Technical Design and Production (TD&P) and Technical Interns

Departmental Contact Information

Shaminda Amarakoon

Chair of TD&P, Director of Production
shaminda.amarakoon@yale.edu

Jen McClure

Associate Chair of TD&P, Props Supervisor
jennifer.mcclure@yale.edu

Rachel Zwick

Senior Administrative Assistant
r.zwick@yale.edu

Required Training

Safe Driver Training,
Stake Bed Truck Driver Training

All students who intend to drive Yale Vehicles are required to take Safe Driver Training before driving the company management van or production van. TD&P students are required to take a Stake Bed Truck driver training with the Scene Shop Supervisor, before being allowed to drive the truck. Students without a valid driver's license are not permitted to drive university vehicles. See the Vehicle Use policy for further information.

Alcohol Awareness Training

All students are required to take Alcohol Awareness training at the start of their first year of school; the training must be completed before taking workstudy jobs, such as ushering and concessions work.

OSHA 10

All TD&P students will receive their OSHA 10 upon the completion of mandatory coursework, DRAM 159a "Creating a Positive Theater Safety Culture with Supporting Technology."

Fit Testing

All TD&P students will be fit tested for a half face respirator to be worn during welding projects. Fit testing is completed during Orientation in the fall semester.

Shop Monitor

All TD&P students will be Shop Monitors upon completion of mandatory coursework, DRAM 169a "Shop Technology," and completion of First Aid/CPR/AED certification.

First Aid/CPR/AED

All TD&P students and Technical Interns are required to be certified in First Aid, CPR and AED. This training happens during Orientation at the start of the fall semester each year. MFA students will be certified in their first year, and then re-certified in their third year.

Scaffold Assembly and Seating Riser Training

All TD&P students and Technical Interns are required to be trained on the assembly and disassembly of scaffolding, as well as the seating riser banks in the Iseman Theater. This training is run by the Faculty Technical Directors for DGSD at the beginning of the Fall Term.

Weapons Safety

All TD&P students will receive weapons safety training from Jen McClure in required coursework, DRAM159a "Creating a Positive Theater Safety Culture with Supporting Technology."

Pertinent Safety Policies

PLASA LASER safety

Production Smoking policy

ANSI Standard E1.60 (Guidelines for the Use of Raked Stages in Live Performance Environments)

Professional Work Assignment:
Associate Safety Advisor (ASA)

Job Description

Anna Glover & Kelly O’Loughlin, Supervisors

The ASA will support, inform, and inspire the technical and production team during the complete production process to raise safety standards and compliance with life safety and fire codes for production areas. The primary responsibility is to act as the liaison between the Safety office and each production's staff. The ASA will work in collaboration with the APM and PM. ASA responsibilities for productions include the following:

In collaboration with the Fall APM, the ASA will create the life safety calendar and send out life safety walkthrough meeting requests.
Assist with booking and coordination of First Aid/CPR and AED training (first ASA of the fall semester only).
During Design Phase – Read the script. Attend the design meetings as necessary and the final design to build a working relationship with the designers and understand any immediate safety concerns. Inform the Safety Team and Designers and Technical Department Heads of possible safety requirements that have budgetary implications. Ensure that designs meet OSHA and fire safety requirements as well as DGSD/YRT Safety Policies. Begin the show risk assessment process.
During Budget Phase‐ Attend all budget meetings and ensure that adequate funding has been approved for the safe build and execution of the show. Assist with any research required to inform the safety aspects of the production process.
During Build Phase – Attend the weekly production meetings and ensure that support is given to the production staff to help them during the production process to execute the tasks safely. Assist with any research required to inform the safety aspects of the production process. Attend rehearsals where safety questions may arise. Assist Stage Managers with safety orientation of actors. Ensure safety forms have been submitted and continue building show risk assessments.
During Load-in/Tech/Dress Rehearsal Phase – Attend the load-in meeting to offer safety support to the production team. Collaborate with Stage Manager on live flame requirements. Monitor the safety progress of the show during load-in and offer safety support. Lead the pre-first technical rehearsal stage safety inspection and fire drill, and any meetings required beforehand. Attend some tech rehearsals and the dress rehearsal. Support the Life Safety Walkthrough with the Safety Team
During Strike – Attend the strike meetings and ensure the strike risk assessments have been received. Provide safety supervision for the strike in support of the production team. Attend DGSD strikes and assist with pre-strike safety training and physical warm-up for the entire crew.
In general – assist with the recording and investigation of accidents and incidents. Assist with PPE inspections. Build and maintain the production safety file. Assists the Theatre Safety department as a safety resource to the theatrical production process. Assist the Theatre Safety department with establishing, developing, and implementing standards, policies and procedures for School-wide health and safety. Assist with monitoring, reporting, communication, and documentation. In addition, the ASA may assist with booking and supervising safety training and COVID Safety Officer duties.