Student SM Challenge #14: Escape Plan

[PSMKay]

Student SM challenges are intended for those who are newer to the industry or still working exclusively in school environments.  However, this one is pretty crucial for everyone.  We really should have done this one a long time ago.

I realize that emergency escape planning is not generally our job, and   that modern schools will generally have some sort of plan already in   place.  Do it anyhow.  Please think of your current production OR the production you worked in most recently. Plan an escape route for each of the following scenarios that has the best chance of getting everyone out and accounted for.

a) the problem is blocking exit stage left, and occurs halfway through act I.
b) the problem blocks all exits through the house and occurs 10 minutes before the end of the show.
c) the problem occurs at 28 minutes before curtain, when the company is spread out across backstage in various stages of dressed/warming up/signed in.

Please let us know how you figure out your plan.  Given that none of us work in identical theatres, the exact plans don't need to be reported here - the point is to highlight the thought processes that can be applied to each situation across the board.

[late_stranger]

What sort of problem are we talking about? A fire, a person, an explosion? Are we evacuating the entire building? For the two during the production, should we consider the audience our responsibility, or just cast and crew?

This is actually really important... I've never thought about it before despite how old and decrepit my school's theatre is.

[PSMKay]

I've had to evacuate for fire - both real and imagined (fake alarm pull).  It could be a quake.  It could be a sudden water main break.  For now let's not say a levee burst - chances are in a situation like that the show would be cancelled.  It could be a masked gunman or an explosion.  Let's say for the sake of covering all bases that yes, you're evacuating the whole building or at least the theatre wing.  As a variant, read up on the 2002 Nord-Ost crisis and come up with a plan for dealing with that.  If it's happened before it can happen again.  As this is an academic exercise, take it as far as you feel comfortable.

I would say in general, if you don't have a trained house manager then think about the audience too - or at least figure out, if not you, then who would take care of the audience members, and what you would do to ensure the house is clear if you believe you'd have any responsibility for doing so.  Regardless, figuring out the chain of communication on that front is definitely crucial.  Does the HM only go to rendezvous point once everyone is out?  What if they don't come out?

Thanks for supporting the idea as important, late_stranger.

[loebtmc]

(Not to encourage cheating but...)

Interestingly, a few years ago the Western Region SMs put together a basic one-sheet on dealing with natural disasters - in particular earthquakes - that have been added to the AEA SM packet and are avail on the website.