Stagecraft’s gotta follow: High school’s legal duties.
High school stagecraft is a crucial element in producing outstanding school plays, musicals, and other performances. It’s where students learn the ins and outs of technical theatre and how to apply them to make shows come alive. However, with this responsibility comes legal obligations that schools must adhere to. In this article, we will explore the legal duties of high school stagecraft and how they can ensure a safe and successful production.
Hooray for high school stagecraft!
High school stagecraft is an exciting and challenging endeavor. Students learn how to design sets, construct them, and operate stage lighting, sound, and other technical aspects of theatre. Stagecraft allows students to express their creativity, work collaboratively, and develop essential skills that can apply to future careers. It’s an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with responsibilities.
But wait, what are their legal duties?
High school stagecraft teams must comply with various legal requirements to protect the safety of everyone involved in the production, adhere to child labor laws, respect intellectual property rights, and mitigate liability risks. Legal duties include ensuring a secure environment, following fire safety regulations, working with minors, complying with copyright laws, and adhering to legal guidelines throughout rehearsals and showtime.
Safety comes first: ensuring a secure environment
Safety is the top priority for high school stagecraft. Schools must ensure that the stage, backstage, and production areas are safe for all involved. This includes maintaining the structural integrity of the stage, ensuring that electrical systems are up to code, providing safe access to rigging systems, and ensuring that all equipment is in good working condition.
The importance of fire safety regulations
Fire safety regulations are critical in any production environment, and schools must adhere to them strictly. Schools must ensure that all electrical systems are up to code, provide smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers, and establish evacuation routes in the event of an emergency. Schools must conduct fire drills regularly to ensure that everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
The issue of liability: who is responsible if an accident occurs?
The question of liability arises in any production, and high school stagecraft is no exception. Teachers, administrators, and district officials must ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage in case of accidents or injuries. Schools must also ensure that all equipment is in good working condition and that students receive proper training in its use. They must also ensure that students are supervised and that safety protocols are followed at all times.
Working with minors: adhering to child labor laws
Child labor laws apply to all productions involving minors, and high school stagecraft is no exception. Schools must ensure that students’ hours are reasonable and that they receive adequate breaks. They must also ensure that students are not performing hazardous tasks and that they are not exposed to hazardous materials. Schools must also obtain work permits for students who work on productions.
Copyright compliance: respecting intellectual property
Copyright laws protect the intellectual property of creators, and schools must respect them when producing shows. Schools must obtain permission to use copyrighted material, perform music from licensed sources, and ensure that all video and audio recordings are legally obtained. They must also ensure that students understand the importance of respecting intellectual property rights.
From rehearsals to showtime: following legal guidelines
From rehearsals to showtime, schools must follow legal guidelines to ensure a safe and successful production. This includes ensuring that students receive proper training and supervision, that safety protocols are followed, and that all legal requirements are met. Schools must also ensure that they have proper insurance coverage and that all equipment is in good working condition.
High school stagecraft is an exciting opportunity for students to explore technical theatre and develop essential skills. However, with this responsibility comes legal obligations that schools must adhere to. Schools must ensure a safe and secure environment, comply with child labor laws, respect intellectual property rights, and mitigate liability risks. By following legal guidelines, schools can produce outstanding performances safely and successfully.
Additional Resources:
American Alliance for Theatre and Education. (2021). Copyright law and school theatre. https://www.aate.com/copyright-law-and-school-theatre
Cohen, J. R. (2021). The value of theatre education. Theatre Topics, 31(2), 203-209. https://doi.org/10.1353/tt.2021.0017
National Fire Protection Association. (2019). Fire and life safety in schools. https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Resources/Education/Community-Education/NFPA-s-Fire-and-Life-Safety-in-Schools.pdf
Shank, A. (2021). Liability and safety in school theatre programs. American School & University, 93(3), 18-21. https://www.asumag.com/safety-security/article/21156259/liability-and-safety-in-school-theatre-programs
US Department of Labor. (n.d.). Child labor laws. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor/laws
