Special effects are part of the magic of live theatre. Many types of effects are utilized on a per-show basis; some common ones are listed below.
- Pyrotechnics and Live Flame are never permissible under any circumstances in any part of Dillingham Center.
- Prop Guns may be used for performances and are controlled and regulated by the production faculty and staff. Any users of prop guns or starter pistols must receive training in their proper use, storage, and cleaning.
- Prop Knives and Swords must be controlled and regulated by the production staff. They are to be blunted and dulled and are inspected by faculty and staff prior to use.
- Changes in Elevation, including Pits or Traps must be clearly marked with glow tape and barricaded to prevent injury when not in use. See the Technical Director for more information.
- Fog and Haze: when using fog or haze in a production, front of house staff must be notified so that they can include a disclaimer in the program and place notices around the theatre indicating that atmospheric effects will be used in the production.
- Additionally, whenever fog and haze are used, the fire detection systems must be disabled. It is the Center for Theatre and Dance's practice to hire a student to work Fire Watch at all times when fire detection systems are disabled for atmospheric effects. Contact the Lighting and Sound Shop Supervisor for further details or information on how to work Fire Watch.
- If you are on an Electrics crew and are tasked with handling compressed carbon dioxide cylinders for use with haze machines, you will receive training in the correct handling of these cylinders by the Lighting and Sound Supervisor. Records will be kept and added to your training file.
- Strobe Lighting can adversely affect persons with epilepsy or other photosensitive conditions. If strobe lighting is to be used in a production, front of house staff must be notified so they can include a program disclaimer and post notices around the theatre that strobe lighting will be used.
- Class 2 Lasers may be used for production, but must be used under the close supervision of the Lighting and Sound Shop Supervisor.
- Aerial Performance consisting of the suspension of performers above the stage must be undertaken with the close supervision and approval of an experienced professional technical engineer and the Technical Director.