Luckily, his roommate found him and summoned paramedics in time. Winn studies these accidents and discusses them with other theater technicians at a presentation during the theater technology institute's annual conference. We constantly make changes in our safety procedures based on the new knowledge we gain each year. Winn says the most rewarding part of his role with the institute is hearing what other students or technicians have learned and are taking back home to tell their colleagues. Theater participants learn the type of wiring required for spotlights so the circuits don't overload and cause electrical shorts, how to summon emergency help should someone be injured, and how to protect themselves from blood-borne pathogens.
Actors learn how to use stage combat weapons safely.
Shop employees learn how to use power tools and how to climb and use ladders. The list goes on and on. The training course consists of a video, written text and a hands-on demonstration and testing. Students must read and sign a theater-safety guide drafted by Winn and David Moon, the department's technical director. It's always being updated because safety is an ongoing thing.