Sustainability

Sustainable thinking must be a core part of every theatre-makers’ toolkit.
Can we reuse this prop / piece of furniture?
Is it financially sensible to break this item and replace it with new every performance?
Should we send our set to landfill after the show?
If we buy this cheap equipment, we can just throw it out and buy a new one when it breaks – that’s OK isn’t it?

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2013

A Practical Guide to Greener Theatre
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Sustainability Ideas

Electrical efficiency

Power off the lighting rig when it’s not being used (particularly moving lights)
Investigate lower-wattage light sources (e.g. LED) for backstage working lights,
Replace high wattage tungsten halogen lanterns with LED equivalents
Replace moving lights with LED equivalents
Talk to building managers about replacing light fittings around the theatre with more energy-efficient sources.
Use occupancy sensors in dressing rooms and toilets etc. to turn off lighting when the room is empty. Do not use these in any areas used for performance unless you can override them!

Reduce Wastage

Ensure spare catered food is saved and distributed to local shelters
Use cable ramps or rubber mats to replace large quantities of gaffer tape to hold cables down
Donate unwanted gel to local play schemes
Reuse or Recycle unwanted set / props, or set up a local scheme to store set & prop items for reuse by other companies
Use secondhand costumes and props rather than buying new
Store costumes and props carefully so that they’re in good condition when you use them again and again.
Design modular scenery that can be reused repeatedly (by repainting or recovering).
Avoid printed materials (posters / flyers) and use social media. At Fringe Festivals where flyering is a big part of the marketing plan of many groups, use photo opportunities, QR codes on clothing etc and encourage passers-by to take a photo of you to remind them about the show rather than taking a flyer. Use recycled paper and non-glossy recyclable card for flyers if you need to print them.

Reduce Plastics

Bungee Cord - Cable Ties
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Resuable Black Cable Straps
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Reusable water bottles can be refilled hundreds of times, to reduce plastic bottle use
Don’t use plastic straws – metal, paper or bamboo straws are available
Avoid glitter (a harmful microplastic) in prop-making or make-up.
Reusable bungee cords, rubber ties or short lengths of tie line or rope can replace PVC tape on lighting rigs or for coiling cables
Velcro cable ties can be permanently fixed to cables to remove PVC tape use