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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Our vintage 1957 proscenium theater was built with stairs SR and SL set into the stage on either side of the orchestra pit; they, and the pit, have been long covered over and we use temporary stairs SR and
SL for regular access. Shows regularly call for actor access to the stage from the house, and these stairs are repositioned to fit the show’s forestage or other stairs are built if the heights change. Not a great solution for audience, and there is no chair
access without going outside and back in through the scene shop.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">I’ve worked at a theater that has a ramp from the audience SR that lines up with the aisle; open railing toward the back, low wall closer to the stage. In another, the ramp was offstage, folded back on itself
many times and created a different path for walkers vs chair mobile people. I think incorporating one makes sense not just for accessibility but also to be able to roll road cases from the stage to the house.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Jim Dougherty<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Middlebury College Theatre Dept<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;color:black">From:
</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;color:black">Stagecraft <stagecraft-bounces@theatrical.net> on behalf of stagecraft-request@theatrical.net <stagecraft-request@theatrical.net><br>
<b>Date: </b>Monday, January 15, 2024 at 7:05 AM<br>
<b>To: </b>stagecraft@theatrical.net <stagecraft@theatrical.net><br>
<b>Subject: </b>Stagecraft Digest, Vol 113, Issue 4<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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Today's Topics:<br>
<br>
1. Stairs from audience to stage (Bill Conner)<br>
2. Re: Stairs from audience to stage (Jon Ares)<br>
3. Re: Stairs from audience to stage (John McAfee)<br>
4. Re: Stairs from audience to stage (Bruce Bennett)<br>
5. Re: Stairs from audience to stage (Stephen Rees)<br>
6. Re: Stairs from audience to stage (Bill Conner)<br>
7. Another stair to stage question (Bill Conner)<br>
8. Re: Another stair to stage question (Stephen E Rees)<br>
9. Re: Stairs from audience to stage (Kristi R-C)<br>
<br>
<br>
----------------------------------------------------------------------<br>
<br>
Message: 1<br>
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2024 13:03:30 -0500<br>
From: Bill Conner <billconnerastc@gmail.com><br>
To: Stagecraft <stagecraft@theatrical.net><br>
Subject: [SML] Stairs from audience to stage<br>
Message-ID:<br>
<CAHtCQ9TQW05vuCwjhkjy8HOU0JWrZFghNrFKJPiXn0U_87ASRQ@mail.gmail.com><br>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"<br>
<br>
I've been working on some code changes and wanted more views on just the<br>
desirability of a permanent in the house route from audience to stage.<br>
While my current work concerns an accessible route, I really want to hear<br>
about the functional and artistic issues affecting the choice of having a<br>
permanent in the house path or route. My present big picture view is that<br>
for theatre - opera, drama, dance - permanent stairs are undesirable for<br>
artistic reasons. For a very multi purpose space, like in high schools,<br>
where far and away the overwhelming majority of stages and auditoriums are,<br>
the path or route seems inevitably necessary.<br>
<br>
Avoiding the complications accessibility brings to this for a moment,<br>
correct or expand or just pontificate on the desirability of permanent path<br>
or route.<br>
<br>
Thank you.<br>
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<br>
------------------------------<br>
<br>
Message: 2<br>
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2024 11:37:03 -0800<br>
From: Jon Ares <jonares@arescreative.com><br>
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft@theatrical.net><br>
Cc: Bill Conner <billconnerastc@gmail.com><br>
Subject: Re: [SML] Stairs from audience to stage<br>
Message-ID:<br>
<CAB0MSPnRouDCXY41FyTXpRsCZSNJYcPyUh5t3k-dd0DnyCZM1w@mail.gmail.com><br>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"<br>
<br>
In my space (opened in 2006), there are no "permanent" steps... it was<br>
designed for all people to enter through vestibules off the apron on<br>
both sides - imagine side stages, but a wall instead. So, if panelists<br>
or guest speakers, et al were to go up on to the stage, they had to<br>
walk up (away from the stage), around the seating, and into the<br>
vestibule. We had a portable, shop-built, as-ugly-as-possible portable<br>
temp stairs for rehearsals, etc, but every time we'd have VIPs, we'd<br>
always be asked to bring them back out, because no one wants to go for<br>
a long walk to get on stage. So.... for a show where the director<br>
wanted actors to enter/exit through the House, I designed some steps<br>
at each end of the apron to architecturally look like the theatre...<br>
set pieces... not permanent.... not to Code.... and of course, you can<br>
guess, in 2024, they're still there, because it's "imperative" VIPs<br>
and speakers have quick access from the front row to the stage.<br>
<br>
My district just opened a brand-new PAC at the other big high school<br>
in my district, and the space was designed with side stages as the<br>
access to the apron, and I've asked the Technical Coordinator there if<br>
anyone has asked for/demanded steps up to the stage, but she says no<br>
one has asked yet, but they've only had a few events (comparatively)<br>
and one show in December, when the pit was open, so it hasn't been an<br>
issue yet.<br>
<br>
Maybe the solution is never show an alternative, and no one will<br>
demand the alternative. If I could turn back time.... then again,<br>
I'd have even more people jumping on/off the stage.... :(<br>
<br>
- Jon<br>
<br>
On Sun, Jan 14, 2024 at 10:07?AM Bill Conner via Stagecraft<br>
<stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
><br>
> I've been working on some code changes and wanted more views on just the desirability of a permanent in the house route from audience to stage. While my current work concerns an accessible route, I really want to hear about the functional and artistic issues
affecting the choice of having a permanent in the house path or route. My present big picture view is that for theatre - opera, drama, dance - permanent stairs are undesirable for artistic reasons. For a very multi purpose space, like in high schools, where
far and away the overwhelming majority of stages and auditoriums are, the path or route seems inevitably necessary.<br>
><br>
> Avoiding the complications accessibility brings to this for a moment, correct or expand or just pontificate on the desirability of permanent path or route.<br>
><br>
> Thank you.<br>
> ____________________________________________________________<br>
> For list information see <<a href="http://stagecraft.theprices.net/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstagecraft.theprices.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203069790%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ce9yLRmoS2EHS2bTJ2o08qKEQA3DTaQp4KT16Z%2BA5zA%3D&reserved=0</a>><br>
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-- <br>
Jon Ares<br>
<a href="http://www.arescreative.com/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arescreative.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203078603%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=MdMYyODJdtemLzKSKC2%2FKQ4ZrGIYtxOFa7dcNdKRzHE%3D&reserved=0</a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
------------------------------<br>
<br>
Message: 3<br>
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2024 14:53:59 -0500<br>
From: John McAfee <jrpmcafee@gmail.com><br>
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft@theatrical.net><br>
Cc: Jon Ares <jonares@arescreative.com>, Bill Conner<br>
<billconnerastc@gmail.com><br>
Subject: Re: [SML] Stairs from audience to stage<br>
Message-ID: <263EFBCA-FB08-4CB1-A526-E58D08491361@gmail.com><br>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8<br>
<br>
I had a similar situation at two new construction academic spaces (2006 opening, 2012 opening). But in both there were box seats by the vestibules, so VIP?s mostly were seated there. The aprons were spiralift so they had removable barriers that were decorative
(and pains in the ass), so I was regularly asked to make stairs for rehearsal so students didn?t step on the fancy barriers. I always refused because any reasonable stairs would block the first two rows of seats and there was no guarantee that they would
be placed and removed before and after rehearsal (and would have required a slight curve and a base that accommodated the audience aisle steps and I didn?t have the crew or time to do all of that).<br>
<br>
I think you?ll find that over a five-year period in education, almost every director will want a direct path to the house at least once, and if it is a space used by the administration for assemblies, there?ll be a request at least once a year.<br>
<br>
In most public schools I?ve worked at or done inspections for, there is a large area available in front of the stage with no seating (cheap alternative to an orchestra pit) and there is almost always a set of built stairs that look like they?ve never moved
(often in addition to stairs to the side that were designed with the building). I would like to know more about what you find for accessible options, because I don?t think I?ve -ever- seen an accessible house-to-stage option that didn?t require leaving the
house in a somewhat awkward way.<br>
<br>
<br>
> On Jan 14, 2024, at 2:37?PM, Jon Ares via Stagecraft <stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
> <br>
> In my space (opened in 2006), there are no "permanent" steps... it was<br>
> designed for all people to enter through vestibules off the apron on<br>
> both sides - imagine side stages, but a wall instead. So, if panelists<br>
> or guest speakers, et al were to go up on to the stage, they had to<br>
> walk up (away from the stage), around the seating, and into the<br>
> vestibule. We had a portable, shop-built, as-ugly-as-possible portable<br>
> temp stairs for rehearsals, etc, but every time we'd have VIPs, we'd<br>
> always be asked to bring them back out, because no one wants to go for<br>
> a long walk to get on stage. So.... for a show where the director<br>
> wanted actors to enter/exit through the House, I designed some steps<br>
> at each end of the apron to architecturally look like the theatre...<br>
> set pieces... not permanent.... not to Code.... and of course, you can<br>
> guess, in 2024, they're still there, because it's "imperative" VIPs<br>
> and speakers have quick access from the front row to the stage.<br>
> <br>
> My district just opened a brand-new PAC at the other big high school<br>
> in my district, and the space was designed with side stages as the<br>
> access to the apron, and I've asked the Technical Coordinator there if<br>
> anyone has asked for/demanded steps up to the stage, but she says no<br>
> one has asked yet, but they've only had a few events (comparatively)<br>
> and one show in December, when the pit was open, so it hasn't been an<br>
> issue yet.<br>
> <br>
> Maybe the solution is never show an alternative, and no one will<br>
> demand the alternative. If I could turn back time.... then again,<br>
> I'd have even more people jumping on/off the stage.... :(<br>
> <br>
> - Jon<br>
> <br>
> On Sun, Jan 14, 2024 at 10:07?AM Bill Conner via Stagecraft<br>
> <stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
>> <br>
>> I've been working on some code changes and wanted more views on just the desirability of a permanent in the house route from audience to stage. While my current work concerns an accessible route, I really want to hear about the functional and artistic issues
affecting the choice of having a permanent in the house path or route. My present big picture view is that for theatre - opera, drama, dance - permanent stairs are undesirable for artistic reasons. For a very multi purpose space, like in high schools, where
far and away the overwhelming majority of stages and auditoriums are, the path or route seems inevitably necessary.<br>
>> <br>
>> Avoiding the complications accessibility brings to this for a moment, correct or expand or just pontificate on the desirability of permanent path or route.<br>
>> <br>
>> Thank you.<br>
>> ____________________________________________________________<br>
>> For list information see <<a href="http://stagecraft.theprices.net/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstagecraft.theprices.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203082156%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4oKzwJtrAmaouUhYz%2F9vod3XcBMr3z06Hi2GwlHbKmk%3D&reserved=0</a>><br>
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> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> -- <br>
> Jon Ares<br>
> <a href="http://www.arescreative.com/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arescreative.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203089238%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KAeBqN2OM7xfJSBCUR13FdrLjtzvN8ue7V6eaFcE7eg%3D&reserved=0</a><br>
> <br>
> ____________________________________________________________<br>
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------------------------------<br>
<br>
Message: 4<br>
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2024 16:27:22 -0500<br>
From: Bruce Bennett <bennett.bruce@gmail.com><br>
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft@theatrical.net><br>
Cc: Jon Ares <jonares@arescreative.com>, Bill Conner<br>
<billconnerastc@gmail.com><br>
Subject: Re: [SML] Stairs from audience to stage<br>
Message-ID: <2465D7EB-D443-4571-9717-35E4154DA33E@gmail.com><br>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8<br>
<br>
We?ve done a lot of accessibility work in our theatres over the last few years. Ontario provincial accessibility legislation is to come into effect in 2025 and we?ve had funding available.<br>
<br>
Work across theatres has included installation of two lifts for control booth access (50% of our booths need to be accessible), and two for stage access - along with a lot of wider doors.
<br>
<br>
In all cases we?ve not changed stage fronts, with existing architectural side-stage stairs in concert halls/larger theatres and auditorium floor level stages in smaller theatres. Where we?ve added lifts they?ve been installed to provide wing access from egress
corridors at the front of the auditorium.<br>
<br>
In two theatres we have ?temporary? staircases at extreme edges of the thrust and they rarely ever move.<br>
<br>
Bruce<br>
<br>
"A society grows great when old people plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." - Greek proverb<br>
<br>
> On Jan 14, 2024, at 14:39, Jon Ares via Stagecraft <stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
> <br>
> ?In my space (opened in 2006), there are no "permanent" steps... it was<br>
> designed for all people to enter through vestibules off the apron on<br>
> both sides - imagine side stages, but a wall instead. So, if panelists<br>
> or guest speakers, et al were to go up on to the stage, they had to<br>
> walk up (away from the stage), around the seating, and into the<br>
> vestibule. We had a portable, shop-built, as-ugly-as-possible portable<br>
> temp stairs for rehearsals, etc, but every time we'd have VIPs, we'd<br>
> always be asked to bring them back out, because no one wants to go for<br>
> a long walk to get on stage. So.... for a show where the director<br>
> wanted actors to enter/exit through the House, I designed some steps<br>
> at each end of the apron to architecturally look like the theatre...<br>
> set pieces... not permanent.... not to Code.... and of course, you can<br>
> guess, in 2024, they're still there, because it's "imperative" VIPs<br>
> and speakers have quick access from the front row to the stage.<br>
> <br>
> My district just opened a brand-new PAC at the other big high school<br>
> in my district, and the space was designed with side stages as the<br>
> access to the apron, and I've asked the Technical Coordinator there if<br>
> anyone has asked for/demanded steps up to the stage, but she says no<br>
> one has asked yet, but they've only had a few events (comparatively)<br>
> and one show in December, when the pit was open, so it hasn't been an<br>
> issue yet.<br>
> <br>
> Maybe the solution is never show an alternative, and no one will<br>
> demand the alternative. If I could turn back time.... then again,<br>
> I'd have even more people jumping on/off the stage.... :(<br>
> <br>
> - Jon<br>
> <br>
>> On Sun, Jan 14, 2024 at 10:07?AM Bill Conner via Stagecraft<br>
>> <stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
>> <br>
>> I've been working on some code changes and wanted more views on just the desirability of a permanent in the house route from audience to stage. While my current work concerns an accessible route, I really want to hear about the functional and artistic issues
affecting the choice of having a permanent in the house path or route. My present big picture view is that for theatre - opera, drama, dance - permanent stairs are undesirable for artistic reasons. For a very multi purpose space, like in high schools, where
far and away the overwhelming majority of stages and auditoriums are, the path or route seems inevitably necessary.<br>
>> <br>
>> Avoiding the complications accessibility brings to this for a moment, correct or expand or just pontificate on the desirability of permanent path or route.<br>
>> <br>
>> Thank you.<br>
>> ____________________________________________________________<br>
>> For list information see <<a href="http://stagecraft.theprices.net/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstagecraft.theprices.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203099672%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fMPPelAcsx1VoA2b4XaK4qzYcqlxibjmLXvdSvny%2FtU%3D&reserved=0</a>><br>
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>> Stagecraft@theatrical.net<br>
>> <a href="http://theatrical.net/mailman/listinfo/stagecraft_theatrical.net">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheatrical.net%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fstagecraft_theatrical.net&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203103227%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Y1GuJwpC5CYiipFdLCtlGRn37e6spHRrKQ5C9Hyz4Io%3D&reserved=0</a><br>
> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> --<br>
> Jon Ares<br>
> <a href="http://www.arescreative.com/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arescreative.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203106781%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=AZAScnBYq3JCPC1Mo0MlTV03X%2Ftgf6%2BJa7p%2B5ze55SU%3D&reserved=0</a><br>
> <br>
> ____________________________________________________________<br>
> For list information see <<a href="http://stagecraft.theprices.net/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstagecraft.theprices.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203110236%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SifuSvlGuoC2O4vuk%2FaB2XHjMBIyJxrB%2FgNyaHkjLzA%3D&reserved=0</a>><br>
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<br>
<br>
------------------------------<br>
<br>
Message: 5<br>
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2024 18:07:59 -0500<br>
From: Stephen Rees <Stephen.Rees@fredonia.edu><br>
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft@theatrical.net><br>
Subject: Re: [SML] Stairs from audience to stage<br>
Message-ID:<br>
<CAMdFUXUYA4dsYCGxv_hGaTu0kMMbVgC8UsGToYeDGvVFvBii5g@mail.gmail.com><br>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"<br>
<br>
Although I've been gone from the program at SUNY-Fredonia for 13 years,<br>
nothing has changed with the main proscenium theatre as regards interior<br>
passage from stage to auditorium. The 1972 I.M. Pei building with<br>
Rosenthal Associates as consultants placed a set of 32" wide stairs on<br>
either side of the stage aligning with the outer audience aisles in the<br>
house. The steps rise a total of 32" and the onstage walls serve as the<br>
sides of the oddly shaped, curved front, hydraulic orchestra pit. The<br>
building as originally constructed had no other access from stage to FOH<br>
apart from a long circuitous route involving hallways and a trip to the<br>
second floor and back down! Either that or go outside in any weather, a<br>
nuisance in WNY. The steps are pretty useful most of the time and when<br>
necessary, we would construct plugs that filled them in at stage level. In<br>
that circumstance, if there was a pit orchestra, there was a 32" jump to<br>
the auditorium floor. No space at auditorium level for temporary steps, nor<br>
interest in building "temporary" non-scenic elements. On the occasions<br>
where the pit deck became performance space and was lowered below the<br>
permanent deck level, it was a fairly easy, albeit large step up to the pit<br>
floor. Directors LOVED to use those side stairs for entrances/exits and<br>
the house could easily become an extension of the stage and be performance<br>
space. With the addition to the building by Debra Berke Partners (now<br>
TenBerke) completed in 2016, there is now an indoor hallway from backstage<br>
to FOH with the former exterior building wall making one side of the very<br>
wide hallway.<br>
Stephen E. Rees,<br>
Professor, TD, and Chair Emeritus of Theatre - SUNY Fredonia<br>
CCE-CC Master Gardener Volunteer<br>
716.366.0505 Home<br>
716.680.1565 Mobile<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
On Sun, Jan 14, 2024 at 4:28?PM Bruce Bennett via Stagecraft <<br>
stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
<br>
> We?ve done a lot of accessibility work in our theatres over the last few<br>
> years. Ontario provincial accessibility legislation is to come into effect<br>
> in 2025 and we?ve had funding available.<br>
><br>
> Work across theatres has included installation of two lifts for control<br>
> booth access (50% of our booths need to be accessible), and two for stage<br>
> access - along with a lot of wider doors.<br>
><br>
> In all cases we?ve not changed stage fronts, with existing architectural<br>
> side-stage stairs in concert halls/larger theatres and auditorium floor<br>
> level stages in smaller theatres. Where we?ve added lifts they?ve been<br>
> installed to provide wing access from egress corridors at the front of the<br>
> auditorium.<br>
><br>
> In two theatres we have ?temporary? staircases at extreme edges of the<br>
> thrust and they rarely ever move.<br>
><br>
> Bruce<br>
><br>
> "A society grows great when old people plant trees whose shade they know<br>
> they shall never sit in." - Greek proverb<br>
><br>
> > On Jan 14, 2024, at 14:39, Jon Ares via Stagecraft <<br>
> stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
> ><br>
> > ?In my space (opened in 2006), there are no "permanent" steps... it was<br>
> > designed for all people to enter through vestibules off the apron on<br>
> > both sides - imagine side stages, but a wall instead. So, if panelists<br>
> > or guest speakers, et al were to go up on to the stage, they had to<br>
> > walk up (away from the stage), around the seating, and into the<br>
> > vestibule. We had a portable, shop-built, as-ugly-as-possible portable<br>
> > temp stairs for rehearsals, etc, but every time we'd have VIPs, we'd<br>
> > always be asked to bring them back out, because no one wants to go for<br>
> > a long walk to get on stage. So.... for a show where the director<br>
> > wanted actors to enter/exit through the House, I designed some steps<br>
> > at each end of the apron to architecturally look like the theatre...<br>
> > set pieces... not permanent.... not to Code.... and of course, you can<br>
> > guess, in 2024, they're still there, because it's "imperative" VIPs<br>
> > and speakers have quick access from the front row to the stage.<br>
> ><br>
> > My district just opened a brand-new PAC at the other big high school<br>
> > in my district, and the space was designed with side stages as the<br>
> > access to the apron, and I've asked the Technical Coordinator there if<br>
> > anyone has asked for/demanded steps up to the stage, but she says no<br>
> > one has asked yet, but they've only had a few events (comparatively)<br>
> > and one show in December, when the pit was open, so it hasn't been an<br>
> > issue yet.<br>
> ><br>
> > Maybe the solution is never show an alternative, and no one will<br>
> > demand the alternative. If I could turn back time.... then again,<br>
> > I'd have even more people jumping on/off the stage.... :(<br>
> ><br>
> > - Jon<br>
> ><br>
> >> On Sun, Jan 14, 2024 at 10:07?AM Bill Conner via Stagecraft<br>
> >> <stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
> >><br>
> >> I've been working on some code changes and wanted more views on just<br>
> the desirability of a permanent in the house route from audience to stage.<br>
> While my current work concerns an accessible route, I really want to hear<br>
> about the functional and artistic issues affecting the choice of having a<br>
> permanent in the house path or route. My present big picture view is that<br>
> for theatre - opera, drama, dance - permanent stairs are undesirable for<br>
> artistic reasons. For a very multi purpose space, like in high schools,<br>
> where far and away the overwhelming majority of stages and auditoriums are,<br>
> the path or route seems inevitably necessary.<br>
> >><br>
> >> Avoiding the complications accessibility brings to this for a<br>
> moment, correct or expand or just pontificate on the desirability of<br>
> permanent path or route.<br>
> >><br>
> >> Thank you.<br>
> >> ____________________________________________________________<br>
> >> For list information see <<a href="http://stagecraft.theprices.net/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstagecraft.theprices.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203117255%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ojlCV%2FjgH65uZHU738Cxg8THuhYAn6BQxnRs8T8CM%2Fk%3D&reserved=0</a>><br>
> >> Stagecraft mailing list<br>
> >> Stagecraft@theatrical.net<br>
> >> <a href="http://theatrical.net/mailman/listinfo/stagecraft_theatrical.net">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheatrical.net%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fstagecraft_theatrical.net&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203120903%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lx2gHUQkF55CYIGHQVotOZrdFPa3OHgzL2sRAwNhMkM%3D&reserved=0</a><br>
> ><br>
> ><br>
> ><br>
> > --<br>
> > Jon Ares<br>
> > <a href="http://www.arescreative.com/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arescreative.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203124488%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7pfhSTtpJx2BoktuLXlBqDA2olo5%2BbfKOA7c0W6VRUE%3D&reserved=0</a><br>
> ><br>
> > ____________________________________________________________<br>
> > For list information see <<a href="http://stagecraft.theprices.net/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstagecraft.theprices.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203128065%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NnFgLQvNAKsiEPtv60qZ2IC83KXH6ZEiyKtjpv6M5yk%3D&reserved=0</a>><br>
> > Stagecraft mailing list<br>
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<br>
------------------------------<br>
<br>
Message: 6<br>
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2024 20:26:19 -0500<br>
From: Bill Conner <billconnerastc@gmail.com><br>
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft@theatrical.net><br>
Subject: Re: [SML] Stairs from audience to stage<br>
Message-ID:<br>
<CAHtCQ9QRWf=TwtgFVPwyefwXyiJ4dPOCd42DF8FKwBOYy4+oNA@mail.gmail.com><br>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"<br>
<br>
So Stephen. If I'm in a wheelchair and seated in the auditorium, and am to<br>
go to the stage, what is the route? Out of the auditorium and through the<br>
corridors and enter one of the stage wings?<br>
<br>
What the building code (and nearly identical in the ADS Guidelines) is:<br>
<br>
"An accessible route shall directly connect the performance area to the<br>
assembly seating area where a circulation path directly connects a<br>
performance area to an assembly seating area."<br>
<br>
I'm trying to to get the requirements to better define "directly connect".<br>
(Personally, if a person not in a wheelchair can go directly to the stage<br>
within sight of the audience, than a person in a wheel chair should also.<br>
Non- discrimination.)<br>
<br>
BUT, while interesting, I'm really hoping to learn the general desirability<br>
and necessity of the connection for anyone, with or without disability.<br>
What I think I'm hearing is that in educational settings, they are<br>
desirable. I don't think I've heard about professional spaces, which will<br>
probably be split between the producing house - a regional theatre for<br>
example; and the multi-purpose facility - national tours, symphony, local<br>
companies, whatever they can book.<br>
<br>
Thank you all for reading this and responding!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
On Sun, Jan 14, 2024, 6:11?PM Stephen Rees via Stagecraft <<br>
stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
<br>
> Although I've been gone from the program at SUNY-Fredonia for 13 years,<br>
> nothing has changed with the main proscenium theatre as regards interior<br>
> passage from stage to auditorium. The 1972 I.M. Pei building with<br>
> Rosenthal Associates as consultants placed a set of 32" wide stairs on<br>
> either side of the stage aligning with the outer audience aisles in the<br>
> house. The steps rise a total of 32" and the onstage walls serve as the<br>
> sides of the oddly shaped, curved front, hydraulic orchestra pit. The<br>
> building as originally constructed had no other access from stage to FOH<br>
> apart from a long circuitous route involving hallways and a trip to the<br>
> second floor and back down! Either that or go outside in any weather, a<br>
> nuisance in WNY. The steps are pretty useful most of the time and when<br>
> necessary, we would construct plugs that filled them in at stage level. In<br>
> that circumstance, if there was a pit orchestra, there was a 32" jump to<br>
> the auditorium floor. No space at auditorium level for temporary steps, nor<br>
> interest in building "temporary" non-scenic elements. On the occasions<br>
> where the pit deck became performance space and was lowered below the<br>
> permanent deck level, it was a fairly easy, albeit large step up to the pit<br>
> floor. Directors LOVED to use those side stairs for entrances/exits and<br>
> the house could easily become an extension of the stage and be performance<br>
> space. With the addition to the building by Debra Berke Partners (now<br>
> TenBerke) completed in 2016, there is now an indoor hallway from backstage<br>
> to FOH with the former exterior building wall making one side of the very<br>
> wide hallway.<br>
> Stephen E. Rees,<br>
> Professor, TD, and Chair Emeritus of Theatre - SUNY Fredonia<br>
> CCE-CC Master Gardener Volunteer<br>
> 716.366.0505 Home<br>
> 716.680.1565 Mobile<br>
><br>
><br>
><br>
> On Sun, Jan 14, 2024 at 4:28?PM Bruce Bennett via Stagecraft <<br>
> stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
><br>
>> We?ve done a lot of accessibility work in our theatres over the last few<br>
>> years. Ontario provincial accessibility legislation is to come into effect<br>
>> in 2025 and we?ve had funding available.<br>
>><br>
>> Work across theatres has included installation of two lifts for control<br>
>> booth access (50% of our booths need to be accessible), and two for stage<br>
>> access - along with a lot of wider doors.<br>
>><br>
>> In all cases we?ve not changed stage fronts, with existing architectural<br>
>> side-stage stairs in concert halls/larger theatres and auditorium floor<br>
>> level stages in smaller theatres. Where we?ve added lifts they?ve been<br>
>> installed to provide wing access from egress corridors at the front of the<br>
>> auditorium.<br>
>><br>
>> In two theatres we have ?temporary? staircases at extreme edges of the<br>
>> thrust and they rarely ever move.<br>
>><br>
>> Bruce<br>
>><br>
>> "A society grows great when old people plant trees whose shade they know<br>
>> they shall never sit in." - Greek proverb<br>
>><br>
>> > On Jan 14, 2024, at 14:39, Jon Ares via Stagecraft <<br>
>> stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
>> ><br>
>> > ?In my space (opened in 2006), there are no "permanent" steps... it was<br>
>> > designed for all people to enter through vestibules off the apron on<br>
>> > both sides - imagine side stages, but a wall instead. So, if panelists<br>
>> > or guest speakers, et al were to go up on to the stage, they had to<br>
>> > walk up (away from the stage), around the seating, and into the<br>
>> > vestibule. We had a portable, shop-built, as-ugly-as-possible portable<br>
>> > temp stairs for rehearsals, etc, but every time we'd have VIPs, we'd<br>
>> > always be asked to bring them back out, because no one wants to go for<br>
>> > a long walk to get on stage. So.... for a show where the director<br>
>> > wanted actors to enter/exit through the House, I designed some steps<br>
>> > at each end of the apron to architecturally look like the theatre...<br>
>> > set pieces... not permanent.... not to Code.... and of course, you can<br>
>> > guess, in 2024, they're still there, because it's "imperative" VIPs<br>
>> > and speakers have quick access from the front row to the stage.<br>
>> ><br>
>> > My district just opened a brand-new PAC at the other big high school<br>
>> > in my district, and the space was designed with side stages as the<br>
>> > access to the apron, and I've asked the Technical Coordinator there if<br>
>> > anyone has asked for/demanded steps up to the stage, but she says no<br>
>> > one has asked yet, but they've only had a few events (comparatively)<br>
>> > and one show in December, when the pit was open, so it hasn't been an<br>
>> > issue yet.<br>
>> ><br>
>> > Maybe the solution is never show an alternative, and no one will<br>
>> > demand the alternative. If I could turn back time.... then again,<br>
>> > I'd have even more people jumping on/off the stage.... :(<br>
>> ><br>
>> > - Jon<br>
>> ><br>
>> >> On Sun, Jan 14, 2024 at 10:07?AM Bill Conner via Stagecraft<br>
>> >> <stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
>> >><br>
>> >> I've been working on some code changes and wanted more views on just<br>
>> the desirability of a permanent in the house route from audience to stage.<br>
>> While my current work concerns an accessible route, I really want to hear<br>
>> about the functional and artistic issues affecting the choice of having a<br>
>> permanent in the house path or route. My present big picture view is that<br>
>> for theatre - opera, drama, dance - permanent stairs are undesirable for<br>
>> artistic reasons. For a very multi purpose space, like in high schools,<br>
>> where far and away the overwhelming majority of stages and auditoriums are,<br>
>> the path or route seems inevitably necessary.<br>
>> >><br>
>> >> Avoiding the complications accessibility brings to this for a<br>
>> moment, correct or expand or just pontificate on the desirability of<br>
>> permanent path or route.<br>
>> >><br>
>> >> Thank you.<br>
>> >> ____________________________________________________________<br>
>> >> For list information see <<a href="http://stagecraft.theprices.net/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstagecraft.theprices.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203146398%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9639UpPyaFT1rttBfO4qPXOgwxSyVcYMRzS7sW4phl4%3D&reserved=0</a>><br>
>> >> Stagecraft mailing list<br>
>> >> Stagecraft@theatrical.net<br>
>> >> <a href="http://theatrical.net/mailman/listinfo/stagecraft_theatrical.net">
https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheatrical.net%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fstagecraft_theatrical.net&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203150032%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BAnE87AXvuscut4CM%2BWZ05W89ShdCS2kwIwyh60Rf6k%3D&reserved=0</a><br>
>> ><br>
>> ><br>
>> ><br>
>> > --<br>
>> > Jon Ares<br>
>> > <a href="http://www.arescreative.com/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arescreative.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203153626%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0MRIZ5Xf%2FOA3mvM6GAHXUHt1JDwwFfbLpfvhhJayKyM%3D&reserved=0</a><br>
>> ><br>
>> > ____________________________________________________________<br>
>> > For list information see <<a href="http://stagecraft.theprices.net/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstagecraft.theprices.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203157158%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=uKCjiMTtr1A1Of6ptjYDdagVELEqz4oSHnmp3yDzy40%3D&reserved=0</a>><br>
>> > Stagecraft mailing list<br>
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>><br>
>> ____________________________________________________________<br>
>> For list information see <<a href="http://stagecraft.theprices.net/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstagecraft.theprices.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203164395%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UwHoQIUAGOpcENSH3vhdbQTR%2F45DRo9K2D1HcT%2FTlfk%3D&reserved=0</a>><br>
>> Stagecraft mailing list<br>
>> Stagecraft@theatrical.net<br>
>> <a href="http://theatrical.net/mailman/listinfo/stagecraft_theatrical.net">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheatrical.net%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fstagecraft_theatrical.net&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203167913%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nvJCvfToeL4P0mf2IMIGM7Ne%2BAvUCUe3mepdMaX5C9s%3D&reserved=0</a><br>
>><br>
> ____________________________________________________________<br>
> For list information see <<a href="http://stagecraft.theprices.net/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstagecraft.theprices.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203171398%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fhCJYGkW0B0GSHkuEItWlpw%2BqbrL621C%2FCi6sZtGBTc%3D&reserved=0</a>><br>
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<br>
Message: 7<br>
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2024 20:35:16 -0500<br>
From: Bill Conner <billconnerastc@gmail.com><br>
To: Stagecraft <stagecraft@theatrical.net><br>
Subject: [SML] Another stair to stage question<br>
Message-ID:<br>
<CAHtCQ9T2BY0a+uUh8SQ=SsZCznHkYMaCJpXebjyPXdJMSV4CSA@mail.gmail.com><br>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"<br>
<br>
Another code change question unrelated to accessibility.<br>
<br>
Right now, the most commonly used building code, the IBC, requires<br>
handrails on both sides of the stair between auditorium floor and stage.<br>
(Actually most stairs, but that's irrelevant.) The NFPA Life Safety Code<br>
does not, just one side, a change I got passed some years ago.)<br>
<br>
I'm guessing, based on observations and a whole lot of theatre tours and<br>
looking at plans and pictures, many do not comply with the building code,<br>
even new ones.<br>
<br>
If you have these stairs, do they have handrails, and if so, one side or<br>
both?<br>
<br>
Thank you.<br>
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Message: 8<br>
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2024 22:42:50 -0500<br>
From: Stephen E Rees <Stephen.Rees@fredonia.edu><br>
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft@theatrical.net><br>
Subject: Re: [SML] Another stair to stage question<br>
Message-ID: <5D4E9833-E57A-43A8-9733-B61F6D86F45A@fredonia.edu><br>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8<br>
<br>
One side. Auditorium wall. <br>
Sent from my iPhone<br>
<br>
> On Jan 14, 2024, at 8:36?PM, Bill Conner via Stagecraft <stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:<br>
> <br>
> ?<br>
> Another code change question unrelated to accessibility.<br>
> <br>
> Right now, the most commonly used building code, the IBC, requires handrails on both sides of the stair between auditorium floor and stage. (Actually most stairs, but that's irrelevant.) The NFPA Life Safety Code does not, just one side, a change I got passed
some years ago.)<br>
> <br>
> I'm guessing, based on observations and a whole lot of theatre tours and looking at plans and pictures, many do not comply with the building code, even new ones.<br>
> <br>
> If you have these stairs, do they have handrails, and if so, one side or both?
<br>
> <br>
> Thank you. <br>
> ____________________________________________________________<br>
> For list information see <<a href="http://stagecraft.theprices.net/">https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstagecraft.theprices.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjdougher%40middlebury.edu%7Cf1f02dfe56ef4177686e08dc15c1fecb%7Ca1bb0a191576421dbe93b3a7d4b6dcaa%7C1%7C0%7C638409171203186549%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C62000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Dmo4%2BN%2FwjqDUn2e978up02DJrAeLgPxIkuJ%2BUIQ8umo%3D&reserved=0</a>><br>
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<br>
Message: 9<br>
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2024 04:18:12 +0000 (UTC)<br>
From: Kristi R-C <misswisc@aol.com><br>
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft@theatrical.net><br>
Cc: Bill Conner <billconnerastc@gmail.com><br>
Subject: Re: [SML] Stairs from audience to stage<br>
Message-ID: <172016988.1124769.1705292292565@mail.yahoo.com><br>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"<br>
<br>
The PAC in Appleton has a fabulous solution - our SR stairs have a ?filler? that sits over them to create an edge that is flush to the DS edge and stage floor so that when we want direct access ?from the audience to the stage we have it, and when we need more
security (e.g. POTUS visit) we can put the filer in and make those stairs ?disappear.? Takes two people about a minute to put it in or take it out. ?<br>
Wheeled things can?t get to the main floor without a circuitous route anyway - so if we know someone who uses a mobiity device will need to come on stage, we seat them in the box seats which are at stage level on HR. That access requires going through two sets
of doors if the pit is down, else you can roll from the audience right onto the stage on that side if the pit is up.<br>
As with most things ADA related, talking with the people involved and doing some advanced planning will make it easier for all.?<br>
For schools, I like having permanant access all the way SL/SR and one of them being ADA friendly, too.?<br>
Kristi R-C<br>
<br>
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Subject: Digest Footer<br>
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End of Stagecraft Digest, Vol 113, Issue 4<br>
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