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Proscenium Wall for Stage

I

Inspector 102

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Joined
Oct 22, 2009
Messages
371
Location
N/E Indiana
Local elementary school wishes to remove a fire curtain. The administrator did not give alot of information, but wanted some input. I reviewed Section 410 of IBC 2006 edition and it appears the proscenium wall is not required at this location based on the height of their stage being less than 50 feet in height. I am looking for any other comments that I might need to be aware of before I go look at this project so I can at least act like I have a clue. All comments appreciated.
 
Re: Proscenium Wall for Stage

The reason for the proscenium wall is to separate the audience area from a stage with a fly-loft (the 50' height requirement is just a way of formalizing the requirement to reduce creative avoidance).

There of course may be other reasons that a fire separation is required - the need for a complete code analysis is obvious.
 
Re: Proscenium Wall for Stage

2006 IBC

Question 1. Is it a stage by definition? Probably not in an elementary school.

Question 2. Does the stage area have a height of greater than 50 ft?

If the answers are no then a Proscenium curtain is not required

STAGE. A space within a building utilized for entertainment or presentations, which includes overhead hanging curtains, drops, scenery or stage effects other than lighting and sound.

410.3.1.1 Stage height and area.

Stage areas shall be measured to include the entire performance area and adjacent backstage and support areas not separated from the performance area by fire-resistance-rated construction. Stage height shall be measured from the lowest point on the stage floor to the highest point of the roof or floor deck above the stage.

410.3.4 Proscenium wall.

Where the stage height is greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm), all portions of the stage shall be completely separated from the seating area by a proscenium wall with not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating extending continuously from the foundation to the roof.

410.3.5 Proscenium curtain.

Where a proscenium wall is required to have a fire-resistance rating, the stage opening shall be provided with a fire curtain of approved material or an approved water curtain complying with Section 903.3.1.1. The fire curtain shall be designed and installed to intercept hot gases, flames and smoke and to prevent a glow from a severe fire on the stage from showing on the auditorium side for a period of 20 minutes. The closing of the fire curtain from the full open position shall be accomplished in less than 30 seconds, with the last 8 feet (2438 mm) of travel requiring 5 or more seconds for full closure.
 
Re: Proscenium Wall for Stage

This is a legimate stage by definition. The height of the stage opening is less than 25 feet. I have requested an on-site review of the project to make sure all parties are talking about the same thing. Administrator said that a company says they can remove a fire curtain if I approve it. Sounds a little strange to me and that is why I am researching before I make any determination. Would ask fire chief, but not much help there for code issues. Thanks again.
 
Re: Proscenium Wall for Stage

Inspector 102 said:
This is a legimate stage by definition. The height of the stage opening is less than 25 feet. I have requested an on-site review of the project to make sure all parties are talking about the same thing. Administrator said that a company says they can remove a fire curtain if I approve it. Sounds a little strange to me and that is why I am researching before I make any determination. Would ask fire chief, but not much help there for code issues. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
It's not the opening height which determines the requirement for a proscenium wall.

It's the height of the stage area.
 
Re: Proscenium Wall for Stage

Thanks for the clarification. The height is related to the overall height above the stage which contains flyirons and curtain backdrops. That does make a big difference when considering the requirements. Original plans indicate the overall height above stage area as 42.5 feet and height above floor in seating area as 48.5 feet, less than 50 feet. I would if that was by design way back when the stage was built? I am not aware of any testing of an existing fire curtain to prove the affectiveness so that will be interesting also to see if there is one and whether it actually works. I will update after on-site review. Might have additional concerns that others can assist with.
 
Re: Proscenium Wall for Stage

most elementary schools do not have a true stage

Are there other seperations behind the stage, like are required??? if not sounds like some one did an additional curtain that may have not been required.
 
Re: Proscenium Wall for Stage

Can it be a permanent platform [ref: 2006 IBC 410.4]?

As I recall a platform is limited to 30-inches above the main floor and not more than 1/3 of the room floor area or an area of not more than 3,000-sf. Unless things have changed in the NFPA you were allowed a house curtain w/ valance, 5-leg drop side curtains and a cyclorama back curtain. You are not allowed a grid iron and the curtains behind the house curtain where stationary. All curtains must be flame retardant.
 
Re: Proscenium Wall for Stage

The building was originally built in 1945 I believe. The stage is legitimate with dressing rooms located underneath and curtains and lighitng above in the flyirons. The community plays used to be held at this location. Went to many of them as a youth. Now it is used for small band concerts and spelling contests. No real stage props used anymore. Still trying to match up schedules with admisitrator to review first hand what is planned, but all the information has definitely sharpened my skills with stage requirements.

Merry Christmas and God Bless to all.
 
Re: Proscenium Wall for Stage

1945 what do you expect???

sounds like a research project to see what has been done with the building over the years, and the stage area.

a question is what edition and code do you apply????
 
Re: Proscenium Wall for Stage

1945 construction. Does the fire curtain contain ASBESTOS?
 
Re: Proscenium Wall for Stage

BTW, this is a job for a design professional not a building official.
 
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