Vehicles on the Stages

Operate vehicles inside stages only under approved safety procedures and production supervision.

Overview

The use of vehicles on or around the sound stages is subject to specific operational restrictions, approval procedures, and safety requirements governing vehicle movement, parking, staging, and filming activity within stage facilities.

Vehicles can create significant risks related to collisions, exhaust, fire hazards, equipment damage, and pedestrian safety within enclosed production environments. Clear operational guidelines help productions use stage facilities more safely while protecting crew members, equipment, and school infrastructure.

Policies

Vehicles may only be brought onto a sound stage with prior approval from the Stage Supervisor. Because vehicles introduce fire hazards, exhaust concerns, fluid leaks, and potential facility damage, productions must follow all safety requirements whenever a vehicle is used indoors.

Vehicle Preparation Requirements

Before a vehicle may enter the stage:

  • The fuel tank must either be professionally removed or reduced to no more than one-quarter tank of fuel. Empty tanks are prohibited, as fuel vapors can be highly flammable.
  • The vehicle battery must either be removed entirely or disconnected with the terminals covered using a non-conductive material such as rubber or leather.
  • Once disconnected, the vehicle must be pushed onto the stage manually, without power steering or powered brakes.
  • The battery may not be reconnected until the vehicle has been fully removed from the building.

Supervision & Scheduling

A faculty or staff member must be present whenever a vehicle is moved into or out of the stage. Productions are responsible for coordinating vehicle movement at a time when supervision can be scheduled and approved in advance.

Floor & Facility Protection

Protective material must be placed beneath the engine, transmission, and differential to catch potential fluid leaks. Acceptable materials include tarps or old foam-core. Solids and sound blankets may not be used for this purpose.

Fire Safety Restrictions

Open flames of any kind are prohibited while a vehicle is present on the stage.

Electrical & Practical Considerations

Any planned use of practical vehicle elements such as dashboard lights, headlights, windshield wipers, or similar powered features must be discussed and approved in advance as part of the production’s planning process.