Stage directing at festivals

At all times:

• Ensure that an impartial approach is maintained and be aware that casual comments or actions might be misconstrued and subject to misinterpretation.

Before the opening date of the Festival

• be thoroughly familiar with the facilities and safety implications of the venue
• be thoroughly familiar with the procedures for an SCDA Festival
• receive all technical and safety forms from the Organising Secretary, pass them to technical personnel a clear week before the festival and ensure that any foreseeable problems are addressed
• liaise with competing teams as soon as possible, emphasising the theatre’s safety rules; address any technical or safety issues arising from the forms
• give competing teams the opportunity to view the stage facilities prior to the Festival

During Technical Rehearsals

• Make sure all teams are treated equitably and calmly
• give a safety briefing to each team, including emergency evacuation procedures
• ensure that stage materials meet safety requirements especially fire-proofing and PAT testing and that safe handling procedures are followed
• provide appropriate stage crew assistance as required
• authorise start and stop times and advise of remaining time at appropriate intervals e.g. half way and 10 and 5 minutes from the end.
• in the event of a technical problem beyond the control of a team, the Stage Director will stop the clock and re-start once the problem has been solved
• report any contravention of procedures to the Organising Secretary as soon as possible
• check if teams wish a private adjudication – this applies at all levels including the Scottish Final

During Performances

• call teams to the stage
• supervise and time the erection of sets; give warning at 5 and 8 minutes as well as warning of over-run
• in liaison with FOH and technical personnel authorise the start of performance
• in the event of an emergency close tabs and take appropriate action
• time the length of the performance
• supervise and time the striking of sets; give warnings at 3 and 4 minutes as well as warning of over-run
• in the event of an over-run inform the Organising Secretary as soon as possible.
• forward completed time sheets to the Organising Secretary