LAWS AND LICENSING FOR THEATRICAL PYROTECHNICS
Laws concerning Theatrical Pyrotechnic use vary not only from State to State, but locally as well. The federal laws are enforced by the BATFE (Bureau or Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives).
When it comes to Theatrical Pyro., the federal laws are pretty simple if you are a performer using pyrotechnics on stage. A person who regularly and continually mixes the compounds of Binary Theatrical Flash Powder is required by the BATFE to obtain an ATF (BATFE) Type 19, Manufacturer of Theatrical Flash Powder License. This license allows the licensee to mix and use Binary Flash Powder on a regular basis. The License also covers national usage, provided local, and State laws are followed as well. Additional information on this subject can be found by reading the information HERE.
The main concern you may have is with local laws. The authority having jurisdiction over local laws in Theatrical Pyro is usually your local Fire Marshall. In most cases, such as in the case in my area, before public performances, you will need to set up a time prior to show time to have the Fire Marshall come out to the performance site to see how and where you have your devices set up. some questions will be asked, and a written "Content of Plans" may be requested. The Content of Plans is a Federally suggested step, but is not always asked for by the local authority. All of this is examined prior to loading your devices with pyrotechnic composition. (Flash Powder etc). This usually takes only a few minutes, and is often followed by a small fee of $10.00 - $25.00. You then receive a permit that is to be kept posted at the area of control.
These inspections are usually fairly simple as long as the operator of the Pyrotechnic Display shows knowledge and competence. It is important that the Fire Marshall feels that the operator is going to put on a completely safe display.
To learn more about the ATFEs Federal Laws and Regulations concerning the general subject of Pyrotechnics and Explosives you will want to obtain a copy of the ATF P 5400.7 (09/00) ("THE ORANGE BOOK"). To obtain a copy of the orange book and an application for a Type 19 License, contact your local BATFE office, or the National Distribution center @ 703/455-7801. They will send you these items free of charge.
The best book to obtain for use of Theatrical
Pyrotechnics is the NFPA 1126. This is the codes and standards book for the
National Fire Protection Association. Most of the information you will ever
need in dealing with Theatrical ("Proximate Audience") Pyrotechnics
is in this book. You can purchase that book here for $45.00. 
It seems very expensive due to the fact that it is
less than 20 pages long, but they are pages that are jam packed with pretty
much all the info you need, and it is the best $45.00 you'll spend if you are
serious about indoor pyro.
To receive a simple, non
copyrighted, fill-in-the-blanks, Content of Plans for just $11.00, please click
this button. This comes with all the information you should need
to obtain a permit for firing Theatrical pyrotechnic shows. You will receive a
master copy for you to photo copy (for each permit you want to receive), along
with a sample copy and instructions on how to properly fill it out.
Also included is an instruction packet on how to properly fill out an
application to obtain a Type 19 License, incase you order a copy from the ATFE.
Even if you plan to use pyrotechnics once, and do not need a federal license, you will most likely need to obtain a permit for that performance. The Content Of Plans is a great way to help you obtain it!