2023 MARYLAND THESPIAN FESTIVAL
LOAD-IN & LOAD-OUT
PROCEDURES & REGULATIONS
FRIDAY SCHEDULE
Troupes performing on Friday will load-in starting at 5:30 PM and must complete load-in and all pre-production assembly by 7:15 PM, at which time the house will open. Troupes may continue any backstage pre-production preparation while the house is open but will not be permitted to be on-stage from 7:15 PM - 7:30 PM. Please note that load-in takes place during dinner on Friday, and Troupes should plan accordingly. It is suggested that you allow students to eat in staggered shifts at the dining hall. The most convenient option is to have dinner provided/delivered to the Clarice utilizing an outside restaurant though this would be at your Troupe’s expense. Load-out will begin immediately following the performance or promptly at 9:30 PM, whichever occurs first.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
Troupes performing on Friday will load-in starting at 11:30 AM and must complete load-in and all pre-production assembly by 1:15 PM, at which time the house will open. Troupes may continue any backstage pre-production preparation while the house is open but will not be permitted to be on-stage from 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM. Please note that load-in takes place during lunch on Saturday, and Troupes should plan accordingly. It is suggested that you allow students to eat in staggered shifts at the dining hall. The most convenient option is to have lunch provided/delivered to the Clarice utilizing an outside restaurant though this would be at your Troupe’s expense. Load-out will begin immediately following the performance or promptly at 3:30 PM, whichever occurs first.
APPROPRIATE CLOTHING / FOOTWEAR
All parties involved in load-in and/or load-out must wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Appropriate clothing allows for freedom of movement and cannot be caught, ripped, or torn. Appropriate footwear protects the entire foot from injury and is low-heeled, closed-heeled, and closed-toe. Examples of appropriate footwear include tennis shoes, sneakers, or work boots. Sandals, flip-flops, slippers, clogs, high heels, sling-backs, and the like are strictly prohibited. Jewelry of any kind should not be worn.
LOADING DOCK
All performance groups will load-in/load-out by pulling their vehicle to the loading dock located behind the venue at their scheduled load-in/load-out time. Enter campus at the stoplight intersection of University Blvd. and Stadium Dr. As you pull into campus on Stadium Dr., turn right at the first opportunity onto Backstage Lane. Follow the road behind the building, and the first loading dock on the left is where load-in/load-out will take place. Loading Dock 1 opens directly onto the backstage hallway shared by the Scene Shop and Kay Theatre. It is a level 45’ push to the stage. Additional specifications:
Loading dock height: 3’ 10”
Loading dock door: 10’ w x 10’ h
Elephant noiselock door to theatre: 8’ 8” w x 18’ h
Scene shop entrance to theatre: 14’ 4” w x 20’ h
Once a vehicle has unloaded or is loaded, it must be moved out of the loading dock immediately to make room for other vehicles. No vehicle may load or unload at any other location except at the loading dock. Persons directing vehicles into and out of the loading dock should never be on the same level as the moving vehicle and must exercise extreme caution at all times. Once a Troupe has completed load-in/load-out, all members must vacate as quickly and safely as possible.
HARD HAT POLICY
The use of ANSI approved hard hats, hard caps, or bump caps will be required under any of the following conditions where the potential exists for the impact to your head from/because of falling objects, objects or surfaces are at head level, overhead work, mechanical or electrical rooms, proximity to any sharp or penetrating objects, and electrical hazards. The designated Hard Hat Area will have signage on/at those access points immediately ‘outside of the work area requiring the use of hard hats. The Clarice will have XXX number of hard hats available for use. Please bring your own if you are able.
MATERIALS AND PROPS
All set materials and props should be ready for production before loading in. For clarity, this means you are simply assembling materials or props instead of constructing such as sawing and painting. In addition, the venue will not supply tools of any kind for load-in or load-out. During load-out, all personal items must be removed from the dressing rooms. Any item left after the scheduled load-out will be thrown away at the Troupe’s expense.
REHEARSAL SPACE
Troupes may utilize the stage space for rehearsal should they wish during their two-hour load-in. However, Maryland Thespians recommends considering the time necessary for load-in, assembly, and audio EQ.
EMERGENCIES
In the event of an emergency, University of Maryland staff will take precedence in providing direction on how to proceed. In case of extreme emergencies, medical or otherwise, dial (301) 405-3333 to be connected to the University of Maryland Police Department. You may dial 911, but you will be connected to the county police, which may delay an appropriate response. There are blue phones mounted throughout the Clarice that, if picked up you will be connected directly to University police. The non-emergency police phone number is (301) 405-3555. Blue Emergency Lights are also accessible all around campus. All Festival participants are asked to wear their Festival badge while on campus. For non-emergency medical issues, the University Health Center is available by appointment by calling 301-314-8184. Visitors should bring a photo ID and an active health insurance card. Payment will be subject to your insurance policy.