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  • 1.  Ladders and students

    Posted 12-15-2021 12:30
    Hi, Everyone.

    Our Administrators have recently expressed concerns about us having students on ladders for tech, or for other theatrical purposes (we recently did Our Town and used ladders). I would Iike to find out what other schools do about this.
    Do you have students on ladders for lighting, painting, etc?
    If so, is there a height limit?
    Do parents sign waivers?
    Other protocols?
    I appreciate anything you’re willing to share.
    Thank you,
    Anne Scarbrough
    Theatre Director
    Randolph School


  • 2.  RE: Ladders and students

    Posted 12-15-2021 15:13

    We do this all the time. We have a brief safety speech and, of course, they are supervised. Our tallest is 12'-0". We have used ladders for sets as well. It is choreographed just like any other set piece. We have a general waver for all students in each production that lists scene shop conditions and expectations, and a small section about working at heights (ladders and catwalk). That being said, I always directly ask students if they are comfortable working from a ladder before asking them to use one. I inspect our ladders before each use, and annually as part of my preventative maintenance program. 

    ~Dave



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    David Simpson
    Performing Arts Center Manager
    MI
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