Theatrical Pyro-Help

[esmithei]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum. I am a professor in theatre at the University of Delaware. Teaching in a graduate technical theatre program. I am not sure if anyone on this form can help me....But I thought it was a place to start!!!

I am not a props person but I have been asked to teach a class on Pyro for technicians. I am trying to learn the laws for Delaware and other states!! I want to know what is possible in theatre, preferable in doors. What is best for the students to know. And is there any licensed practitioner in DE or close by Pennsylvania or Maryland where we could do a short course for about 10 people.

Any help greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks for your time,
Eileen

[Pyroplegic]

The first place to start would be the NFPA 1126, Pyrotechnics before a proximate audience, a good nation wide code for safety. I don't know who holds a DELLA-WHO, DELLA-WHAT, DELLA-WHERE, proximate license, or IF one is required. As a touring pyro tech I had a local licensee at each venue, try calling your local IATSE stage hand union, or the large arena around you that has had proximate pyro used in it before. They may know who holds the local license, and that person may be kind enough to come to your class. The other option would be to contact a company that specializes in proximate. LeMaitre makes the gold standard indoor pyro product and equipment, maybe they'll send someone out to do a class. worth a try. Or you could make it worth my while to come up from Virginia, as a last resort.
Also, in this last Washington post magazine there's a good article about John Conkling, and his seminar of chemistry pyrotechnics at washington college in chestertown Md. look him up

[Firecracker-Jim]

the main thing thats going to get you is liability insurance, dont know for theatrical but for outdoor displays out here its 5mil.

there are some guys on here that do indoor pyro than can help you out.

Jim

[JoeRatman]

Moved to Proximate/Indoor Pyro forum.

[stuntborg]

There are two pyro clubs in your general area. Most of these clubs have it in their mission statement to "teach".

The http://pa-pyroartist.org/index.htm
PA-Pyrotechnic Artists is in PA. They are a very active club and may be able to help you out.

The Northern Light Pyros club in the New England States may also be able to help you out.
http://www.northernlightspyros.com/

[esmithei]

Thanks all for your help!!
I will look into some of the people and of course, the fire code you all have suggested. If anyone else comes up with more idea's, greatly appreciated! http://www.pyrouniverse.com/forum/im...milies/lol.gif

[EFX]

The State of Delaware does require a state license.
Here is what you need:

DISPLAY PERMIT
Apply to State Fire Marshal at least 30 days
before display date.

INSURANCE
Required $1,000,000 minimum

OPERATOR
License required. Submit application to State
Fire Marshal. Written examination required.
Operator must be at least 21 years of age, age
18 for assistants. License valid 1 year. Renew
annually.

ENFORCING AUTHORITY
State Fire Marshal
State of Delaware
2307 MacArthur Road
New Castle, DE 19720-2426
Phone: 302-323-5375
Fax: 302-323-5366
www.statefiremarshal.delaware.gov

LAW NUMBER
Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations
Part IV, Chapter 2 Delaware Code
Title, 16, Chap. 69

[Rapier]

HI Eileen,

I pushed hard to get this section added to the forum for questions like these. I learned the hard way with nobody to ask these questions when I started in pyro. My background is in lighting before I made the switch to SFX full time.

I am glad a theatre technician is using it to find the help they need.

And a big thanks to Colin and the other PU folks who supported my push for this section to be added.