When I was an intern at A.C.T. in San Francisco, I held onto important informational handouts and kept them in my reference file. They created an Emergency Response Plan booklet, covering several types of emergencies, the order in which they are handled, etc. I found a separate file with SM Announcements to make for various emergency situations. Unfortunately, there is no specific speech for an earthquake, however, here is the Emergency Plan for earthquakes at the Geary Theater in SF:
Earthquake Procedures (FOH)
1. Stay in the building until the shaking stops.
2. If shaking is severe, take cover and direct patrons to do the same.
3. When it is safe to do so, begin evacuation, if necessary.
In the event of a major earthquake the safest thing to do is remain in the building. If the shaking is severe, take cover in hallways, under tables or desks, or in other structurally secure areas. In the theater, take cover between the seating rows below the level of the seat backs.
Expect disruptions in electrical, phone and water service. Do not use telephones or water unless absolutely required. Remember that fire, not the earthquake itself, causes the most damage and injury. Inspect your area for possible fire hazards or gas leaks, and do not smoke or use an open flame.
Here is the section from the AEA Stage Manager's Packet regarding Earthquake Procedures:
Earthquake Readiness for Shows Touring to or Occurring in Earthquake Zones
An earthquake is a unique natural disaster. It is different from other types of natural disasters
such as tornadoes, hurricanes and thunderstorms because it occurs without warning, usually
accompanied by a series of randomly occurring aftershocks, each with differing strengths and
lasting for an indeterminate lengths of time.
Following an earthquake, electrical power is generally lost and gas leaks may occur.
Communication inside a theatre can be lost, so it is imperative that company members be
apprised of emergency procedures.
The following steps are generalized guidelines, because each theatre is unique in its
construction, management and location within a neighborhood or business district.
Especially if you are unfamiliar with standard earthquake procedures, we urge you to make time
to meet with theatre management as you travel through earthquake country.
While earthquake readiness procedures are ultimately the responsibility of theatre management,
the following are suggested guidelines:
Suggested General Guidelines
• Discuss existing earthquake preparedness plans with the resident house and tech staff; if none
are in place, establish a plan for backstage as well as front of house;
• Find out where landlines will be available to the company manager and stage manager, and
make sure the earthquake kit is well-stocked and up-to-date with enough water, flashlights,
spare batteries, blankets and first aid supplies for the size of your cast and crew;
• With the resident staff, determine the safest areas to take cover during an earthquake; i.e.
make-up tables, worktables, arches etc;
• Review securing rolling stock (wardrobe racks, lighting crates, etc.), and confirm that all
suspended scenic pieces are rigged and hung securely;
• Determine pre-established “safe-refuge” locations backstage and front of house, and nearby
the theater in case an evacuation becomes necessary. Walk to them at the first rehearsal in the
space. Review where, how and with whom to check in from these areas;
• Establish the chain of command in an emergency, including who cancels or stops the show,
and who orders an evacuation;
• Confirm who will handle the audience members and other front-of-house staff, and discuss
methods of communication between backstage and FOH.
• Clarify and rehearse procedures with the crew and assign team leaders for emergency areas.
Crew should place or know where to find the emergency kits, flashlights and water in strategic
areas; i.e. dressing rooms, workshops, backstage, booth, etc.;WWW.ACTORSEQUITY.ORG
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• Instruct all company members in earthquake safety. Review duck-and-cover and other basic
procedures and walk the backstage evacuation routes. Remind those with specific medical
needs to keep a supply of required items at the theater during the run;
• Remind the company to avoid open flame (including matches or lighters for cigarettes and
candles) because of probable gas leaks;
• Establish an emergency call-in number to report company status to the production office;
• Provide the company with a check-in number in case of cancelled performances;
• Distribute a central production office emergency number for the company’s family and friends;
• Have company members check with their cell phone carriers about signal strength and
continuity following an earthquake;
• Instruct the company to become familiar with their residential earthquake procedures; in
earthquake territory, phone books print safety information, and motels/hotels have established,
formal routes and procedures;
• Company members with pets should contact the local SPCA for further information.