Doing what you love should be fun and exciting...but it's also extremely important to take safety into consideration! Ensuring your operations are as safe as possible means you’re helping your audience have a great experience. After all, no one is going to have a good time if a kid stabs himself with an erroneously placed sword swallowing prop. Plus, you can minimize your chances of a claim being made against you with smart safety practices. Fewer claims mean a decreased risk of premium hikes for all of our insureds. Meanwhile, extraordinarily costly claims could result in the cancellation of our policy, which currently insures almost 10,000 performers and vendors across the U.S. Safe practices will help you...expect the unexpected.
While we know freak accidents can happen, many risks can be avoided by taking safety precautions. So, what does it mean to be safe? Below we've outlined some safety tips!
1. Dangerous props (such as swords, knives, fire props, etc.) should always be kept safely away from the reach of the audience. Especially, during family-friendly performances.
2. Performers should have a clear safety perimeter between them and the audience, preferably one you can't easily pass through. This will help keep the audience safe from your equipment. Audience members should also never get on your equipment as your liability policy does not extend coverage for athletic participation. Check out our Audience Participation blog for more details.
3. When working outside, be aware of how weather can increase risk. High winds can overturn pop-up tents, topple portable rigs, or even rip a German Wheel from very strong hands. If weather is iffy, consider rescheduling your performance! When setting up a mobile vendor space, be sure to secure your tent, tables, and items in case of extreme weather or a sudden gust of wind.
4. Avoid trips and falls due to exposed cords. Whether you're a performer or vendor, keep your power cords out of walkways or make sure they're safely secured to the ground.
5. Mermaids, you may be able to swim faster/further in your tail, but you also have a big, beautiful flipper at the end of your body! It's important to stay aware of others swimming near you so you don't bump, splash, or flip into them. Know your limit, swim within it. Only swim as a mermaid where you would safely swim as a human.
6. When you're at a multiple day festival, make sure that your belongings are locked up at the end of each day or bring them with you! Even when there's security, you don't want to risk your items to be damaged or stolen.
7. Aerialists, clowns aren't the only ones who need shoes...your aerial rig does, too! Be sure to use pads on the feet of your rig when setting up to help protect the event/venue's floor from damage. While performing corde lisse, be aware of your tail. All of your spinning, dropping, and flipping can lead to your tail running wild. Having a safety perimeter can also help reduce this risk! Always use trusted, competent riggers: this is not only for others' safety, but also your own. Then, double, triple check the rigging yourself.
8. Fire performers, there are four essential safety rules to follow for any fire performance (see below). For more fire safety tips, check out our Fire Performance Safety 101 blog here!
- Always have a dedicated fire safety (or safeties).
- Establish three separate and clearly defined areas: Performance area, fueling station, and prop spin-off zone.
- Familiarize yourself with the event location and check for possible hazards.
- Ensure your equipment, costuming, fuels, and physical/mental state are ready for each performance.
9. If an event or venue seems unfit, reconsider taking the gig. Never agree to last-minute changes if you're not 100% comfortable. Trust your gut! If you feel unsafe at any time, don't hesitate to speak up. You have the right to feel safe, and you should never feel pressured to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.
10. Comments made to others, even with the best intentions, can go wrong! Watch your tone and what you say. Someone could take your comment the wrong way and file a claim for personal advertising injury against you. If you're a mime, be aware that not all of your gestures are easily decipherable, and maybe that spectator didn't really give you permission to jump on his back.
11. Stay hydrated! It's important to stay hydrated, especially in hot environments. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your gig.
12. Performers, practice in your costume on your equipment before your performance! This will let you get used to added elements that may not have been there in your rehearsal clothes.
13. Be aware of your surroundings. Before you take the stage, take some time to scan the venue and identify potential hazards. This could include things like sharp objects, slippery surfaces, or uneven ground. Don't forget to look up! What's going on above you?
14. Musical artists, your voice can be one of your most valuable assets. To protect your voice, warm up before your performance and cool down afterwards. Avoid shouting or whispering, and drink water or tea with honey!
15. Stilt walkers, just like any seasoned space traveler from The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy can tell you - never forget your towel! A hand towel can be a handy tool for cleaning off your stilt pegs if you step in something or a slippery spot in your performance path. Walk about your intended performance area and note any possible hazards. Don't forget to take care of yourself! Spotters are your friend and knee pads are essential.
While this list doesn't cover everything, it gives you some good ideas on how to stay safe. For even more tips, be sure to follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook where we post a monthly safety tip!
