Health and safety considerations
Each design area has its own series of health and safety considerations, and showing an understanding and awareness of this is crucial for any performance. It can impact design choices, but it always has to be the highest priority. The plan for a design must take into consideration the:
- performers on stage
- backstage crew and theatre staff
- audience
Elements that may affect the audience must be announced in advance of the performance so that audience members can make an informed decision on whether or not to stay. For example, the use of strobe or flashing lights is a common warning issued before a production.
When planning a design, designers need to ensure that their ideas are realistic and achievable. This includes health and safety, but also:
- budget
- equipment available
- skills of the technicians in the backstage team