Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup: Licensed Pyro....when are they REALLY needed?

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Licensed Pyro....when are they REALLY needed?

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Forum Discription: For how-to's and where-can-I-find
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3263
Printed Date: 7/31/25 at 5:13pm
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Topic: Licensed Pyro....when are they REALLY needed?

Posted By: kytheatrechic
Subject: Licensed Pyro....when are they REALLY needed?
Date Posted: 6/29/08 at 9:38pm

We're doing Wizard of Oz in 3 weeks and I have some concerns with a few of my special effects. I'm leaning towards using a flash gun for the witch's fireball scene. We'll also have some flash effect in a couple of her entrances and in the witchmelt scene.

I've heard that anytime pyrotechnics are used on stage, a licensed pyrotechnician also has to be on hand. I understand this - however, what qualifies as a class of pyrotechnic that would actually require my hiring a licensed pro? (Yes, I am on a limited budget.)

If I'm looking at flash guns & powders, I'm hoping these are harmless enough that we'll be ok without being turned over to the fire marshall or sheriff!

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All the world's a stage, some of us just have better seats.

Replies:

Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 6/30/08 at 10:06am

I have, at several theatres, used all sorts of pyrotechnics without ever once contacting the sheriff or fire marshal. We own our own theatre and do not answer to an outside board or the public (other than ticket sales) and get away with much more than we probably should. This may not be the same for you with a school.

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Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 6/30/08 at 12:51pm

Don't be shy about contacting your local fire marshall and explaining to him/her exactly what kind of effect you're planning. They will always defer to the side of safety, because that's their job. They will be more than happy to tell you if a licensed pyrotechnician will be needed on the premises for every show, or they may even just give you a set of guidelines to follow to make sure things come off safely. They might even offer the (volunteer) services of a firefighter to remain backstage during the performances as this is part of their community service. If this happens, then a pyrotechnician will be unnecessary and redundant.

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"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 7/01/08 at 7:49am

Good advice Topper!

Here Flash Paper is not considered Pyro! Therefore a licence is not required. In fact there is more danger in using a Starter Pistol.

As Topper posted -front up & ask the question - I'm sure you they won't crucify you!

It used by Magicians all the time.

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[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

Posted By: POB14
Date Posted: 7/01/08 at 12:51pm

Originally posted by pdavis69

I have, at several theatres, used all sorts of pyrotechnics without ever once contacting the sheriff or fire marshal. We own our own theatre and do not answer to an outside board or the public (other than ticket sales) and get away with much more than we probably should. This may not be the same for you with a school.

Do you have fire insurance? More to the point, do you THINK you have fire insurance?

The answer to "when is a licensed pyro needed" is "whenever the marshal says so." I wouldn't consider flash paper "pyro", but what I think doesn't matter; it's what your fire marshal thinks, or you could void your insurance policy.

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POB
Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard

Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 7/01/08 at 3:05pm

We're covered.

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Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

Posted By: kytheatrechic
Date Posted: 7/08/08 at 11:38pm

Great news, all! However, to air on the side of caution, I am meeting with our fire marshall on Monday...tech week! The flash gun will be here tomorrow, so I'm excited to play with my flash cotton & new toy. I mean, rehearse with this very important special effect!

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All the world's a stage, some of us just have better seats.