Pyrotechnics

Last updated: December 2024

PRIOR to the pyrotechnic effect being used by the performers and stage managers, the following steps should be taken:

  1. An advisory statement should be included in the casting notice for auditions if there is the possibility of the use of pyrotechnic effects in the upcoming production.

  2. The performers and stage managers hired should be notified that there will be pyrotechnic effects in the production prior to their first day of employment.

    • This notification provides an opportunity for the performers and stage managers to begin a dialogue with the production and the Equity field representative on what to expect, ask any initial questions, and/or inform them of any concerns. To find your field representative, go to https://members.actorsequity.org/find-your-rep

  3. A qualified individual(s) (e.g., licensed pyrotechnic operator, safety supervisor, etc.) should be engaged by the employer and should conduct a production assessment, an orientation and an inspection.

    • A production assessment should be conducted for all areas and the work planned between the performers, stage managers and the pyrotechnic effects. A written plan should be developed to reduce and/or eliminate the risks for the performers and stage managers.

    • An orientation should be given to the performers and stage managers explaining the results of the production assessment. It should include demonstrations and/or instructions and copies of the plan that is in place. This plan should include, but is not limited to, the type of pyrotechnic effects, introduction of the personnel in charge of the pyrotechnic effects, safety measures (e.g., fireproofing maintenance and upkeep, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid, fire curtain, etc.) and hazard awareness (e.g., use of or exposure to the pyrotechnics, locations of the pyrotechnic devices, fallout area, etc.).

    • An inspection by the local authority having jurisdiction (e.g., fire department, parks department, emergency services, etc.) should take place.

    • An individual(s) with appropriate first-aid training, including on how to use the burn kit, should be on-site during scenes involving pyrotechnic effects. The individual(s) that will be onsite in case a health emergency arises should be announced to the performers prior to each performance.

WHILE the pyrotechnic effect is being used by the performers and stage managers, the following steps should be taken:

  1. A qualified individual(s) (e.g., licensed pyrotechnic operator, safety supervisor, etc.) should provide appropriate and adequate training and rehearsal with the pyrotechnic effects to ensure the safety of the performers and stage managers.

    • This training and rehearsal should include, but is not limited to, discussing what the effect(s) is simulating (e.g., fireworks, magic trick, burning effigy, etc.), how the effects work, when in the production they will take place, number of firings, each firing's cue length and the activity of each performer and stage manager onstage and backstage. If, for any reason, it is not possible to hold such training and rehearsals, the Equity field representative should be notified immediately.

    • The fallout area should be pointed out to the performers and stage managers, including onstage, in the wings, backstage, etc. The fallout area is any area where hazardous debris may fall from the pyrotechnic effect (e.g., the point most distant (in feet) from the center of the pyrotechnic device creating a fallout radius (in feet) where any hazardous debris can fall).

    • Performers that will be staged in the fallout area should not be directed to look at the pyrotechnic effect (e.g., exposing their face to the fallout from the effect).

  2. Contingency plans should be in place and rehearsed in case the pyrotechnic effect(s) cannot be used for any reason (e.g., technical issues, performer discomfort, etc.).

  3. If any conditions change the established practices and/or use of pyrotechnic effect(s) in the production, stage managers, performers, and qualified individuals should be notified immediately. At that time, the written plan for the pyrotechnic effects should be updated and the new version provided to the performers and stage managers.

  4. The above orientation, training, rehearsal, and documentation should be provided to all swings, understudies, replacement stage managers, and performers prior to their first use of the pyrotechnic effect.

  5. Performers and stage managers experiencing any adverse effects from the use of pyrotechnics during the run of the production should notify the Equity field representative immediately. Possible adverse effects include powder burns, errant particles (e.g., a piece of hazardous debris falling after being fired) and eardrum problems. Also, performers and stage managers should also report discomfort, pain or injury to the employer immediately. The employer should document these in the weekly injury report that is sent to Equity.

Pyrotechnic Effect Maintenance:

  1. The type of pyrotechnic material that will be used should have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and should be posted backstage on the performer's callboard and in the stage manager's office.

  2. All costumes, prop pieces, and other goods worn, handled, or in proximity to performers or stage managers working in the fall out area should be flame proofed. Soft goods (e.g., curtains, borders, tabs, scrims, etc.) should be routinely flameproofed. It is encouraged to flame proof items outside of the fallout area for an extra level of safety.

  3. For pyrotechnics placed on or in contact with a performer's or stage manager's body, shielding should be provided, or containment should be adequate to prevent injury.

  4. Cameras and monitors should be used to provide a complete view of the pyrotechnics for backstage personnel.

  5. When cuing a pyrotechnic effect, there should be a separate cue for each pyrotechnic that will take place and a specific identification (e.g., "pyro", etc.) for the name of the cue.

  6. Emergency stops should be in place for all pyrotechnics and located where they can be easily accessed.

  7. At least one burn kit and first aid kit should be easily accessible backstage and always fully stocked.

  8. Local exhaust vents should be added onstage/backstage to assist in removing the pyrotechnic effects after use.

  9. The above are recommended guidelines. Consult all applicable rules and regulations.

  10. Additional recommended guidelines can be found at the following organizations: