Performer Safety Awareness - Part IV
By Holdon Log, LLC

(Note: This article is Part Four of a Six Part Series. Please click here if you missed Part Three.)

Here we are again with even more Performer Safety Tips!

In this article we are going to focus primarily on you, the performer who must travel out of his or her home area, to an unfamiliar location.

The next time you are sent on location for a film shoot, traveling on tour with your fellow theatre mates, or you are bouncing from city to city for audition opportunities ~ make sure to take heed to these important safety tips!

Traveling Out of Town for a Booking?

So you are going on tour or on location to shoot a film? Be sure to have a trusted neighbor or friend stop by to check in on your place, collect mail or put the mail "on hold" at your local post office.

In many locations, you can put your mail "on hold" online by contacting your local Post Office:

Even have a neighbor or friend put some trash in your barrels so that it appears that someone is there often.

Also, consider using automatic timers for your lights, TV and radio so that there sounds like someone is home. As a bonus, these automatic timers are great too for when you are working in the evening that way you’ll come home to a well-lit place and the noise will act as a deterrent for anyone who might be lurking.

Staying at a Hotel, Motel or Temporary Housing?

If you are staying at a hotel, motel or temporary housing while on tour or shooting always close and lock the door securely whenever you are in your room. Also make sure that any sliding doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked.

If a person knocks on your door who you were not expecting, don't answer the door without verifying who it is. If they say they are an employee, call the front desk and ask for verification and even for the manager to be present.

While at the hotel as a guest, don't display your keys or carelessly leave them on restaurant tables, at the bar, swimming pool, workout area or other places where they can be easily stolen instead carry them in a purse, tote or in your pockets.

Also, do not draw attention to yourself by displaying loads of cash, electronics or jewelry. When you are out of your room, place all valuables in the safe deposit box this includes things like your lap top, iPod, PDA, jewelry, camera, etc.

When returning to your room late in the evening, ask the driver to drop you off at the main entrance and not some secluded side entrance. If it seems super quiet in the building, ask for someone at the front desk to walk you back to your room.

And always, if you see any suspicious activity, contact the front desk and speak to the management immediately!

Trust Your Instincts

In closing, as performers we are often people who are extra sensitive to our surroundings, so – listen to that voice in your head when it's telling you something just doesn't seem right. If you sense something is wrong, get away from the situation. Chances are this red flag is something you should pay attention to.

If you have something to add after reading this article, please feel free to email us at safety@HoldonLog.com and let us know some other safety ideas for a future Performer Safety Awareness follow-up article.