Return-Path: X-Processed-By: Virex 7 on prxy.net X-Real-To: stagecraftlist [at] theatrical.net Received: by prxy.net (CommuniGate Pro PIPE 4.2) with PIPE id 4356779; Thu, 09 Sep 2004 03:01:46 -0700 X-ListServer: CommuniGate Pro LIST 4.2 List-Unsubscribe: List-ID: Message-ID: From: "Stagecraft" Sender: "Stagecraft" To: "Stagecraft" Precedence: list Subject: Stagecraft Digest #127 Date: Thu, 09 Sep 2004 03:01:26 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Disposition: inline X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.0.0-pre4 (2004-08-04) on prxy.net X-Spam-Status: No, score=-3.1 required=5.0 tests=ALL_TRUSTED,AWL,BAYES_00, MAILTO_TO_SPAM_ADDR,SAVE_MONEY autolearn=ham version=3.0.0-pre4 X-Spam-Level: X-prxy-Spam-Filter: Scanned X-TFF-CGPSA-Version: 1.4a3 For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Stagecraft Digest, Issue #127 1. Re: Full Monty by "LES LIND" 2. Re: New Job by "Delbert Hall" 3. Dimmer Doubling Question by "Hofmann, Christopher" 4. Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol by Dave Reynolds 5. Re: Acer Laptops by "Russel Drapkin" 6. Re: Stagecraft course by doran [at] bard.edu 7. Re: prices by Nathan Kahn/Look Solutions 8. Re: Acer Laptops by Charlie Richmond 9. Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol by "Randy B." 10. Re: Acer Laptops by Mark O'Brien 11. Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol by Stephen Litterst 12. Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol by "Scott Boyle" 13. Re: Stagecraft course by "Delbert Hall" 14. Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol by Dave Reynolds 15. Re: Dimmer Doubling Question by sbmtbike [at] optonline.net 16. Re: Stagecraft course by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 17. Re: Stagecraft course by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 18. mask making neoprene by "White, Brian" 19. Re: mask making neoprene by Steve Larson 20. Re: Dimmer Doubling Question by "Hofmann, Christopher" 21. Re: Stagecraft course by "Delbert Hall" 22. Re: Dimmer Doubling Question by Dale Farmer 23. Knots was Stagecraft course by Mike Rock 24. Re: Knots was Stagecraft course by Bsapsis [at] aol.com 25. Re: Knots was Stagecraft course by Mike Rock 26. Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol (SFX) by CB 27. Re: Stagecraft course by MissWisc [at] aol.com 28. Re: Knots was Stagecraft course by "Matthew Breton" 29. Re: Grund Audio Design by CB 30. Small Format Mixer Reccomendations by Mat Goebel 31. Re: Grund Audio Design by Charlie Richmond 32. Re: Stagecraft course by "Delbert Hall" 33. Fog Curtains by Anthony 34. Re: Olympics by StevevETTrn [at] aol.com 35. Re: cheeseboro ratings by StevevETTrn [at] aol.com 36. Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol (SFX) by StevevETTrn [at] aol.com 37. Re: Light a fire from afar by StevevETTrn [at] aol.com 38. Re: tour bus by Sunil Rajan 39. Re: Stagecraft course by Dale Farmer 40. Re: Stagecraft course by MissWisc [at] aol.com 41. Re: cheeseboro ratings by "Jason" 42. Management listserv by "rtwright [at] goldrushbc.com" <"rtwright [at] goldrushbc.com" [at] mail.wlakemail.com> *** Please update the subject line of your reply to use the subject *** line of the message you are replying to! Please only reply to *** one message subject in each reply. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-Id: Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 07:32:02 -0400 From: "LES LIND" Subject: Re: Full Monty Me too Greg, probably just the in and out. My wife said it was ok. Les Lind, TD NHS Dramatics Northeastern High School Manchester, PA >>> gbierly [at] dejazzd.com 9/8/04 12:36:05 AM >>> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- > You betcha! If you do a search in the archives, after I went through > the > Wharton Center in East Lansing with "The Full Monty" back in > February-ish and brainstormed the idea with him, Speaking of "The Full Monty" is anyone on list going out with the tour starting in York PA the end of the Month? I'll at least be there for the in and the out. Greg Bierly Technical Director Hempfield HS ------------------------------ From: "Delbert Hall" Subject: RE: New Job Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 08:38:33 -0400 Organization: ETSU Message-ID: <000001c495a0$c2c43100$6400a8c0 [at] delbert> In-Reply-To: Congratulations Scott. -Delbert -----Original Message----- I've accepted a new position. That of Technical Director/Professor at Pace University. I'll still be involved with HS Tech and the www.hstech.org web site. I will also supervising the lighting & sound program at the Edward R. Murrow HS in Brooklyn. ------------------------------ Subject: Dimmer Doubling Question Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 08:38:35 -0400 Message-ID: <56439B09A4ADDC46876BDFF2BBD35DF001C17487 [at] ex1.capecod.edu> From: "Hofmann, Christopher" Looking to the wisdom of the list for a quick answer that doesn't = require I sit on the telephone all morning. I've got 70 fairly new ETC Sensor dimmers running through an old Kliegl = Safe-Patch. All of the 30+ year old wiring is in surprisingly good = shape. Now I've got a group coming in that wants to use dimmer doubling = to increase the number of dimmers. I'm thinking this may not work = because patch panel lies between the dimmers and the circuits. = Theoretically, when patched, the circuit is unbroken, but I'm just not = convinced it will work seamlessly. Anyone have any experience with Dimmer Doubling in retro-fitted venues? = - Chris =A0 Creativity is the inability to follow someone else's rules. =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0= =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0= =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 - Cliff Stoll ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 08:10:27 -0500 From: Dave Reynolds Subject: Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol Cc: reynolds [at] Macalester.edu Message-id: <2147483647.1094631027 [at] [141.140.13.64]> Hi folks, Thanks for all the advice on remotely firing the pistol. I need to describe the show a little. Thi sis a touring show. The actors get locked in a high school gym and one goes beserk and kills at least 2 people, then kills himself. The show travels with different techs of differing skill levels. It takes a good audio op to make sure the shots are in sync with the actor. He can't just say "bang". I saw a device that some magicians use to trigger music from a CD player, but these devices are approximately $1000. If possible, I'd like to build a RF transmitter into the gun and have the receiver trigger the CD player, but I'm not sure where to start. I'd prefer RF as opposed to IR just for simplicity. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Dave Reynolds A man finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word! --Proverbs 15:23, New International Version Dave Reynolds Media Services Macalester College 1600 Grand Ave. St. Paul, MN 55105 voice: (651) 696-6378 fax: (651) 696-6304 reynolds [at] macalester.edu DV Cassie with lots of fonts and effects, KRON and Final Cut Pro. ------------------------------ From: "Russel Drapkin" Subject: RE:Acer Laptops Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 10:07:46 -0400 Organization: Russel Drapkin Lighting Designer Message-ID: <000101c495ad$387a8190$0302a8c0 [at] RPDDESIGN01> In-Reply-To: Wow.. I must have had a lemon then. I had the power relay go bad within the first two months of owning it, followed a little over a year later by the one of the memory slots going bad. AFTER the warranty was up, naturally. So that'll be the last time I buy from them. -Russel Drapkin Lighting Designer www.rpddesign.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <1094653629.413f16bd90fe4 [at] webmail.bard.edu> Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 10:27:09 -0400 From: doran [at] bard.edu Subject: Re: Stagecraft course References: In-Reply-To: Mr. Wood, Try a rolling hitch or a prussik for securing a control line, a figure-eight for adding a loop, a half hitch or an overhand for securing teminal ends, a trucker's hitch for securing and tightening loads, a simple bow for tying soft goods to battens, or a water knot for joining webbing ends. I could go on, but you get my point. I am not a knot master, but I use many knots in theatrical applications quite often. When I think about what people do, what I do, before learning to use, to quote you, "the proper tool for the job", I wonder. Maybe thirty is an arbitrary number, a number that Delbert is comfortable with, but your three is just as arbitrary, and, I think, under-shooting the mark. Oh, well. Just my opinion. Andy Champ-Doran Quoting FrankWood95 [at] aol.com: > In a message dated 07/09/04 20:19:14 GMT Daylight Time, halld [at] etsu.edu > writes: > > > Suggested Objectives: > > 1) Know how to tie 30 knots commonly used backstage (10 loops, 10 > > hitches, and 10 bends) > This is an arbitrary selection, and I think, nonsense. A bowline, for a loop; > a clove hitch, for securing lines to poles; a sheet bend for securing ropes > to sails. That makes three, and they all work. > A knotmaster will know many more: but, of what use are they? > Frank Wood > ------------------------------ Message-Id: <5.0.0.25.2.20040908103728.014fa1f0 [at] 212.86.129.164> Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 10:37:54 -0400 From: Nathan Kahn/Look Solutions Subject: Re: prices In-Reply-To: At 08:24 AM 9/7/2004 -0700, you wrote: >Most of >the time I rent people the drum type I end up giving a refund as >something won't work right. I second that, but I've had better luck renting Le Maitre Pea Soupers. Nathan ------------------------------------------------------------ Look Solutions USA, Ltd. 114 W. Third St., Waynesboro, PA 17268 Phone: 1-800-426-4189 Fax: 1-717-762-7366 Email: usa [at] looksolutions.com Web: www.looksolutions.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 16:20:01 +0100 (BST) From: Charlie Richmond Subject: Re: Acer Laptops In-Reply-To: Message-ID: References: On Wed, 8 Sep 2004, Russel Drapkin wrote: > Wow.. I must have had a lemon then. I had the power relay go bad within the > first two months of owning it, followed a little over a year later by the > one of the memory slots going bad. AFTER the warranty was up, naturally. So > that'll be the last time I buy from them. Since this is under the subject "Acer laptops" it would be useful to have you clarify if this is an Acer you are referring to (and if it's a response to my message about the keys on our Acer... ;-) But while I was in the middle of typing the above on my Toshiba, the standard 'Toshiba' crash occurred. I don't get to use the Acer partly because of this weird Toshiba quirk and I can usually deal with recovering from the situation more easily (well, let's just say I put up with it....) Here's what my Toshiba Satellite 3000 notebook does: While I'm typing (and I type quite quickly) on the built-in keyboard I quite frequently type a combination of keys in quick succession that causes the computer to INSTANTLY shut down! In fact, I've never figured out what the keystrokes are that cause this because I cannot duplicate it except when I'm just typing furiously and not thinking about it. Nor does any other single key do the same thing, including the power key, which causes the unit to go into a controlled, systematic power down sequence that is faster than the normal 'Turn off Computer' command. No, this causes the computer to instantaneously shut off and appear just like it does when it is completely powered down. In fact, it seems to shut off so quickly that it usually doesn't even trigger Windows 2000 to think that the computer was shut down abnormally when I restart it, which makes things easier usually because it usually just starts up normal - OMG!!! it just happened again when I typed the 'ly' that should have been on the end of 'normal'. I can tell you nothing is more frustrating than this and I usually use a separate USB keyboard with this computer instead of the built-in one just because of this. But I'm on the road right now and don't have it with me... Anyway, I guess there are duds in every manufacturer's line and you just have to be lucky to some extent ;-) Charlie ------------------------------ Message-ID: <001101c495bb$507b3010$a0504898 [at] D10SKY11> From: "Randy B." Cc: reynolds [at] Macalester.edu References: Subject: Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 10:48:40 -0500 >If possible, I'd like to build a RF transmitter into the gun and have the >receiver trigger the CD player, but I'm not sure where to start. I'd > prefer RF as opposed to IR just for simplicity. Take a look at a universal garage door opener, At my local home store I saw one that had a little RF remote and a module that provided a simple contact closer to simulate pressing the button on the door. Total cost was about $30 I think you could do something with this to trip a sound and/or light cue. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave Reynolds" To: "Stagecraft" Cc: Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 8:10 AM Subject: Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Hi folks, > > Thanks for all the advice on remotely firing the pistol. I need to > describe the show a little. Thi sis a touring show. The actors get locked > in a high school gym and one goes beserk and kills at least 2 people, then > kills himself. The show travels with different techs of differing skill > levels. > > It takes a good audio op to make sure the shots are in sync with the actor. > He can't just say "bang". I saw a device that some magicians use to > trigger music from a CD player, but these devices are approximately $1000. > > If possible, I'd like to build a RF transmitter into the gun and have the > receiver trigger the CD player, but I'm not sure where to start. I'd > prefer RF as opposed to IR just for simplicity. > > Any suggestions would be appreciated. > > > Dave Reynolds > > A man finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word! > --Proverbs 15:23, New International Version > > > > Dave Reynolds > Media Services > Macalester College > 1600 Grand Ave. > St. Paul, MN 55105 > voice: (651) 696-6378 > fax: (651) 696-6304 > reynolds [at] macalester.edu > > DV Cassie with lots of fonts and effects, KRON and Final Cut Pro. > ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <0132E398-01AF-11D9-9587-000393897332 [at] email.arizona.edu> Cc: marko [at] email.arizona.edu (Mark O'Brien) From: Mark O'Brien Subject: Re: Acer Laptops Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 08:51:53 -0700 > My Toshiba likes to just shut down as well. Again, no warning, no > reason, no scandisk, NOTHING. > > It is getting to be to annoying to even use. > > Some people thought it was norton, I thought it was XP, Who the hell > knows? > > Toshiba never wanted anything to do with it. I can't afford to fix something, that I do not know what's wrong with that is worth very little, that cost a lot of money sort of thing. Mark O'Brien Opera Technical Director University of Arizona, School of Music Tucson, AZ 520/621-7025 520/591-1803 Mobile On Sep 8, 2004, at 8:20 AM, Charlie Richmond wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > > --------------------------------------------------- > > On Wed, 8 Sep 2004, Russel Drapkin wrote: > >> Wow.. I must have had a lemon then. I had the power relay go bad >> within the >> first two months of owning it, followed a little over a year later by >> the >> one of the memory slots going bad. AFTER the warranty was up, >> naturally. So >> that'll be the last time I buy from them. > > Since this is under the subject "Acer laptops" it would be useful to > have you clarify if this is an Acer you are referring to (and if it's > a response to my message about the keys on our Acer... ;-) > > But while I was in the middle of typing the above on my Toshiba, the > standard 'Toshiba' crash occurred. I don't get to use the Acer partly > because of this weird Toshiba quirk and I can usually deal with > recovering from the situation more easily (well, let's just say I put > up with it....) Here's what my Toshiba Satellite 3000 notebook does: > > While I'm typing (and I type quite quickly) on the built-in keyboard I > quite frequently type a combination of keys in quick succession that > causes the computer to INSTANTLY shut down! In fact, I've never > figured out what the keystrokes are that cause this because I cannot > duplicate it except when I'm just typing furiously and not thinking > about it. Nor does any other single key do the same thing, including > the power key, which causes the unit to go into a controlled, > systematic power down sequence that is faster than the normal 'Turn > off Computer' command. > > No, this causes the computer to instantaneously shut off and appear > just like it does when it is completely powered down. In fact, it > seems to shut off so quickly that it usually doesn't even trigger > Windows 2000 to think that the computer was shut down abnormally when > I restart it, which makes things easier usually because it usually > just starts up normal - OMG!!! it just happened again when I typed > the 'ly' that should have been on the end of 'normal'. I can tell you > nothing is more frustrating than this and I usually use a separate USB > keyboard with this computer instead of the built-in one just because > of this. But I'm on the road right now and don't have it with me... > > Anyway, I guess there are duds in every manufacturer's line and you > just have to be lucky to some extent ;-) > > Charlie ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 11:59:44 -0400 From: Stephen Litterst Subject: Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol Message-id: <413F2C70.603BDAFC [at] ithaca.edu> Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts References: "Randy B." wrote: > > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > >If possible, I'd like to build a RF transmitter into the gun and have the > >receiver trigger the CD player, but I'm not sure where to start. I'd > > prefer RF as opposed to IR just for simplicity. > > Take a look at a universal garage door opener, At my local home store I saw > one that had a little RF remote and a module that provided a simple contact > closer to simulate pressing the button on the door. Total cost was about > $30 I think you could do something with this to trip a sound and/or light > cue. I don't know what your tech schedule is like, but is having the stage manager watch the action and cue the effect not an option? When I did "A Man for All Seasons," the light and sound cues had to be triggered at just the right moment of the executioner's swing. Obviously an axe swing is an easier moment to follow than a trigger pull, but with an obedient actor and a talented SM, it's not inconceivable and might be cheaper. Steve L. -- Stephen C. Litterst Technical Supervisor Ithaca College Dept. of Theatre Arts 607/274-3947 slitterst [at] ithaca.edu ------------------------------ From: "Scott Boyle" Subject: RE: Remotely Firing a Pistol Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 11:00:36 -0500 Organization: Carroll College Message-ID: <002b01c495bc$fb6c5e30$73db688c [at] cc.edu> In-Reply-To: Along the same line of thought, we were using a remote control doorbell device for a production of "Deathtrap". It had a pretty good range on it and it didn't seem to need line of sight to activate. There might be a way the bell device could be modified to trip an effect. I pose this because the remote we were using was small enough to be palmed easily. Scott M. Boyle Technical Director Department of Theatre Arts Carroll College 262-524-7308 -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Randy B. Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 10:49 AM To: Stagecraft Cc: reynolds [at] Macalester.edu Subject: Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- >If possible, I'd like to build a RF transmitter into the gun and have the >receiver trigger the CD player, but I'm not sure where to start. I'd > prefer RF as opposed to IR just for simplicity. Take a look at a universal garage door opener, At my local home store I saw one that had a little RF remote and a module that provided a simple contact closer to simulate pressing the button on the door. Total cost was about $30 I think you could do something with this to trip a sound and/or light cue. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave Reynolds" To: "Stagecraft" Cc: Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 8:10 AM Subject: Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Hi folks, > > Thanks for all the advice on remotely firing the pistol. I need to > describe the show a little. Thi sis a touring show. The actors get locked > in a high school gym and one goes beserk and kills at least 2 people, then > kills himself. The show travels with different techs of differing skill > levels. > > It takes a good audio op to make sure the shots are in sync with the actor. > He can't just say "bang". I saw a device that some magicians use to > trigger music from a CD player, but these devices are approximately $1000. > > If possible, I'd like to build a RF transmitter into the gun and have the > receiver trigger the CD player, but I'm not sure where to start. I'd > prefer RF as opposed to IR just for simplicity. > > Any suggestions would be appreciated. > > > Dave Reynolds > > A man finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word! > --Proverbs 15:23, New International Version > > > > Dave Reynolds > Media Services > Macalester College > 1600 Grand Ave. > St. Paul, MN 55105 > voice: (651) 696-6378 > fax: (651) 696-6304 > reynolds [at] macalester.edu > > DV Cassie with lots of fonts and effects, KRON and Final Cut Pro. > ------------------------------ From: "Delbert Hall" Subject: RE: Stagecraft course Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 12:22:41 -0400 Organization: ETSU Message-ID: <000801c495c0$2331c420$6400a8c0 [at] delbert> In-Reply-To: Extremely well said Andy. I am a bit of a knot nut. The last time I counted, I could tie 20 loops, 20 hitches, and 20 bends, so I just rounded this down to 10 each for Mike. Without naming specific knots, I felt that number would give Mike enough *tools* to handle most rope problems. Budworth's book has about 200 *knots.* I see far too many stage technicians who are not confident tying knots. If Mike gets really interested in knots, he could advance to splices. Brion Toss has a great video on splicing rope. -Delbert -----Original Message----- Mr. Wood, Try a rolling hitch or a prussik for securing a control line, a figure-eight for adding a loop, a half hitch or an overhand for securing teminal ends, a trucker's hitch for securing and tightening loads, a simple bow for tying soft goods to battens, or a water knot for joining webbing ends. I could go on, but you get my point. I am not a knot master, but I use many knots in theatrical applications quite often. When I think about what people do, what I do, before learning to use, to quote you, "the proper tool for the job", I wonder. Maybe thirty is an arbitrary number, a number that Delbert is comfortable with, but your three is just as arbitrary, and, I think, under-shooting the mark. Oh, well. Just my opinion. Andy Champ-Doran ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 11:16:05 -0500 From: Dave Reynolds Subject: Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol In-reply-to: <001101c495bb$507b3010$a0504898 [at] D10SKY11> Cc: rgbrzosk [at] usermail.com (Randy B.) Message-id: <2147483647.1094642165 [at] [141.140.13.64]> References: <001101c495bb$507b3010$a0504898 [at] D10SKY11> Randy and others, Thanks for the info! Dave > Take a look at a universal garage door opener, At my local home store I > saw one that had a little RF remote and a module that provided a simple > contact closer to simulate pressing the button on the door. Total cost > was about $30 I think you could do something with this to trip a sound > and/or light cue. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 12:56:43 -0400 From: sbmtbike [at] optonline.net Subject: Re: Dimmer Doubling Question Message-id: <423698423686.423686423698 [at] optonline.net> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Hofmann, Christopher" Date: Wednesday, September 8, 2004 8:38 am Subject: Dimmer Doubling Question > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------- > ------------------ > > Looking to the wisdom of the list for a quick answer that doesn't > require I sit on the telephone all morning. > > I've got 70 fairly new ETC Sensor dimmers running through an old > Kliegl Safe-Patch. All of the 30+ year old wiring is in > surprisingly good shape. Now I've got a group coming in that > wants to use dimmer doubling to increase the number of dimmers. > I'm thinking this may not work because patch panel lies between > the dimmers and the circuits. Theoretically, when patched, the > circuit is unbroken, but I'm just not convinced it will work > seamlessly. > Anyone have any experience with Dimmer Doubling in retro-fitted > venues? > It should work, but there's lot's of room for errors, especially with a circuit that's supposed to feed a multplex two-fer getting rre-patched a feed from a dimmer not in DD mode. Also, are they bringing S4's with 77volt lamps ?. Are they asking you to retro-fit your existing inventory ?. I'm assuming they simply don't have enough dimmers ?. Probably a lot simpler and most likely cheaper to simply rent a dimmer rack and cable. Steve B. ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <1e.33276d3a.2e70a8f0 [at] aol.com> Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 14:26:56 EDT Subject: Re: Stagecraft course In a message dated 08/09/04 01:00:51 GMT Daylight Time, halld [at] etsu.edu writes: > Folks in my part of county like little saying. One of my favorites is, > "if you only have one option, you don't really have any options. In > other words, if you only know one knot for a loops, one for bend, and > one hitch, you don't really have any choices. What you really need in an understanding of how and why knots work, and also of just how much they weaken the rope or line. If you acquire this knowledge, you will automatically learn many knots. Moreover, you will be able to invent knots to serve particular purposes, and to avoid over-complication. In our theatre, the legs are hung from the lighting bridges, so as to be readily re-locatable. The lines have a spliced eye at the support bar end, and, basically, a clove hitch and two half hitches on the bridge rail. Some crew tie knots with more enthusiasm than skill. Four round turns and six half-hitches is over the top, and wastes a lot of time in unravelling it. Frank Wood ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 14:38:10 EDT Subject: Re: Stagecraft course In a message dated 08/09/04 15:27:49 GMT Daylight Time, doran [at] bard.edu writes: > Try a rolling hitch or a prussik for securing a control line, a figure-eight > for > adding a loop, a half hitch or an overhand for securing teminal ends, a > trucker's hitch for securing and tightening loads, a simple bow for tying > soft > goods to battens, or a water knot for joining webbing ends. I could go on, > but you get my point. Understanding knots is a useful skill. For example, a prussik knot is designed to move freely under unloaded conditions, and to jam solidly when loaded. Tied with an endless loop, it is how chimbers rescue themselves from crevasses. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Subject: mask making neoprene Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 14:07:28 -0500 Message-ID: <0B9945FBD68EFC4FA0374DF4201B0C56C451C9 [at] EMPMAIL.ad.csbsju.edu> From: "White, Brian" You know it's not good when 2 Directors come and ask you about making neoprene masks for their upcoming shows... but that is what just happened.=20 They have given me a name of the supplier they were given in a class over last summer (Chicago plastics) and before I started chasing a golden goose I figured I would ask the list if anyone has experience using neoprene to make masks and would like to share the pitfalls and challenges with me before I start having someone who doesn't always know which end of a pencil to sharpen giving me advice and handing me seminar notes about it. (gotta love academics) comments on or off list would be greatly appreciated. Brian K. White=20 Technical Director=20 College of St Benedicts=20 Benedicta Arts Center=20 St. Joseph MN 56374=20 320.363.5386 bwhite [at] csbsju.edu =20 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 15:22:15 -0400 Subject: Re: mask making neoprene From: Steve Larson Message-ID: In-Reply-To: First I would find out who taught the class and ask them for advice. Second I would google "neoprene mask" and you'll find the following: http://www.alyssaravenwood.com/photo-albums/bradley-mask-making/index.htm Couldn't resist googling. Steve on 9/8/04 3:07 PM, White, Brian at BWHITE [at] CSBSJU.EDU wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > You know it's not good when 2 Directors come and ask you about making > neoprene masks for their upcoming shows... but that is what just > happened. > They have given me a name of the supplier they were given in a class > over last summer (Chicago plastics) and before I started chasing a > golden goose I figured I would ask the list if anyone has experience > using neoprene to make masks and would like to share the pitfalls and > challenges with me before I start having someone who doesn't always know > which end of a pencil to sharpen giving me advice and handing me seminar > notes about it. (gotta love academics) comments on or off list would > be greatly appreciated. > > Brian K. White > Technical Director > College of St Benedicts > Benedicta Arts Center > St. Joseph MN 56374 > 320.363.5386 > bwhite [at] csbsju.edu > > > ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Dimmer Doubling Question Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 15:44:06 -0400 Message-ID: <56439B09A4ADDC46876BDFF2BBD35DF001C1748F [at] ex1.capecod.edu> From: "Hofmann, Christopher" Steve B. asked - >Also, are they bringing S4's with 77volt lamps ?. >Are they asking you to retro-fit your existing inventory ?. They are bringing the instruments and splitters with them. All I'd have to do (as I understand it) is allow them to reprogram my dimmers via the CEM to handle the splitters.=20 >I'm assuming they simply don't have enough dimmers ?. >Probably a lot simpler and most likely cheaper to simply >rent a dimmer rack and cable. That would be an option if I had a house tie-in to accept additional dimmers (which I don't.) In any case, thanks for the "it should work" suggestion. Anyone else believe otherwise or am I OK provided, as Steve pointed out, that we correctly hook everything up? Chris ------------------------------ From: "Delbert Hall" Subject: RE: Stagecraft course Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 17:08:41 -0400 Organization: ETSU Message-ID: <000201c495e8$04de3800$6400a8c0 [at] delbert> In-Reply-To: Frank said: What you really need in an understanding of how and why knots work, and also of just how much they weaken the rope or line. Delbert's response: You are making a good case for Mike learning to tie 30 knots. Frank said: If you acquire this knowledge, you will automatically learn many knots. Moreover, you will be able to invent knots to serve particular purposes, and to avoid over-complication. Delbert's response: Asheley's book of knots has more than 4,000. I am sure that there is one for most needs without you have to invent a new one. Frank said: In our theatre, the legs are hung from the lighting bridges, so as to be readily re-locatable. The lines have a spliced eye at the support bar end, and, basically, a clove hitch and two half hitches on the bridge rail. Delbert's response: So now you seem to be adding making eye-splices and half hitches to the things Mike should learn. I agree. I am not sure that the eye-slice is the correct here, unless the end is run through the eye so that the hitch *bites* the pipe. This would keep the rope from slipping off the end of the pipe, if one end acme loose. Frank said: Some crew tie knots with more enthusiasm than skill. Four round turns and six half-hitches is over the top, and wastes a lot of time in unravelling it. Delbert's response: I am reminded of another old saying, "if you can't tie a good knot, tie a lot of them." Don't you wish some of your technicians knew how to tie 30 good knots? -Delbert ------------------------------ Message-ID: <413F1CA6.CBC9F688 [at] cybercom.net> Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 10:52:22 -0400 From: Dale Farmer Subject: Re: Dimmer Doubling Question References: "Hofmann, Christopher" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Looking to the wisdom of the list for a quick answer that doesn't require I sit on the telephone all morning. > > I've got 70 fairly new ETC Sensor dimmers running through an old Kliegl Safe-Patch. All of the 30+ year old wiring is in surprisingly good shape. Now I've got a group coming in that wants to use dimmer doubling to increase the number of dimmers. I'm thinking this may not work because patch panel lies between the dimmers and the circuits. Theoretically, when patched, the circuit is unbroken, but I'm just not convinced it will work seamlessly. > > Anyone have any experience with Dimmer Doubling in retro-fitted venues? Works just fine. The problems come from mixing up the half-voltage bulbs in the instruments with the full voltage bulbs, and the longer term costs of locking yourself into a niche technology. I'd prefer to add more circuits to the venue rather than play games with diodes. --Dale ------------------------------ Message-Id: <5.2.1.1.2.20040908170020.00a648c8 [at] pop-server.new.rr.com> Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 17:02:11 -0500 From: Mike Rock Subject: Knots was Stagecraft course In-Reply-To: References: At 05:08 PM 9/8/2004 -0400, you wrote: >For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see >--------------------------------------------------- The good thing about learning knots is I can learn them with out much more than a rope and the book, where as programing lights it would require a bit more. Mike Rock ------------------------------ From: Bsapsis [at] aol.com Message-ID: <8.56b628ce.2e70e044 [at] aol.com> Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 18:23:00 EDT Subject: Re: Knots was Stagecraft course In a message dated 9/8/04 5:57:09 PM, rockm [at] new.rr.com writes: << The good thing about learning knots is I can learn them with out much more than a rope and the book, where as programing lights it would require a bit more. >> What else? Rope, a book...and a drink???? Bill S. Sapsis Rigging, Inc. www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 800.292.3851 fax 267.278.4561 mobile We stand behind, and under, our work. ------------------------------ Message-Id: <5.2.1.1.2.20040908182430.00a657a0 [at] pop-server.new.rr.com> Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 18:26:21 -0500 From: Mike Rock Subject: Re: Knots was Stagecraft course In-Reply-To: At 06:23 PM 9/8/2004 -0400, you wrote: >For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see >--------------------------------------------------- > >What else? Rope, a book...and a drink???? > Possibly a pipe or another piece of rope to practice ones that nee to go around something, but I guess a drink could come in handy for rather intense knot tieing sessions. Mike Rock ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20040908163614.01857b48 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 16:36:14 From: CB Subject: Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol (SFX) > I'd imagine that it not only would be futile, but incredibly stupid to > do so. Why? Because, if you read the original post, THE ACTORS ARE > PORTRAYING ACTS OF SUICIDE. This means the guns will be, let's all say > it with me, RIGHT NEXT TO THEIR EARS. Tere remains the possibility of triggering a blank NEAR the actor, just not near his head. The gun to his head doesn't HAVE to be the mechanism that triggers the blank. We'd need to know, of course, why you have ruled out blanks before we go any further on this kibbutz. Info like: >What is the skill level of the actors? >of the audio board operator? >do you have control of the stage lighting? >what is the distance from action to audience? As a sound designer/engineer, I'd put a remote triggered CD player way down on the bottom of my list. I'd have a mid sound effect cued up and a great sound op pulling the trigger on a sight cue (pun intended), or ona predetermined coundt, light cue, whatever. CD's are notoriously undependable on the 'right.....NOW!' thing. Chris "Chris" Babbie Location Sound MON AZ Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment. Rates negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment... ------------------------------ From: MissWisc [at] aol.com Message-ID: <110.3712b50e.2e70ef70 [at] aol.com> Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 19:27:44 EDT Subject: Re: Stagecraft course In a message dated 9/8/4 4:07:41 PM, halld [at] etsu.edu writes: << Delbert's response: I am reminded of another old saying, "if you can't tie a good knot, tie a lot of them." Don't you wish some of your technicians knew how to tie 30 good knots? >> How about the one knot that gets the job done safely and correctly? ;) I don't care how many you can tie, I want to know you can do the right/safest one for the task and tie it well enough to not hurt anyone. For the next year or so, Mike only needs to master the handful (like the pun???) of knots he needs to pass the IA exam. I'm not certain anyone at his school even knows those to be able to test him on them. Fellow stagecraft list member, Mic Alderson, often helps pass those boring moments waiting backstage by teaching new and sometimes arcane knots. Mike and Mic are already well acquainted and I trust Mic will make certain Mike knows all he needs to, and more. On that same note, I want to say a big thanks to all the list members who gave suggestions to Mike. He's a one in a thousand kind of kid and having you as "mentors" is an amazing blessing... even when it ends up in moot debate! Kristi ------------------------------ From: "Matthew Breton" Subject: Re: Knots was Stagecraft course Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 19:36:18 -0400 Message-ID: ><< The good thing about learning knots is I can learn them with out much >more >than a rope and the book, where as programing lights it would require a bit >more. >> >What else? Rope, a book...and a drink???? Well -- occasionally, two ropes, or one rope and something to tie it to. But I bet you already knew that. :) Matthew Breton Technical Director The River Rep _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/ ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20040908165308.01857b48 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 16:53:08 From: CB Subject: Re: Grund Audio Design > Does anyone have good or >bad experiences with this brand? I've never seen them anywhere, and you can take that with as many grains of salt as you need. I do tend to look at a cab sporting two fifteen inch drivers and a 800W rating as more box than speaker. I can get a single 18 to eat a grand and not sweat for $350 less (MSRP). I hate to rag on a box I haven't heard or abused, but it seems that there might be something better out there for the money. 'Course, it depends on what you want to do with it. Make your dealer demo them against other boxes. Get a Peavey dealer to show up to make the high-dollar guys work for their money. If they can't get it to sound better than the Peavey's, save your money and paint over the logos. Chris "Chris" Babbie Location Sound MON AZ Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment. Rates negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment... ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 16:38:54 -0700 From: Mat Goebel Cc: theatre-sound [at] listserv.aol.com (theatre sound) Subject: Small Format Mixer Reccomendations What are everyone's current feelings on small format mixers? I hate the mackie 1604. I love the the A&H mixwiz series, specifically the 14:4:2. Has anyone had any experiences with the soundcraft M or SX series? -- Mat Goebel Entertainment Technical Services Paramount's Great America Cell: 510.693.1448 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2004 00:48:34 +0100 (BST) From: Charlie Richmond Subject: Re: Grund Audio Design In-Reply-To: Message-ID: References: On Wed, 8 Sep 2004, CB wrote: > Make your dealer demo them against other boxes. Get a Peavey dealer to > show up to make the high-dollar guys work for their money. If they can't > get it to sound better than the Peavey's, save your money and paint over > the logos. The difference between the response on this list and the theatre-sound list is very telling. There, the Grund is a 'cheapo' and is compared unfavorably with Meyer, EAW and the like (which are more expensive). No one has had the temerity to suggest that Peavey would be a decent alternative ;-) So, it just boils down to the application and the value for money as usual ... Laughin' all the way to the bank ;-) Charlie ------------------------------ From: "Delbert Hall" Subject: RE: Stagecraft course Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 20:14:29 -0400 Organization: ETSU Message-ID: <000701c49601$f9e90c30$6400a8c0 [at] delbert> In-Reply-To: Kristi, What knots does Mike need to know to pas the IA exam? (and yes, I caught the pun) -Delbert -----Original Message----- For the next year or so, Mike only needs to master the handful (like the pun???) of knots he needs to pass the IA exam. ------------------------------ Message-Id: <5.1.1.6.2.20040909132437.00b99268 [at] firework.co.nz.b9> Date: Thu, 09 Sep 2004 13:43:47 +1200 From: Anthony Subject: Fog Curtains We have made small fog curtains with chilled smoke machine fog. Today a client has asked for a giant one running for 20 minutes on four entrances 6 metres wide and 2.5 metres high. Guests walk in through it. The entrances are indoors off a circular concourse into a central fully enclosed stadium. We think that draughts from the air conditioning could blow out into the concourse and blow the curtain away. We are going to check the air flows but air con often has all sorts of mixed modes of operation. On the night it could be blowing out or in the doors and dissipate the curtain, which might not have shown up in our preliminary tests. Also air movements from guests walking through would further disturb a nice steady flow. Questions are: Are my fears above realistic? What sort of fogger would you suggest we get or make up for this? Kind Regards Anthony Lealand Firework Professionals Ltd www.firework.co.nz ------------------------------ From: StevevETTrn [at] aol.com Message-ID: Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 21:57:38 EDT Subject: Re: Olympics >Tampa is here, , Keith will probably be in Charlotte. You can run, but you can't hide. Frances has moved on to pound the Carolinas and Virginia. Also, feeling very lucky here in Orlando. No major damage. Still have electricity this time. Just don't know about Ivan out there. I think I'll leave the covers on the windows for a while. Steve Vanciel Orlando, FL ------------------------------ From: StevevETTrn [at] aol.com Message-ID: <144.3315e3d9.2e7112c2 [at] aol.com> Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 21:58:26 EDT Subject: Re: cheeseboro ratings Jason tollefson writes: >What about the cheeseboro-style clamps used to hang many moving lights? >Are they not rated either? I wouldn't think they could be sold as such if they were not. Remember that the common cast iron lighting C-clamp is not rated either. SteveV Orl, FL Survived hurricane #2. Standing by for #3. ------------------------------ From: StevevETTrn [at] aol.com Message-ID: Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 21:58:45 EDT Subject: Re: Remotely Firing a Pistol (SFX) Frank Wood writes: >Blank firing weapons normally eject the residua sideways. Don't bet on it. Anything is possible. TEST, TEST, and TEST again to know exactly what outcome to expect for a given device. SteveV Orl, FL ------------------------------ From: StevevETTrn [at] aol.com Message-ID: <8.56ba6cdc.2e711301 [at] aol.com> Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 21:59:29 EDT Subject: Re: Light a fire from afar Tony deeming writes: >I don't know whether the Florida version does the same - I suspect it may >(Charley robbed me of the chance to see that one!) >Any of the Mouse's employees here know what it was? The Florida Magic Kingdom "Wishes" fireworks show does not include this effect. Not sure what they are using at Euro-Disney. SteveV Orl, FL ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <8D6719C6-013B-11D9-A6D4-000A95BD64AC [at] earthlink.net> From: Sunil Rajan Subject: Re: tour bus Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 22:05:27 -0400 >> Can anyone give me the skinny on tour buses? I know it >> is a sleeper, but I am not sure if it will have things >> like bedding or more importantly a coffee maker. If >> you have toured on a bus and could give some wisdom on >> how to be more comfortable while doing so, it would be >> most appreciated. I second everything that Dale mentioned! It's usually a good idea to have a "bus bag" and a "hotel bag", where the bus bag is your essentials for life ON the bus (toiletries, pajamas, etc.), and the hotel bag would be extra clothes and stuff you wouldn't likely need on an every day basis. A handy thing to have is a cloth duffel bag that can be folded/crushed/smushed in your other bags. You can throw dirty laundry into it, use it for the swag you'll pick up when you don't have room in your other 2 bags. Most of the coach companies these days have a front lounge primary fridge, sometimes a rear lounge cooler or mini-bar fridge, almost all have coffee makers (and depending on who's "bus bitch", coffee in it at all times). I also try to snag an extra blanket from the driver, since bus temp is usually kept about 65 degrees or so to prevent transfering of colds, mold, etc. I always have an extra sweatshirt or something for cold nights. Good luck, you'll either love it or hate it, there is no real in-between. Cheers, Sunil Rajan Freelance Audio Mercenary ------------------------------ Message-ID: <413FCC26.F29A77C6 [at] cybercom.net> Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 23:21:10 -0400 From: Dale Farmer Subject: Re: Stagecraft course References: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > In a message dated 08/09/04 15:27:49 GMT Daylight Time, doran [at] bard.edu writes: > > > Try a rolling hitch or a prussik for securing a control line, a > figure-eight > > for > > adding a loop, a half hitch or an overhand for securing teminal ends, a > > trucker's hitch for securing and tightening loads, a simple bow for tying > > soft > > goods to battens, or a water knot for joining webbing ends. I could go > on, > > but you get my point. > > Understanding knots is a useful skill. For example, a prussik knot is > designed to move freely under unloaded conditions, and to jam solidly when loaded. > Tied with an endless loop, it is how chimbers rescue themselves from crevasses. > > Frank Wood I understand knots just fine. I know the dozen or so that I use all the time, and have to think a bit to dredge up another dozen or so that I use less often. My problem is my terrible memory for names. I can tie the knot just fine, just don't ask me what it is called, or tell me to tie one using just the name. The only one I can easily remember is the bowline, and that's because I like bunnies. --Dale ------------------------------ From: MissWisc [at] aol.com Message-ID: <1c2.1e294a00.2e71309f [at] aol.com> Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2004 00:05:51 EDT Subject: Re: Re: Stagecraft course Cc: halld [at] etsu.edu Delbert et. al., I don't have the study guide handy, so this is from (rusty) memory... square knot (and granny to be able to show the difference) and the shoe-tying version of a square knot for hanging drapes snub sheet bend bowline Prussic (?) clove hitch half hitch figure 8 (?) Have to tie the knot and identify its uses. Grandma taught me macrame' when I was in 4-H as a kid. These are more fun. :) Kristi ------------------------------ From: "Jason" References: Subject: Re: cheeseboro ratings Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 22:31:25 -0700 Message-ID: Steve, your wrong I have gotten rating for the manufactures for their C-clamps. ----- Original Message ----- From: > Remember that the common cast iron lighting C-clamp is not rated either. > > SteveV > Orl, FL ------------------------------ Message-Id: Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 22:52:44 -0700 From: "rtwright [at] goldrushbc.com" <"rtwright [at] goldrushbc.com" [at] mail.wlakemail.com> Subject: Management listserv I enjoy lurking on this list and find it very useful but does anyone know of a similar list for theatre management, ie front of house and/or producing? Richard Wright Theatre Royal, Barkerville Wells, B.C. ------------------------------ End of Stagecraft Digest #127 *****************************