Technical Rider, 2012-13
(click here to open or download this file as a .pdf)
NOTE: The .pdf file is the full and correct version. The rider provided on this page is for information only and is subject to change. Updated 12 April 2012

COMPANY
• Cast of two performers and one stage manager (total 3 persons).

RUNNING TIME
• One-hour performance including question and answer period if time permits.
• Start times: because of their tight travel schedule, the company would appreciate
close adherence to start times. If the performance is late in commencing, it is possible
that the Question and Answer period may need to be cancelled. This will be at the Stage
Manager’s discretion.

ACCESS
• Mermaid's Stage Manager will contact the venue in advance of the engagement to
confirm the company's arrival time, technical requirements, and to answer any
questions. Please provide technical and hospitality contact information.
• Minimum of 4 persons required for load in/out and set up. Breakdown of the 4
persons is as follows: 1 light, 1 Sound, and 2 others to assist with setup of puppets and
curtain units. Please note: only lighting tech and sound tech are needed for the running
of the show.
• Stage area, loading doors and dressing rooms need to be cleared to allow the
company to set up immediately upon arrival and up to 90 minutes following the performance.
• Stage should be swept and mopped just prior to the company's arrival.
• No food or beverages should be permitted in the theatre.
• We require advance notice of any striking and resetting when our set is in place
overnight.
• Set up: 2.0 hours plus 1/2 hour house. Strike: up to 1.5 hours.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF STAGE - 35’ wide x 30' deep x 14' high. These dimensions
refer to an unimpeded space, free of hanging lights or heating ducts.
• A darkened auditorium is necessary and a black stage floor preferred.
• Mermaid travels with a self- supporting, free standing set.
• House masking to be provided by venue: Legs, travelers, and borders, preferably black
with no more than a 30' proscenium opening. Pipe and drape will also be acceptable.
Please have hung prior to the company's arrival. Stage Manager will confirm masking
specifications prior to engagement date.
• Two dressing rooms for three people - the rooms should have mirrors, chairs, tables
and lights. They should be clean, well lit, lockable and ready for the company upon
arrival and up to 120 minutes after the performance.
• Toilets and sinks, with paper towels and soap, must be in close proximity.
• Availability of two prop tables, one stage right and one stage left.
• Availability of stage weights.
• Please send your theatre’s tech specs to lisagleave@mermaidtheatre.ns.ca

ELECTRICAL/LIGHTING
• The company requires the service of a professional lighting technician to operate the
venue’s lighting.
• A dimmable house lighting system will be required.
• Please provide running lights stage right, left and upstage.
• Pre-hang all lights whenever possible.
• The company requires five 15 amp Edison (u-ground) circuits for its own equipment.
• We travel with two single fluorescent units, four double fluorescent fixtures and up to
two Altman 705s which will need to be hung with the location to be determined by the
Stage Manager. The Altmans and fluorescents are controlled by the Stage Manager
from the stage right wing area. Neither is patched into the house dimmers.
• A lighting plot, channel hookup and instrument schedule will be provided by the stage
manager upon request that will be used in addition to the house plot.
• The company requests the venue have a general lighting wash available for the
curtain call and question and answer session.

SOUND
• The company will use the house sound system, and requires the service of an audio
technician.
• We will provide an iPod with stereo XLR outputs to be patched into the house
system.
• Both sound and video outsource from backstage.
• We require a microphone (wireless if available) for a pre-show announcement and
question and answer after the performance.
• The playback will be run through the front of house speakers. We require two
monitors for the performers that should be placed in either down stage corner.
• The company requires backstage clear com or similar means to communicate with the technical crew during the performance
• It is important that all sound be set up and operational before the company arrives.

VIDEO
• Company travels with one video projector and one rear projection screen on a self-supporting
frame.

HOSPITALITY
• Accommodations: 3 single hotel rooms of 3-­-star quality or better, within a 20-­-mile radius of venue. Engager agrees to advance hotel details to the Company directly, no less than three months prior to performance date. (per Agreement, when applicable)
• Plenty of bottled water (or potable water source) and coffee/tea should be made available.
• The presenter is to supply a light lunch (i.e. veggie/fruit platter, soup, sandwiches). Please confirm any dietary restrictions with the Stage Manager prior to arrival.
• The payment cheque (check), house counts and any relevant publicity materials
(posters, programs, press releases etc.) must be made available to the Stage Manager
before the company’s departure.
• For school performances, a number of evaluation forms will be handed out to
teachers. These will be provided upon the company’s arrival.

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS
• Please note that the company’s request for complimentary tickets is covered under
the terms of our contract and will not normally be waived. The theatre will be prepared
to release these seats upon request two weeks prior to the engagement.

MEET AND GREET
• The company will be pleased to accept requests to “meet and greet” special guests.
Should this activity be scheduled following a final performance, it will be essential to
have extra crew on hand to facilitate a prompt load-out following the event. Please
contact the Stage Manager in advance if a meet and greet is requested.

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER
• The company should be notified in advance if sign language interpreters are to
participate. They will be located off stage right or off stage left and dimly lit with an
isolated “special” blue gel.

IMPORTANT
• In the interest of safety we would appreciate having the audience away from the
performance and working area as our equipment and set pieces are fragile. However,
with permission and advance notice, supervised visitors are most welcome at the close
of the show. Cameras and video cameras are prohibited during the performance. Photos
are, however, permitted during the Question & Answer period following the show.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
• We can be reached by fax at 902.798.3311, by telephone at 902.798.5841 or by email at
puppets@mermaidtheatre.ns.ca.
• If your venue doesn’t meet technical specifications please contact Lisa Gleave, General
Manager. (lisagleave@mermaidtheatre.ns.ca)

NOTE: Rider may not be changed in any way without permission from
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia.