SCUM Booking Q & A

Interested in inviting SCUM to do a chemistry demonstration show? 
Here is a list of questions that we always ask prior to booking a performance:

How large is the audience?  What is the age range of the audience?

Due to the large number of show requests we've received in recent years, we usually perform only for groups of 30+ people; time and chemicals are expensive, and our popularity is growing rapidly. As necessary, we can adjust the performance dialogue to match the chemistry experience and interests of the audience.




What proportion, if any, of our demos should be hands-on for the audience?

Typically we invite selected audience members to try a few of our safer demonstrations at the end of our performance.  We can scale the degree of hands-on interaction to suit the situation.




What sort of ventilation is present in the demonstration area?

Some of our demos produce smoke, but we attempt to select demos that are appropriate for the available ventilation.




What is the size of the performance area and the height of the ceiling?

Some of our demos throw sparks as high as 15 feet, but we attempt to select demos that are unlikely to damage the performance area.




Are there flammable or combustible materials in the demo area?

Many of our demos produce flames, and some of our chemicals are incompatible with combustible materials.  We often perform in auditoriums and gymnasiums, but we need to be aware of nearby curtains, carpeting, and other combustibles.




What is the proximity of the audience to the demo area?

It is our highest priority to select demos that will not endanger the audience.  Typically our minimum audience distance is 4-8 feet, depending on the demos we select.




Are smoke detectors nearby?  If so, are they temperature sensitive or do they   detect airborne particulates?

Since some of our demos produce smoke, we need to be aware of nearby smoke detectors to prevent an unexpected (and potentially costly) visit from the fire department.  See Question 10.




What sort of lighting control is available during the presentation?

We have some demonstrations that glow in the dark and others that are best observed under minimal lighting.  To perform these demos effectively, we need rapid lighting control.  Some gymnasiums are lit using sodium vapor lamps and require several minutes to regain full illumination.




Are demo tables and electrical outlets available?

We generally pack our own extension cords and power strips, but our performances usually require at least one electrical outlet and a large table (at least six feet long).  We provide thick, flame-resistant tarps to protect the demonstration table(s) from fire and chemical spills.




Would it be possible to bring the audience to 1002 Gilman Hall to avoid the hazards of chemical transport and reduce the risk of property damage and fire alarms?

Our home base, 1002 Gilman, is well-suited for chemistry shows due to its excellent ventilation and lighting control.  Whenever possible, we recommend that audiences visit campus so that the very best safety facilities and engineering controls are at our disposal.

It is important that show requestors understand upfront that SCUM performs chemistry demonstrations that are potentially hazardous and that routinely produce at least a modicum of smoke, noise, and fire.  Some venues turn out to be inappropriate for our type of performance...and hopefully we can identify such situations in advance by asking the above questions.  In general, however, we can tailor our demo roster to create a performance that is suitable for a variety of venues and audiences.  We perform over 30 shows each year for local schools, youth groups, recruitment efforts, and Iowa State events, and it is quite likely we can accommodate the specific needs of your group as well.

If you have additional questions, or would like to book a SCUM performance, please contact the SCUM President. (See Cabinet.)