Return-Path: X-Scanned-By: RAE MPP/Clamd http://raeinternet.com/mpp X-Scanned-By: This message was scanned by MPP Lite Edition (www.messagepartners.com)! X-Real-To: stagecraftlist [at] theatrical.net Received: by prxy.net (CommuniGate Pro PIPE 4.2.10) with PIPE id 23529346; Wed, 06 Jul 2005 03:01:16 -0700 X-ListServer: CommuniGate Pro LIST 4.2.10 List-Unsubscribe: List-ID: Message-ID: From: "Stagecraft" Sender: "Stagecraft" To: "Stagecraft" Precedence: list Subject: Stagecraft Digest #449 Date: Wed, 06 Jul 2005 03:00:47 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Disposition: inline X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.0.4 (2005-06-05) on prxy.net X-Spam-Level: X-Spam-Status: No, score=-5.6 required=5.0 tests=ALL_TRUSTED,AWL,BAYES_00 autolearn=ham version=3.0.4 X-TFF-CGPSA-Version: 1.4f2 X-prxy-Spam-Filter: Scanned For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Stagecraft Digest, Issue #449 1. Re: OT-Fireworks by Bruce Purdy 2. Re: Dichoric Sheets by Stephen Litterst 3. Re: Dichoric Sheets by "Chris Warner" 4. Re: Dichoric Sheets by "Matthew Breton" 5. Re: Dich(roi)c Sheets by Greg Bierly 6. Re: Dich(roi)c Sheets by Greg Bierly 7. Re: Where does the responsibility lie? by "Bill Nelson" 8. Re: Dich(roi)c Sheets by "ladesigners [at] juno.com" 9. Re: Dich(roi)c Sheets by "Abby Downing" 10. Re: OT-Fireworks by "Bill Nelson" 11. Re: OT-Fireworks by "Bill Nelson" 12. Re: OT-Fireworks by "Bill Nelson" 13. Re: OT-Fireworks by Dale Farmer 14. Re: OT-Fireworks by Delbert Hall 15. Stage tape by megironda [at] att.net (Gerry G.) 16. Re: Stage tape by "Abby Downing" 17. Re: Where does the responsibility lie? by "C. Dopher" 18. Re: PDA by "C. Dopher" 19. Re: on the subject of Pyro by Nathan Kahn 20. Re: Dichoric Sheets by "C. Dopher" 21. Re: OT-Fireworks by Jerry Durand 22. Re: Where does the responsibility lie? by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 23. Re: OT-Fireworks by Jerry Durand 24. Re: OT-Fireworks by "Rob Carovillano" 25. Re: Where does the responsibility lie? by "Michael Diederich" 26. Re: Crew requirements for majors? by Wood Chip-P26398 27. Re: OT-Fireworks by Jerry Durand 28. Re: OT-Fireworks by David Marks 29. Re: Where does the responsibility lie? by "Secore, Scott" 30. Re: OT-Fireworks by "Rob Carovillano" 31. Re: OT-Fireworks by Jerry Durand 32. Re: OT-Fireworks by Jerry Durand 33. Re: OT-Fireworks by "Bill Nelson" 34. Begining Production Management by Sean Evans 35. Re: OT-Fireworks by "Bill Nelson" 36. Re: Begining Production Management by Steve Larson 37. Re: Dichoric Sheets by Kevin Lowry 38. Re: Dichoric Sheets by "Chris Warner" 39. Re: Dichoric Sheets by Greg Bierly 40. Re: OT-Fireworks by MissWisc [at] aol.com 41. Looking for a Star Drop by Chris Fretts 42. Re: Crew requirements for majors? by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 43. Re: Begining Production Management by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 44. Re: OT-Fireworks by Seth Richardson 45. Re: OT-Fireworks by Jerry Durand 46. Re: OT-Fireworks by "Josh Ratty" 47. Re: Begining Production Management by Sean Evans 48. Re: OT-Fireworks by Greg Bierly 49. Re: Begining Production Management by Seth Richardson 50. Re: Begining Production Management by "Bill Nelson" *** 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 06:13:16 -0400 Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks From: Bruce Purdy Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Thanks for satisfying my idle curiosity. > Just back from hand-firing 70 4" shells as part of the Hollister, > California show. I also helped choreograph it as second-in-command > at the show. We let a relative newbie (he's done some hand work > before) fire off 130 3" shells. He did just fine. I was surprised in that it looked like the one I went to was being hand fired with a flare the way I did back in the day. I thought these days it was all electronic / computerised! Bruce -- Bruce Purdy Technical Director Smith Opera House ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 08:50:27 -0400 From: Stephen Litterst Subject: Re: Dichoric Sheets Message-id: <42CA8213.9AFE795D [at] ithaca.edu> Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts References: Chris Warner wrote: > --------------------------------------------------- > > Hey guys, anybody know of a source of Dichoric Color filters in sheet form? > IE common GEL filters? Common gel filters are not dichroic. Dichroic glass works by reflecting unwanted frequencies, where plastic gels work by absorbing unwanted frequencies. That said, I get all my gel from Production Advantage. 800/424-9991. online at www.productionadvantageonline.com Steve litterst -- Stephen C. Litterst Technical Supervisor Ithaca College Dept. of Theatre Arts 607/274-3947 slitterst [at] ithaca.edu ------------------------------ Message-ID: <019401c58163$e0e5f740$6401a8c0 [at] chris> From: "Chris Warner" References:

Subject: Re: Dichoric Sheets Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 06:17:22 -0700 Not Quite what I was hoping for. What I am looking for is a Dichoric version of plastic gel. Not Glass but polycarbonate plastic. May not even be possible. Chris ----- Original Message ----- From: "Stephen Litterst" To: "Stagecraft" Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2005 5:50 AM Subject: Re: Dichoric Sheets > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Chris Warner wrote: > > --------------------------------------------------- > > > > Hey guys, anybody know of a source of Dichoric Color filters in sheet form? > > IE common GEL filters? > > Common gel filters are not dichroic. Dichroic glass works by > reflecting unwanted frequencies, where plastic gels work by absorbing > unwanted frequencies. > > That said, I get all my gel from Production Advantage. 800/424-9991. > online at www.productionadvantageonline.com > > Steve litterst > > > -- > Stephen C. Litterst > Technical Supervisor > Ithaca College > Dept. of Theatre Arts > 607/274-3947 > slitterst [at] ithaca.edu > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.8.9/38 - Release Date: 7/4/2005 > > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.8.9/38 - Release Date: 7/4/2005 ------------------------------ Message-ID: In-Reply-To: From: "Matthew Breton" Subject: RE: Dichoric Sheets Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 09:30:09 -0400 > Hey guys, anybody know of a source of Dichoric Color filters in sheet >form? >IE common GEL filters? You can purchase gel through most theatrical vendors and rental companies. (Don't try renting gel. It just doesn't work.) You sound like you're asking after dichroic glass filters, however. A Google search for "dichroic glass filters" turned up about 38,900 results. Try it. Choose one. :) Most of these vendors list maximum sizes of 14 - 16"; you're better off ordering cuts the size that you need, unless you really want to make lots of specialty cuts. "Dichoric filters" appear in ancient Greek tragedies, with both male and female chorus members. ;) HTH, -- Matt ======== _________________________________________________________________ On the road to retirement? Check out MSN Life Events for advice on how to get there! http://lifeevents.msn.com/category.aspx?cid=Retirement ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References:

Message-Id: <4fdb77dd1212e845f7194bbda10bac87 [at] dejazzd.com> From: Greg Bierly Subject: Re: Dich(roi)c Sheets Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 09:29:09 -0400 > Not Quite what I was hoping for. What I am looking for is a Dichoric > version of plastic gel. Not Glass but polycarbonate plastic. May not > even > be possible. > Chris With the proper spelling in google (dichroic substrate) I found the following on High End's website "What are Dichroic Filters? Dichroic filters are multi-layer thin-film coatings deposited on a glass substrate using high vacuum deposition techniques. Each film layer is approximately one one-thousandth of a millimeter thick. The film coating typically consists of between 20 and 50 separate layers. The substrate is a special type of glass that has low thermal expansion properties." I would imagine from the above description, any flex or expansion of the substrate would damage the coating thus damaging the filter. Just my guess. Greg Bierly Technical Director Hempfield HS ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References:

Message-Id: From: Greg Bierly Subject: Re: Dich(roi)c Sheets Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 09:35:00 -0400 > I would imagine from the above description, any flex or expansion of > the substrate would damage the coating thus damaging the filter. Just > my guess. Oops! Just read further on the High End Web site. "Substrate The medium that a thin film is coated on. Typically this would be glass but metal, plastics, and other materials are also often used." BTW the site is http://www.highend.com/support/training/dichroic.asp Shot my theory to heck. Maybe someone out there is in the know why non-glass dichroics aren't readily available. Greg Bierly Technical Director Hempfield HS ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4177.64.28.53.230.1120573584.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 07:26:24 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Where does the responsibility lie? From: "Bill Nelson" >> Was this an opera that had the problem? I have always like musical >> comedy. > > No, an opera. I remember 'Thais', but may be wrong. Sorry, I guess I was being to subtle. An opera with a line of singers holding hands at they enter and cross - and major actors sliding from USC to DSC would be "musical comedy", at least to me. Bill ------------------------------ From: "ladesigners [at] juno.com" Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 14:31:08 GMT Subject: Re: Dich(roi)c Sheets Message-Id: <20050705.073119.4600.335339 [at] webmail28.lax.untd.com> Dichroic filters, or, in the case of MR-16 and similar bulbs, their reflectors, traditionally are created using a vapor deposition process. The particulate matter in the vapor must be of a precise size to pass part of, while reflecting another part of, the spectrum. /s/ Richard ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Dich(roi)c Sheets Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 10:36:29 -0400 Message-ID: <7AE59BA9B8D15D4787EB1C7A2DB6DFBA2A06B7 [at] jekyll-sbs.ollsi.local> From: "Abby Downing" As far as glass dichroic filters- Apollo is wonderful and will probably do any size/color you need. www.internetapollo.com=20 But you will probably have to call and speak with them if it is a custom job. Abby ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4189.64.28.53.230.1120574660.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 07:44:20 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks From: "Bill Nelson" > At this weekend's local fireworks display (and others that I recall), > for about an hour or more before the show starts they fired off a > percussion shell (No visual firework, but a LOUD bang!) every few minutes. The show I did last night went quite well. The devices are called "aerial salutes". If there was a spray of sparks, then they were "titanium salutes", which simply means that there is a bunch of coarse titanium in the mixture that is ignited to produce the sparks. The "official" reason for this is to check wind direction and speed, to verify that debris will land in the fallout area. We do use them for that, but they are also "crowd teasers", go get them reved up for the show. They do also attract attention that the show is going to occur, where it is and whether the viewing location you have chosen will allow you a clear view of the aerial display. These are small salutes. The inside diameter of the mortar is usually 3" and the outside diameter of the salute shell is about 2 3/4". They don't really test car alarms all that well. To do that, you need to be at a show (like Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc) where the members bring competition shells. Many of these have what is called a "bottom shot", so a 6" shell would have 5+" diameter salute as the final effect. These will often set off car alarms, sometimes if the car is parked over a mile away from the shoot site. I have seen 16" shells with bottom shots - very impressive. Bill ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4221.64.28.53.230.1120575636.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References:

Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 08:00:36 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks From: "Bill Nelson" >> b] To test wind speed / direction so they can adjust the mortars? > > Sometimes, maybe, but by that time it's pretty much too late to do > anything about it. Not for our shows. We do not use racks or sand filled barrels. All the tubes are buried in the ground in one very long line, except for the finale cluster. This year, the trench was over 250 feet long. The mortars are held in place by loose dirt covering about 3/4" of the tube length. If there is a wind shift shortly before the show, we can just kick the sides of the mortars to change the angle. Bill ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4230.64.28.53.230.1120576196.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References:

Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 08:09:56 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks From: "Bill Nelson" > I was surprised in that it looked like the one I went to was being > hand fired with a flare the way I did back in the day. I thought these days > it was all electronic / computerised! No, smaller shows are usually still hand fired. Prep and setup are a lot faster and it is less expensive. If the show is synchronized to music, it will be electrically fired, but most others are done with flares - which replaced the traditional "port fire". Bill ------------------------------ Message-ID: <42CAA78B.343BC823 [at] cybercom.net> Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 11:30:19 -0400 From: Dale Farmer Organization: The fuzz in the back of the fridge. Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks References:

Bill Nelson wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > >> b] To test wind speed / direction so they can adjust the mortars? > > > > Sometimes, maybe, but by that time it's pretty much too late to do > > anything about it. > > Not for our shows. We do not use racks or sand filled barrels. All the > tubes are buried in the ground in one very long line, except for the > finale cluster. This year, the trench was over 250 feet long. The mortars > are held in place by loose dirt covering about 3/4" of the tube length. If > there is a wind shift shortly before the show, we can just kick the sides > of the mortars to change the angle. > > Bill I was watching the Boston fireworks on TV, and they had shells that blew up to make smiley faces, which was a new one on me. --Dale ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 11:34:47 -0400 From: Delbert Hall Reply-To: Delbert Hall Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks In-Reply-To: References:

On 7/5/05, Dale Farmer wrote: > I was watching the Boston fireworks on TV, and they had shells that > blew up to make smiley faces, which was a new one on me. >=20 > --Dale We had the "smiley face" and "heart" as part of our fireworks show last night here in Johnson City, TN. Sometimes they were right-side-up, sometimes not. I liked them - they were different, and fun. -Delbert --=20 Delbert Hall Phone: 423-773-4255 ------------------------------ From: megironda [at] att.net (Gerry G.) Subject: Stage tape Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 15:35:01 +0000 Message-Id: <070520051535.27100.42CAA8A40001BACE000069DC21602807480E0B02019D07090A03 [at] att.net> We used to buy 4" stage tape from Intertape, they stopped making it. Anyone have a source for 4" black stage tape? Google came up blank.... Gerry G. ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Stage tape Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 12:13:02 -0400 Message-ID: <7AE59BA9B8D15D4787EB1C7A2DB6DFBA2A06B9 [at] jekyll-sbs.ollsi.local> From: "Abby Downing" Pro Tapes and Specialties sells Permacel Gaffers Tape in 4" rolls. They come 12 rolls to a case. If you need any further information- you are welcome to contact me off list. Abby "We used to buy 4" stage tape from Intertape, they stopped making it. Anyone have a source for 4" black stage tape? Google came up blank...." Gerry G. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 12:21:15 -0400 Subject: Re: Where does the responsibility lie? From: "C. Dopher" Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Delbert writes: > I can understand why many of you want to place the responsibility on > the production manager, but I feel that if the Equity stagemanager did > nothing to catch and prevent the problem, this is where the > responsibility lies. Well, she did, didn't she? AFTER it was built? ;) And is it really her job, or the job of the designated Equity Deputy? While I remain convinced in my own opinion that primary fault is with the PM, it has been enlightening reading the opinions of others, especially June's. Lots of food for thought. It would seem that a logical case can be made to put primary blame for the snafu on nearly anybody involved...so at this point, I ask: who was the FIRST person who should've caught the problem and who was the LAST person? Cris Dopher ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 12:28:40 -0400 Subject: Re: PDA From: "C. Dopher" Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Kenneth wrote: > I am absolutely thrilled with my Palm TRIO 650. Phone, PDA, camera and you > can even get a program and cable to connect the TRIO to the OBD II > Diogonistics port on your car. Lets you read the codes and turn off those > anoying check engine lights. Here's the number for AAA: 800-222-4357 You're going to need that when your car breaks down. Cris Dopher ------------------------------ Message-ID: <77fad3270507050932579c86ce [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 12:32:40 -0400 From: Nathan Kahn Reply-To: Nathan Kahn Subject: Re: on the subject of Pyro In-Reply-To: References:

> Has theatrefx gotten their license to sell Pyro yet? When they moved from= MD > to KY they forgot to check the state laws about selling Pyro and for a lo= ng > time had to close down that side of their business. That license pertains only to the products they used to purchase from LeMaitre for the purpose of resale. They could always sell their own manufactured pyro products. I think they're unlikely to start selling LM stuff again, because after they stopped selling it due to the license snafu they started selling a lot more of their own stuff. I could be wrong. But in any case right now they're only selling Theatre Effects pyro, not LeMaitre pyro. Nathan --=20 Look Solutions USA, Ltd. 114 W. Third St. Waynesboro, PA 17268 Toll-Free: 1-800-426-4189 Phone: 1-717-762-7490 Fax: 1-717-762-7366 Email: usa [at] looksolutions.com Web: www.looksolutions.com and www.fogspecs.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 12:34:25 -0400 Subject: Re: Dichoric Sheets From: "C. Dopher" Message-ID: In-Reply-To: <012e01c5811d$cc13c6d0$6401a8c0 [at] chris> On 7/5/05 12:55 AM, "Chris Warner" wrote: > Hey guys, anybody know of a source of Dichoric Color filters in sheet form? > IE common GEL filters? Could you clarify? Dichroic is glass; gel is plastic; and never the twain shall meet, except in a rare few instances where the spectrum of a glass "equivalent" actually does match its gel counterpart. You want SHEETS of dichroic glass? What for? You can get it big enough to replace cuts of gel (long-term, architectural use mostly), but you're really talking a lot of money. Cris Dopher ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.2.1.2.0.20050705095351.03e47398 [at] 192.168.0.13> Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 09:57:20 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks In-Reply-To: References:

At 08:30 AM 7/5/2005, you wrote: > I was watching the Boston fireworks on TV, and they had shells that >blew up to make smiley faces, which was a new one on me. "Pattern Shell". Invented by the same lady who came up with bio-degradable plastic housings (hemispheres) for the shells. Unfortunately, the hemispheres didn't sell all that well since they cost more. She makes a lot of really nice shells, it was sad to see one of her 16" multi-shot ones flower-pot (go off inside the gun). You do NOT hand-fire 16" shells! ---------- Jerry Durand Durand Interstellar, Inc. 219 Oak Wood Way Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 web: www.interstellar.com ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <68.5905f39a.2ffc172d [at] aol.com> Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 13:02:37 EDT Subject: Re: Where does the responsibility lie? In a message dated 05/07/05 17:21:29 GMT Daylight Time, brooklyn [at] dopher.com writes: > It would seem that a logical case can be made to put primary blame for the > snafu on nearly anybody involved...so at this point, I ask: who was the > FIRST person who should've caught the problem and who was the LAST person? I should say that the first person was the designer, who ought to have known better. The last was probably the Equity deputy. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.2.1.2.0.20050705095737.03e38f28 [at] 192.168.0.13> Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 10:02:56 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks In-Reply-To: References:

At 08:34 AM 7/5/2005, you wrote: >For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see >We had the "smiley face" and "heart" as part of our fireworks show >last night here in Johnson City, TN. Sometimes they were >right-side-up, sometimes not. I liked them - they were different, and >fun. It's not easy to get them "right side up". You have a ball with at least one protrusion (time fuse) flying through the air, they tend to spin, tumble, curve, etc. You CAN get them to point sort of "up" by dragging a rope from the shell but you still can't control rotation (which way points north). Usually you just fire several of the same type and hope at least one reads "right". Someone mentioned the PGI convention, there's also Western Winter Blast and DoIt (and several others) where you can see things that aren't legal outside the convention site. Things like REALLY big shells (24"), gasoline filled shells (Lampiere (sp?)), walls of colored fire, anvils fired a hundred feet in the air, etc. We have fun in a safe, controlled environment. ---------- Jerry Durand Durand Interstellar, Inc. 219 Oak Wood Way Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 web: www.interstellar.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 13:22:02 -0400 From: "Rob Carovillano" Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks Message-id: <001901c58186$0f3b9150$6401a8c0 [at] desktop> References:

"Pattern Shell". Invented by the same lady who came up with bio-degradable plastic housings (hemispheres) for the shells. Unfortunately, the hemispheres didn't sell all that well since they cost more." Aren't shells made of cardboard? Wouldn't it therefore be bio-degradable? Rob Carovillano Technical Director - Bluett Theatre Saint Joseph's University (610) 660-1044 ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Where does the responsibility lie? Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 13:39:55 -0400 Message-ID: From: "Michael Diederich" >>>>>It seems, from the postings on this and other threads, that the Production=20 Manager has to be an exceptionally well-informed polymath. He or she has to know=20 all the relevant OSHA rules, the Equity rules, the electrical, fire, and pyro=20 codes, which seem to vary from state to state. Add in an understanding of=20 structural engineering, flying techniques and other rigging, and Stage=20 Management, and you have a miracle on two legs. It can't be done. What is needed is to know the rules which must be obeyed, and an awareness of=20 the rest.<<<<<< Your right, no one can know everything about every production element. Someone does have to be responsible for things like this. The PM seems like a good person to place the blame on. Usually I would say the TD should be the one to check over designs and make sure safety measures are met; it would be that knowledge that the PM bases his/her decisions on. Once the mistake is found the PM gets his reprimand, then the proverbial poo rolls down the hill. We can't possibly know everything, and that is why we surround ourselves with others that have the knowledge we don't possess, so they can fill in the blanks. Unfortunately, this PM is at the bottom of this hill.=20 I would love to throw blame at the designer here for not thinking about contract restraints in the first place, but in the end the design was approved.... Mike Diederich Theater Technical Asst.=20 Mohawk Valley Community College Utica, NY ------------------------------ Message-ID: <014D202957F6D8118924000F20D7342B07E0AE2B [at] az33exm01.corp.mot.com> From: Wood Chip-P26398 Subject: RE: Crew requirements for majors? Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 11:14:24 -0700 That sounds like the making of a course called "Practical Things you need to know in the Real World". Theatre majors aren't the only ones who come out of college not knowing these things. It is almost universal. Speaking as a father of 3 college grads who still call Dad when the toilet backs up. Chip Wood -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of ladesigners [at] juno.com I am so tired of attempting to interview a college graduate for employment, and having them have NO CLUE as to labor costs, which often exceed the material costs in real life. Nobody, it appears, has been taught how to estimate FICA, FUTA, SS, overtime, and Union H,W,& P contributions. Storage and maintenance costs appear to allude them, as do such mundane items as the cost of electricity, light bulbs, toilet paper, and replacing worn-out or dangerous tools. We won't even discuss fall arrest, posting of MSDS material, or negotiating successfully with the local AHJ, much less the revenue loss attributable to removing seats. /s/ Richard ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.2.1.2.0.20050705111833.03e5d008 [at] 192.168.0.13> Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 11:23:32 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks In-Reply-To: References:

At 10:22 AM 7/5/2005, you wrote: >Aren't shells made of cardboard? Wouldn't it therefore be bio-degradable? A lot are plastic now, MUCH easier to assemble if you don't have a full Asian factory set up to turn out zillions of paper hemispheres. At WWB this last February I assisted someone in building some shells. In one day we went from wet stars (the points of light you see) to four 4" shells that were fired and worked that night. I even had to make up my own nitrocellulose lacquer since what he had was contaminated and wouldn't burn. During that same time I also built some experimental rockets of my own and fired them that night. ---------- Jerry Durand Durand Interstellar, Inc. 219 Oak Wood Way Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 web: www.interstellar.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <42CAD2A2.2010105 [at] comcast.net> Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 14:34:10 -0400 From: David Marks Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks References:

In-Reply-To: Jerry Durand wrote: > > At WWB this last February I assisted someone in building some shells. I have this image of tables laid out in a Hilton ballroom with all the doors piled high with sandbags........ Dave Marks ------------------------------ Subject: Re: Where does the responsibility lie? Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 14:35:07 -0400 Message-ID: <346414591B50EE4299DB6686321B8CC701D292CC [at] FACSTAFF.facultystaff.eku.edu> From: "Secore, Scott" So I've been sitting back reading all the responses to this post over the past week (or however long it has been) and I've enjoyed seeing all the interesting input being thrown about. A good read really. But I figured it was time for my .02. So... Here's how I see it: The designer, you'd hope, would take into consideration things of that nature. While the designer may not know the exact AEA rulings in regard to rakes, he/she should still be concerned with safety, etc. Again, hopefully the designer would be familiar with the rules, but as it happens, not everyone does. Doing a little homework/research comes to mind too. In that case, the TD should have caught it. If the TD doesn't know the rulings, he/she should have at least brought any concern to the designer before/during the build. Perhaps, if communicado with the designer was lacking (we've all been there!), mentioning it to the PM might be a good thing. Hmmm.. Research happens to come to mind too. Now, I imagine, hopefully, the artistic/production team had one or more production meetings before the show went into the shop for build. At which time, anything and everything pertaining to the set should have/would have been discussed. Meaning, at that time, anyone involved on the production, in particular the Stage Manager, should have caught a descrepency, and addressed the rest of the team. The Equity Deputy is irrelevant here (unless it happens to be the SM) because by the time the Equity Deputy hits the stage, they shouldn't have to worry about stuff like that, since the problem would have been taken care of loooonnng before 10 out of 12, or what have you. If the SM didn't catch the confusion, the Company Manager hopefully would be able to provide some insight. Although the CM doesn't generally deal with tech issues, they should, hopefully, know the AEA handbook fairly well. They should be hip to what is going on as well. The Prod. Manager should also be hip to what is going on, for they are usually the one responsible for what the Tech crew accomplishes in the long run, in both the mind, and reality. Like many of you have said, the PM's job is very fluid. In many cases they end up seving as a "poop deflector", if you get my drift. So, inherently, some responsible lies there. (Correct me if I'm wrong, please, but if there are set issues aren't they supposed to be inspected/reviewed by AEA depending on the type of contract, level of concern, etc. That, in my experiences, falls under the PM.) Point is this, no one in specific is to blame. You can't point fingers, and cry over spilled milk. It's done. It's over. Everyone makes mistakes. Hopefully everyone learned a lesson. (Side note--who I feel bad for is the carps, for having to go back and rebuild.)=20 Basically, it boils down to everyone. An entire production team made more work for themselves due to oversight, and not communicating properly. It goes to show the true meaning of a "group effort", good or bad outcome. If everyone had just paid a little more attention to detail, and talked about it, everything would've been cool. Let us all remember how important communication and collaboration is in this business (or life for that matter!!). Common sense too. No one got hurt, that's the important part. Just my 2 cents. And who am I anyway, right? -Scott TTS EKU ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 14:48:24 -0400 From: "Rob Carovillano" Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks Message-id: <000901c58192$1fc96db0$6401a8c0 [at] desktop> References:

Jerry, et al, Fireworks have always fascinated me and I have always thought about getting involved in the business perhaps as a show designer or having a small company. Obviously something like that takes years of experience, but could you offer up any advice to someone looking to gain experience (on a part time basis). Rob Carovillano Technical Director - Bluett Theatre Saint Joseph's University (610) 660-1044 rcarovillano [at] verizon.net ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.2.1.2.0.20050705114336.03e9eba8 [at] 192.168.0.13> Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 11:44:35 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks In-Reply-To: References:

At 11:34 AM 7/5/2005, you wrote: >I have this image of tables laid out in a Hilton ballroom with all the >doors piled high >with sandbags........ WWB pictures here: http://interstellar.com/photos/Western_Winter_Blast_2005/ Pictures from the last two days when the people in charge approve them for public viewing (no trade secrets, etc.). ---------- Jerry Durand Durand Interstellar, Inc. 219 Oak Wood Way Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 web: www.interstellar.com ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.2.1.2.0.20050705114706.03e9ac70 [at] 192.168.0.13> Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 11:51:55 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks In-Reply-To: References:

At 11:48 AM 7/5/2005, you wrote: >Fireworks have always fascinated me and I have always thought about >getting involved in the business perhaps as a show designer or having a >small company. Obviously something like that takes years of experience, >but could you offer up any advice to someone looking to gain experience >(on a part time basis). Join PGI http://www.pgi.org/ . Find out who does shows near you and volunteer. You can post "I'm new and looking for a show to work on in the ____ area" on the PGI list and you WILL get some offers. The pay starts at zero and works it's way up to "not bad for a hobby". There may even be a club in your area, some are quite active. Don't even think of getting involved in making stuff at home and having local parties, VERY frowned on by the government types. ---------- Jerry Durand Durand Interstellar, Inc. 219 Oak Wood Way Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 web: www.interstellar.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4294.64.28.54.66.1120590245.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References:

Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 12:04:05 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks From: "Bill Nelson" > She makes a lot of really nice shells, it was sad to see one of her 16" > multi-shot ones flower-pot (go off inside the gun). You do NOT hand-fire > 16" shells! I hand fired a 12" shell once, but had a nice concrete highway barricade to duck behind as a partial shield from the muzzle blast. Once was enough. I have hand fired quite a few 8" - after one or two dozen in a row, you start getting shell shock. Bill ------------------------------ Message-ID: <35e1805a0507051210288f9773 [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 14:10:11 -0500 From: Sean Evans Reply-To: Sean Evans Subject: Begining Production Management After several years as a "lighting technician" I'm feeling that it is time to move on, and I'm interested in production management, but I'm not sure how to begin the transition. My duties as "lighting technician" have included, among other things, ordering equipment, interviewing technicians, creating and tracking a budget database, acting as contact for all technical aspects of events in our space, lighting design, minor set/props maintnence, running sound, publishing a newsletter, and occasionally running the light board. Any suggestions where to look for something like an "Assistant Production Manager" sort of role? Thank you. Sean T. Evans ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4298.64.28.54.66.1120590749.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References:

Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 12:12:29 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks From: "Bill Nelson" > Someone mentioned the PGI convention, there's also Western Winter Blast Probably me. > and > DoIt (and several others) where you can see things that aren't legal > outside the convention site. Things like REALLY big shells (24"), > gasoline filled shells (Lampiere (sp?)), walls of colored fire, anvils > fired a hundred feet in the air, etc. We have fun in a safe, controlled > environment. Actually, most of those ARE legal outside the convention/club shoots. The problem with 24" shells, besides the huge cost - is the size of the safe zone needed. I don't know if lampares are legal for general public displays and they aren't very interesting for the audience. This last fall, we used a wall of fire at the Hillsboro Air Show. I have not seen anvil firings at public displays, but again, they are not overly interesting to the general public. Bill ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 15:39:22 -0400 Subject: Re: Begining Production Management From: Steve Larson Message-ID: In-Reply-To: The Production Manager thread has been running for several weeks now. Try the archives if you missed it. You will find that knowledge of lighting is only a very small part of the job. If I were hiring a production manager, I would be looking for a "renaissance person" that can talk and communicate well. My guess is that it would require a good twenty years in all areas of the business to come close to qualifying. Steve > From: Sean Evans > Reply-To: "Stagecraft" > Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 14:10:11 -0500 > To: "Stagecraft" > Subject: Begining Production Management > > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > After several years as a "lighting technician" I'm feeling that it is > time to move on, and I'm interested in production management, but I'm > not sure how to begin the transition. > My duties as "lighting technician" have included, among other things, > ordering equipment, interviewing technicians, creating and tracking a > budget database, acting as contact for all technical aspects of events > in our space, lighting design, minor set/props maintnence, running > sound, publishing a newsletter, and occasionally running the light > board. > Any suggestions where to look for something like an "Assistant > Production Manager" sort of role? > Thank you. > > Sean T. Evans > > ------------------------------ Message-ID: <5a73bd8d05070512515a3a6e65 [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 15:51:07 -0400 From: Kevin Lowry Reply-To: Kevin Lowry Subject: Re: Dichoric Sheets In-Reply-To: <5a73bd8d05070509496d2bf03 [at] mail.gmail.com> References: <5a73bd8d05070509496d2bf03 [at] mail.gmail.com> Hey everyone,=20 =20 I know that Rosco makes two products. Super Heat Shield and Thermashield, The Thermashield is the closest to what you are talking about. Both are clear and Rosco recommends a one inch airspace and then your color filter. =20 there is information on their website http://rosco.com/us/filters/protect.= asp =20 Kevin Lowry =20 > =20 >=20 > On 7/5/05, Chris Warner wrote:=20 > > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > > --------------------------------------------------- > >=20 > > Hey guys, anybody know of a source of Dichoric Color filters in sheet f= orm? > > IE common GEL filters? > >=20 > > Thanks in advance. > > Chris Warner > >=20 > >=20 > >=20 > > -- > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > > Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.8.9/38 - Release Date: 7/4/2005 > >=20 > >=20 >=20 > ------------------------------ Message-ID: <01ae01c5819c$cb83a210$6401a8c0 [at] chris> From: "Chris Warner" References: Subject: Re: Dichoric Sheets Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 13:04:47 -0700 What I am looking for is a stupid idea I have to build a dichioric 3 color mixing system for common lighting fixtures. I know that morpheus probably has a stranglehold on this market, but I have not found anything that uses dichioric strings. My theory is to use a sort of 3 string stack, with the coating gradiant from one end of the string to another. Thanks for the info. Chris Warner ----- Original Message ----- From: "C. Dopher" To: "Stagecraft" Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2005 9:34 AM Subject: Re: Dichoric Sheets > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > On 7/5/05 12:55 AM, "Chris Warner" wrote: > > > Hey guys, anybody know of a source of Dichoric Color filters in sheet form? > > IE common GEL filters? > > Could you clarify? Dichroic is glass; gel is plastic; and never the twain > shall meet, except in a rare few instances where the spectrum of a glass > "equivalent" actually does match its gel counterpart. > > You want SHEETS of dichroic glass? What for? You can get it big enough to > replace cuts of gel (long-term, architectural use mostly), but you're really > talking a lot of money. > > Cris Dopher > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.8.9/39 - Release Date: 7/4/2005 > > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.8.9/39 - Release Date: 7/4/2005 ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References:

Message-Id: From: Greg Bierly Subject: Re: Dichoric Sheets Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 16:15:45 -0400 > My theory is to use a sort of 3 string stack, with the > coating gradiant from one end of the string to another. My guess if a gradiated dichroic string was economically viable, Wybron would have been all over it by now. Good luck. I think you are stuck with the gradiated perforated gel as in the ColorFader. Greg Bierly Technical Director Hempfield HS ------------------------------ From: MissWisc [at] aol.com Message-ID: Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 17:15:55 EDT Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks The PGI convention August 5-11, 2006 is here in Appleton, WI. If anyone is coming this way and wants a tour guide/beer drinking companion or assistance in finding housing/food/etc. give me an email! It's a great town for your kids too. Kristi ------------------------------ Message-ID: From: Chris Fretts Subject: Looking for a Star Drop Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 16:58:13 -0500 I am looking for a star drop for the first show of our upcoming season. The trick is that I don't have a fly house so this unit ideally is two panels approx. 20'x20' that track open and closed. So, the curtain and its LED/Fiber Optics/Light sources must be able to track open and closed without becoming a Boy Scout's nightmare. I could work with a single panel approx. 40'w 20'h if that is all that can be found. Hopefully I can find one out there that I could rent from someone but I may consider investing in one to call our very own....or it may just be a cloudy night for that scene instead. I would need the star drop from around Aug. 29-Oct. 15. If anyone has a drop or knows of one please contact me directly or respond back to the list Thanks, Chris Fretts Technical Director Indiana Repertory Theatre ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <206.458ac0c.2ffc5fcf [at] aol.com> Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 18:12:31 EDT Subject: Re: Crew requirements for majors? In a message dated 05/07/05 19:15:02 GMT Daylight Time, Chip.Wood [at] motorola.com writes: > That sounds like the making of a course called "Practical Things you need to > know in the Real World". Theatre majors aren't the only ones who come out of > college not knowing these things. It is almost universal. Speaking as a > father of 3 college grads who still call Dad when the toilet backs up. Too right! But one picks up these things, one way or another, as one gets older. I'm a graduate physicist. I'm also a reasonably competent plumber, electrician, carpenter, and builder. In your younger days, when you are short of money, you learn other skills. Frank Wood ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <8.6bae1339.2ffc6226 [at] aol.com> Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 18:22:30 EDT Subject: Re: Begining Production Management In a message dated 05/07/05 20:10:55 GMT Daylight Time, morydd [at] gmail.com writes: > My duties as "lighting technician" have included, among other things, > ordering equipment, interviewing technicians, creating and tracking a > budget database, acting as contact for all technical aspects of events > in our space, lighting design, minor set/props maintnence, running > sound, publishing a newsletter, and occasionally running the light > board. > Any suggestions where to look for something like an "Assistant > Production Manager" sort of role? > Thank you. Don't do it! As a lighting technician, you have a well defined job. As a PM, you don't. Anything and everything can fall on your head. Read back on the list: if it goes wrong, it's your fault. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 18:30:55 -0400 Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks From: Seth Richardson In-Reply-To: Message-Id: <737FBDC7-EDA4-11D9-B1AE-00050201851C [at] adelphia.net> On Tuesday, July 5, 2005, at 02:44 PM, Jerry Durand wrote: > WWB pictures here: > http://interstellar.com/photos/Western_Winter_Blast_2005/ > Jerry, A Gasoline mine is that safe? How does one make and set off a Gasoline mine safely? Seth Richardson ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.2.1.2.0.20050705153317.0294de90 [at] 192.168.0.13> Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 15:37:14 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks In-Reply-To: References:

At 03:30 PM 7/5/2005, you wrote: >A Gasoline mine is that safe? How does one make and set off a Gasoline >mine safely? Making is easy, gasoline on top of an explosive in an appropriate container (varies with what you're trying to do and where you're doing it). As far as safely setting it off, you insert e-match, run a long wire the correct safe distance away, and apply voltage. There were concerns a number of years ago about one that was set off a long way from the audience, many people still said it was too close. It involved a few tens of pounds of flash powder, 95 gallons of gasoline, and det cord. Do NOT try this at home or within miles of a city! ---------- Jerry Durand Durand Interstellar, Inc. 219 Oak Wood Way Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 web: www.interstellar.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 19:35:43 -0400 From: "Josh Ratty" Subject: RE: OT-Fireworks In-reply-to: Cc: delbert.hall [at] gmail.com ('Delbert Hall') Message-id: <000e01c581ba$43877c60$0201000a [at] Rattys> On 7/5/05, Dale Farmer wrote: > I was watching the Boston fireworks on TV, and they had shells that > blew up to make smiley faces, which was a new one on me. > > --Dale The smiley faces were neat, but what caught my attention were the ones that seemed to make a 3D cube. But a great show overall or maybe that's just my bias, being from Boston. Josh Ratty ------------------------------ Message-ID: <35e1805a05070520041d320790 [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2005 22:04:16 -0500 From: Sean Evans Reply-To: Sean Evans Subject: Re: Begining Production Management In-Reply-To: References: On 7/5/05, FrankWood95 [at] aol.com wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- >=20 > In a message dated 05/07/05 20:10:55 GMT Daylight Time, morydd [at] gmail.com > writes: >=20 > > My duties as "lighting technician" have included, among other things, > > ordering equipment, interviewing technicians, creating and tracking a > > budget database, acting as contact for all technical aspects of events > > in our space, lighting design, minor set/props maintnence, running > > sound, publishing a newsletter, and occasionally running the light > > board. > > Any suggestions where to look for something like an "Assistant > > Production Manager" sort of role? > > Thank you. >=20 > Don't do it! As a lighting technician, you have a well defined job. As a= PM, > you don't. Anything and everything can fall on your head. Read back on th= e > list: if it goes wrong, it's your fault. >=20 As I described in my original post, I do _not_ have a well defined job. I'm already doing work that, in my mind, is more along the lines of a TD or PM than a "lighting technician". Combined with the fact that it's a job in the corporate world, and I've been all but directly told that I will not advance with this company, I've decided to start planning the next stage of my career. Right now I think I want to move towards something more manegerial. Hence my question. ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References:

Message-Id: <706a4164648c515522c743087ded4de3 [at] dejazzd.com> From: Greg Bierly Subject: Re: OT-Fireworks Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2005 00:14:40 -0400 On Jul 5, 2005, at 2:48 PM, Rob Carovillano wrote: > Fireworks have always fascinated me and I have always thought about > getting involved in the business perhaps as a show designer or having > a small company. I know of a fireworks company in southern Lancaster County that is always looking for volunteers. They do the York Expo shoot every year. Some of the guys have worked their way up the ladder from volunteer peon to volunteer crew chief (with a little pay). There are a few smaller fireworks companies in the area I am sure there are a couple in your area. You are a day too late to introduce yourself to a display company on site. I would start with the yellowpages. Greg Bierly Technical Director Hempfield HS ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2005 01:04:28 -0400 Subject: Re: Begining Production Management From: Seth Richardson In-Reply-To: Message-Id: <6E65FCD2-EDDB-11D9-8175-00050201851C [at] adelphia.net> On Tuesday, July 5, 2005, at 11:04 PM, Sean Evans wrote: > As I described in my original post, I do _not_ have a well defined > job. I'm already doing work that, in my mind, is more along the lines > of a TD or PM than a "lighting technician". Combined with the fact > that it's a job in the corporate world, and I've been all but directly > told that I will not advance with this company, I've decided to start > planning the next stage of my career. Right now I think I want to move > towards something more manegerial. Hence my question. > Sean, I think that your definition of a "lighting technician" is one that everyone in that job does except for the publishing of a newsletter. If planning your next stage in your career I would suggest going back to school or finding a internship in production management. Also If you want to move in to a more of managerial role you many want to learn how to run a Spell Checker. Seth Richardson ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4434.64.28.51.213.1120633272.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2005 00:01:12 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Begining Production Management From: "Bill Nelson" > Don't do it! As a lighting technician, you have a well defined job. As a > PM, > you don't. Anything and everything can fall on your head. Read back on the > list: if it goes wrong, it's your fault. I agree. If you have set construction skills, and insist on a career change, consider finding a position as an assistant technical director. Some of the additional skills that you will most likely need are in electrical work, equipment troubleshooting and repair (electrical, mechanical, electronic), plumbing, general facility maintenance, welding and rigging. This is not an inclusive list. Bill ------------------------------ End of Stagecraft Digest #449 *****************************