Product Overview

Summary: This Performer and Artist Protocol Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps to protect performers, crew and audiences while maintaining creative freedom. It provides a structured, WHS‑aligned framework for rehearsals, live performances, touring and venue work across the Australian arts and entertainment sector.

This SOP is designed specifically for organisations that engage performers and artists in theatres, live music venues, festivals, film and TV sets, arts centres, touring productions and community events. It recognises that creative work often involves elevated stages, lighting rigs, special effects, crowds, fatigue, travel and sometimes high‑risk performance elements such as stunts, aerial work or audience interaction. The procedure provides a clear, repeatable protocol that balances artistic requirements with an organisation’s duty of care under Australian WHS legislation.

The document walks through the entire performer lifecycle: pre‑engagement briefing, risk assessment and approvals, rehearsal processes, show call and performance, pack‑down, incident response and post‑event review. It addresses common gaps such as unclear authority on safety decisions, inconsistent inductions for guest artists, ad‑hoc management of drugs and alcohol, and inadequate communication of emergency procedures. By implementing this SOP, arts organisations can demonstrate due diligence, protect performers’ physical and psychological safety, and reduce the risk of show‑stopping incidents, reputational damage and regulatory enforcement.

The protocol is written in plain, practical language so it can be used on the floor by stage managers and crew, while still aligning with Australian standards, codes of practice and typical venue contractual requirements. It supports both unionised and non‑union environments and can be adapted for small independent productions through to large commercial tours.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, WHS‑aligned safety practices for performers and artists across all venues and events.
• Reduce the likelihood of injuries arising from stunts, stage movement, crowd interaction, fatigue and travel demands.
• Clarify roles, responsibilities and decision‑making authority when safety concerns conflict with creative direction.
• Streamline inductions, briefings and rehearsals so that all performers understand house rules, emergency procedures and risk controls.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, insurers, funding bodies and unions through a documented performer safety protocol.

Who is this for?

• Venue Managers
• Event and Festival Managers
• Theatre and Stage Managers
• Tour Managers
• Production Managers
• WHS Advisors in Arts and Entertainment
• Talent and Artist Managers
• Technical Directors
• Company Managers (Theatre, Dance, Circus, Music)
• Risk and Compliance Managers (Arts Organisations)

Hazards Addressed

• Slips, trips and falls on stage, back‑of‑house and in performance spaces
• Falls from stages, platforms, risers and temporary structures
• Injuries from stunts, choreography, aerial work, stage combat or physical theatre
• Exposure to strobe lighting, lasers, pyrotechnics, smoke and atmospheric effects
• Noise exposure from amplified music and sound systems
• Manual handling of instruments, props, costumes and set pieces
• Fatigue and stress from long rehearsals, late‑night performances and touring schedules
• Psychosocial hazards including harassment, bullying, discrimination and inappropriate behaviour by staff, audience or other performers
• Alcohol and drug‑related impairment affecting performance safety
• Crowd interaction risks, including stage‑diving, crowd‑surfing and audience participation
• Thermal and burn hazards from lighting, pyrotechnics and special effects equipment
• Electrical hazards from temporary power, leads and portable equipment

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Producers, Venue, Stage Management, Performers)
• 4.0 Pre‑Engagement and Contracting Requirements
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Approval of Performance Concepts
• 6.0 Performer and Artist Induction and Briefing
• 7.0 Rehearsal Protocols and Safe Work Methods
• 8.0 Performance Day Procedures and Show Calls
• 9.0 Management of Stunts, Aerial Work, Stage Combat and High‑Risk Acts
• 10.0 Use of Special Effects (Pyrotechnics, Smoke, Lasers, Strobes)
• 11.0 Crowd Interaction and Audience Participation Controls
• 12.0 Fatigue, Drugs, Alcohol and Fitness for Work
• 13.0 Psychosocial Safety, Behaviour Standards and Reporting Pathways
• 14.0 Personal Protective Equipment and Costume/Footwear Requirements
• 15.0 Emergency Procedures and Show Stop Protocols
• 16.0 Incident, Near Miss and Hazard Reporting for Performers
• 17.0 Touring, Travel and Remote/Outdoor Performance Considerations
• 18.0 Training, Consultation and Communication
• 19.0 Recordkeeping, Documentation and Review
• 20.0 Continuous Improvement and SOP Review Schedule

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work
• AS/NZS 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 1269 series: Occupational noise management
• Live Performance Australia (LPA) Safety Guidelines and relevant industry best practice