Load-In & Load-Out

Coordinate equipment movement, staging, and cleanup procedures before and after production activities.

Overview

Load-in and load-out procedures govern how productions move equipment, scenery, props, materials, and production infrastructure into and out of stages, locations, and production spaces.

Organized load-in and load-out practices are essential because productions often involve large amounts of equipment, limited access windows, shared facilities, and tight schedules. Clear operational procedures help reduce damage, improve safety, maintain cleaner workspaces, and support more efficient production workflows.

Load-In (Set-Up)

  • A load-in date is set as part of the stage reservation, and the load-in date and time must be strictly followed.
  • Only approved sets, effects, equipment, and procedures may be loaded in.
  • The Stage Supervisor will check the stages to ascertain that all procedures and policies have been followed, and that all items are being set up and used as per the approved plan. Any infractions will be noted and presented to the student producer. In some cases, due to safety or damage concerns, the Stage Supervisor or the Set Operations Manager may stop the production until these concerns have been appropriately addressed. Violations in this or any sound stage policy will be treated as an “unprofessional act” and penalties assessed according to the College’s Professionalism Policy.

Load-Out (Strike)

  • Both strike and load-out must occur during the time allotted in the original stage reservation meeting, except as noted in the policy for holding sets for dailies.
  • During strike and load-out the floor must be painted back to black, and the entire reserved space returned to a cleaned and normal state.
  • The sound-lock, exits, loading dock and other adjacent areas must continue to be kept clear.
  • Stock sets and existing scenery must be returned to the designated corral, and built scenery must be stored according to the policy for holding sets for dailies.
  • All other items, including equipment, props, scenery, trash, and other items must be removed from the College facility.
  • The Stage Supervisor will check for proper adherence to these rules and will note any infractions to the student producer.