Production Stage Policy

Current Champlain College students, faculty, and staff may access the production studios free of charge. Reservation priority will be given to Film and Broadcast faculty, then to students enrolled in production classes.

The Stage has unique usage and safety requirements, and operates using multiple tiers of access – each requiring different levels of training and certification:

• Floor Access: No training required.
  ID Card grants general access to the space, but not to the grip closet or the lighting grid.
• Closet Access: Course enrollment required.
  ID Card opens the front door as well as the grip closet.
• Grid Access: Course enrollment and grid demo/training required.
  Hard key unlocks padlock which secures the staircase ladder needed to access the grid.

1.  Call or come in to schedule a reservation
2. Patrons must sign rental agreement before their reservation begins and pickup key at Rental House
3. Patrons must report any damage to the equipment or facilities immediately before starting work
4. Patrons must replace all equipment, lock all doors, clean and organize the space before leaving
5. Patrons must leave the stage at the end of the reservation and return key to the Rental House

There is no explicit maximum length of time a reservation may be made in the Stage, however Rental House staff retain the right to limit the duration of a reservation when it might create an unfair limitation of access for other Patrons, or when time is needed for Rental House employees to service the facility. Patrons are only allowed to be in and use the stage during the Patron’s designated reservation time frame. Any use of the stage beyond the scheduled reservation time may result in a late fee or loss of stage access privileges.

If a student is found to have used the Stage without signing a Rental Agreement, they will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for a disciplinary hearing. All unauthorized use of the Stage and equipment therein is considered a serious infraction of the Code of Conduct outlined in the Student Handbook.

As the stage is frequently used for courses, and by other Patrons, it is important to properly care for the space and return the stage to its default state following any use of the space. Upon arrival in the stage at the start of the reservation, please let Rental Staff know immediately of any problems in the cleanliness or state of the stage, or leave a message on the Rental House phone: (802) 865-5748. At the end of the reservation, it is the responsibility of the Patron to return the stage to a clean state, including, but not limited to the following:

• Returning equipment to the designated areas as indicated by signs and photos in the stage
• Disposing of any garbage or waste in the designated bins in the foyer of the stage.
• Any large items brought in by the Patron such as (but not limited to) props, furniture, and equipment, must be removed from the stage and cannot be left in the foyer.

Failure to clean and reset the stage at the end of the Patron’s reservation may result in the charge of a cleaning fee of $50 to the Patron’s Champlain Account. Repeat offenses may result in loss of access privileges.

Paper Roll Backdrop: The stage features a paper roll backdrop, which needs to be mounted and cared for while being used. If a Patron would like to use to the paper backdrop during the reservation, the Patron will
need to notify Rental House staff when making the reservation. Only use sandbags or weights can be used to hold down the paper roll, as tape may damage the paper. At the end of the reservation, the paper backdrop must be rolled up and returned to the holder. If the paper is left unrolled, the patron will be charged the cleaning fee.

Lighting Grid: In order to use the lighting grid, the Patron must complete proper training with the Rental House Staff. Any lights already in the grid and/or connected to the DMX board must not be moved or adjusted. Any lights added to the grid by the Patron must be secured with a safety cable. The grid ladder must be locked and secured to the wall following the Patron’s reservation.

Tape: No tape or adhesive besides Camera Tape or Gaffer Tape may be used in the stage, or on any flats or equipment. Patrons must pick up any tape when finished and be careful not to peel off any paint. Failure to do so may result in the charge of the cleaning fee.

Doors: Patrons must ensure that all doors are closed and locked when no one is present in the stage, and at the end of the reservation. Failure to secure and lock all doors will result in possible loss of stage privileges.

Glitter/Confetti: The use of glitter, Styrofoam, confetti, fake snow, or other fine loose materials is prohibited.

Upon pickup, the Patron must sign the rental agreement which signifies that they agree to our rental policies, the scheduled return deadline, and to keep all facilities, systems, and equipment therein, in good working order. The Patron is therefore responsible for any replacement or repair costs due to damage/loss.

When a Patron reports damaged or missing items, their access to rental equipment will automatically be suspended. The Patron will be required to complete and submit the LDM Form (Late/Damaged/Missing Form). This form gives Patrons the opportunity to acknowledge the issue(s), and choose whether to accept or appeal any fines or other penalties. After the form is filled out and submitted to a Rental House employee, the Patron’s rental privileges will be immediately reinstated.

Each appeal will be reviewed individually within one week, and a confirmation email will be sent to the Student’s college email account to arrange a meeting with the Media Equipment Coordinator to discuss the issue(s). If a resolution between the Patron and the Media Equipment Coordinator cannot be found, the case may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for further review and resolution. The Rental House retains the right to refer any LDM issue to Student Conduct, and will automatically do so after three LDM issues in one semester.

We value your open, honest, and timely engagement with our reservation operation and policies. All attempts on your part to resolve issues fairly and quickly will be taken into consideration. Please be as specific as possible when completing the LDM form.

Fire/Smoke/Fog: No candles, open flames, or other flammables are allowed in the stage. In addition, the use of smoke or fog is prohibited in the stage.