The Cramer Center Policy Guide

    The Cramer Center for the Performing Arts is a private, multi-use facility serving the Manassas community that allows uses by Individuals, Profit and Non-profit Organizations, Churches, Exhibitors, and Others, insofar as such uses are in keeping with the positive development of Old Town Manassas. In order to keep fees at a reasonable amount, users must take an active role in maintaining and improving the facility for the good of all. Organizations should be certain to inform all of its members about the importance of being considerate “guests” of this Center.

1.     The Cramer Center is entirely a non-smoking facility, inside and out. For the courtesy of all of      our patrons, smoking is prohibited anywhere near building entrances and sidewalks.

2.     Construction hours are limited to:      Monday thru Saturday 6 pm to 10 pm

                                                                Sunday 12 noon to 10 pm

         Rehearsal hours are limited to:         Sunday thru Thursday 6 pm to 10 pm
                                                               Friday and Saturday 12 noon to 11 pm

        Please ask for permission to extend construction or rehearsal hours beyond these guidelines when required. Permission is usually granted for “quiet work” to exceed policy guidelines.

3.     Scenery, lumber, ladders, scaffolding, pipes, etc. may not be positioned in a manner which could damage the facility or pose a risk to cast or crew. Materials    should be stored flat on the floor of the theater or stage whenever possible. Care must be taken when striking scenery to prevent flying objects from striking cast or crew or damaging the facility.

4.     Any temporary repainting of the stage floor or walls of the theater must be restored with approved materials at strike.

5.     Security: Exterior Doors shall remain fully closed and locked when not in use.

6.     Cramer Center Telephones are not to be used without permission.

7.     All advertising for performances must refer to this facility as the Cramer Center (at 9008 Center Street).

8.     Persons not directly involved with the production (including but not limited to children, friends, family, guests, press, etc.) are not allowed on the stage or in technical areas. Children 12 and under are not permitted in the facility during construction, load in or strike, and must be supervised by a parent or guardian age 15 or older at all times during rehearsals and performances.

9.     Pets are prohibited. Since we are concerned for the well-being of your animals, sensitive to people who might have severe allergies, and aware of liability issues, this requirement includes keeping them in your cars and walking them on Center property.

10.     Drop-cloths of adequate size and density must be used during painting. Organizations will be responsible for damage from spills, over-spray, and marking on Cramer Center property and liable for all costs from paint leaking from garbage bags.

11.     Only latex paint may be used inside the theater. Spray painted surfaces must be completely dry and without odor before being brought inside the building. Only designated sinks may be used for paint clean-up. Groups must provide their own painting equipment. Brushes and rollers may not be shaken-out where spatters could contact sidewalks, pavement, fences, or any other part of the Cramer Center. Buckets, pails, and cans must be adequately sealed after use and stored in a designated area.

12.     The Cramer Center cannot be responsible for determining safe and appropriate scenic materials. Note that all construction is subject to inspection by local authorities; groups are solely responsible for ensuring that all sets, props, costumes, etc. are properly constructed to meet local safety requirements. Open flames and pyrotechnics will not be permitted in the Cramer Center unless approved by the Fire Marshall; groups are solely responsible for securing the necessary permits and approvals. "Nuisance materials" such as sawdust, hay sand, leaves, confetti, etc. may not be used without written permission.

13.     Fire codes require non-fixed seating to allow all patrons unobstructed access to exits. Radically staggered or random seating is not permitted without prior permission. The default seating layout is three rows of nine seats on each side of a center aisle on the floor, seven rows of eights seats on each side of a center aisle on each side of the risers, and ten seats against the back wall on each side of the risers (186 seats); under no circumstances will any group be permitted to set more than 200 chairs (theatre capacity). Center aisles and the aisle leading to the emergency exit at house left must have a minimum width of three (3) feet. Final seating arrangements must be approved by Cramer Center staff. It is the responsibility of the visiting group's House Manager to allow adequate time before the performance to re-align chairs and clean the theater as necessary.

14.     Production support personnel, including Stage Managers, Lighting, Sound, & Special Effects Operators, etc. shall not be stationed in the audience areas during productions without prior permission.

15.     All garbage from dressing rooms, green room, lobby, theater, and other areas used by cast, crew, and patrons shall be emptied each day into a designated container. Any liquids remaining in cups and bottles should be emptied into sinks before disposal. Any foods/snacks remaining in dressing or green rooms must be kept in insect-proof containers to prevent infestation.

16.     It is the responsibility of the visiting group to set up and remove any temporary informational signage as necessary. Exterior signage is limited to 3' x 4' space inside the marquee. Any additional signage must be approved by Cramer Center staff.

17.     Unless other arrangements are made, all concession activities must be confined to the concessions room adjacent to the lobby. All food must be stored in insect and rodent proof containers overnight. 18. Nothing may be attached to any walls in the lobby area without prior permission. The lobby area is available for use by visiting groups for ticket distribution, and visiting groups may use a small table to hold supplies, marketing materials, programs, etc. The gallery areas off the lobby are reserved for Cramer Center use; visiting groups may not put anything in this space nor remove anything from this space without prior permission.

18.     Nothing may be attached to any walls in the lobby area without prior permission. The lobby area is available for use by visiting groups for ticket distribution, and visiting groups may use a small table to hold supplies, marketing materials, programs, etc. The gallery areas off the lobby are reserved for Cramer Center use; visiting groups may not put anything in this space nor remove anything from this space without prior permission.

19.     A “permanent” repertory light plot has been hung consisting of basic area lighting, color washes, and specials. Specials may be refocused; other existing lighting may not be refocused without permission. Any re-gelling or re-focussing of the lighting rep plot must be restored at strike. Visiting groups are solely responsible for replacement of burned-out lamps during productions and making sure all bulbs are working at strike.

20.     Currently, the center is equipped with a 2 scene, 36 dimmer (TTI Galaxy analog console @ 2.4kw TTI, double 2p&g (pin connector) termination at the powerpacks which are located directly off stage right. At the present time, dimmer 36 is reserved for the house lights. It is the responsibility of the renter production team to relamp instruments and re-circuit dimmers as necessary.

21.     Visiting groups are solely responsible for providing any additional equipment, if necessary. All lights and cables must be properly grounded, and safely installed so as not to interfere with resident equipment nor present any safety hazard. Safety cables or chains must be used to protect audience members. Asbestos cables are prohibited. Cables used for lighting must be properly rated for amperage and length, and be in good condition. Any tape used on facilty cables and equipment shall not leave residue when removed. The Cramer Center will work in cooperation with the Technical Director from your group in matters of safety and suitability.

22.     The current sound equipment list includes a cd player and cassette player, along with mixing console, amplifier, and speakers. It is the responsibility of the renter technical crew to reconfigure sound equipment in the event of equipment malfunction. Please consult with Cramer Center personnel for current equipment list and backup procedures.

23.     The Center shall be left in as good or better condition than received following strike.

24.     The Cramer Center is a working facility which may at times contain personal property including but not limited to tools, hardware, paint, brushes, snacks, cameras, gaffer's tape, gel, CD's, fabric and similar materials. Visiting groups may not use any such property at any time, and may not displace any such property unless it presents a safety hazard or blocks necessary access.

25.     Designated dressing room facilities suitable for at least 12, and adjacent green room are provided on the 2nd floor. Hallways, entryways, laundry room, stairways, lobby, control booth, concession room, etc. are not to be used as additional dressing room space without prior permission.

26.     Parking for cast and crew is limited to undesignated (not reserved or resident spaces) spaces in the lot on the row opposite the building (not reserved or resident parking spaces). Theater patrons and overflow cast and crew should be directed to municipal lots located across the street on each side of the building.

27.     Due to possible actor and patron discomfort, triggering of our fire alarm system, and other safety and property damage concerns, all latex and oil-based hazers and all other fog-producing equipment is prohibited at the Cramer Center. CO2, Nitrogen, steam, and any other fogging systems shall be approved for use only if all safety and damage concerns are reconciled.

28.     We would appreciate any suggestions for policies which will help us maintain the Center, allow maximum use by various individuals and organizations, and provide a comfortable and safe environment for all.


 

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