It is a necessity that Theatre artists take care in their daily activities to preserve their health. Faculty prioritize safety measures throughout all Theatre classes and activities. Students are advised to exercise caution. Faculty encourage consultation regarding any questions and most certainly advise consult with a physician for any health issues. Careers could be at stake if problems persist and are not appropriately addressed. For further details, students may access the A-State Theatre Student Handbook online or via Blackboard.
COVID-19
The Department of Theatre is taking the threat of Covid-19 seriously to ensure artists and audience are safe; therefore, productions and classes have been modified to reduce risk. Some of these modifications include wearing masks, social-distancing, limiting time in spaces to allow for air exchange, self-checks, and more. Protocols will continue to evolve with guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.
Ear Protection
The Department of Theatre provides hearing protection to students in classes such as Stagecraft and Theatre Lab.
Eye Protection
Students are required to provide their own eye protection for sanitation reasons. Welding helmets are available when welding.
Emergency Action Plan
Fowler Center has adopted an Emergency Action Plan in case of a tornado, flood, earthquake, or active shooter, which can be found in the Theatre Student Handbook or in the rack outside the Theatre Offices, FC 168.
First Aid Kits and AED
First-aid kits are available in the Costume Shop FC 156, Scene Shop FC 147, and in the Grand Hall Closet FC 113.
An AED is mounted in the Grand Hall near FC 132.
General safety precautions
Safety procedures for theatre activities are established and posted in the Department of Theatre handbook. Classroom safety policies are in course syllabi.
Students working in theatre production lab courses must complete required coursework in costume construction and stagecraft before enrolling in Lab courses. These prerequisite courses include safety policies and procedures.
Students are not to work in the labs without training or supervision.
Safety protocols and devices are to be used at all times.
The Department of Theatre follows the safety procedures as outlined by the Environmental Health and Safety Office.
All incoming students and staff undergo active shooter training.
Inspections
Theatre facilities are inspected annually by a representative from the university Emergency, Health, and Safety Office to ensure a safe learning environment.
The Fire Marshal also conducts routine inspections each year.
Rigging undergoes regular inspections by trained personnel.
Security
A theatre faculty member must supervise student events and rehearsals held outside of regular business hours.
Stage Management locks the stage door once everyone is present for evening rehearsals.
An Emergency Phone is located outside the academic entrance.
Vocal Health
Considering the musical aspects of theatre, the following information is provided to students regarding musician health. It is a draft publication from the National Association of Schools of Music specially written to address student questions and concerns.
Musician Health from the National Association of Schools of Music.
Vocalists should understand the anatomy of the voice and avoid using the voice in ways that could endanger their health. The following resource is utilized for general vocal care.
For further information, the Theatre Performance Faculty consult the following document from NASM.
Basic Information on Neuromusculoskeletal and Vocal Health for Faculty and Staff
