we have one of those 10 digit combination locks that you push in.    We change the "code" after every production.

The "problem" is that many of our board members are also involved in other production places in the area.   Some int he same city, some in another city, etc.   On more than 1 occasion, we have found people are coming into the building, leaving doors unlocked, rifling through costumes and/or props, or using power tools when nobody should be in the building.

On one hand, I would like to think the entire board of directors would be able to have access to the combination and be trusted, but on another, I think that only those involved in the current production should have the combination.

If I suddenly restrict the combination even more, it can be inferred to be "we don't trust you" and people would get mad and possibly quit.  

Just wondering how others control access to their building and whether or not they have surveilance, a sign-in/out sheet, etc to keep track of coming and goings.

We had the same problem with too many people having keys.

We had a problem like this at one of our local theatres. We solved it by installing a cctv camera pointed at the door. I am not sure they ever had to review the tapes but they have a record of each person who opens the door. People are less likley to take things if they think someone is looking. You might not even have to have it on all the time. If people think its on thats all that matters

Originally posted by MartyW Oh there is no doubt that you can control access with locks and keys... In a smaller organization anyway, it becomes an issue of trust, ownership, and feelings... keeping those who want to be involved involved... In our group, or so I have noticed, that many of the "workers" feel unappreciated or untrustworthy if they don't have keys.. it also cuts down on productivity... but like I said, each group is different, and it comes down to trust.

A theater group I had worked with was doing a 1920's "flapper" era show and the local historical society loaned them historical flapper dresses and accessories to copy the designs for the show.  One of the historical dresses came up "missing" over a weekend.  Talk about panic by everyone.  The dress was found in a neighbor production of "Gentleman Prefer Blondes".  The director (who did work for both theater groups) came over to borrow a dress for his production with out clearing it with anyone else.  He didn't realize it was on loan from the historical society so the dress could be copied by the costume designer.