HOW TO…

Keep safe while taking part in an online or recorded Performing Arts practical class or
rehearsal at home

The activities that take place on campus have all been thoroughly risk assessed and control
measures put in place to keep everyone safe, but taking part in practical classes online from home
carries its own risk. On line Practical classes have also been risk assessed and this guide summarises
the control measures outlined in the assessment and expands them to explain how to keep safe in
an online class or rehearsal. Whether you live in halls, in a shared student house, or in your family
home, we understand that your space is limited this guide is for you.

Simple Online Lecture / Seminar Style Classes

If you are joining an online session from home give yourself time to set up properly. Ideally use a
desk or table to sit at. Have a pen and paper to hand in case you need to make notes and you may
wish to have water or tea available to hand. Make sure that there are no reflections on your screen
from windows or artificial lights. If your session is likely to run for over an hour, take opportunities to
stand and stretch. Although sitting on a sofa or bed with your feet up may seem like a good idea, it is
likely to lead to back ache and possibly worse.

Practical Activities
If possible, choose a large room with minimal furniture ideally 3.5m square, as this is the size of area
that your cohort on campus will be using. We understand that in halls and many student houses, this
size space is just not available so you may have to reduce the range of some activities or sit out while
the activity proceeds on campus. Do let your tutor know after the class if this is the case.

Move any lightweight tables, chairs other furniture to the edge of the room to create maximum
space – if the furniture is heavy leave it where it is. Clear cups, glasses, magazines etc from the area,
trip hazards from the floor (items of clothing, trailing cables, etc) and wear shoes that are suitable
for the activity.

Participants should ensure that exact movement pathways are known and be aware of surroundings
to avoid impact. Inform your household that you will be undertaking a practical class online and ask
others to keep away.

 If applicable place a sign on your door.

 Wear suitable foot wear to increase grip
 Avoid ‘slides’ as they take too much space
 No physical body lifts – ceilings in domestic settings are too low and you risk back injury
 Follow guidance and advice from teaching staff on safe performance/study practice

Version 1.1 David Buss September 2020

Make sure you allow sufficient time for proper warm up/down before and after class. Follow any in-
class online warm up/down exercises and follow guidance and advice from teaching staff on safe
performance and study practice.

Your screen, laptop, tablet etc should be positioned on a stable secure surface and be large enough
to view the class properly without eye strain. Place the equipment so that it is in your eyeline and so
that you don’t have to look down at it. Pin the tutor’s/speaker’s transmission to fill the screen rather
than using a gallery view. Use full screen mode so that the image is a large as possible.

Singing and Vocal Projection Activities

Follow all of the above measures and any online vocal exercises. You should also follow any guidance
and advice from teaching staff on safe performance and study practice.

General Risks - Hygiene

 Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your elbow
 Sanitise your hands regularly and after entering the room, turning the lights on, or touching
anything that you did not bring with you 
 Don't share water bottles
 Don't share equipment
 Don't share props

FAQ
I live in Halls and my room is just not big enough to do what they are doing on campus.
You are your own best risk assessor, If the space is not big enough just sit this one out. Make sure
your tutor is aware that you are in a small space. You may be able to book a studio on campus and
go through the recording of the session at a later time.

My devised piece requires physical contact between performers; can I create a group of just people I
live with to perform the piece?
The University does not dictate what you can and cannot do at home, but you would not be able to
create, rehearse or perform the piece in a University venue.

My flat mates are not performing arts students and don’t understand or support me taking over the
main room for my class
This is difficult for you, if negotiation doesn’t work book a tutorial with your tutor and explain the
situation

I have COVID Symptoms and am self-isolating in my room, there is no room to do the physical stuff.
Make sure you fill in the form on the Intranet. Do as much of the class as you feel up to, you can
always go back to the video recording of the class later when you feel better and can use a bigger
space.

Version 1.1 David Buss September 2020