Terms of Use and Guidelines for
Little Theater v.2
2013-2014
It is the mission of any departmental production, student directed or otherwise,
that takes place in the Little Theater to; create, nurture and develop artists,
performers, and scholars while striving to advance the arts through a
collaborative learning process modeled on current, professional industry
methodologies.
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Prepared by Eric Steggall
Managing Director
Last Updated 10.23.13
Eric Steggall
Managing Director
eric.steggall@oberlin.edu
(440) 775-8162 office
Joe Natt
Technical Director
joe.natt@oberlin.edu
(440) 775-8163 office
Jonathan Maag
Master Electrician
LT Supervisor
jonathan.maag@oberlin.edu
(440) 775-8182 office
Michael Cunningham
LTSTA
mcunning@oberlin.edu
Noah Guthman
LTSTA
nguthman@oberlin.edu
Paul Moser
Advisor
pmoser@oberlin.edu
(440) 775-8159 office
Christopher McCollum
Scenic Advisor
cmccollu@oberlin.edu
(440) 775-8131 office
Daniel James
Warner Center
Technical Coordinator
daniel.james@oberlin.edu
(440) 775-8153
Barb Kessler
Central Ticketing
Office
barbara.kessler@oberlin.edu
(440) 775-8169
Julia Perez
Publicity
julia.perez@oberlin.edu
(603) 667-3194 cell
Deb Zvosec
Book Keeper
deb.zvosec@oberlin.edu
(440) 775-8547
Costume Shop
(440) 775-8164
Scene Shop
(440) 775-8163
Publicity Office
(440) 775-8171
Key to Abbreviations
CTS = Central Ticketing Service, Theater and Dance’s Box Office
LD = Lighting Designer (ALD = Assistant)
LT = Little Theater
LTSTA = Little Theater Student Technical Assistant
OMTA = Oberlin Musical Theater Association
OSTA = Oberlin Student Theater Association
SM = Stage Manager (ASM = Assistant)
T&D = Theater and Dance departments
TD = Technical Director (ATD = Assistant)
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Prepared by Eric Steggall
Managing Director
Last Updated 10.23.13
All groups using Little Theater must adhere to the following guidelines. Failure to
do so may result in; the forfeiture of the right to use the space, any future rights
to use the space and in any assessment or grade for credit associated with the
project.
1. Oversight:
1.1. Faculty Advisors – Student directors of Theater department sponsored
productions will meet regularly with their faculty advisors over the course
of the semester. Student directors will provide faculty advisors with a
comprehensive production and rehearsal schedule, so that they may visit
rehearsals as needed. There is an expectation of regular consultation
with faculty and departmental production staff. This will be in the form of
rehearsal reports, weekly production meetings and, if possible, daily
personal check-in’s by the SM or Director.
1.2. Little Theater Supervisor – Jonathan Maag. In consultation with the rest of
T&D faculty and staff, Jonathan helps to determine the load in and strike
schedules for the groups. In conjunction with Joe Natt, he hires and
supervises the LT student technical assistants and is responsible for the
upkeep of the equipment in the space.
1.3. These guidelines are intended for ALL PARTICIPANTS of Little Theater
productions.
1.4. If you have any questions, please direct them to Jonathan Maag, Joe Natt
or either of the LTSTAs. If they can’t answer your question, they can
direct you to the appropriate person.
1.5. In case of emergency, Directors, SMs, ASMs and others in a leadership
position should familiarize yourself with emergency procedures in case of
injury, illness, fire and any other unexpected events. For serious injuries
or concerns call 911 or 7-911 from a college phone. Make sure that
Safety and Security is informed of any occurrence at x58444. After the
situation is under control, please inform the Managing Director and
Technical Director as soon as possible as to what happened.
1.6. A first aid kit is located in the control booth and should be checked by the
SM and LTSTA often during your time in the space.
1.7. The Little Theater closes at midnight, even during Tech weeks. This rule
is enforced and rehearsals will be shut down promptly at midnight. Plan
accordingly and use your time wisely.
1.8. When in doubt, ask. Every production is different and while we are
attempting to streamline basic operating procedures, it is impossible to
encapsulate everything.
1.9. Your group’s proposal was accepted based on the specific details
outlined in your proposal. We realize that during the creative process
some of those details are bound to change, but it is your responsibility to
clear any and all changes from your original proposal with T&D before
you execute those changes.
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Prepared by Eric Steggall
Managing Director
Last Updated 10.23.13
2. The Rules:
2.1. The Fire Code – The fire code is non-negotiable and is handed down to
T&D by the Fire Chief of the City of Oberlin.
2.1.1. NO OPEN FLAME This includes matches, candles, cigarettes,
incense, etc. This means that actors CANNOT SMOKE on stage.
2.1.2. NO SMOKE, FOG, HAZE OR MIST or any other atmospherics are
allowed.
2.1.3. NO PYRO of any kind is allowed.
2.1.4. Any use of blank firearms must be cleared with, and you must be
trained by, Joe Natt.
2.1.5. Unobstructed paths to exits. You must allow a 4-foot unobstructed
path from the audience area to each of the two exits in LT.
2.1.6. The lighted exit signs by each of the two exits out of LT must
remain visible to the audience. If your set is going to obstruct the
existing permanent signs, there are two movable signs that can be
used on the set instead. Please consult with Jonathan Maag and Joe
Natt as to their proper placement.
2.1.7. Fire Extinguishers are located; one directly outside the control
booth, one directly inside the control booth and one on the lobby wall.
These fire extinguishers cannot be covered by any stored scenery or
props. Everyone associated with the production should be aware of
the location and how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
3. Seating:
3.1. The seating platforms in LT have recently been updated to accommodate
flexibility in arrangement. As this is an essential component of the design
elements, all students are encouraged to articulate a specific plan for their
approach to seating during the application process. There are 4 different
seating arrangements that have been approved by the Fire Marshall.
3.2. Joe Natt must approve a floor plan of the set that includes offstage
storage, and seating arrangement prior to the installation of any scenery.
Neglecting to gain approval may result in forfeiture of design elements
and/or budgetary allotment.
3.3. If a Theater Department sponsored event, you must make sure that there
are at least 60 seats.
3.4. Changes to seating must be handled by the incoming show. As part of
strike all chairs must be stacked.
3.5. Do not use chairs as ladders, tables or workbenches.
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Prepared by Eric Steggall
Managing Director
Last Updated 10.23.13
4. Rehearsals: As a Liberal Arts Theater Department, our faculty have the
responsibility to set norms for rehearsal scheduling which protect our students
from academic failure and burnout. Our rehearsal schedules should not overburden students with unrealistic time demands; nor should students be faced
with choosing between participating in a play or maintaining their academic
standing. Also, in order to maintain a high level of quality in our productions,
rehearsals need to be respected as an artistic process that demands a highly
focused and singular commitment. Involvement in too many extra-curricular or
co-curricular activities at once, in addition to creating scheduling problems,
can limit the quality of a student’s own participation; this, in turn, jeopardizes
the overall quality of the group endeavor. Therefore, the following “guidelines”
were proposed by the Theater Faculty and accepted unanimously by the
entire program in November 1990. All productions operating under T & D
auspices, including both faculty and student directed shows, are expected to
work within these guidelines. While we have no jurisdiction over extracurricular student theater groups (OSTA, OMTA and G&S), we strongly
encourage these organizations to adopt them as well.
4.1. If you need rehearsal space in Warner Center, you must send an email to
to the Warner Center Technical Coordinator, Daniel James, as soon as
possible but at least 2 weeks before you need to start rehearsing. The
earlier you apply the better. You must also alert Daniel of any
cancellations so that he can release the space for others to use.
4.2. If your show is a musical, you may be able to rehearse in the
Conservatory. Contact the Conservatory’s concert production office for
specifics.
4.3. Rehearsals for a production may not span more than 8 weeks. (4 - 6
weeks is recommended)
4.4. No actor is to be called for more than 18 hours in a week. Actors should
only be called when needed.
4.5. Student directors and stage / managers may not rehearse more than 24
hours a week.
4.6. The maximum rehearsal length for any given day is 4 consecutive hours
(5 hours on a weekend). There will be one complete DAY OFF for the
entire company on either Saturday or Sunday of every week. Additionally,
efforts should be made to allow each actor at least one additional night off
weekly.
4.7. The only exceptions to numbers 1 - 5 is during final tech week, and
Winter Term. Winter Term projects are limited to 7 out of 9 consecutive
hour rehearsal days, 6 days per week.
4.8. No actor may rehearse (or volunteer to rehearse) during one of his or
her scheduled classes.
4.9. Absolutely no rehearsals are to take place after 11 PM or during the
dinner hour (6 - 7 PM).
4.10.
Actors must receive a 5-minute break after 55 minutes of work or a
10 minute break after 80 minutes.
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Prepared by Eric Steggall
Managing Director
Last Updated 10.23.13
4.11.
Rehearsal schedules must be posted at least 20 hours in advance.
(Actors are expected to keep evenings free of additional commitments
until it is posted.)
4.12.
Fall and Spring Breaks are vacations and not to be used for
rehearsal.
4.13.
No student may be in rehearsal for more than one production at a
time. (No more than one show per semester is recommended.)
4.14.
Actors are expected to disclose ALL potential curricular and extracurricular scheduling conflicts at the time of audition. Once a student
accepts a role - it is assumed that participation in that show is his or her
primary commitment. No additional conflicting non-curricular
commitments should be planned.
4.15.
If a student takes credit for a faculty-directed production - it has the
same status as a regular academic class. Therefore, it is understood that
no conflict takes precedent over rehearsal.
4.16.
Students on Academic Probation need the written permission of
their academic advisor to participate in a T&D show.
5. The Process:
5.1. There must be weekly production meetings for your show that are at a
time that allows the LTSTA and another representative of T&D to attend.
5.2. For your load in, either Joe Natt or Jonathan Maag will give you a tour of
the space. Please watch and listen carefully, after the tour the SM for the
show will be given a set of keys. Once the keys are handed over,
responsibility for the space and all that occurs within it, reside with the
show.
5.3. Prior to Tech, please make sure to communicate to the LTSTA your
requirements and expectations so that they can prepare the space. Below
is a general tech schedule that outlines times, dates and expectations
that you are to follow.
5.4. It is your responsibility to keep the space clean and safe. Pick up all tools
and personal belongings and empty any garbage at the end of every
night. Take time prior to opening to ensure the space is clean.
5.5. All evening performances customarily begin at 8:00 PM, and matinees
begin at 2:00PM. In recent years it is customary for the run of the
production to open on Thursday evening and close on Sunday matinee,
though this is negotiable, provided the arrangements are made with
appropriate lead time.
5.6. During the performances, the Technical Director and Director are
expected to be present to handle any problems that arise in their
respective areas. The Box Office Manager is responsible for all front-ofhouse activities including audience safety, ticket sales and housemanagement.
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Prepared by Eric Steggall
Managing Director
Last Updated 10.23.13
5.7. Please be considerate of others and that the Green room is a shared
space. Do not leave scripts, clothes, food or garbage laying around.
5.8. Do not use Green room sink or bathroom sinks for cleaning paint brushes
or putty knives.
5.9. “House Open” must be at half-hour, no matter what, for every
performance.
5.10.
For Strike, your group must remove ALL materials and belongings
from LT, the Green room and from the LT refrigerator and restore the
space to neutral by the specific date and time given to you. Be respectful
of the production coming into the space after you.
5.11.
Make the appropriate arrangements for vehicles and storage areas
prior to Strike.
5.12.
It is important to let the LTSTA know about any equipment failures
or damage to the space if they don’t already know.
5.13.
When preparing for Strike, please contact the Prop Loan Assistants
to schedule the return of all props that were borrowed. You cannot simply
bring them back and leave them in the hallway, they must be put away
properly.
5.14.
Any costs due to repair or replacement will be charged to the show.
5.15.
At the end of the run, the SM will return the key to Joe Natt.
6. General:
6.1. Do not rearrange any of the outputs in the back of the sound board. If
your sound designer feels that their design requires a reconfiguration,
please consult with Jonathan Maag.
6.2. Please be sure to consider that there is no space offstage in any
configuration for LT. Plan your offstage storage appropriately taking into
consideration aesthetic looks, traffic patterns and fire codes.
6.3. If you want to borrow costumes, props or scenery, please fill out the
appropriate loan request form. Please refer to the form for further
instructions. Keep in mind that the form is due 2 weeks before you plan
on picking any items up.
6.4. The loan TAs work out of Warner, please make a separate appointment
with Joe Natt to look in Hall basement for additional scenic materials and
props or with other student theater organizations who may have items
also.
6.5. If you are designing a set that needs to be built, you will need to arrange
for somewhere to build unless you know that your time slot in LT is long
enough to build and assemble pieces directly in the theater. If you need
large stationary power tools, you will be able to use those tools during the
day when the Hall Scene Shop is open and supervised.
6.6. Little Theater shows cannot store scenery in the Scene Shop.
6.7. Joe Natt must approve all personnel prior to using any tools.
6.8. While your group is loading or unloading cars or vans, you may park the
vehicles on the sidewalk directly outside of LT. You must move them as
soon as you are done.
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Prepared by Eric Steggall
Managing Director
Last Updated 10.23.13
6.9. Please talk to Joe Natt about purchasing any materials needed for your
show.
6.10.
Any expenses MUST be approved in advance by Joe Natt or Eric
Steggall.
6.11.
Any receipts that require reimbursement from the department must
be turned in to Eric Steggall no later than 2 weeks after strike. Once this
has passed, no receipts will be accepted.
6.12.
Several weeks before your show please make an appointment with
Chris Flaharty for a tour of the dressing rooms and make arrangements
for any necessary racks.
6.13.
In the final weeks of the production process, please remember that
the space needs to be allocated to the necessary load in of scenery,
lights and other aspects of the show that may negate your ability to
rehearse in the space. Communication among the production team and a
detailed rehearsal/production schedule will help to minimize confusion.
7. General Procedures, taken from Department of Theatre Official
Handbook:
7.1. No food or uncovered drinks in the Dressing Rooms
7.2. No food in the Green room or anywhere in Hall Annex
7.3. Please arrive clean; wear deodorant
7.4. Your costume pieces will always hang to the RIGHT of your name card
7.5. If there is any question about HOW to wear a particular piece of clothing, see
the Designer
7.6. No Guests (non-show personnel) in the Dressing Rooms, Greenroom or
Backstage during the show
7.7. Do NOT leave the building during the run of the show. If you smoke outside,
please CLOSE the door while doing so
7.8. Do not bring to the theater any items that are not necessary to your function
here: please don’t clutter the Dressing Rooms. Wet shoes, umbrellas,
jackets and the like must be placed on/at the Coat Rack outside the Costume
Shop
attached:
deadlines & expectations
general tech schedule
Little Theater groundplans
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Prepared by Eric Steggall
Managing Director
Last Updated 10.23.13
EXAMPLE - General Tech Schedule
Dead Man’s Cell Phone
directed by Taylor Greenthal
Little Theater
Performances November 21-24 2013
SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE AND VENUE NEEDS AS
DETERMINED BY MANAGING DIRECTOR.
Week prior to Tech:
Day
Date
Call Time
Friday
Tuesday
11.8
11.12
6:00pm
6:00pm
Wednesday
11.13
6:00pm
Thursday
11.14
6:00pm
Tech Week:
Friday
Friday
Saturday
11.15
11.15
11.16
Day, prior to Tech
6:00pm
1:00-5:00pm
“Look at Lights”
Tech Rehearsal
Tech Rehearsal
7:00-11:00pm
(if necessary)
Tech Rehearsal
Sunday
Performance Week:
Monday
11.17
11.19
Wednesday
11.20
Thursday
11.21
Friday
11.22
Saturday
11.23
Saturday
11.23
Sunday
11.24
Sunday
11.24
Faculty Run thru
Rehearsal w/ Cue
Over (play with
lights)
Rehearsal w/ Cue
Over (play with
lights)
Rehearsal w/ Cue
Over (play with
lights)
DARK
11.18
Tuesday
Rehearsal Type
6:30pm
8:00pm GO
6:30pm
8:00pm GO
6:30pm
8:00pm GO
6:30pm
8:00pm GO
6:30pm
8:00pm GO
12:30pm
2:00pm GO
6:30pm
8:00pm GO
12:30pm
2:00pm GO
5:00pm
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Dress Rehearsal
Dress Rehearsal
Dress Rehearsal
Performance #1
Performance #2
Performance #3
Performance #4
Performance #5
Strike
Prepared by Eric Steggall
Managing Director
Last Updated 10.23.13
EXAMPLE - Production Expectation Outline
Dead Man’s Cell Phone
directed by Taylor Greenthal
Little Theater
Performances November 21-24 2013
SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE AND VENUE NEEDS AS
DETERMINED BY MANAGING DIRECTOR.
If it’s possible to achieve any of the following expectations earlier then
designated – please do so.
Auditions
Set date
Preliminary Concept
Meeting /
Rehearsal schedule
due
Set date
Performance Venue
Available
Production Meetings
10.14
Please be prepared
to have open
auditions with other
Little Theater
directors.
Initial meeting
between Department
and Production to
talk over show.
Seating arrangement
should be chosen
and house count sent
to CTS.
Time in space = 6
weeks
Various reps from
Department will need
to attend your
meetings. Please
send all reports and
minutes to personnel
on contact sheet.
Set date
Drawings and
finished model due
Production estimate
and calendar due
Set date
Paper Tech
Faculty Run Thru
Set date
Set date
Technical Rehearsals
DARK
Performances
Strike
11.15-20
11.17
11.21-24
11.24
7-10 days post
auditions
Dictated by previous
show
4 weeks from Tech
Set date
From TD - a
breakdown of cost,
time in space and
build schedule.
A complete, polished
run thru must be
scheduled for the
week prior to tech for
faculty and designers
10
3 weeks from Tech
1 week from Tech
1 week from Tech
Prepared by Eric Steggall
Managing Director
Last Updated 10.23.13
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Prepared by Eric Steggall
Managing Director
Last Updated 10.23.13
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Prepared by Eric Steggall
Managing Director
Last Updated 10.23.13