Theater scenery documentation

[pasobuff]

What type of documentation do you look for when inspecting a scenery set up at a theater? I am talking about the drops/scenery that are brought in by a traveling company, not the materials that are part of the theater. Thanks.

[fire49]

Showing an approved company has treated it.

Or, what I like even with documentation is take a match to a sample of the material, because either not treated properly or not treated, not treatment has worn off.

[fire49]

This edition of NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films

[pasobuff]

Showing an approved company has treated it.

Or, what I like even with documentation is take a match to a sample of the material, because either not treated properly or not treated, not treatment has worn off.

Our problem is we have companies sending an 'example' of a certification.....NOT a certification with the specific piece of scenery. I'd love to see what a 'correct' certificate looks like - a lot of the productions we get here are transient, local performers etc who rent the items, and don't own any of their own. They generally have no clue as to what is required. We deal with it little enough that we are not familiar with all the documents.

As for the flame test - yep - just did that last week on 2 samples - both were ok...a couple months ago had to deny the use of a scene, the sample burned right up!

[FWDbuff]

This is a really good question. Why don't you start by contacting FDNY's inspection bureau, I am sure they have certificates on file from the Theater District. Maybe they would be willing to fax you some samples.

[pasobuff]

Good idea.....hmm.....off to make a phone call......

Thanks!