SHOP MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

NOTES ON THEATRICAL SHOP MANAGEMENT:

In an educational shop, the set is the laboratory, but the student's growth is the measurable result.

Process over Product –

The collaborative theatrical process needs to be emphasized for students’ benefit.

The Scene Shop must breathe theatre; it needs to feel connected to the excitement of the show's production. We don’t build anything other than theatrical artifacts.

In an educational facility, students are the primary product, and scenery is the secondary product. If the set is beautiful but the students are burned out, unsafe, or learned nothing, the project was a failure. It is important that the set designer and other members of the production team stand by this philosophy.

An easy sign of success: The students are empowered and proud of their work.

Safety First –

Attending the shop under the influence of any mind-altering substance is a threat to safety and will result in immediate removal from the team.

Planning and anticipating help avoid rushing and unforeseen events, and ensure physical and psychological safety.

A culture of Psychological Safety is key, so students can admit their ignorance and ask for or accept corrections without fear of ridicule. Every Person in the shop, regardless of gender, background, or identity, feels respected, included, and empowered to contribute without fear of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Every single person in the shop has the authority to yell “STOP” if they see something that seems unsafe, physically or psychologically, even if it turns out to be a false alarm.

Phones are a distraction in the shop and will only be allowed for specific purposes (math, physics…) or under the permission of the Shop Manager (documenting portfolio, research…). Any type of picture-taking or recording is forbidden without the permission and supervision of a faculty member.

Distractions are to be avoided; communication is key. As fellow actors in rehearsal or performance, when we step into the scene shop or onto the stage, we practice full mindfulness. We are concentrated on the task, aware of our surroundings, ready to act or respond. We learn to distinguish the moments when our silence or standing by is required, act accordingly, and teach it by example. We are trained to yell and acknowledge; we learn to communicate clearly and concisely what we are doing when it can affect others. For example, two people carrying a heavy scenery piece across the shop must make bystanders aware of their movements and communicate constantly between them to avoid accidents or injuries.

The shop and the stage are technical spaces that we need to understand fully, to ensure our safety. Shop workers are not allowed, under any circumstances, to operate or interact with machines or theater building equipment unless they are trained in their use. A chart will be published and updated with everyone’s clearances.

We are to follow OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Standards, in particular those related to protecting ourselves from hazards associated with woodworking, welding, painting, and rigging. Adopting the OSHA culture of safety includes: 1. Using Personal Protective Equipment and Attire, 2. Machine and Tool Safety, 3. Available Hazard Communication and Safety Data Sheets, 4. Fire Protection and Housekeeping, 5. Fall Protection and Structural Safety, 6. Regular Training, Documentation, and Reporting. Training on OSHA standards will be provided, and required and useful documentation will be published on the Department’s Web. A clean and organized shop is a sign of a safe shop.

A quick warm-up and stretching session will be conducted prior to each work session.  Breaks are typically 15 minutes, often occurring halfway through a 4-5 hour work period.

Student and Pedagogy Second –

We create an ensemble; we understand that this is a collaborative effort in which we all need to accomplish our tasks. We understand that we are a piece of the bigger picture of theatre. All the theatrical pieces are lifeless until they come together with an audience. We are theatre people who maintain this big picture while interacting with other departments and theatre colleagues. We understand the necessary structure and chain of command of our company and respect it. We know the theatre process and at what point we are in it.  We admire the actors, dancers, and musicians and recognize their dominant expression in the performative arts.

Being a Shop Worker is considered a learning and social opportunity. We must remember that in the US, Higher Education is not a right but a privilege, so we are thankful and open to the full benefit of the experience. A work ethic is expected at the apprentice level, as in the professional world. Working in our shop as a student employee is not training for the real world; it is already the real world.

In the shop, we all learn the best practices of the Theatrical Process, as well as the materials and construction techniques. In Project Management, we teach that we can choose only two of the three ideals: Good, Fast, or Cheap. Leadership at the educational shop is mentors and has the growth of the students in mind.

As an integral part of the production, Shop Workers must read the plays they are working on. Design presentations will be arranged or recorded for our views. In our shop, we explain the “how” but also the “why.” In our shop, the “why” means the theatrical “why”, not only the technical solutions or material choices. We aim to understand the why from the perspectives of the directorial concept and the scenic designer's approach. We also learn to predict the implications and relationships of the scenic designer's choices, particularly with lights, projections, and costumes, as well as with stage management and the show running crew.

Students interested in pursuing technical theatre or Technical Direction will be supported in obtaining certifications outside the department. The Shop will also maintain a database of technical summer internships available to students and provide support with the application process. Summer internships are encouraged and supported; they are considered a benefit for the student and the department.

In an undergraduate setting, obtaining the full Bachelor's degree takes precedence over theatre studies. Students will be informed that their academic performance will be subject to scrutiny and that they will be placed on leave if their GPA falls below 2.00 (a C average) or if they fail to meet graduation requirements. Theatre production should not interfere with graduation.

Not only do the students learn in the shop. We evaluate our workflow design every show, looking to refine and improve our methods. We also celebrate our achievements as part of our ensemble building.

Scenery Third –

Our contribution to the theatrical event is to build on-budget, sound, timely, quality scenery, paint it, install it, ensure it is ready during Tech, and dismantle it after the show. Depending on the show, we can also take care of prop construction, and during the performance, we might run the show. We are very confident since we do it, again and again, several times a year.

In our shop, we have the big-picture view of the entire Set Breakdown, as well as the Construction Calendar, which is visible and updated twice a week.

Inventory & Maintenance: Ensuring that tools are respected, maintained, and ready for the next project.

A great shop philosophy emphasizes sustainability and resourcefulness. Respect the resource; we design with reuse in mind. We care about the quality of the water we use.  Good planning, cleanliness, and organization are a must.