Theatre Evacuation Procedure

Important notes

• In event of a fire NEVER try to tackle the fire if it will endanger you or anyone else.
• Never attempt to move a suspicious device.
• DO NOT re-enter the building until it is safe.
• You must tell the Theatre Manager if there is a fire, no matter how small.

Duty Manager

• Notify the tech box and staff that you intend to stop the performance
• Choose which exits are to be used, this will depend on the situation. These exits are back stage, stage left and through the main doors.
• Make sure the doors to the auditorium are open.
• Enter the auditorium and announce in a clear and calm voice something along the lines of ‘Ladies and Gentleman, at this time it has become necessary for me to ask you all to leave the building. Please make your way out of the exits as indicated by my staff and assemble outside the building’.
• Remain in the auditorium until everyone has been evacuated. Check the rest of the building if it is safe to do so.
• If there is a fire or suspicious package blocking any of the escape routes, position a member of staff to prevent members of the public endangering themselves.
• You should always be aware of how many members of the public are in the auditorium by checking the number of ticket stubs.
• Once everyone is assembled outside do a headcount of members of the public and staff members. The Stage Manager and Tech Manager should be counting cast and crew. Check that they have everyone.
• Report to the emergency services giving them as much information as you can and tell them if you think anyone is left in the building.

Committee Rep

• Make sure the Box Office has called the Emergency Services
• If there is a disabled person in the building please be aware of how you will evacuate them in an emergency and be responsible for their safety.
• Call the Theatre Manager and the President to let them know what is going on.
• Proceed to the evacuation point and assist the other members of staff.

Box Office

• Dial 999 and ask for the Fire Brigade
• Tell them the nature of the fire if possible
• Tell them our address – 11b Bristo Place
• Hook back the toilet corridor and café doors
• Check the toilets for any members of the public and direct people out the building through the toilet corridor.
• Assemble outside the building and report to the Duty Manager

Café

• Turn off all the equipment in the café. Leave the lights on.
• Direct members of the public through the café and out of the main doors.
• Once the café is empty assemble outside the building and report to the Duty Manager.

Indoor Halkeeper

• Open the auditorium fire exit and direct people outside unless the Duty Manager directs you otherwise.
• Once everyone is evacuated assemble outside the building and report to the Duty Manager.

Outdoor Hallkeeper

• Open the door from the café to the auditorium, and the disabled access corridor door.
• Stay in the auditorium and direct people out into the café.
• Once everyone is evacuated assemble outside the building and report to the Duty Manager.

Stage Manager

• Ensure that the cast and backstage crew are aware of the situation.
• Evacuate them using the nearest safe exit
• Assemble outside the building and check everyone is accounted for.
• Report to the Duty Manager and inform them if anyone is missing.

Tech Manager

• Ensure that the crew and others on the balconies are aware of the situation.
• Evacuate the balconies using the nearest safe exit.
• Assemble outside the building and check everyone is accounted for.
• Report to the Duty Manager and inform them if anyone is missing.