Return-Path: X-Processed-By: Virex 7 on prxy.net X-Real-To: stagecraftlist [at] theatrical.net Received: by prxy.net (CommuniGate Pro PIPE 4.2.4) with PIPE id 4645812; Sun, 10 Oct 2004 03:01:22 -0700 X-ListServer: CommuniGate Pro LIST 4.2.4 List-Unsubscribe: List-ID: Message-ID: From: "Stagecraft" Sender: "Stagecraft" To: "Stagecraft" Precedence: list Subject: Stagecraft Digest #158 Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2004 03:00:51 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Disposition: inline X-Spam-Level: X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.0.0-pre4 (2004-08-04) on prxy.net X-Spam-Status: No, score=-2.3 required=5.0 tests=ALL_TRUSTED,AWL,BAYES_00, BIZ_TLD,LINES_OF_YELLING,MAILTO_TO_SPAM_ADDR autolearn=ham version=3.0.0-pre4 X-prxy-Spam-Filter: Scanned X-TFF-CGPSA-Version: 1.4a3 For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Stagecraft Digest, Issue #158 1. Re: need production staff still? by "Simon Shuker" 2. Rigging problems that I have seen recently by "Delbert Hall" 3. Re: Dry Ice Storage. by "Duane" 4. Re: LDI by MissWisc [at] aol.com 5. Re: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux by IAEG [at] aol.com 6. Re: Rigging problems that I have seen recently by "Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson" 7. Re: What rental item disappointed you most? by Charlie Richmond 8. Re: State of the art for drop folding? by Loren Schreiber 9. Snow Machines and Peg Legs by seanrmc [at] earthlink.net 10. Re: State of the art for drop folding? by IAEG [at] aol.com 11. Re: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux by "Delbert Hall" 12. Re: State of the art for drop folding? by "Jon Ares" 13. Re: What rental item disappointed you most? by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 14. Re: Snow Machines and Peg Legs by Greg Persinger 15. Re: Snow Machines and Peg Legs by Greg Persinger 16. Re: Snow Machines and Peg Legs by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 17. Re: State of the art for drop folding? by Greg Persinger 18. Re: State of the art for drop folding? by IAEG [at] aol.com 19. Re: State of the art for drop folding? by Boyd Ostroff 20. Dry Ice Storage by CB 21. west coasting by Greg Persinger 22. Rechargable Batteries by CB 23. State of the art for drop folding? by CB 24. Re: An academic question by CB 25. Re: Snow Machines and Peg Legs by seanrmc [at] earthlink.net 26. Re: An academic question by CB 27. need production staff still? by CB 28. Re: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux by "Samuel L. Jones" 29. Re: An academic question by "Jon Ares" 30. Re: Dry Ice Storage by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 31. Re: An academic question by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 32. Re: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux by IAEG [at] aol.com 33. Re: need production staff still? ? ? ? ? ? ? by IAEG [at] aol.com 34. Re: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux by "Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson" 35. Re: What rental item disappointed you most? by "Jason" 36. Re: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux by Bsapsis [at] aol.com 37. Re: Snow Machines and Peg Legs by "Sam Fisher" *** 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Simon Shuker" Subject: RE: need production staff still? Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 15:22:51 +0400 In-Reply-To: Message-Id: <20041009112256.8D8B45858 [at] mail05.powweb.com> What is a productiong crew.?????????????? -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of in a fishbowl Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 3:09 AM To: Stagecraft Subject: need production staff still? For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- I am interested in working on your film on your productiong crew. I am a costume designer. Are you still looking for people? Laurie ------------------------------ From: "Delbert Hall" Subject: Rigging problems that I have seen recently Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 08:06:21 -0400 Organization: ETSU Message-ID: <000301c4adf8$647bdbf0$6400a8c0 [at] delbert> In-Reply-To: This month has been and will remain very busy. A few of the theatres were I have been this month have had some pretty bad rigging problems and I thought I would share. Theatre #1 (Florida): They installed the HVAC ducts both above and below the grid, directly in line where the lift cable for the linesets had to go. Their solution was to punch holes in the ducts and run electrical conduits through the ducts. The lift cables then ran through the conduits (sometimes horizontally and sometimes vertically). One problem with this solution, beside the noise, is the fact that condensation builds up in these conduits and the cables literally sit in water all the time. The cables were very rusty. Also, there was always water on the stage directly below the vertical conduits. This rigging had many problems and was extremely noisy. Another interesting rigging technique used here was the use of pop rivets to attach the sections of pipe together to make the battens. The battens had a lot of play at the joints. Theatre #2 (Penn): This high school theatre (rigged in 1973) only had one cable clip per termination, both at the batten and at the arbor (and most of these were on backwards). This theatre also had some strange aluminum track that the arbors ran on, and it squealed horribly. Theatre #3 (Penn): This community theatre had dead-hung pipes. I was told that these were installed by a nationally known stage rigging company (name withheld). The problems here included: S hooks being used on the trim chains, and all the batten joints were made with threaded couplers. I get to see a lot of good theatre rigging and a lot of bad. I am no longer surprised when the folks with the bad stuff 1) are in denial about the state of their rigging, or 2) blame me for not telling them in advance that their rigging is sub-standard. The point of my rant is to ask you to 1) make sure your rigging is OK, and 2) don't be afraid to tells others when you see a problem with their rigging. It is never fun to have to tell someone that before I can install my equipment we must spend the next few hours making sure that your battens are not going to fall out of air. -Delbert ------------------------------ Message-ID: <030e01c4ae01$366670a0$0201a8c0 [at] kc.rr.com> From: "Duane" References: Subject: Re: Dry Ice Storage. Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 08:09:29 -0500 Dry Ice does not melt. It sublimates. Long term storage requires minimizing the amount of surface area exposed to ambient air. Solid blocks will last longer than tubes or chunks. Hot air moves more, increasing the rate of sublimation as the amount of air moving past the Dry Ice surface increases. The suggestion to wrap blocks in multiple layers of newspaper would make what you buy last the longest. Most companies wrap their product in a waxed impregnated heavy paper because air tight plastic plastic becomes brittle and breaks under the extreme cold allowing air to contact the surface. Leave the original wrapping on as long as possible. Try to find or make an air tight box that just fits the size and amount of dry ice you need for each performance. An air tight lid that fits inside the container and rests on top of a towel, blanket, or similar on top of the Dry Ice as you use it helps keep ambient air contact to a minimum. A strip of ethafoam or similar around the edge of the internal lid creates a nice air fast seal and if contact with the Dry Ice is minimized should last a few weeks. If buying chunks or tubes. The smaller the container that just fits the amount needed to store the better. Again a tight fitting lid should fit inside the container that rests on top of a folded up towel on top of the Dry Ice to minimize the surface area expose to air. Insulation is for protection from the cold as the dry ice or the box itself is handled. It assists in decreasing the amount of air that can contact the Dry Ice but the real secret is no contact with the air. If using a freezer chest, do not plug it in and create an internal lid that sits on top of the ice or create multiple compartments with lids inside the chest. If the chest is large, a second person who does not lean into the chest to get ice out is recommended. Block carriers or bags of washed heavy muslin that just fit the ice you require go a long way to increase the handlers safety when removing ice from the container. The bag or carrier also allow the box to just fit the size of the Dry Ice, minimizing the amount of air around the block since you do not require a space for hands to grasp the Dry Ice. Just fold the strip neatly on top and place the next block inside. Make sure the cloth is very dry prior to wrapping or bagging. A layer or two of paper on the bottom and between blocks or bags prevents the cloth from freezing to itself and tears apart easier if anything does freeze together, Since CO2 is heavier than air, low lying areas will fill up with the CO2, displacing any atmosphere present. Orchestra pits and trap rooms sometimes have minimal air movement so an auxillary air movemment assist is sometimes necessary depending upon the amount of CO2 generated. This build up may occur over time and be cummulative over performances so action to move extra air to excess between performances in such low lying areas if in doubt would be prudent. Duane Hoberg Technical Director New Theatre Restaurant Overland Park, Kansas ------------------------------ From: MissWisc [at] aol.com Message-ID: <53.1814818a.2e994a8c [at] aol.com> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 10:07:08 EDT Subject: Re: Re: LDI Cc: ladesigners [at] juno.com In a message dated 10/8/4 9:34:39 AM, ladesigners [at] juno.com wrote: <> From the sounds of things, Richard, you should be able to follow your nose right to them! And if you end up in another booth with bar, you can just say you're doing an expo "death march" (Appleton, WI slang term for going up and down College Avenue having one drink in each bar/restaurant with a bar - all 20 or so of them.) Kristi ------------------------------ From: IAEG [at] aol.com Message-ID: <12c.4ddb5e73.2e994cc8 [at] aol.com> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 10:16:40 EDT Subject: Re: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux In a message dated 10/9/04 8:07:12 AM, halld [at] etsu.edu writes: << This month has been and will remain very busy. A few of the theatres were I have been this month have had some pretty bad rigging problems and I thought I would share. Theatre #1 (Florida): They installed the HVAC ducts both above and below the grid, directly in line where the lift cable for the linesets had to go. Their solution was to punch holes in the ducts and run electrical conduits through the ducts. The lift cables then ran through the conduits (sometimes horizontally and sometimes vertically). One problem with this solution, beside the noise, is the fact that condensation builds up in these conduits and the cables literally sit in water all the time. The cables were very rusty. Also, there was always water on the stage directly below the vertical conduits. This rigging had many problems and was extremely noisy. Another interesting rigging technique used here was the use of pop rivets to attach the sections of pipe together to make the battens. The battens had a lot of play at the joints. >> Delbert is actually being "kind" about this theatre, a community college facility built in the late 70's. The proscenium theatre is on the second floor, with a loading door that opens out 15' above grade, directly over the door of a classroom and adjacent to large tree. The front of house lighting position is not accesible via a cat walk, the entire structure was mounted on a hand powered worm gear winch. Even in the lowered position it hit the side balconies meaning that a ladder periously placed in the seating area was still neccesary to mount or remove instruments. Eventually the winch failed and the FOH was permanently tied off in the "up" position and now the only access to the FOH is via an extension ladder leaning on it. There are no dressing rooms in this theatre, or running water backstage. To access dressing rooms one must go down stairs, cross the public lobby and enter the scene shop (originally it was a scene shop now it is perhaps the worlds smallest university dance studio) and then into the dressing rooms which were adjacent to the black box theatre on the other side of the building. The two side balconies, (well they aren't really balconies , but I don't know how else to describe them ) have the unusual distinction of having the first two rows of seats actually HIGHER than the third. Sight lines from these two areas are so bad that they are seldom used. From most of these seats a pianist playing downstage center would be unseen by people in the first 5 -6 rows. Actually this list of faux pas' could go on and on and on. This venue is a great example of a waste of taxpayer dollars and a situation where faculty and outside input was literally told to "go away" during the design and construction process. I accidently blasted the architect for this venue in a public setting when the building first opened. I believe I used the word "malfeasance" I didn't know his wife was present. She gave me a tongue lashing as I obvioiusly didn't know what I was talking about. The scary part is this architect is now in an offical architectual position for the State Board of Education. Hopefully Delbert and Tracy's work on this theatre will at least make it safer if not more functional. very best, Keith Arsenault International Arts & Entertainment Group Tampa, FL ------------------------------ From: "Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson" Subject: RE: Rigging problems that I have seen recently Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 07:24:09 -0700 Message-ID: <00a401c4ae0b$a4f96ea0$726dfea9 [at] DrDoomsComputer> In-Reply-To: D=E9j=E0 vu! Good advice. Dr. Doom. In sixty four years of rigging, I = can think of a few myself. They are out there and need addressing. Dr. Doom =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D A Masters Workshop for Entertainment Technicians, Riggers, Public Assembly Technicians, and Educational Performing Arts Personnel - Sponsored by Risk International & Associates, Inc. April 4, 5, 6, 2005 at ELCO Performing Arts Center, Elkhart, Indiana Brochure & Registration Form available at: www.riskit.com/workshops =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D Risk International & Associates, Inc. - Dedicated to making the world a healthier & safer place. Website: www.riskit.com E-mail: rdavidson [at] riskit.com =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D International Secondary Education Theater Safety Association (ISETSA) - Dedicated to the protection of every student in the performing arts. Website: www.isetsa.org E-mail: info [at] isetsa.org =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D 960 E. Bonita #158, Pomona, CA 91767 Phone/Fax: (909) 625-5961 =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Delbert Hall Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 5:06 AM To: Stagecraft Subject: Rigging problems that I have seen recently For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- This month has been and will remain very busy. A few of the theatres were I have been this month have had some pretty bad rigging problems and I thought I would share. Theatre #1 (Florida): They installed the HVAC ducts both above and below the grid, directly in line where the lift cable for the linesets had to go. Their solution was to punch holes in the ducts and run electrical conduits through the ducts. The lift cables then ran through the conduits (sometimes horizontally and sometimes vertically). One problem with this solution, beside the noise, is the fact that condensation builds up in these conduits and the cables literally sit in water all the time. The cables were very rusty. Also, there was always water on the stage directly below the vertical conduits. This rigging had many problems and was extremely noisy. Another interesting rigging technique used here was the use of pop rivets to attach the sections of pipe together to make the battens. The battens had a lot of play at the joints. Theatre #2 (Penn): This high school theatre (rigged in 1973) only had one cable clip per termination, both at the batten and at the arbor (and most of these were on backwards). This theatre also had some strange aluminum track that the arbors ran on, and it squealed horribly.=20 Theatre #3 (Penn): This community theatre had dead-hung pipes. I was told that these were installed by a nationally known stage rigging company (name withheld). The problems here included: S hooks being used on the trim chains, and all the batten joints were made with threaded couplers. =20 I get to see a lot of good theatre rigging and a lot of bad. I am no longer surprised when the folks with the bad stuff 1) are in denial about the state of their rigging, or 2) blame me for not telling them in advance that their rigging is sub-standard. =20 The point of my rant is to ask you to 1) make sure your rigging is OK, and 2) don't be afraid to tells others when you see a problem with their rigging. It is never fun to have to tell someone that before I can install my equipment we must spend the next few hours making sure that your battens are not going to fall out of air. -Delbert ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 16:34:40 +0100 (BST) From: Charlie Richmond Subject: Re: What rental item disappointed you most? In-Reply-To: Message-ID: References: On Fri, 8 Oct 2004, John D. Palmer wrote: > BTW, who saw the article in Entertainment Design where, "One manufacturer > thinks that rental shops should charge 1-2% of the equipment cost per week in > rental." I like how this quote is not attributed to the manufacturer. How > would a rental company make any money? Figuring in cost for maintenance and > repair would mean that the shop wouldn't turn a profit on that piece of gear > for a minimum of 1.5-3yrs. That also doesn't take into account the shop's > overhead. I sometimes think that gear is priced pretty crazily, but 1-2% is > certifiable. We are one manufacturer who agrees wit' ya! We appreciate more than you can say those rental companies who provide the invaluable service of stocking, servicing, shipping and supporting our equipment on a rental basis. We will rent equipment if there is no rental house that has it but much prefer to have rental customers work with rental houses and feel that their charges are fully justified! Charlie + Charlie Richmond - Richmond Sound Design Ltd - Aura Show Control Ltd + + http://www.RichmondSoundDesign.com -- http://www.AuraShowControl.com + +---- "Performance for the Long Run" ----- "Creativity in Control" ----+ ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.1.1.1.2.20041009082941.0344bca0 [at] mail.sdsu.edu> Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2004 08:39:26 -0700 From: Loren Schreiber Subject: Re: State of the art for drop folding? In-Reply-To: References: There are a couple of reasons to "reef" a drop--which is what I think y'all meant by folding accordion style: One reason is when there is no room to lay the drop out to fold it. You can pull the drop out of a big pile on the floor and fold it neatly by reefing. This is what is done on boats where there is no room to lay a sail out flat. Secondly, the drop can be folded as the batten is lowered, allowing one to fold the drop before the rest of the stage is clear. Finally, the drop is less likely to pick up dirt, screws, small children, etc. when reefed. Most rental houses are not in the habit of over-painting old drops, so theirs are likely to be more supple and have fewer problems with creasing. Loren Schreiber, Director of Technology and Production School of Theatre, Television and Film, San Diego State University http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/schreibr/index.html ------------------------------ Message-ID: <22574537.1097340730982.JavaMail.root [at] ernie.psp.pas.earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 12:52:10 -0400 (GMT-04:00) From: seanrmc [at] earthlink.net Subject: Snow Machines and Peg Legs Hi all... So, I'm looking for recommendations for small (QUIET) snow machines. The output doesn't need to be that heavy (this is for some "outside the window" snow), just quiet and perhaps cheap. Buy or rent is fine. Also... The costume folks are looking for a "peg-leg." You know, like a pirate. NOT a prosthetic wooden leg, just a dowel and harness type thing. Any thoughts for purchase or rent? Thanks all! --Sean Sean R. McCarthy seanrmc [at] earthlink.net ------------------------------ From: IAEG [at] aol.com Message-ID: <82.18094d80.2e9972f3 [at] aol.com> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 12:59:31 EDT Subject: Re: State of the art for drop folding? In a message dated 10/9/04 11:41:02 AM, lschreib [at] mail.sdsu.edu writes: << There are a couple of reasons to "reef" a drop--which is what I think y'all meant by folding accordion style: One reason is when there is no room to lay the drop out to fold it. You can pull the drop out of a big pile on the floor and fold it neatly by reefing. This is what is done on boats where there is no room to lay a sail out flat. Secondly, the drop can be folded as the batten is lowered, allowing one to fold the drop before the rest of the stage is clear. Finally, the drop is less likely to pick up dirt, screws, small children, etc. when reefed. Most rental houses are not in the habit of over-painting old drops, so theirs are likely to be more supple and have fewer problems with creasing. >> nope , , i what everyone is refering to as "accordian" fold or "shop" fold the "folds" are vertical, , what you are refering to as "reefing" the folds / creases would be horizontal. Reefing is what we also call "west coasting" correct ? ? very best, Keith Arsenault International Arts & Entertainment Group Tampa, FL ------------------------------ From: "Delbert Hall" Subject: RE: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 12:59:58 -0400 Organization: ETSU Message-ID: <000001c4ae21$690ab640$6400a8c0 [at] delbert> In-Reply-To: Keith knows this Florida theatre pretty well. After spending four days there I wanted to slap the architect silly. I did not mention that fact that all of the lift lines for the #1 lineset have been muled so that worker can access the trap door to the roof, but doing this means that the cable enters the #2 loft block at a 30 degree angle. Can you say bad fleet angle? -Delbert Delbert is actually being "kind" about this theatre, a community college facility built in the late 70's. The proscenium theatre is on the second floor, with a loading door that opens out 15' above grade, directly over the door of a classroom and adjacent to large tree. The front of house lighting position is not accesible via a cat walk, the entire structure was mounted on a hand powered worm gear winch. Even in the lowered position it hit the side balconies meaning that a ladder periously placed in the seating area was still neccesary to mount or remove instruments. Eventually the winch failed and the FOH was permanently tied off in the "up" position and now the only access to the FOH is via an extension ladder leaning on it. There are no dressing rooms in this theatre, or running water backstage. To access dressing rooms one must go down stairs, cross the public lobby and enter the scene shop (originally it was a scene shop now it is perhaps the worlds smallest university dance studio) and then into the dressing rooms which were adjacent to the black box theatre on the other side of the building. The two side balconies, (well they aren't really balconies , but I don't know how else to describe them ) have the unusual distinction of having the first two rows of seats actually HIGHER than the third. Sight lines from these two areas are so bad that they are seldom used. From most of these seats a pianist playing downstage center would be unseen by people in the first 5 -6 rows. Actually this list of faux pas' could go on and on and on. This venue is a great example of a waste of taxpayer dollars and a situation where faculty and outside input was literally told to "go away" during the design and construction process. I accidently blasted the architect for this venue in a public setting when the building first opened. I believe I used the word "malfeasance" I didn't know his wife was present. She gave me a tongue lashing as I obvioiusly didn't know what I was talking about. The scary part is this architect is now in an offical architectual position for the State Board of Education. Hopefully Delbert and Tracy's work on this theatre will at least make it safer if not more functional. very best, Keith Arsenault International Arts & Entertainment Group Tampa, FL ------------------------------ Message-ID: <006c01c4ae22$8f70c530$0600000a [at] BRUTUS> From: "Jon Ares" References: Subject: Re: State of the art for drop folding? Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 10:08:12 -0700 > Secondly, the drop can be folded as the batten is lowered, allowing one to > fold the drop before the rest of the stage is clear. Yeah, I could understand if this drop company wanted the drop 'reefed' (like a sail) or 'West Coasted' with the accordian folds running horizontally, but they desire it to be accordianed vertically - left to right. As if it were a traveler on a track. -- Jon Ares Program Director, West Linn HS Theatre Arts www.hevanet.com/acreative http://www.wlhs.wlwv.k12.or.us/aresj/theatre/index.htm ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <68.465990ea.2e99791a [at] aol.com> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 13:25:46 EDT Subject: Re: What rental item disappointed you most? In a message dated 09/10/04 06:51:20 GMT Daylight Time, john [at] palmerandcompany.biz writes: > BTW, who saw the article in Entertainment Design where, "One > manufacturer thinks that rental shops should charge 1-2% of > the equipment cost per week in rental." I like how this > quote is not attributed to the manufacturer. How would a > rental company make any money? Figuring in cost for > maintenance and repair would mean that the shop wouldn't > turn a profit on that piece of gear for a minimum of > 1.5-3yrs. That also doesn't take into account the shop's > overhead. I sometimes think that gear is priced pretty > crazily, but 1-2% is certifiable. My recollection is that they charge about 10% if the capital cost of the equipment, per week. Out of this they have to pay for storage space, bulbs, and maintenance and office staff, plus repaying the loan they took out to buy in their stock. On this basis, if you're going to want something ten times a year, it's as cheap to buy it in. How easy this is to do depends on your financial arrangements. Hire costs come off the show budget, capital expenditure off the departmental budget. Often, these two don't mix easily. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2004 12:29:56 -0500 Subject: Re: Snow Machines and Peg Legs From: Greg Persinger Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Sean, A couple of years ago a client of mine purchased a snow machine that was made of cardboard and had an AC electric motor that slowly drove a series of blades that scraped through the box.. The bottom of the box was full of perforated holes and you could punch out as few or many as you liked to vary the amount of snow. You filled it with the plastic flakes and away you went. They worked great, looked good, were cheap and quiet. They got them from a supplier that sold retail store window display products. Might try a google search. Greg Persinger Vivid Illumination Greg [at] Vividillumination.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2004 12:46:02 -0500 Subject: Re: Snow Machines and Peg Legs From: Greg Persinger Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Here it is. www.snowmaker.net Check it out. Greg Persinger Vivid Illumination Greg [at] Vividillumination.com ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <15.352d9b83.2e997f4f [at] aol.com> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 13:52:15 EDT Subject: Re: Snow Machines and Peg Legs In a message dated 09/10/04 18:31:13 GMT Daylight Time, gregpersin [at] comcast.net writes: > A couple of years ago a client of mine purchased a snow machine that was > made of cardboard and had an AC electric motor that slowly drove a series > of blades that scraped through the box.. The bottom of the box was full of > perforated holes and you could punch out as few or many as you liked to vary > the amount of snow. The classic snow machine is a half loop of sheets with slits in them, rigged between two battens and charged with snow. Jiggle one batten, and it snows; stop and it doesn't. It works, and is quiet. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2004 12:56:08 -0500 Subject: Re: State of the art for drop folding? From: Greg Persinger Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Keith Arsenault wrote: > nope , , i what everyone is refering to as "accordian" fold or "shop" fold > the "folds" are vertical, , what you are refering to as "reefing" the folds / > creases would be horizontal. Reefing is what we also call "west coasting" > correct ? ? In the rock and roll circles that I used to run in we had a different definition for the term "west coasting" . To do a "west coast" you let the drop pile up in a straight line underneath the pipe or truss as the hang position was lowered in. You then untied the drop and let the ties fall on top of the pile. You then went through and tied every fourth tie or so to make a drape "tube" which then got coiled into a hamper, or better yet a hard road case, like a piece of cable. Although this is horrible for long term storage, when you are playing a new town almost every night it's not that bad as the wrinkles hang out before showtime. I was told the idea came from the way they did sails in California. Anybody else want to weigh in? Greg Persinger Vivid Illumination Greg [at] Vividillumination.com ------------------------------ From: IAEG [at] aol.com Message-ID: <19e.2a3ca90f.2e9981c9 [at] aol.com> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 14:02:49 EDT Subject: Re: State of the art for drop folding? In a message dated 10/9/04 1:57:30 PM, gregpersin [at] comcast.net writes: << Although this is horrible for long term storage, when you are playing a new town almost every night it's not that bad as the wrinkles hang out before showtime. >> it's fine for scrims, , dyed drops, etc, , the better the drop and the painting the less effect that "west coasting" has on it. very best, Keith Arsenault International Arts & Entertainment Group Tampa, FL ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 14:03:20 -0400 (EDT) From: Boyd Ostroff Subject: Re: State of the art for drop folding? In-Reply-To: Message-ID: On Sat, 9 Oct 2004, Greg Persinger wrote: > To do a "west coast" you let the drop pile up in a straight line underneath > the pipe or truss as the hang position was lowered in. You then untied the > drop and let the ties fall on top of the pile. I have always heard this technique called "west coasting" also. Boyd Ostroff ooo Opera Company of Philadelphia Director of Design & Technology ooooooo 1420 Locust St, Suite 210 ostroff [at] operaphilly.com ooooooo Philadelphia, PA 19102 http://tech.operaphilly.com ooo (215) 893-3600 x225 ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20041009110630.01962510 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2004 11:06:30 From: CB Subject: Dry Ice Storage >The added complication is that the supplier is NOT open at weekends, When confronted with a similar situation, our supplier was willing to send us with one of his storage boxes for the run of the show. Additional charges: a seat for each of his family members. Cheap at twice the price. Check with your supplier, and start the conversation with asking him to show up for a few minutes on Sat. and Sun. mornings... Or, borrow a large freezer. 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... ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2004 13:08:26 -0500 Subject: west coasting From: Greg Persinger Message-ID: In-Reply-To: One thing I might add is that on tour these were usually black backdrops, and white or black scrims, never anything painted. Greg Persinger Vivid Illumination Greg [at] Vividillumination.com ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20041009111204.01962510 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2004 11:12:04 From: CB Subject: Rechargable Batteries >I am looking for both the pros and cons, battery life and other useful >information. I've forwarded your post to a friend of mine who has done a bit of empirical data gathering. Let us know what he tells you. 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: <3.0.6.32.20041009111604.01962510 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2004 11:16:04 From: CB Subject: State of the art for drop folding? >to our surprise, they were folded in some soft of 'accordian' style Welcome to 'West-Coasting'! 'Proper' is so personal and subjective nowadays. 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: <3.0.6.32.20041009112916.01962510 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2004 11:29:16 From: CB Subject: Re: An academic question >Fram an amateur point of view, many of us do both. Yes, but when I do things for friends for fun, I tend to be the Chief Head Electric Sound Prop Carpenter in charge of Scenery and Concessions. In a professional environment, "My dad has a barn!" is not a great way to start a discussion on making theatre. The question, as evidenced by the subject line, was how this might be dealt with in an academic environment. Hopefully, those pursuits are designed to lead to a professional environment. Using an amateur point of view when answering the question is rather less than useful, at least for the students hoping to get jobs as a result of thier time spent. 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: <3867167.1097347216355.JavaMail.root [at] ernie.psp.pas.earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 11:40:16 -0700 (PDT) From: seanrmc [at] earthlink.net Subject: Re: Snow Machines and Peg Legs Thanks all for the quick responses, but I've not done a good job describing what we need. We have a rapid change of seasons happening behind several windows. Rain, snow, falling leaves. We would like to dry and reuse the leaves, but don't want to deal with a slurry of wet "snow", so we want to use one of those "soap suds" snow machines. We've got the technology to do falling "stuff", I'm looking for snow that doesn't accumulate. Still need a peg-leg ;) --Sean Sean R. McCarthy seanrmc [at] earthlink.net -----Original Message----- From: Greg Persinger Sent: Oct 9, 2004 10:46 AM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: Snow Machines and Peg Legs For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Here it is. www.snowmaker.net Check it out. Greg Persinger Vivid Illumination Greg [at] Vividillumination.com ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20041009114242.01962510 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2004 11:42:42 From: CB Subject: RE: An academic question >Let's not forget Winston- Salem NC, home of RJ Reynolds. Oh, no. I once ran an IMAG camera for a Ligget meeting at one of the resorts out here, and commented to the director that it was realy hard to concentrate with all of the smokers in the room. I smoke, and we hadn't had a break in a whilke, and I was jonsin' a bit. We were in a resort ballroom, and one never smokes in a resort ballroom in AZ. Unless, one is a cigarette manufacturer and one is paying a mint for said resort ballroom. Anyhoo, the directors response was, "Well, light up!" 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: <3.0.6.32.20041009114446.01962510 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2004 11:44:46 From: CB Subject: need production staff still? >I am interested in working on your film on your productiong crew. I am >a costume designer. Are you still looking for people? > >Laurie I am a qualified PSM, with seven features, much television, and a handfull of commercial credits. I am interested in working on your crew as well. What does it pay, what is the project, and where is it? 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... ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <182D591A-1A30-11D9-BAC9-00039313C6D2 [at] ucla.edu.> From: "Samuel L. Jones" Subject: Re: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 13:16:25 -0700 OK guys, this is absurd; name names. This place needs to be ridiculed in public, and the architect ridiculed in public. You just state the facts; I'll do the ridiculing. If what you say is true, the place is a public menace. I can't believe there would be any liability for stating these facts. If you think there might be send me the info; I'll do the yelling. Hey, Let's go to trial. If the faculty and outside input were told to "go away," I don't think "malfeasance" is too harsh a word. Now that I've blown off that head of steam, a few things come to mind. I don't know what the specifications presented to the architect were for this space, who made them, and what the budget was. Wait a minute, I don't care. Include them all for ridicule. What is described below robbed the college of a useable space. Maybe it would have had to become a cafeteria, computer lab or classroom; I don't know. It sounds like one scary place. Sam Samuel L. Jones Technical Director, Dance Program, Dept. of World Arts and Cultures, UCLA. sjones [at] arts.ucla.edu ======================================================================== On Oct 9, 2004, at 9:59 AM, Delbert Hall wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > > --------------------------------------------------- > > Keith knows this Florida theatre pretty well. After spending four days > there I wanted to slap the architect silly. I did not mention that > fact > that all of the lift lines for the #1 lineset have been muled so that > worker can access the trap door to the roof, but doing this means that > the cable enters the #2 loft block at a 30 degree angle. Can you say > bad fleet angle? > > -Delbert > > > Delbert is actually being "kind" about this theatre, a community > college > > facility built in the late 70's. > > The proscenium theatre is on the second floor, with a loading door that > opens > out 15' above grade, directly over the door of a classroom and adjacent > to > large tree. The front of house lighting position is not accesible via a > cat > walk, the entire structure was mounted on a hand powered worm gear > winch. Even in > the lowered position it hit the side balconies meaning that a ladder > periously > placed in the seating area was still neccesary to mount or remove > instruments. Eventually the winch failed and the FOH was permanently > tied off in the > "up" position and now the only access to the FOH is via an extension > ladder > leaning on it. > > There are no dressing rooms in this theatre, or running water > backstage. > To > access dressing rooms one must go down stairs, cross the public lobby > and > enter the scene shop (originally it was a scene shop now it is perhaps > the worlds > smallest university dance studio) and then into the dressing rooms > which > were > adjacent to the black box theatre on the other side of the building. > > The two side balconies, (well they aren't really balconies , but I > don't > know > how else to describe them ) have the unusual distinction of having the > first > two rows of seats actually HIGHER than the third. Sight lines from > these two > areas are so bad that they are seldom used. From most of these seats a > pianist > playing downstage center would be unseen by people in the first 5 -6 > rows. > > Actually this list of faux pas' could go on and on and on. This venue > is a > great example of a waste of taxpayer dollars and a situation where > faculty and > outside input was literally told to "go away" during the design and > construction process. > > I accidently blasted the architect for this venue in a public setting > when > the building first opened. I believe I used the word "malfeasance" I > didn't know > his wife was present. She gave me a tongue lashing as I obvioiusly > didn't > know what I was talking about. > > The scary part is this architect is now in an offical architectual > position > for the State Board of Education. > > Hopefully Delbert and Tracy's work on this theatre will at least make > it > > safer if not more functional. > > very best, > > Keith Arsenault > International Arts & Entertainment Group > Tampa, FL > ------------------------------ Message-ID: <00a501c4ae42$e9ffda70$0600000a [at] BRUTUS> From: "Jon Ares" References: Subject: Re: An academic question Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 13:59:48 -0700 > Oh, no. I once ran an IMAG camera for a Ligget meeting at one of the > resorts out here, and commented to the director that it was realy hard to > concentrate with all of the smokers in the room. I once did a 3-day gig with a sales meeting of US Tobacco... some smokers, to be sure (ashtrays placed on all the attendees' tables) but that wasn't the worst part. The truly disgusting part were all the spit-cups placed on the tables. US Tobacco makes not only cigs, but also chewing tobacco, such at Copenhagen, Skoal, etc. (I think they've changed their name since then, but I don't recall the name.) Ugh... truly disgusting. I would have hated to be one of the housekeepers for those ballrooms - emptying spit cups. At the time, they also used to own Cabin Fever Entertainment (producers of Lonesome Dove and other films and MFTV movies) and Columbia Crest Wineries. Things probably have changed now, as they always do. -- Jon Ares Program Director, West Linn HS Theatre Arts www.hevanet.com/acreative http://www.wlhs.wlwv.k12.or.us/aresj/theatre/index.htm ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <9b.4ff1fce0.2e99bbd0 [at] aol.com> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 18:10:24 EDT Subject: Re: Dry Ice Storage In a message dated 09/10/04 19:08:16 GMT Daylight Time, psyd [at] cox.net writes: > When confronted with a similar situation, our supplier was willing to send > us with one of his storage boxes for the run of the show. Additional > charges: a seat for each of his family members. Cheap at twice the price. > Check with your supplier, and start the conversation with asking him to > show up for a few minutes on Sat. and Sun. mornings... > Or, borrow a large freezer. Freezers are contra-indicated, given that dry ice is at -40 degrees. When we had this problem, we built a stout wooden box which, when lined with 2" polystyrene foam, was the size of a block of dry ice. At half a block a performance, this held up for two days. When not in use for dry ice storage, it doubled as a live door slam effect, with the addition of a rim latch. Frank Wood ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <127.4c815a2a.2e99be79 [at] aol.com> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 18:21:45 EDT Subject: Re: An academic question In a message dated 09/10/04 19:31:21 GMT Daylight Time, psyd [at] cox.net writes: > The question, as evidenced by the subject line, was how this might be dealt > with in an academic environment. Hopefully, those pursuits are designed to > lead to a professional environment. Using an amateur point of view when > answering the question is rather less than useful, at least for the > students hoping to get jobs as a result of thier time spent. You learn your trade by doing it. Whether in an amateur or professional environment, good work is good work, and you will know what you have done, good or bad. Myself, I think you learn more from bad work. Getting it right tends to make you complacent. Getting it wrong, and knowing it, makes you question your approach to the job. Frank Wood ------------------------------ From: IAEG [at] aol.com Message-ID: <53.181e2a5c.2e99dc50 [at] aol.com> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 20:29:04 EDT Subject: Re: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux In a message dated 10/9/04 4:17:14 PM, sjones [at] ucla.edu writes: << What is described below robbed the college of a useable space. >> actually, , they are already, only 30 years after the original construction, considering tearing it down. I am on the road , and will be for another 2 weeks, , when I return if you remind me I will dig up some of the "hard facts" on those responsible. very best, Keith Arsenault International Arts & Entertainment Group Tampa, FL ------------------------------ From: IAEG [at] aol.com Message-ID: <45.18109b21.2e99dd43 [at] aol.com> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 20:33:07 EDT Subject: Re: need production staff still? ? ? ? ? ? ? who / what / how did this thread start ? ? ? ? In a message dated 10/9/04 2:46:45 PM, psyd [at] cox.net writes: << >I am interested in working on your film on your productiong crew. I am >a costume designer. Are you still looking for people? > >Laurie I am a qualified PSM, with seven features, much television, and a handfull of commercial credits. I am interested in working on your crew as well. What does it pay, what is the project, and where is it? Chris "Chris" Babbie Location Sound MON AZ >> very best, Keith Arsenault International Arts & Entertainment Group Tampa, FL ------------------------------ From: "Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson" Subject: RE: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 18:06:12 -0700 Message-ID: <000001c4ae65$58adc690$726dfea9 [at] DrDoomsComputer> In-Reply-To: PLEASE LET ME KNOW. DR. DOOM ==================================================== A Masters Workshop for Entertainment Technicians, Riggers, Public Assembly Technicians, and Educational Performing Arts Personnel - Sponsored by Risk International & Associates, Inc. April 4, 5, 6, 2005 at ELCO Performing Arts Center, Elkhart, Indiana Brochure & Registration Form available at: www.riskit.com/workshops ==================================================== Risk International & Associates, Inc. - Dedicated to making the world a healthier & safer place. Website: www.riskit.com E-mail: rdavidson [at] riskit.com ==================================================== International Secondary Education Theater Safety Association (ISETSA) - Dedicated to the protection of every student in the performing arts. Website: www.isetsa.org E-mail: info [at] isetsa.org ==================================================== 960 E. Bonita #158, Pomona, CA 91767 Phone/Fax: (909) 625-5961 ==================================================== -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of IAEG [at] aol.com Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 5:29 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- In a message dated 10/9/04 4:17:14 PM, sjones [at] ucla.edu writes: << What is described below robbed the college of a useable space. >> actually, , they are already, only 30 years after the original construction, considering tearing it down. I am on the road , and will be for another 2 weeks, , when I return if you remind me I will dig up some of the "hard facts" on those responsible. very best, Keith Arsenault International Arts & Entertainment Group Tampa, FL ------------------------------ From: "Jason" References: Subject: Re: What rental item disappointed you most? Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 18:31:15 -0700 Message-ID: That pretty much the norm but now they have a lamp charge too... ----- Original Message ----- From: > My recollection is that they charge about 10% if the capital cost of the > equipment, per week. Out of this they have to pay for storage space, bulbs, and > maintenance and office staff, plus repaying the loan they took out to buy in > their stock. > > On this basis, if you're going to want something ten times a year, it's as > cheap to buy it in. How easy this is to do depends on your financial > arrangements. Hire costs come off the show budget, capital expenditure off the > departmental budget. Often, these two don't mix easily. > > > Frank Wood > ------------------------------ From: Bsapsis [at] aol.com Message-ID: Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 23:07:45 EDT Subject: Re: Rigging problems that I have seen recently re dux In a message dated 10/9/04 4:17:14 PM, sjones [at] ucla.edu writes: << OK guys, this is absurd; name names. This place needs to be ridiculed in public, and the architect ridiculed in public. You just state the facts; I'll do the ridiculing. If what you say is true, the place is a public menace. I can't believe there would be any liability for stating these facts. If you think there might be send me the info; I'll do the yelling. Hey, Let's go to trial. If the faculty and outside input were told to "go away," I don't think "malfeasance" is too harsh a word. Now that I've blown off that head of steam, a few things come to mind. I don't know what the specifications presented to the architect were for this space, who made them, and what the budget was. Wait a minute, I don't care. Include them all for ridicule. What is described below robbed the college of a useable space. Maybe it would have had to become a cafeteria, computer lab or classroom; I don't know. It sounds like one scary place. >> Whoa. Hang on there a minute. Before you go naming names in a public forum like this, get yourself a lawyer, 'cause you will need one. When word gets back to theater x, y or z and/or the architect (and you can rest assured that it will) they will most definitely get there lawyers to sue you. Doesn't matter if they are wrong or right. What will happen is that they will sue you for slander or libel or whatever the proper term is and you will spend a buttload of bucks defending yourself. And nothing will get done in the theater. It's also important to remember that most theaters in this country are not in great shape. My company has done over 1,000 inspections in the last 20 odd years (some of them odder than others) and I can tell you that there are plenty of places in much worse shape. Rigs with no wire rope clips at all. Rigs with no rope locks (go ahead. Wrap your head around that one). Rigs with loft block attached to plaster ceilings with toggle bolts. All manner or silly crap. Paying attention to your surroundings is extremely important. And be proactive. As Delbert said, make sure the venue knows, and understands, exactly what the problems are. And make sure the right people know. BS'ing with the crew over a beer probably won't get the job done. A meeting with the general manager should. But if they won't listen to you, go home and write a letter. They cannot legally ignore the written word. 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. ------------------------------ From: "Sam Fisher" Subject: RE: Snow Machines and Peg Legs Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 23:11:44 -0400 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Sean, If I am correct you are in the D.C. area? We have a LeMaitre silent storm in our rental stock. It is the quietest I've ever heard, especially at a slow fan speed (can't even here it if it is behind a wall) Depending on your show dates I'm sure we can help you out. I do know they are all out for a few Nutcrackers. If you are looking to purchase, they list for $710 but we are running an excellent special until October 18th. Sam Fisher VP - Fisher Theatrical, LLC. 410-455-9641 office 410-455-9643 fax 410-961-0921 cell -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of seanrmc [at] earthlink.net Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 2:40 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: Snow Machines and Peg Legs For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Thanks all for the quick responses, but I've not done a good job describing what we need. We have a rapid change of seasons happening behind several windows. Rain, snow, falling leaves. We would like to dry and reuse the leaves, but don't want to deal with a slurry of wet "snow", so we want to use one of those "soap suds" snow machines. We've got the technology to do falling "stuff", I'm looking for snow that doesn't accumulate. Still need a peg-leg ;) --Sean Sean R. McCarthy seanrmc [at] earthlink.net -----Original Message----- From: Greg Persinger Sent: Oct 9, 2004 10:46 AM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: Snow Machines and Peg Legs For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Here it is. www.snowmaker.net Check it out. Greg Persinger Vivid Illumination Greg [at] Vividillumination.com ------------------------------ End of Stagecraft Digest #158 *****************************