[SML] Prop weapon policies for academics

[Dougherty, Jim]

For those of you working at schools – what are your policies around the use of prop weapons, particularly firearms?

- Do you require training?
- Do you have restrictions on what types of props are allowed?
- Does your policy only include theatrical use, or does it address use in film shoots too?
- Do you have restrictions on where they may be used?
- Who has to sign off?
- Any other specifics or questions to consider?

Our primary goal is participant safety, both during the show and after should they ever handle actual firearms.  Liability concerns are also real.  We’re looking into our policies and want to match best practices for both safety and theatricality.  We’re also looking to have policies that might be applied to both theatrical and film use.

Feel free to email me directly with further questions or information while keeping as much helpful stuff on-list as possible.

Thanks!

- Jim Dougherty
Production Manager
Middlebury College Theatre Department
jdougher at middlebury.edu
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