Author Topic: SCENERY: Raked Entrance/Exit Ramp  (Read 5493 times)

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hbelden

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SCENERY: Raked Entrance/Exit Ramp
« on: Aug 15, 2006, 07:45 pm »
Not sure where to put this topic, but I'm working on a Shakespeare on a LOA contract.

I know the AEA LORT book (that our letter references) has rules about the amount of rake the theatre can put the stage deck on, and that is 3/4 inch rise for a 1 foot run.  More than that, and the Theatre has to provide a professional movement coach.

What about Entrance/Exit ramps?  No one acts on this portion of the stage, they just run up or down it maybe ten or twelve times during the show.  However, the rise is 30 inches over a 7 foot run.  This is too much, isn't it?  Or does it even matter?

I remember the vom entrances at the thrust stage at La Jolla playhouse were a steep rake, but I don't remember how much.

Thanks for the help.
« Last Edit: Jun 08, 2009, 11:40 pm by PSMKay »
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Mac Calder

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Re: Raked Entrance/Exit Ramp
« Reply #1 on: Aug 15, 2006, 08:58 pm »
If it is an entrance/exit ramp, I would be fairly sure that it is not considered a rake (IANAL), however you do have to check out the legality of the slope of the ramp against building regulations and ensure that there is some form of ribbing or grip if the angle is towards the upper end of the scale.

MatthewShiner

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Re: Raked Entrance/Exit Ramp
« Reply #2 on: Aug 16, 2006, 04:16 am »
The best thing to do is check it out with Equity directly.

I think if the actors have to do any traveling over the rake, given this rule, there might be some consideration that may need to be given, and/or approval given by AEA.

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stagemonkey

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Re: Raked Entrance/Exit Ramp
« Reply #3 on: Aug 16, 2006, 12:09 pm »
My thinking behind it (and again its just my thoughts) is that on a raked stage the actors are  moving in pretty much every direction so if the rake is too large there would be extra training needed to accomodate fluid movement on the rake to prevent injuries.  With an entrance/exit ramp one would be running/walking straight up or straight down it, which pretty much anyone who walks can do. 

Ultimately to get the best answer I would suggest contacting Equity directly as they would be able to give you the best answer.  I searched through their rule book but didn't find anything about entrance/exit ramps.  Should there be no real standard I would say run up and down the ramp yourself and see how safe you think it is.  Adding some grip would make it safer from slipping and adding a handrail would also improve safety. 

 

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