[SML] Subject: Use of weapons in production

[June Abernathy]

> On Oct 28, 2015, at 1:00 PM, nathan best <best.nathan at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello All,
> 
> I have never worked on a production or had a production in my space that
> used firearms or weapons of any kind really. I recently found out that a
> production next year will be using weapons of some sort (not confirmed what
> exactly yet) but I have some super concerns (as I should). Where do I even
> begin. <snip>

I'm a little confused as to whether you are talking about an outside group renting your space, or an in house production that you are in charge of in some capacity. Some of the concerns are the same either way - no live ammo in the theater, no sharp blades in the theater, weapons should be locked up when not in use, ammo should be locked up as well, and ideally in a separate place from the weapons, a knowledgeable designated person should be in charge of the weapons - Having a complete list of weapons and who is authorized to touch them, locking/unlocking, loading/unloading, handing to appropriate actor, taking back from appropriate actor, cleaning and maintaining weapons. The production should also have a qualified fight director to train actors and stage combat, and although that person may be the same as the weapons master, it doesn't have to be.  Any time you can use a modified weapon incapable of firing a live round, you should. Any time you can glue a hilt to a scabbard instead of having an ornamental sword onstage, you should do that. Even if your weapons are toys or replicas or "stage" modified weapons, they should be treated with respect by everyone backstage - i.e. No playing with them, no unauthorized person handling them, no pointing them in an unsafe direction. And still lock them up. 

For an outside group, I'd probably make up a form for them to fill out and sign, saying something like: 
1) We (Group/Producer) agree to accept full liability for any accident or injury caused by any of the weapons used in the show. (Initial _________)
2) We have supplied a list of all weapons used in the production, and whether they are toy (non-firing), replica (non-firing), projectile (BB, Pellet, Paint Gun, other), modified for stage use, or capable of live fire. Edged weapons are listed as either dulled edge or sharp edge, and as either ornamental or used in combat. (Initial _________).
3) We understand that projectile ammunition may not be used or allowed in the theater. We understand that live ammunition may not be used or allowed in the theater. 
(Initial _________)
4) If blank ammunition will be used, we have supplied a list of such ammunition, including the caliber, whether they are full load, half load, quarter load, or "no load" primer blanks, and which weapons each type of ammunition is for. (Initial _________)
5) Our designated Weapons Master for the production is ____________________, and they will be responsible for all the weapons and ammunition used in the production. They will bring them to the theater on (Date/Time) ______________, and place them under lock and key. They will be responsible for locking/unlocking, loading/unloading, distributing/collecting, and cleaning and maintaining weapons for each performance.
Their phone number(s): _______________________. E-mail:_____________________________
                                          _______________________

6) Additional parties who have keys to weapons lock up are:

_________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________

_________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________

_________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________

7) Additional parties who are authorized to handle weapons are:

_________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________

_________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________

_________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________

8) We certify that no live ammunition will be brought into the building. (Initial _________)

9) We certify that all parties who will handle weapons during the production have received appropriate training. (Initial _________)

10) We understand that Campus Police have been made aware of the fact that weapons will be used in this production, and that they will receive copies of the weapons list, ammunition list, and this form. (Initial _________).

11) We agree to remove all weapons and ammunition from the theater no later than 
(Date) ________________


Hope this gets you started. 

June Abernathy
IATSE #321 (Tampa, FL)
FOH Electrician
The Lion King National Tour
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