Special Effects & Permitting

If you are hanging theatre draperies or any fabric that would be considered part of the set (muslin, curtains, painted fabric) the fabric must go to the Boston Fire Department for testing before it can be installed in any of our spaces. Please connect with the Operations Supervisor to determine the needs of your production. Here's a step by step guide on how to submit samples for testing:

This workflow was updated August 2025 and could change based on the Boston Fire Department's requirements

You'll need to create an account with the fire department, their portal is here

https://onlinepermitsandlicenses.boston.gov/BFD/Views/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fbfd%2f

• Select Apply For a Permit

• Other Contact

• Add Contact

• Type: Other Contact

• Enter the contact information of the person submitting for the permit, please be sure to include the company name in the submission

• Next screen is Permit Type, select Chemist Certificate

• Enter the address of the Calderwood on the next screen, 527 Tremont St, 02116 (Dir leave blank --) should be the only option when you click enter

• Then the next thing is Work Type select "Installation of Theatre Drapes"

• On the next screen, add an item and define what it is, you can submit multiple samples at once

• On the next screen you can add any further information or documents

• Then review and apply

After that, on the next screen it will provide you with a permit number. Write the permit number on something and attach it to the sample. Then drop it off for testing. You're going to 1010 Mass Ave, 4th floor to the Fire Prevention department. Out of the elevator around the corner to your right. There will be a window to drop off for the chemist and all other things fire prevention. You have 10 days to submit the sample after completing the online forms.

You'll get a result via the portal and pay via the portal. 

Please send in the completed permit when you have it, or if it was denied and for what reason.

For the first 18 years of the history of the Calderwood, we did not permit atmospheric effects of any kind In the building. After we started branching out with our testing, we found that there are certain products that do not Interfere with the alarm & smoke detection system. 

Things we tested for:

• Quantity

• Duration

• Thickness

• Air seal leaks

Due to the nature of the system, only tested and approved haze machines are permitted to be used in the Wimberly. Haze and other atmospheric effects are still not permitted In the Roberts Studio Theatre.

Permitted equipment that does not require additional testing before use:

• MDG Atmosphere APS

  • • This product uses CO2 as well as a fluid mixture of glycol and water.

    • We recommend sourcing CO2 tanks from Tolman Manufacturing In Dorchester, but there are numerous vendors In the area that can provide these tanks.

    • This machine Is permitted to run at full capacity for 5 minutes, then must turn off for 5 minutes, then can run again (or any shorter duration cycle). This limitation comes from air seal leaks Into the condo tower adjacent to us to not fill their service hallways with haze and cause panic.

    • High Output and 4Wall Entertainment rent this product locally along with CO2 hoses and regulators.

    • This product is DMX controllable

• Look Solutions Tiny FX

  • • This product uses a fluid mixture specifically developed for the product and Is made from glycol and water.

    • There are no runtime limitations with this product In the Wimberly.

    • This product is DMX controllable using a wireless relay.

If there is a specific effect that you are seeking, please reach out so that we can discuss and find an option that works! We can perform further testing in the space for a fee paid to our fire alarm company to be on-site and temporarily shut off the monitoring system.

All special effects including atmospherics must be approved and permitted by the Boston Fire Department no less than 2 weeks in advance of first audience.

Fog machines are not permitted in any space within the Calderwood Pavilion.

Actors using theatrical cigarettes is possible on our stages at the Calderwood.

Cigarettes must be herbal or electronic, and a detailed plan of Implementation. Lighters must be self-extinguishing (like a Bic lighter, but NOT a Zippo lighter) Please see an example of a submission here.

Coordination with the Operations Supervisor is required to Implement on-stage smoking. Please reach out to discuss details.

The use of candles and other live flame in the theatre spaces Is possible with significant coordination with the Boston Fire Department.  Please reach out to the Operations Supervisor 6 weeks (or as soon as possible) before load-In with requests for live flame effects. Typically a BFD fire watch is required for these effects, which will incur additional fees.

Prop firearms that fire must have their barrels blocked. Prop firearms must be stored in locked storage, there are lockers for this purpose in the green rooms of both theatres - please plan to supply a lock for it.

All prop firearms must be inspected by Operations Supervisor before being triggered.