VI. Special Effects

When registering an event, all student groups must secure permission to include any of the following special effects.  Groups will be asked to complete a checklist when completing the event registration form.  Further discussion and planning may include the University Fire Marshal, the Production Office, the Risk Management Office and/or the Office of Environmental Health & Safety.  Permission may be denied in certain cases.

• Use Of Pyrotechnics
• Knives, Swords or Guns
• Items Suspended Above the Audience
• Pits, Traps and Changes in Elevation
• Fog or Smoke
• Strobe Lighting
• Laser Lighting
• Flying or Rigging Performers

A. Use of Pyrotechnics
All use of pyrotechnic devices before a proximate audience must must meet the requirements found in chapter 31, section F-3103.7 of the New Jersey State Fire Code and NFPA Standard 1126.  In order to assure compliance, all student groups must submit a plan to the University Fire Marshal for the use of any pyrotechnics. The following steps shall be followed to obtain the proper permits and approval for the use pyrotechnics:

1. Submit a plan to the University Fire Marshal for the use of pyrotechnics.  The plan must contain the following information:

• Name of the person, group, or organization sponsoring the production
• Date and time of day of the production
• Exact location of the production
• Name of the person actually in charge of firing the pyrotechnics (i.e., the pyrotechnic operator)
• Number, names, and ages of all assistants who are to be present
• Qualifications of the pyrotechnic operator
• Pyrotechnic experience of the operator
• Confirmation of any applicable state and federal licenses held by the operator or assistant(s)
• Evidence of the permittee’s insurance carrier or financial responsibility
• Number and types of pyrotechnic devices and materials to be used, the operator’s experience with those devices and effects, and a definition of the general responsibilities of assistants
• Diagram of the grounds or facilities where the production is to be held. This diagram shall show the point at which the pyrotechnic devices are to be fired, the fallout radius for each pyrotechnic device used in the performance, and the lines behind which the audience shall be restrained
• Point of on-site assembly of pyrotechnic devices
• Manner and place of storage of the pyrotechnic materials and devices
• Material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the pyrotechnic material(s) to be used manufacturers directions and specifications
• Certification that the set, scenery, and rigging materials are inherently flame-retardant or have been treated to achieve flame retardancy
• Certification that all materials worn by performers in the fallout area during use of pyrotechnic effects shall be inherently flame retardant or have been treated to achieve flame retardancy
• Names and qualifications for two fire watch personnel
• All plans shall be submitted as soon as is possible so that the authority having jurisdiction has time to be present and to notify other interested parties. In no event shall such advance notice be less than 24 hours

2. Obtain the proper permit from the University Fire Marshal
3. Coordinate with theater management to discuss fire safety precautions to avoid  fire damage from the fall out of the display
4. Conduct a demonstration of the pyrotechnic effect for fire Officials

Qualifications of Operators and Assistants

All pyrotechnic operators must be at least 21 years old and licensed or approved by the authority having jurisdiction in accordance with any and all applicable laws.  All assistants must be at least 18 years old.

All pyrotechnic equipment must be approved by the University Fire Marshal and Theater Management.  Please contact Bob Gregory, University Fire Marshall at 258-6805 and Christopher Gorzelnik at 258-6090.

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B.  Knives, Swords or Guns

According to Rights, Rules and Responsibilities, "The possession, storing, or use on campus of (a) firearms (including antique firearms and imitation firearms); (b) any guns that shoot projectiles (including paintball, BB, air); (c) ammunition for any firearm; or (d) any explosive or incendiary device (including firecrackers and other fireworks)." is considered an extremely serious offence. (Easily identifiable toys, such as brightly colored or clear water guns, are not covered by this provision.)

The use of prop guns in theatrical productions and the like requires advance written permission from the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students. A representative from the production must meet with Dean Dunne to determine the appropriate procedures for storage and transportation of these props. To make an appointment with Dean Dunne, please e-mail jdeguire@princeton.edu.

The gun may not be kept at the theater except during the actual performance and can either be removed immediately from campus, stored with Public Safety at Stanhope Hall or sent back to the prop company which rents them.  If storing with Public Safety, the gun must be picked up prior to the performance and returned immediately after the performance each night.

Prop knives and swords can be rented from several prop companies.  No real knives or swords may be employed without modification.  Contact Christopher Gorzelnik (8-6090) for more information.

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C.  Items Suspended Above the Audience

Any intention of suspending set pieces or other items above the audience must be approved by the Risk Management Office, the Production Office and/or Environmental Health & Safety.  Please see Section 4.B.2, Rigging for more information on rigging set pieces.

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D.  Pits, Traps and Changes in Elevation

Any set design which includes steps, ladders, traps or other specialty devices must be approved by the Production Office at Richardson Auditorium (8-6090 or cgorzeln@princeton.edu).  Mark changes in elevation on the stage with phosphorescent tape.  Pits, traps and other hazards should be marked with signs or barricaded when not in use.

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E.  Fog or Smoke

Commercially available fog and smoke machines may be rented or purchased from various theatrical supply companies.  Using smoke bombs, loose dry ice or fire extinguishers for this type of effect is prohibited.  Planning must include the proper volume of smoke or fog and ensuring that exit aisles and doors are kept visually clear.  Contact the Production Office and the University Fire Marshal if a fog or smoke effect is planned. If fog or smoke is to be used in a production, warnings should be posted at the front of house or entrance doors to the theater as well as in a program, if distributed. Example: "WARNING: Synthetic fog is used during this performance".

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F.  Strobe Lighting

Certain people with epilepsy and photosensitivity may suffer a seizure if exposed to flashing or strobe lighting.  If strobe lighting is to be used in a production, warnings should be posted at the front of house or entrance doors to the theater as well as in a program, if distributed.  Example: "WARNING: Strobe lights are used during this performance."

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G.  Laser Lighting

Only Class 2 lasers are permitted to be used in a production.  Contact the Environmental Health & Safety Office (8-2648) if lasers are intended to be used.

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H.  Flying or Rigging Performers

Any suspension of performers above the stage must be completed by a professional technical engineer with suitable experience in this type of effect.  The effect must be approved by the Risk Management Office, the Production Office and/or Environmental Health & Safety.

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