III. Rules and Regulations A to Z

 

ACCESS DURING LOAD-IN AND REHEARSALS  

It is presumed that your rehearsals are CLOSED; no audience is permitted (paid or free). Should it become apparent that a significant number of people are in the auditorium, additional staff may need to be on duty for their safety, and charges will be assessed up accordingly. 

ACCIDENTS/ INJURIES

Report all accidents and injuries immediately to the lead technician, regardless of how insignificant it seems. Emergency service can be obtained by dialing 911 from any telephone. 

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES:

Alcoholic beverages are allowed on campus property only by special permit. 

ANIMALS PROHIBITED:

Assistance dogs and animals used in performances/events are allowed; no other animals are allowed in the facility. 

AUDIENCE EXIT and EGRESS

Audience can enter the Main Theater through the lobby doors or through doors midway in the house. A wheelchair lift is available to take audience members to the center wheelchair sections of the hall. 

BACKSTAGE GATHERINGS:

We discourage the use of the stage area for gatherings after the performance. Please plan on using the Greenroom, adjacent hallway, dressing rooms or other space for greeting the performers. Backstage is a high-hazard area and is dangerous as we will be dismantling the event. Audience members and visitors will be asked to move elsewhere. 

BALLOONS:

Use of helium balloons is not permitted. 

BLOCKING OF HOUSE EGRESS:

Due to fire regulations, no aisle or part of an aisle or exit doorway is allowed to be blocked in any manner, I.E. No equipment, tripods, stools, podiums, tables, etc. 

BOOTHS:

Only running crew personnel are allowed in the control booths. 

BROADCAST AND RECORDING RIGHTS:

Broadcasting of the clients program must have the client’s written approval. Any audio drop, connection, or any other facility required for such activity must have a minimum 2 days notice from the client to the CPAC Technical Coordinator. Client is solely responsible for obtaining rights clearances. (See COPYRIGHT and RECORDING SERVICES). 

BUS POWER:

Hookups for tour buses and other auxiliary equipment are provided on the west side of the building behind the scene yard wall. Under no circumstances will anyone other than CPAC personnel, designated by the Technical Coordinator or Technical Director, attempt to connect or disconnect to/from these switches. 

CAMPUS CLOSING:

If the college declares an emergency and closes the campus, the CPAC Coordinator will consult with the President’s office and the Director of Public Safety to make a determination as to whether a performance at the Center should be cancelled. 

CHANGES TO RULES:

CPAC reserves the right to make changes in or add further clauses to the rules & regulations which shall immediately become effective. 

CHAPERONING OF CHILDREN :

Events incorporating groups of children must have adult supervision at all times in the performance and support areas. If the client does not provide chaperones, additional CPAC crew will be assigned at client expense. 

CLIENT'S EQUIPMENT USED ON STAGE:

Any equipment used onstage or in any support area that is supplied by the client ( i.e. special effect devices) must have the approval of the Technical Coordinator. The CPAC is not responsible for loss or damage to the client’s equipment. 

CLIENT PROPERTY:

All shipments to CPAC MUST come through the Cuesta College warehouse. There are no direct deliveries. We do not recommend that you ship anything that is time-sensitive to us. In accepting delivery of property addressed to the client, the CPAC is acting for the accommodation of the client and shall not be liable for any loss or damage thereof. 

COMPANY SWITCHES and AUDIO PANELS:

Company switches (electrical power tie-ins) are located stage left. Audio panels are located in all four quadrants of the space. Under no circumstances will anyone other than qualified CPAC personnel connect or disconnect to these panels and switches. 

CONTRACTS/RIDERS:

When the performing attraction is other than the Client (i.e., an “Artist”), Client must furnish the CPAC a copy of the signed artist contract including all riders, letters of agreement, etc. and technical contact names & numbers. By contracting with the CPAC, client agrees to be bound by all provisions in these rules.
The client shall provide a copy of these CPAC client rules to any Artist which may be contracted to appear. The client shall inform all of its own participants of the content of the rules as well.

CONTROL OF PREMISES:

It is understood that no agreement with the client relinquishes CPAC's right to control the management of the Facility and to enforce all necessary laws, rules and regulations. Client will afford the CPAC staff the right to enter any part of the CPAC at any time in the performance of their normal job duties. 

CONTROL OF STAGE EQUIPMENT:

No stage rigging, stage lighting or any other stage equipment can be used or changed without the prior approval of the Technical Coordinator/Director. Any persons making these changes must be vetted by or accompanied by a CPAC representative. 

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES:

No use or possession of controlled substances is permitted at the CPAC. 

COPYRIGHT:

Royalty payment and copyright clearance is the sole responsibility of the Client. Client must accept all responsibility for and absolve the CPAC from any liability or expense arising out of the use of any composition, work or material covered by copyright. 

CURTAIN TIMES:

Curtain will not be held beyond advertised time except for the following reasons:

Equipment malfunction, weather or traffic conditions as determined by the House Manager, or illness/ tardiness on the part of a performer. Stage Manager makes the final decision determining the holding of a curtain in consultation with the client and House Manager. (See LATECOMER POLICY). 

DANCE FLOOR:

No sharp objects are allowed on the dance floor. It may not be painted nor may scenery be painted while on it. 

DAMAGES:

Damages to any CPAC property or rental property as a result of Client misuse or negligence are the exclusive financial responsibility of the Client. 

DOORS:

Doors to the auditorium open at half-hour. All pre-sets, sound and light checks must be completed before that time. Lobby doors open to the public at 1-hour. 

DRESSING ROOMS:

Dressing rooms must be left in a neat and orderly fashion or a cleaning charge may be imposed.  

DRAPERIES:

Stage draperies may not be altered, pinned or taped. Removal or relocation must be under the supervision of CPAC technical staff.  

ELEVATOR:

The elevator is strictly off-limits except as needed for transportation of equipment. 

EJECTION:

The CPAC reserves the right to eject any objectionable person. 

EQUIPMENT USE:

CPAC equipment is not available for use in locations other than CPAC venues, nor for rental. NO CPAC property may be moved to other locations on campus without the permission of the Technical Coordinator. All equipment owned by the CPAC is available for client’s use with the exception of classroom specific equipment and technologies.

Clients requiring equipment not owned by the CPAC (or presently inoperative for any reason) will be accommodated by outsourcing and charged back accordingly. Artist technical rider requirements will be met or negotiated, and the costs are the responsibility of the Client. 

FIREPROOFING:

All scenic materials brought in by client must be flame proofed and/or conform to the Uniform Fire Code. The user must conform to college, county, and state fire code regulations, which include but are not limited to: 

1. All scenery and soft goods provided by user shall be flame-retardant treated or non-flammable in nature. Untreated Cardboard is NOT permitted.  

2. No flash pots, candles, open flame or flammable fluids are allowed, unless a permit is obtained from the State Fire Marshal. 

3. No scenery, drops, properties, decorations (tissue paper, crepe paper, etc) or other combustible effects shall be used unless treated for flame retardancy. 

4. No obstructions shall be placed in the exit ways (including auditorium aisles). 

5. Operation of the fire curtain shall not be impaired (such as by scenery or equipment). 

FIRE ALARM:

Clients and artists are required to shut down operations (i.e., sound & lighting systems) in the event of a fire alarm. All persons are required to evacuate the building. The fire alarm consists of strobe lights, a siren and voice announcements to evacuate. 

FIRE WATCH:

A fire watch will be required if the smoke detectors are bypassed to accommodate the stage for smoke or fog requirements of the show.  

FLOOR & PLATFORMS:

The CPAC stage floor and any portable platforms may not be painted. Nailing into the stage floor or platforms is not permitted. Screws or lag screws may be used on the stage floor by prior arrangement only. Users may bring their own floor (a ground cloth or deck). No scenery construction or painting is permitted on stage; touch-ups with a drop cloth only. 

FOOD & DRINK:

No food or drink is allowed on stage or in the auditorium at any time. Sports bottles or spill-proof mugs may be acceptable on stage. Chewing Gum should be discarded before entering the building. 

GEL:

Technical Services carries many colors of Roscolux and Lee gel. We will supply this gel to clients as part of the basic service. Any other brand of gel, or depleted colors must be supplied by the client or purchased at client expense. 

GREEN ROOM:

The Green Room is a common area for all cast and crew. By special arrangement, the greenroom may be used as a dressing area or for receptions. Cleats, spikes, and stiletto heels are not permitted in this area. 

GUESTS BACKSTAGE:

Guests are not permitted anywhere onstage before, during, or after a performance or during intermission except by special arrangement. 

HEATING & COOLING:

Most spaces are set to maintain 70-72 degrees F and are controlled offsite. If the system does not seem to be operating properly, an authorized representative of the CPAC can call Facilities. 

INTERRUPTION OR TERMINATION OF EVENT:

CPAC retains the right to cause the interruption or termination of any event when such action is necessary in the interest of public safety. (See Emergency Procedures for Fire and Earthquake).

KEYS TO FACILITY:

No keys to the CPAC will be afforded to any client or artist hired by the client. Keys are assigned only to employees of the CPAC and buildings shall be opened only by such employees. 

MEDIA:

All invited media personnel must check in with the CPAC Coordinator/Director or House Manager and/or the Stage Manager upon arrival. They should be cautioned to arrive early to allow for set-up and to allocate seats, audio feeds, electrical hookups, etc; and tape down cables. Late arrival disruptions will not be allowed. 

NAILS & TACKS, ETC.:

No client shall allow nails, tacks, stage screws, or similar material to be driven or placed in any part of the premises or equipment without the approval of the Technical Coordinator/Director. Repair of all damage is the financial responsibility of the client. Poster putty & scotch tape are not permitted on the walls anywhere.    

NON-EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS:

The CPAC shall retain the right to use and license use of portions of the CPAC not covered in the contract with any individual client, provided, that such use will not interfere with the client's activities. 

OCCUPANCY:

The occupant load shall not exceed the rating of the space (i.e., the number of seats available). No standees or aisle sitting. No overflow seating is permitted in the booths or backstage. Seating of audience on stage or seated on orchestra lift requires special, advance arrangements.

OPEN REHEARSALS:

Open rehearsals require advance notice to Facilities. Open rehearsals may need a House Manager, ushers, and parking. By default, the CPAC assumes that all rehearsals are closed unless indicated otherwise. 

OPENING OF HOUSE:

The House opens 30 minutes prior to performance. All pre-sets, sound and light checks must be completed before that time. Lobby doors open to the public at 1-hour. 

OUTSOURCE:

Outside services and materials must be arranged for by the client. The Technical Coordinator/Director is available to share contact information for vendors in our area.

PAYMENT FOR DAMAGE:

Client agrees to pay costs of repair or replacement for all damages to the CPAC or its equipment resulting from use by the client. 

PROSCENIUM:

Users may not alter, or attach to the proscenium at any time. 

PYROTECHNICS:

Client or Artist is responsible for obtaining required local licenses or permits for pyrotechnic effects, and providing licensed operators. State Fire Marshal must approve. Client is responsible for any damages arising out of use of pyrotechnics, such as burns to soft goods or dance floor. 

PUBLIC SAFETY:

Client agrees that at all times he/she will conduct his/her activities with full regard for public safety, and will observe and abide by all applicable regulations and requests by duly authorized campus and governmental agencies responsible for public safety. 

RECORDING SERVICES:

Technical Services will facilitate any recording requests made by the client. However, it must be understood by the client that the performance spaces are not recording studios. CPAC does not guarantee the control of the performance spaces that would be inherent in a studio. Client warrants that all appropriate rights clearances and performance releases have been obtained.

 RIGGING:

Rigging shall be under the supervision of CPAC Staff ONLY with CPAC crew as needed.

All flown scenery will be inspected for safety and may be rejected for any cause by the CPAC staff person in charge. Hardware and procedures used in the rigging of scenery and equipment must meet industry standards.

SCENERY CONSTRUCTION:

Although scenery assembly is allowed, scenery construction is not allowed. Activities that require the use of saws, sanders, planers, or metal fabrication equipment are not permitted except by CPAC Staff using CPAC equipment only. Utilizing the shops at the CPAC for last minute scenery alterations will be at an additional cost and will require a CPAC staff person onsite for these purposes. CPAC is not responsible for engineering nor are they qualified to guarantee the structural integrity of alterations made to scenery. Painting is permitted in the scene yard and in certain areas of the scene shop. Painting onstage is restricted; touch-ups with a drop cloth only. No spray paint inside the facility. 

SCENERY REMOVAL:

All scenery, props, costumes, equipment, etc. belonging to the client must be removed by the client immediately following the final performance. All items not removed will be assumed to be trash and disposed of accordingly. There may be an additional charge levied to clean up and remove such debris. Subject to scheduling constraints, some items may be held for later pickup. 

SCENERY STABILITY:

Tall or unstable scenic pieces will be made stable before their use is permitted. Levels and/or decks added to the stage floor for the use of performers must be deemed safe by the Technical Coordinator/Director. The CPAC is not responsible for accidents that occur through the use of such scenery. The CPAC does not provide engineering services. 

STORAGE:

Storage is not available within the facility. Everything must be removed at the time of the load-out unless temporary arrangements have been made. Subject to scheduling constraints, some items may be received early for later use. Client assumes all responsibility for any property which may be placed in storage during or between event/s. 

SECURITY OF VALUABLES:

Lockboxes are not provided to clients. It is suggested that anything valuable not be brought into the facility. 

SECURITY:

Only those persons involved with the production are permitted backstage. At no time are guests allowed backstage. Guests may greet performers in the Greenroom or Dressing Room area. 

SMOKING POLICY:

Smoking is not permitted in any of the buildings at Cuesta College. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT:

The following will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the premises.

  1. Harassment, i.e. sexual, sexuality, religious, gender, nationality etc.
  2. Physical or verbal violence/ abuse.
  3. Intoxication due to alcohol or illegal use of drugs.
  4. Purposeful destruction of CPAC property. 

STAFFING:

All clients' production needs are coordinated through Facilities. All crews are assigned through the Technical Coordinator/ Director. Technical Services retains the right to determine the appropriate number of staff to service an event, and to name the specific personnel assigned.

SAFETY:

Final approval or denial of potentially dangerous client equipment or processes rests with the Technical Coordinator/Director. If a client’s employee or volunteer is deemed unsafe in skill or manner by the supervisor or Technical Director, this person may be required to leave the building. The Stage Manager may conduct a short safety meeting prior to a load-in covering basic safety considerations and rules. The client’s employees & volunteers are required to attend the meeting, which will occur prior to the start of any work. It is the responsibility of the Client to familiarize themselves, their agents, volunteers and employees with the safety procedures and regulations governing all parts of the facility used by the Client. Center employees and guests may not be exposed to unsafe conditions, including excessive sound levels. 

SOUND CHECK:

A sound check and technical time is always required for every event. 

SOUND LEVELS:

Client’s event shall not exceed maximum sound decibel levels as established by the CPAC (maximum 95db measured at the mix position — all frequencies). CPAC staff will have final responsibility to adjust house sound levels as necessary. Client contracts with artists shall have this clause made a part of the agreement. 

STAGE-HANDS, LIGHTING AND SOUND TECHS (from CLIENT) :

Some backstage labor may be done by volunteers or employees of the Client. They must go through an orientation with the CPAC technical staff and be qualified to use the equipment to which they are assigned. For safety and liability reasons the approval of non-CPAC staff assistance is under the sole jurisdiction of the Technical Coordinator/Director.  

TOOLS:

The CPAC does not provide tools for the assembly and installation of scenic units. Users are responsible for providing their own installation tools/equipment. However client equipment such as power driven saws are not allowed. 

USES:

No part of the premises shall be used as living quarters. 

WALLS:

Posters, signage etc may only be attached to walls and doors using blue painter’s tape. No posters or signs may be attached to painted walls using other types of tape, nails, tacks or poster putty.