Author Topic: Air Conditioning broken  (Read 4683 times)

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Scott (formerly Digga)

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Air Conditioning broken
« on: Jun 16, 2012, 09:38 pm »
I've looked through the SPT book but the only mention of temperatures is the minimum of 68 degrees for audition rooms.  Currently working on a show where the A/C for the theater (and only the theater - the rest of the building is fine) has gone out.  Thermostat is reading only 77 but it definitely feels warmer and it's got to be at least another 10+ degrees on stage under the lights.  Does anyone know of a temperature threshold that's too hot for performance under AEA rules?

Palatii

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Re: Air Conditioning broken
« Reply #1 on: Jun 16, 2012, 10:15 pm »
The SPT contract doesn't contain any rules about temp onstage.  Dressing Rooms have to be heated and cooled but the Safe and Sanitary rule doesn't lay out that requirement for the stage itself.  Seems like a miserable experience for cast and audience!  I'd call your rep and see what they say. 

On_Headset

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Re: Air Conditioning broken
« Reply #2 on: Jun 17, 2012, 06:08 am »

Maggie K

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Re: Air Conditioning broken
« Reply #3 on: Jun 17, 2012, 09:52 am »
It can be an extreme measure but one can always call OSHA.
I like the ephemeral thing about theatre, every performance is like a ghost - it's there and then it's gone. -Maggie Smith

nick_tochelli

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Re: Air Conditioning broken
« Reply #4 on: Jun 17, 2012, 10:28 am »
Has the theater given any indication when the AC might be fixed?

EFMcMullen

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Re: Air Conditioning broken
« Reply #5 on: Jun 17, 2012, 10:52 am »
It can be an extreme measure but one can always call OSHA.

I would be hesitant to call OSHA unless an employee's life is in danger. Once you call OSHA there is no going back.   If the company is making its best effort to get it fixed, there is no reason to get that extreme. Things break. If the company is dragging its feet, then I think you start with AEA and go from there. That's why we have a union.

VSM

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Re: Air Conditioning broken
« Reply #6 on: Jun 17, 2012, 12:24 pm »
Is the theatre taking steps to correct the problem?
I would start with a conversation with the Managing Director and see what the plan is.
Let us know what you find out. A simple inquiry is always the best way to start...
Ordo ab chao

nick_tochelli

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Re: Air Conditioning broken
« Reply #7 on: Jun 17, 2012, 12:56 pm »
That's what I was getting at, vsm. If steps are being taken to fix the system, implement routines to protect your staff from dehydration and heat exhaustion. If the theater isn't taking steps, that's when I'd involve the union.

Scott (formerly Digga)

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Re: Air Conditioning broken
« Reply #8 on: Jun 17, 2012, 01:52 pm »
The theater was doing what it could - they just didn't want to pay OT to an HVAC company to come in.

That said, the problem does seem to have been resolved.  It was very hot for a day but both shows were successful yesterday.  Definitely cooler when we arrived for the matinee today and hopefully it'll stay that way once we add 200 bodies.

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Re: Air Conditioning broken
« Reply #9 on: Jun 17, 2012, 10:14 pm »
For future ref, altho they can get loud, fans can be your best back-up if sweltering is the only other option...

 

riotous