Restricted & Prohibited Activities

Quick Reference for Safe, Approved & Prohibited Activities

Use this page to quickly determine whether an activity is prohibited or requires review before it can be included in an SCA production.

For complete requirements, see Production Policies & Safety Standards.

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Educational Use Only

DePaul facilities, equipment, services, and production resources are provided for educational purposes only. Commercial projects, paid client work, and non-DePaul productions are not permitted to use SCA resources unless specifically approved. Violations may result in disciplinary action and the suspension or loss of access to SCA facilities and equipment.

Quick Reference

Activity	Status
Fire, pyrotechnics, smoke machines, candles, incense, or lanterns	Prohibited (limited exceptions may apply)
Animals	Prohibited
Filming in or around large bodies of water	Restricted
Alcohol or drugs	Prohibited
Driving sequences	Prohibited
Weapons or prop weapons	Restricted
Damaged or unfamiliar equipment	Not permitted
Drones (UAS)	Restricted

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Activity-Specific Requirements

The sections below provide additional information about common activities that are prohibited, restricted, or subject to review.

FIRE

Fire is not permitted on SCA productions. This includes pyrotechnics, smoke machines, fireplaces, candles, incense, and lanterns.

A limited exception may be considered for a single cigarette or birthday candle with prior approval and appropriate safety precautions.

Questions? Contact the Production Office before planning any fire-related activity.

ANIMALS

Animals of any kind are not permitted on SCA productions.

Do not include animals in your production unless the Production Office confirms that an exception is allowed and all required approvals have been completed.

WATER/FILMING AROUND WATER

Filming in or on large bodies of water, including lakes, ponds, and pools, is not permitted.

Take precautions to protect equipment from sand, moisture, and electrical hazards when filming near water.

Contact the Production Office before planning any activity involving water.

ALCOHOL & DRUGS

No alcohol or drugs are allowed on any SCA production.

• Prop bottles must be sealed.

• Liquids in cups must be non-alcoholic.

• Prop drugs must be candy or a similar substitute.

• Serving alcohol to or consuming alcohol with anyone under 21 is prohibited.

Use of real alcohol or drugs may result in disciplinary action.

DRIVING SEQUENCES

Driving sequences of any kind are not permitted.

This restriction applies to motorized and non-motorized vehicles, including:

• Cars

• Motorcycles

• Bicycles

• Skateboards

• Boats

• Similar vehicles

Contact the Production Office before using a stationary vehicle in a production.

WEAPONS / PROP WEAPONS

Any item used or depicted as a weapon is subject to SCA safety review and approval requirements.

Real firearms, live ammunition, and functioning weapons are prohibited on all SCA productions.

Prop firearms are permitted only in approved advanced production courses and MFA thesis projects and must comply with the Prop Firearms Policy.

Review these before planning scenes involving weapons:

• Prop Weapons Guidance

• Prop Firearms Policy

SAFE EQUIPMENT USE

• Do not use damaged equipment.

• Report damage immediately.

• Seek assistance before using unfamiliar equipment.

• Do not attempt repairs.

• Follow all electrical and water-safety requirements.

If equipment appears unsafe, stop and contact the appropriate equipment center.

DRONES/ UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS)

• Drone use requires compliance with all University and FAA requirements.

• Required certifications and approvals must be obtained prior to flight.

• Contact the Production Office before planning any drone operation.

→ Review the UAS Policy

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Not Sure Whether an Activity Is Allowed?

Don't guess.

Contact the SCA Production Office before adding the activity to your script, production plan, equipment reservation, or shooting schedule.

Email: [e-mail] Phone: [phone]

For safety concerns, incidents, or confidential reporting, see Report a Concern / Safety Hotline.