ADDITIONAL INSURED CERTIFICATES  When a theatre group rents/leases space [a school or municipal auditorium, a storage unit, an office space, etc] it is very common for the owner to be named as an Additional Insured.  This means that your insurance would be expected to defend the owner in case of a claim/suit resulting from an accident/injury that occurred while you occupied the space.  This is a very common requirement of most leases and your insurance agent should be able to provide you with the necessary Certificate of Insurance.

 
  CLAIM DIARY  Most claims are settled quickly and easily.  However, it is always a good idea to keep a simple diary of events that occur subsequent to the claim incident.  Make brief notations regarding conversations, names, dates, phone numbers, if you left a voice mail, what information you mailed when and to whom.  Keep copies of all documents.  Chances are you won't need the diary because the claim will be settled quickly and without dispute.  However, it is always better to be safe then sorry.
 

  SAFETY REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE SPACE  It is a good idea to conduct an annual safety review of your performance space - on-stage, backstage, auditorium, lobbby, bathrooms, basement, furnace room, storage areas, scene shop, etc.  Identify potential danger areas and safety deficiencies. Establish a schedule to correct these problems in a timely manner.  Click  Cents and Common Sense for a thorough outline that you can use when conducting your annual safety review.
 

  SECURING YOUR THEATRICAL PROPERTIES  Most thefts are crimes of opportunity. Do not provide such opportunities.  Secure your properties.  Do not leave box office receipts in an unlocked drawer.  Do not leave expensive camera equipment on your desk over the weekend.  Do not store your speakers where anyone can walk off with them.

SECURING YOUR THEATRICAL PROPERTIES IN A RENTED SPACE  Lets say you rent a performance space for three consecutive weekends to do your annual musical production.  The owner wants you to sign a lease.  Be careful.  Does anyone else have access to the space when you are not there?  Has the owner provided you with a locked space where you can store your properties between shows?  Read your lease carefully.  Often times, a lease will say that the owner is not liable for loss of or damage to any of your properties [sets, costumes, props, musical instruments, light board, etc]  This is ok while you are there during a scheduled performance, but what happens when you aren't there? If the owner is not liable, he should provide the security necessary to protect your property when you aren't there.  If the owner allows other to use the space on the days you aren't there, then who is watching out for your properties?