{"id":4282,"date":"2021-04-13T13:54:06","date_gmt":"2021-04-13T17:54:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tsai\/?page_id=4282"},"modified":"2025-11-20T09:47:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T14:47:07","slug":"student-productions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tsai\/resources\/student-productions\/","title":{"rendered":"Student Theatrical Productions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The following pertains to registered student theater groups that reserve the Tsai Center for multiple days for a theatrical production and is intended to serve as a foundation for planning your show. For student groups that reserve Tsai for one-day-only events, please refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tsai\/resources\/student-events\/\">Student Events<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>RESERVATION<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Dates &amp; times are outlined in your reservation. Review it carefully. Because of the multi-day booking for your show, your reservation times may be longer than you actually have access. This is to make Tsai unavailable to other users when your set is in place. For example, Tsai might be booked 9am-11pm, but you only have access 3-11pm that day. We will be very clear about when you have access to Tsai, but do not hesitate to ask. Other activities scheduled at Tsai during your reservation, such as classes, may require the area downstage of the main curtain to be available during the day. This includes the seating area and lobbies.<\/p>\n<p>For all of your group&#8217;s scheduled activities, there will be one full-time Tsai staff member on duty plus student crew. The Tsai staff determines how best to use our in-house systems and what equipment we can give your group access to for your show. If you have additional needs, please discuss with us first. Any external rentals will need to be coordinated by your group with the Student Leadership &amp; Impact Center (SLIC). Reservation of Tsai is subject to the same &#8220;Requirements for Use of a University Facility&#8221; provided by the BU Reservations &amp; Sales Office in Events &amp; Conferences (click below to read).<\/p>\n<blockquote><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Requirements for Use of A University Facility<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 12px;\">1. Internal reservations can be made by (a) student organizations registered and in good standing with the Student Leadership &amp; Impact Center and groups sponsored by student organizations as approved by the Student Leadership &amp; Impact Center; and (b) University departments, University-affiliated departments, and other bona fide organizations which are sponsored by University departments. Facility fees must be paid by departmental ISR.<br \/>\n2. At the University\u2019s discretion, faculty, staff, and non-University organizations may contract with the University the use of the Tsai Performance Center for private functions, and are subject to fees and other contractual obligations. Departmental resources cannot be used for private functions.<br \/>\n3. The University reserves the right to reject requests for the use of its facilities, provided that the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or because of marital, parental or veteran status in the admission to or enjoyment of the use of its facilities. No person(s) or organization(s) sponsoring a function may so discriminate.<br \/>\n4. Boston University reserves the right to require the assignment of Boston University Police to an event. When a function is open to the public, involves more than 150 people, is taking place outdoors, or has an admission fee, assignment of Boston University Police is likely to be required. The Chief of Boston University Police shall have the sole responsibility to determine the appropriate assignment of police for a function. The group reserving the facility shall pay any fees and costs for such police in accordance with the then current schedule of fees.<br \/>\n5. The scheduling group\/department holding the reservation shall be responsible for the conduct of any person attending the function, including any damage cause by such person, and the University reserves the right to eject or cause to be ejected from the facilities any person that:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px; font-size: 12px;\">a. blocks or otherwise interferes with the free flow of vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic. The right of way on streets and sidewalks must be maintained;<br \/>\nb. blocks or otherwise interferes with the ability of others to go into and out of University building;<br \/>\nc. prevents or attempts to force the cancellation of any University class, or any event or activity sponsored by the University or by any persons authorized to use University facilities;<br \/>\nd. incites imminent lawless action;<br \/>\ne. harasses, threatens, or is physically abusive toward another person or persons present;<br \/>\nf. fails to comply with the directions of any University official acting in the performance of their duty;<br \/>\ng. leaves placards, banners, or other signs unattended, unless they are affixed securely to a location that has been approved for posting (e.g., a Free Expression Board);<br \/>\nh. leaves temporary structures unattended; or<br \/>\ni. otherwise violates University policies or applicable law.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 12px;\">6. Any University group\/department sponsoring an outside company or organization assumes ALL responsibility for that outside company or organization, including contact to University service departments, submission of required ISRs\/FSRs and paperwork, and all charges incurred. A representative of the sponsoring group\/department must be present at all planning meetings or site visits involving the outside company\/organization and any University department. A representative of the sponsoring group\/department must be present throughout the duration of the actual function.<br \/>\n7. Food and\/or beverages served in University facilities must be purchased through Catering on the Charles, 617-353-2957. It is a University policy that NO FOOD OR LIQUOR may be removed from the facility where a function is being held. The state law of Massachusetts provides that \u201cno alcoholic beverages may be sold, delivered, or given in any way to a person under twenty-one years of age.\u201d The Catering department may require an additional room or area for preparation and\/or service; arrangements for these areas must be made by notifying Reservations &amp; Sales. Food and beverages are not permitted in any classroom.<br \/>\n8. The individual listed as \u201ccontact person\u201d for the reservation assumes complete responsibility for compliance with these Policies and Responsibilities.<br \/>\n9. Failure to comply with these Polices and Responsibilities and other pertinent University policies may result in cancellation of the event or loss of the privilege to use University facilities.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h4>GENERAL<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Ticketing: Must be done via SLIC\/Eventbrite. Seating capacity is 500. Standing room tickets cannot be sold.<\/li>\n<li>Name\/Location: List the venue as &#8220;Tsai Performance Center&#8221; or &#8220;Tsai Center&#8221; on all materials, printed or online. (We are <em>not\u00a0<\/em>&#8220;Tsai Auditorium&#8221; &#8212; that is a lecture hall at Harvard.) Our address is 685 Commonwealth Avenue.<\/li>\n<li>Time: Advertise the start time of your performance, not when doors open. The doors always open 30 minutes prior to the start time unless you make other arrangements at booking.<\/li>\n<li>All areas of egress must remain clear at all times.<\/li>\n<li>Only those who are part of your production (actors, musicians, tech staff, &amp; stage managers) are allowed backstage. Please instruct friends and family members to meet in the outer marble lobby after the show.<\/li>\n<li>Food and beverages (except water) are not allowed in any area of the theater other than the dressing rooms. Please dispose of your waste appropriately to keep Tsai clean for all.<\/li>\n<li>Animals, other than service animals, are not permitted inside the theater.<\/li>\n<li>Be respectful in your interactions and communications with all Tsai staff, including student staff.<\/li>\n<li>While using the Tsai Center, students must at all times adhere to policies set forth by the Tsai Center staff. Failure to abide by these policies may result in the loss of the privilege of using the Tsai Center or immediate suspension of your performance.<\/li>\n<li>Sustainability: The Tsai Center is committed to furthering Boston University&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sustainability\/projects\/zero-waste-plan\/\">Zero Waste Plan<\/a>. Think about what you can do to reduce the environmental footprint of your program. Read more about &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sustainability\/how-to\/host-a-sustainable-event\/\">How to Host a Sustainable Event<\/a>.&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>PLANNING YOUR SHOW<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>One member of the full-time production staff will be your main contact, though all of our staff will be supporting you. When you are ready to start talking about your show, even in general terms, reach out to us to set up a first meeting. You must arrange at least one pre-production meeting with your Tsai contact to discuss all the details of your show, deliverables we will need, and associated deadlines. Deliverables are subject to Tsai approval and include:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Production schedule<\/strong>: Your Tsai contact will provide a template that includes your access times for each day and performance times on show days. You must fill in all other activities, including load-in, build, focus, dance\/fight calls, rehearsals, etc. Be as comprehensive as possible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Set design<\/strong>: We require scale set drawings with measurements. Consider actor safety when designing the set. Note that the Tsai staff may require additional safety measures (such as handrails) to be built into the set. Once the set is built, a full-time Tsai staff member must inspect the set. After receiving approval from Tsai staff, all actors must complete a safety walk. Tsai staff will be present for the actors&#8217; safety walk and may provide additional safety information. No actors may interact with the set before the safety walk.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lighting paperwork<\/strong>: We have a repertory lighting plot, which shows how the lights will be hung, circuited, and focused when you load in. Any changes you would like to make to the rep plot must happen during your reservation before scenery loads in. You should budget at least 10 minutes per light for any changes to the hang or circuiting. Your Tsai contact will send you the rep instrument schedule as an Excel file, which you can edit with your desired changes. Your Tsai contact may propose more efficient ways to achieve your vision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The Tsai Center cannot provide any wireless microphones for theatrical productions. If you wish to use wireless microphones for your production, you must rent them from an external vendor. Be sure to budget for this and go through SLIC\/Terrier Central to complete the transaction. Tsai staff can advise you on where and how to set up the wireless kit.<\/li>\n<li>We will try to accommodate all reasonable requests, but we reserve the right to deny requests that are not in the best interest of the show or the facility.<\/li>\n<li>The Tsai staff welcomes additional pre-production meetings as needed to ensure everyone is confident and comfortable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>STAFFING<\/h4>\n<h5>Your group needs to provide:<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Stage manager(s)<\/li>\n<li>Lighting &amp; sound designers and board operators<\/li>\n<li>Backstage crew specific to run of the show<\/li>\n<li>1-2 students to assist with ushering at the front doors<\/li>\n<li>1-2 students to handle on-site ticket sales. No Tsai staff members are authorized to assist with sales of any kind.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Tsai Center will provide:<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>1 full-time production staff member<\/li>\n<li>1 student crew members (in the booth)<\/li>\n<li>3-4 student staff to usher and manage the house<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>TECHNICAL POLICIES<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>No open flames, including lit candles, matches, cigarettes, or any other flammable materials, are permitted anywhere in the theater. Smoking and vaping are not permitted in Tsai or CAS.<\/li>\n<li>All scenery as well as decorations anywhere in the theater must comply with the regulations of the Boston Fire Department. You must obtain a certificate of fireproofing from BFD if necessary. (Discuss this further with your Tsai contact.)<\/li>\n<li>No fog machines, smoke machines, or hazers are permitted.<\/li>\n<li>Only trained and authorized personnel (Tsai staff) may operate Genie personnel lifts, operate the pit elevator, or enter the catwalks.<\/li>\n<li>You must rent your own wireless microphones. No Tsai wireless mics are available for student theatrical productions.<\/li>\n<li>You must provide your own expendables. These include tape, lighting gel, templates, etc.<\/li>\n<li>The Tsai Center can provide chairs, music stands, and stand lights to the orchestra pit. The music director and orchestra pit members are responsible for providing all other gear, including instruments. The pianos stored in the orchestra pit may only be used with permission from CFA.<\/li>\n<li>Every effort should be made to avoid painting onstage. If onstage painting (such as touch-ups) must occur, you must use appropriate tarps or drop cloths. No spray paint may be used onstage or in the parking lot at any time.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure any changes made within lighting or sound consoles are saved to your show files only.<\/li>\n<li>Full strike and removal of all personal belongings must be completed by the end of your reservation time. A fee will be assessed if all items are not removed or if damage to the facility occurs.<\/li>\n<li>You may not screw, nail, staple, or tape anything onto any surface within the theater, hallways, or dressing rooms without specific approval.<\/li>\n<li>Discuss any decoration of the Tsai Center with your Tsai contact. Note that the lobby is for egress and cannot accommodate elaborate decorations. It must remain well lit and free of obstructions at all times. The lobby is not to be used as a painting, crafting, woodworking, or eating space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<ul><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The following pertains to registered student theater groups that reserve the Tsai Center for multiple days for a theatrical production and is intended to serve as a foundation for planning your show. For student groups that reserve Tsai for one-day-only events, please refer to the Student Events page. RESERVATION Dates &amp; times are outlined in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1420,"featured_media":0,"parent":4264,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tsai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4282"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tsai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tsai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tsai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1420"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tsai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4282"}],"version-history":[{"count":42,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tsai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4282\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9540,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tsai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4282\/revisions\/9540"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tsai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4264"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tsai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4282"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}