- MOVE IN - There is a (strict) 2-hour on-stage/move-in setup time for your show. This will begin about 2 ½-3 hours before your scheduled start time (TBA, but that is pretty close) All of your rigging, lighting, final assembly, and move-in must be done during this relatively small window of time.  Schools presenting main stages should have enough adult/student leadership to oversee various aspects of the process that will be happening in different parts of the theatre, and should organize this ahead of time. **See the specific ALTOONA LOGISTICS PACKET for information on the exterior load-in doors and truck requirements.
 
- LOAD IN - There is a small hallway in which to unload set, costumes, props, etc. prior to moving onto the stage and outdoor space in the parking lot.  Please know that your load-in time will be given to you and will be determined by the time schedule of the Conference and host facility. This has proven a challenge when trucks arrive at Conference on their time schedule and not PA Thespians'  schedule. TRUCKS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE INTO THE LOADING AREA UNTIL THEIR ASSIGNED TIMES. Please arrange with your truck driver to be available several hours before your production and then after your production for load out. 
- STRIKE – **You have 1 hour to strike and load out your set back onto your truck and out of the loading area. This includes sound, lights, set, props, costumes, dressing rooms, clean up, etc.  YOUR SCHOOL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR LEAVING THE HOST SCHOOL IN PRISTINE CONDITION AFTER YOUR TEMPORARY USE OF THEIR SPACES. Your truck must be available to reload during your Strike. Please plan to take your set back to your home school to dispose of it. What comes with you, returns with you!
 
- LIGHTING – A general lighting plot will be set up by the host school, and performing schools will need to use what is provided. *See the logistics packet for specific information. Rehanging or moving of lights will not be possible. Performing schools will have the opportunity to focus instruments and program the host school's lighting board to suit your production needs, but this must be done during your move-in and then reset during your strike. You could conceivably change the gel on some lighting instruments, but again, this will have to be done in your limited move-in and strike time, and performance times will not be held if this takes more time than you are allotted. See the ALTOONA LOGISTICS PACKET for more information (Lighting and writing cues are usually the biggest time challenges schools have in the setup period. It is best to simplify your show needs for travel.) 
 
- RIGGING – 
It is at the sole discretion of the PA Thespian Conference host to determine if an object may be flown – safety is of prime importance at all times. You have the opportunity to hang and fly soft goods and some set pieces. Every item that is flown or hung must be fireproofed (if fabric) and weighed. **YOU CANNOT FLY PIECES AT ALTOONA WITHOUT COUNTERWEIGHT MEASUREMENTS.** In addition, all performing schools must bring appropriate RIGGING WIRES AND HARDWARE. The host school will not provide these materials.  Personnel from the performing school will work with designated host school personnel to operate the manual fly system. 
 
- TECH PERSONNEL – It is your responsibility to supply the tech personnel to load in, set up, run, strike, and load out your show. The PA Conference TD will be backstage for questions and guidance, and to assist with host school facilities, but they should not be considered part of your setup crew. 
 
- SOUND – You may bring your own sound board and tie it into the PA Conference/school system, or you may use the school/conference sound board. If you want to use more than 4-6 wireless microphones, you are encouraged to bring your own equipment. You may be able to use some conference wireless equipment (limited supply)- please see the ALTOONA LOGISTICS PACKET for what is available.
 
- PIT ORCHESTRA – You need to plan on bringing all the instruments, cables, cords, stand lights, etc that you will need for your production. Music stands and chairs are available at Altoona.
ADJUDICATION AND RESPONDERS
- RESPONDERS – After your performance, performing schools will be responded to by our PA State Main Stage responders. We suggest that your cast and crew sit in on this session to receive verbal and written feedback. This process is intended to give positive reinforcement and constructive suggestions. Most schools have found this to be very productive and helpful feedback. Unfortunately, this does eat into your Strike time (especially if your schedule strike is tight). *Please plan to have some of your team strike AT THE SAME TIME as the responder session is going on. 
 
- COMMUNICATION – Obviously, this is a large endeavor for performing schools as well as for the host facility. The conference will manage the setup and breakdown of many productions in a very restricted timeframe. The more you can communicate with the PA Conference Tech staff in advance, the better we can assist you with your various needs. Waiting until your 2-hour load-in to discuss options, questions, or issues will most likely result in limitations to what the PA Conference Tech Staff can do to assist you, and ultimately for your production.