(401)
421-2997
PROVIDENCE
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
ANNOUNCES
EXISTING PROCEDURES FOR USE OF PYROTECHNIC DISPLAYS
Providence, RI – J.L. Singleton, President of the
Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) announces the theatre’s long-standing
policy and procedure relative to the use of pyrotechnic displays for all shows
presented at the Class A venue.
“The
Providence Performing Arts Center presents shows which incorporate the use of
pyrotechnics, for example, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ which is now playing and
the upcoming ‘Beauty and the Beast.’
The theatre consistently follows the procedures required by law for use
of these displays, “ Singleton said.
The
theatre’s General Manager, Alan J. Chille, outlined the steps that are followed
prior to use of any pyrotechnic display presented at PPAC:
-Prior
to a show’s arrival in Providence, PPAC receives advance notice from the show
presenter relative to the use of pyrotechnics.
-Mr.
Chille then instructs the theatre’s Technical Director, Bill Brackett, to
engage a Rhode Island State Licensed Pyrotechnician, who, in turn, applies for
a Rhode Island State permit. This
permit fully describes the pyrotechnics used in the specific show involved.
-After
the permit application is made and prior to any public performance, there is a
mandatory demonstration on PPAC’s stage of the pyrotechnic display to be used;
this demonstration is witnessed by the State Licensed Pyrotechnician, the local
Fire Marshal, and PPAC’s Technical Director.
-more-
-If
the pyrotechnic display usage is approved, PPAC receives a permit, which is
displayed backstage; the permit requires that the State Licensed Pyrotechnician
be backstage and within proximity to the pyrotechnic display at every
performance.
Chille
also said, “In addition to these procedures, the entire PPAC stage area is
fully-sprinklered.”
He
added that PPAC employs a Providence Fire Marshal at all performances who does
a pre-show inspection of the theatre prior to patrons entering the building;
the Fire Marshal remains at the venue until the end of each performance.
In
addition, Bill Miller, Press Representative of The Phantom Company states that;
“we would like to express our deepest sympathies to all affected by the tragedy
that took place on the evening of February 20, 2003. In light of the events, and for the security and peace of mind of
our audiences, we would like to make our pyrotechnical safety procedures
public:
1.
All state required licenses are obtained prior to our engagements in
each city.
2.
The Phantom Company travels with a licensed pyrotechnician; PPAC also
provides an in-house pyrotechnician, and a state Fire Marshal. All three professionals are present at every
performance.
3.
All pyrotechnic supplies are not loaded until right before the beginning
of the second act (when the pyrotechnics are utilized in the production).
4.
All pyrotechnic supplies are kept, until use, in a locked firebox and
handled only by a licensed technician.”
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Tour
Press Representative: Local
Press Representative:
Bill Miller P.J.
Prokop
1650 Broadway - Suite 800 220
Weybosset Street
New York, New York 10019 Providence,
RI 02903
Telephone: 212.307.0800 Telephone:
401.421.2997
Facsimile: 212.307.7113