Working in the Lenfest Center for the Arts - New Plays Festival

Lenfest Center for the Arts is a separate entity from the Theatre Program, though we work in close collaboration with them. As such, there are some specific rules to follow while we are in their spaces.

General Building Rules

  • All persons must check in with security with proper ID in the main lobby.
  • Please see the Safety section for Standard Operating Procedures on injuries and incidents.
  • No rehearsal is allowed in building hallways or lobbies at any time.
  • No animals are allowed in Columbia spaces, without express permission.
  • No spray painting in the Lenfest building. There is a spray booth in the scene shop in Nash which can only be used by the Technical Director and/or Assistant Technical Director.
  • The pre-show announcement must happen in the performance space, within 10 minutes of the start of the performance, and be audible.
  • The stated policy for rehearsals is that they will continue as planned, unless the building is closed by the University. The stated policy for public performance is that it will proceed as scheduled, unless the NYC Public Transit is shut down.

Inclement Weather Policy

  • If inclement weather occurs during/prior to a rehearsal or performance, please stay in close communication with the Production Manager/Director of Production about the status of any building closures. Final approval for any alteration of schedule is with the Production Manager/Director of Production.

Items Requiring Special Approval

  • Any liquid on stage (including stage blood) greater than what one would expect a performer to drink from normal glass or bottle.
  • Helium balloons in the space.
  • Any custom pre-show announcements need approval to ensure they meet the legal requirements.
  • If a production has a high level of bass or sound output (i.e. drumming, dancing, musicals), coordinating with the Production Manager and Lenfest management to ensure the building understands the scope and timing of said sound. In this case, there may need to be coordinated efforts between the Performance Spaces on the 2nd/3rd and 4th/5th floors.
  • For any loaned or borrowed items that are being brought into the space where Columbia is not directly the signatory on the rental / loan agreement a liability waiver must be submitted that indemnifies Columbia SOA and Lenfest Center for the Arts from any liability for those items.  This form is provided by the Production Manager.

Rehearsals and Performances

  • A Technical Supervisor from Lenfest must be present for all rehearsals and performances. The Technical Supervisor will do the following:
    • The TS will be there to open/unlock the spaces and and close up at the end of the rehearsal / performance.
    • They will also be there to help answer questions and address in-the-moment needs related to facility issues.
    • The TS on duty each day will have their contact information posted on the whiteboards in BG2 (the rehearsal studio) and the theater shop.
  • There are strict New York State laws regarding venue capacity and seating arrangements that must be followed. Ask the Production Manager about any ideas as early as possible and understand that some ideas cannot be accommodated.
  • No food or drink in the Theatre, except bottled water.
  • No prop weapons are allowed, without proper permitting. See the Props and Staged Violence and Weapons section.
  • All stage weapons must be locked (out of sight) after each rehearsal/performance.
  • Alcohol is not permitted in rehearsal or performance spaces.
  • Post-show receptions are not allowed in Lenfest.