Open Clasp Theatre Company

Technical Information

 

If you're thinking of asking Open Clasp to bring one of their touring productions to your venue but don't know if your space is suitable please check these technical specifications.

Size of Space
Open Clasp bring all their own set, staging and equipment to community venues. In order to accommodate an Open Clasp production the performance space must meet the following minimum requirements:

• At least 20ftx20ft (6mx6m) floor space
• At least 10ft (3.048m) high
• At least 6 separate power points (double sockets count as 1)

As a smaller space would not be able to accommodate the set, lighting rig or equipment Open Clasp are unable to negotiate on these minimum requirements. If they are problematic do let us know as soon as possible. We may be able to suggest alternative local venues you could use for your performance.

Site Visit
Open Clasp will arrange for a site visit to be carried out when we have been booked to perform in a venue that is new to us or that our Stage Management are not familiar with. Our Production Manager will visit at a mutually convenient time to have a look around the venue and discuss any queries you may have.

Access
Moving the set and equipment is hard work, and our actors and crew have to assemble it safely and securely before their performance and dismantle it again afterwards. Therefore venues should:

• Not be upstairs (except by prior arrangement where a large lift is available.)
• Be reasonably near to a level entrance/exit.
• Provide access to the venue at least 4 hours before the performance start time.
• Provide access to the venue for at least 2 hours following the performance.
• Provide clear vehicle access to the venue before and after the show and a secure parking space.

Any problems with access would lengthen the time of the get-in and delay the performance and the get-out.
We'd really appreciate any additional help that could be provided during the get-in and get-out.

The Performance Space

• Open Clasp use lighting effects, so venues should have operational black-out curtains. If your venue does not have blackout curtains give us a ring, we can advise you on alternatives, such as black plastic bags over the windows. Please do let us know as soon as possible. It really helps us when the windows are sorted out before we arrive, as our team don't have time to get the performance ready and cover the windows on the day!
• Open Clasp may use Strobe lighting. Let us know in advance if this will be a problem, we can rework the lighting if necessary.
• Open Clasp may use a Smoke Machine. Let us know in advance if this will be a problem, as we can rework the scenes if necessary.
• Seating for the audience must be clear of the performance space and of routes used for the get-ins and outs.
• Open Clasp will use gaffa tape to cover wires for Health and Safety reasons, so the space shouldn't have valuable antique flooring!

The Cast and Crew
It's really helpful for a representative of the Host and/or Venue to meet us at the venue at the arranged get-in time, to show us around and let us know what's what. Please let us know in advance who'll be meeting us by completing the attached form.
A changing room would be good, however access to toilets that have hot and cold running water will do if there isn't one. This space should be well lit and heated in order for Open Clasp to comply with Equity (Actor's Union) guidelines.
It would be nice to get a cuppa, so if possible please provide tea/coffee making facilities.

Open Clasp will do our best to negotiate on any items in the Technical Specifications which cause problems. Please contact us.

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