In all open-air and tent spaces, an outdoor plan addressing temperature, humidity, weather, air quality, etc. should be made in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., the current ANSI ES1.7 standard regarding weather preparedness). ANSI standards for the entertainment industry can be found on ESTA's published documents page. All of the standards are free of charge to download at their website.
In addition:
- Available adequate covered rehearsal space, which should be safe, comfortable (e.g., temperature and relative humidity) and healthful (e.g., air quality) at all times should also be provided.
- A plan should cover, but not limited to, costume adjustments, hot and/or cold fluids (e.g., ice packs, cool water misters, Gatorade, hot water bottles, hand and feet warmers and other appropriate fluids, cooling and/or heating methods and devices) being made available and easily accessible to the actors and stage managers at all times, staying hydrated and a heat acclimatization and/or hypothermia and frostbite prevention program from a qualified individual or organization (e.g., physician, medical services, OSHA, CDC), identifying heat-related illnesses and signs of frostbite, limits on the length of time when engaged on continuous dance sequences and/or scenes requiring strenuous physical activity, extensions of time for rest periods and marking during rehearsal, etc.
- Both thermometers and hygrometers should be installed to measure temperature and humidity and easily accessible in all zones within a space.
- When there is a weather alert (e.g., heat advisory, severe thunderstorm watch, flood warning, etc.) in the local area as defined by the National Weather Service (NWS), the “Instructions” section of the alert should be followed. This may require work to not continue outdoors. Go to NWS Alerts (weather.gov) to check your local area.
- When the air quality has reached the “unhealthy level for sensitive groups” in the local area as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), updates on the plan for the day and necessary accommodations for those who are included in the sensitive group as defined by the EPA should be made. When the air quality has reached an “unhealthy level” in the local area as defined by the EPA, work should not continue outdoors. Sign up at EnviroFlash to receive air quality alerts in your local area.
- At the start of the first day when the actors and stage managers will be in the open-air and/or tent theatres, there should be an orientation for the entire cast and stage managers conducted by a qualified individual (e.g., physician, medical services). A copy of the plan should be distributed to each company member at the meeting.
- An orientation by a qualified individual should be provided for all replacement actors and stage managers as well as swings and understudies, before their first rehearsal in the open-air and/or tent theatres.
Additional recommended guidelines can be found at the following organizations:
