educational Lighting Designer
School Theatre Operations Specialist
District Auditorium Specialist for SVVSD


RandCDLLC@gmail.com
Westminster, CO

www.PRESETT.org
Tech theatre books
Free downloads
NEW: TECHIE T-SHIRT SHOP!
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2022 14:28
From: Julianne Kusmierczyk
Subject: The use of prop guns in Clue productions

Hi folx!

We recently acquired fabulous prop guns for our production of Clue, however our HR Director consulted with a School Resource Officer (SRO), an officer in our local police department, who advised against using any sort of prop gun that didn't look like a neon orange water gun. How have other schools and productions that have an SRO handled this challenge? Any advice would be much appreciated! 

Thank you!

------------------------------
Julianne Kusmierczyk (she/her)
Performing Arts Faculty
747.474.0224
Providence High School
511 S. Buena Vista St. Burbank, CA 91505

California Educational Theatre Association
CA
------------------------------