Safety Policies and Information

In the Event of an Emergency

Despite careful preparation and steps to minimize risks as much as possible, accidents may still occur. If any student encounters a potentially dangerous situation, first call Columbia University Public Safety at 212-854-5555 (Morningside) or 212-853-3333 (Manhattanville). Also bring that situation to the attention of the Theatre Program staff immediately.

During any emergency situation, it is crucial to quickly notify the appropriate authorities and most importantly, stay calm. In case of any injury or medical emergency, the first step is to administer first aid and ensure no one else will be subject to unsafe conditions.

First Aid Kits

First aid kits are kept in the following locations:

  • 601, 603, 605 Dodge Hall
  • Schapiro Hall, Locker 5
  • Nash Lobby
  • Riverside 12T, 13T, 15T

If the accident occurs on campus, call Columbia University Public Safety immediately.

From a cell phone:

on the Morningside campus (e.g., Dodge, Schapiro, Riverside): (212) 854-5555
on the Manhattanville campus (e.g., Nash, Lenfest): (212) 853-3333

From a campus phone:

on the Morningside campus (e.g., Dodge, Schapiro, Riverside): 4-5555
on the Manhattanville campus (e.g., Nash, Lenfest): 3-3333

If the accident occurs off-campus, call 911. Be prepared to give the following information:

  • Location of the emergency – building and room number, street address, etc.
  • Type and severity of the emergency:
    • Fire: type and size of fire.
    • Medical: type of illness or injury, cause, number of victims.
    • Police/crime: type of crime, description of suspects and their direction of travel.
    • Chemical/hazardous materials: quantity and type of substances involved, hazards and injuries.
  • When the incident occurred.
  • Your name, location, and phone number.

Call from a safe location, if possible. Remain calm. Speak slowly and clearly. Do not hang up the phone until the dispatcher tells you to.

Next, the incident must be reported to the immediate supervisor. The immediate supervisor may be a staff member, a faculty member (if the accident occurs during a class), or a fellow student (stage manager, or Schapiro or Nash team member).  They will coordinate with Public Safety and inform necessary staff who oversees the space where the accident occurred.

  • For Schapiro: Tom Gilmore
  • For Nash: Corrie Beth Knott
  • For Lenfest: Corrie Beth Knott
  • For Dodge: Anna Woodruff  

If the injured person requires medical attention, either a fellow student, faculty member, or staff member must accompany them to the hospital. That person should make sure to have the number of the immediate supervisor, so they can provide updates.

Fire Guidelines for All Spaces

  1. There shall be no open flames (candles, matches, lighters, etc.) within classrooms, studios, or theatres. This applies to all rehearsals, performances, productions, presentations, and/or events.
  2. There shall be no sparks from lighters, grinders, or other means within classrooms, studios, or theatres. This applies to all rehearsals, performances, productions, presentations, and/or events.
  3. All scenery must be made to be flame resistant.  A Certificate of Flame Resistance issued by the Technical Director (a Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Certificate of Fitness C15 holder) is required for use of “any or all of those devices ordinarily used on a stage in the presentation of a theatrical, artistic, musical or other similar live performance, such as back drops, side tabs, teasers, borders or scrim, rigid flats, set pieces, and all properties, except costumes.” (FDNY NYC Fire Code, Chapter 8).
  4. Any violation of these policies may result in the FDNY cancelling the event, class, production, presentation, and/or performance until the matter has been rectified and approved by an FDNY representative.  

​Preparedness

  • Check for the location of all fire extinguishers.
  • Make sure all exits are kept accessible and clear of furniture and debris at all times.
  • Make sure all exit signs are properly lit.

During Rehearsals or Performances

If a non-critical accident occurs during a performance or a rehearsal, notify a member of the Theatre Program staff right away.

If a critical emergency occurs, call one of the numbers first, then notify a Program staff member. All accidents must be detailed on the day's rehearsal or performance report, whichever is applicable.

  • Schapiro/Dodge/Watson: (212) 854-5555 (or 4-5555 from campus phone)
  • Riverside/Nash/Lenfest: (212) 853-3333 (or 3-3333 from campus phone) and inform Security Desk

Fire Alarm

If a fire alarm goes off during a rehearsal, the stage manager or director must evacuate the cast from the building, and for making the cast and crew aware of evacuation procedures.

If a fire alarm goes off during a performance, the evacuation procedure is as follows:

  1. The light board operator brings all house lights up to full.
  2. The director, stage manager, or house manager makes the following announcement from the stage:
  3. “May I have your attention, please. At this time will all patrons calmly leave the theatre through the exit closest to your seat. We will resume this performance as soon as possible. Thank you.”
  4. The director and/or stage manager calmly help evacuate all patrons properly and safely.
  5. Ushers should help all physically challenged patrons exit the theatre.
  6. Never attempt to use elevators during a fire alarm.