What a Risk Manager Looks for in a Risk Analysis for Performing Arts

Staging a successful performing arts production involves more than talent and creativity—it demands rigorous risk management to ensure safety, continuity, and reputation. A risk manager acts as a strategic partner, systematically identifying, assessing, and mitigating hazards to protect performers, crew, audiences, and the production as a whole.

Planning Risks: The Foundation of Safety

Poor or inadequate planning is often the root cause of operational failures. Risk managers examine production timelines, staffing, and resource deployment to detect unrealistic schedules or crew shortages. They emphasize flexible contingency plans to adapt swiftly to unexpected events, as endorsed in best practice guidelines from the United Educators Theater Production Safety Manual (UE, 2021).

Management and Communication: The Backbone of Coordination

Clear leadership and communication pathways are vital. According to Khir (2014), ineffective communication and ambiguous roles are major contributors to event risk perceptions among venue managers. Risk managers ensure protocols are in place for emergency decision-making, supported by regular training and clear reporting channels to prevent breakdowns in critical moments.

Human Factors: Cultivating a Safety Culture

Human error can rarely be eliminated, but can be mitigated. OSHA’s guidelines for young workers and safe theater practices stress the importance of comprehensive training on equipment, emergency procedures, and audience interaction (OSHA, 2025). Risk managers cultivate a culture where safety is prioritized and reinforced routinely, reducing accidents and near misses.

Physical and Technical Hazards: Rigorous Equipment and Environment Inspection

Structures and machinery pose significant risks. Hu et al. (2023) highlight the critical need for Safety Integrity Level (SIL) assessments of stage machinery, particularly in temporary setups. ANSI E1.46 (2016) standards provide detailed fall prevention measures for theatrical platforms. Regular inspections, maintenance, and adherence to ESTA stage rigging guidelines (AVIXA, 2024) are essential preventive steps.

Managing Energetic Hazards: Safely Controlling Dynamic Elements

Pyrotechnics, kinetic lighting, and sound effects enhance performances but amplify risk. OSHA and NFPA 1126 (Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience) regulations require containment, trained operators, and emergency redundancies (OSHA, 2025; NFPA, 2023). Risk managers verify compliance and conduct thorough rehearsals to avoid hazardous surprises.

The Domino Effect: Preventing Small Oversights from Escalating

Risk managers map workflows to identify critical nodes where minor mistakes—missed cues or misplaced props—could cascade into disruptive, or even dangerous, failures. Employing techniques from hazard analysis and workflow optimization ensures resilient productions that maintain safety and quality under pressure.

Addressing Broader Risks: Cybersecurity, Legal, and Reputation

With digitization, ticketing platforms and communication networks face cyber threats. Risk management extends to securing these components, alongside financial risk mitigation through insurance and contracts compliant with labor laws. Crisis communication plans guard the production’s public reputation, forming a comprehensive risk framework (Risk Strategies, 2024).

Practical Takeaways for Performing Arts Risk Managers

• Update and test risk assessments covering planning, environment, technical, and human factors regularly.
• Define leadership roles and communication protocols clearly, with routine drills and documentation.
• Prioritize ongoing training and safety culture development among all production stakeholders.
• Inspect physical infrastructure and technical equipment according to ANSI, OSHA, and ESTA standards.
• Enforce strict control measures on energetic hazards such as pyrotechnics and moving systems.
• Analyze workflows for potential escalation points and institute redundancies.
• Integrate cybersecurity, legal, financial, and media strategies into the overall risk management plan.

Conclusion

Performing arts risk managers wear many hats, blending foresight, communication, technical expertise, and leadership to ensure productions are safe, efficient, and successful. By integrating comprehensive risk analysis with industry standards, they not only protect lives but preserves the magic of live performance.

References

• Hu, Y., Su, Z., Wang, Z., & Wang, H. (2023). Research on Safety Integrity Level Assessment for Stage Machinery of Temporary Performance Site. 2023 International Conference on Culture-Oriented Science and Technology (CoST).
• Khir, M. M. (2014). Developing an event safety risk typology: A qualitative study of risk perception amongst event planners and venue managers in Malaysia.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2025). Pyrotechnics Industry – Fireworks Display. https://www.osha.gov/pyrotechnics/display
• United Educators. (2021). Theater Production Safety Manual. https://www.ue.org/risk-management/compliance/theater-production-safety/
• ANSI E1.46. (2016). Standard for the Prevention of Falls in Entertainment Industry Workplaces. ESTA.
• NFPA 1126. (2023). Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience. National Fire Protection Association.
• AVIXA. (2024). Stage Rigging Inspections Best Practices. https://xchange.avixa.org/posts/stage-rigging-inspections
• Risk Strategies. (2024). Entertainment Insurance: Theatrical Production & Live Performances. https://www.risk-strategies.com/industries/entertainment/theatre-plays