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 27057919; Fri, 27 Jan 2006 03:02:28 -0800 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 #669 Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2006 03:01:03 -0800 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=-5.7 required=5.0 tests=ALL_TRUSTED,AWL,BAYES_00 autolearn=unavailable version=3.0.4 X-TFF-CGPSA-Version: 1.4f2 X-prxy-Spam-Filter: Scanned For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Stagecraft Digest, Issue #669 1. Outdoor decking by gary levinson 2. Re: Outdoor decking by Bill Sapsis 3. Re: VW PDF (was: question on design software) by Eric Rouse 4. Re: Cutawl by "Stephen E. Rees" 5. Re: Lone Star and Horns by Rick Malone 6. Re: Lone Star and Horns by "Paul Schreiner" 7. Re: Started as caster question - thanks by BKHAIN [at] aol.com 8. Re: Air lift casters (was Re: Casters) by "Storms, Randy" 9. Re: Air lift casters (was Re: Casters) by "richard j. archer" 10. Rhinoceri and tigers and bears... by b Ricie 11. Back light material by b Ricie 12. Re: Back light material by Stephen Litterst 13. Re: Outdoor decking by Ben Travis 14. Re: Cutawl by Jim Hyslop 15. Re: Cutawl by "Davis, Thomas J" 16. Re: Outdoor decking by "Don Taco" 17. Re: Longstar Logo and Brewery (was cutawl) by CB 18. Re: Rear Projection Question by "C. Dopher" 19. Re: Rear Projection Question by CB 20. Tractor pads by "Idaho Scenic and Rigging" 21. Re: Rear Projection Question by Stephen Litterst 22. Re: Rear Projection Question by "Tom Hackman" 23. Re: Rear Projection Question / Lighting Video integration by "Idaho Scenic and Rigging" 24. Re: Cutawl by "Stephen E. Rees" 25. Re: Cutawl by "Stephen E. Rees" 26. Re: Cutawl by "Idaho Scenic and Rigging" 27. Re: Rear Projection Question by "Curtis L. Mortimore" 28. Re: Rear Projection Question by Ken Romaine 29. Re: Rear Projection Question by Stephen Litterst 30. Ollllld gear... by Jason Cowperthwaite 31. Re: Rear Projection Question by Ken Romaine 32. Re: Rear Projection Question by "Ash Munro" 33. Tail Downs by Stephen Litterst 34. Re: Rear Projection Question by "Mt. Angel Performing Arts Center" 35. Bat Boy Props by Terena Wilkens 36. Re: Rear Projection Question by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 37. Re: Rear Projection Question by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 38. Re: Rear Projection Question by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 39. Re: Bat Boy Props by Stephen Litterst 40. venues by IAEG [at] aol.com 41. Re: Cutawl / Beavis - OT by Greg Williams 42. Re: Cutawl and gobo cutting by Greg Williams 43. Re: Outdoor decking by Pat Kight 44. Re: Rear Projection Question by 45. Re: Bat Boy Props by "Bill Nelson" 46. Re: Outdoor decking by "Bill Nelson" 47. Re: Outdoor decking by John McKernon 48. Re: Outdoor decking by 49. Re: Bat Boy Props by Pat Kight 50. Re: Bat Boy Props by Pat Kight *** Please update the subject line of your reply to use the subject *** line of the message you are replying to! Please only reply to *** one message subject in each reply. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-Id: <5ff57e6c0100680350014ed69aa4125e [at] earthlink.net> From: gary levinson Subject: Outdoor decking Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:11:21 -0500 Here's the situation: 2 year old outdoor stage, aluminum frame with marine ply lids, coffin locked together. 3/4 inch rake. It lives in one position for about a month and a half, fair and foul weather, with 20 foot flats on it (no chance for a tarp). Here's the problem: finding a durable material as a show deck. We've used exterior ply in sheets and in strips - it wants to delaminate, buckle under the temperature changes, and gets slippery quick. And of course I need to put scenery on it and paint it. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance... gary levinson ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:23:09 -0500 Subject: Re: Outdoor decking From: Bill Sapsis Message-ID: In-Reply-To: How's about the various versions of plastic decking? Trex is the brand I know. I know they make it in planks for home use. Does anyone know if there's a plywood style version yet? Or maybe you can use the planks and get Frank to fill in the cracks? Bill S. www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 800.292.3851 fax 267.278.4561 mobile Join the Long Reach Long Riders on their 3rd annual cross country charity motorcycle ride. On 1/26/06 7:11 AM, "gary levinson" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Here's the situation: 2 year old outdoor stage, aluminum frame with > marine ply lids, coffin locked together. 3/4 inch rake. It lives in one > position for about a month and a half, fair and foul weather, with 20 > foot flats on it (no chance for a tarp). > > Here's the problem: finding a durable material as a show deck. We've > used exterior ply in sheets and in strips - it wants to delaminate, > buckle under the temperature changes, and gets slippery quick. And of > course I need to put scenery on it and paint it. > > Any suggestions? > > Thanks in advance... > > gary levinson > ------------------------------ Message-ID: <41f080680601260435k4364be6egdd2ae98b928e3f5 [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:35:10 -0500 From: Eric Rouse Subject: Re: VW PDF (was: question on design software) In-Reply-To: References:

I have been using PDF995 for about 2 years now with no complaints. I have done large PDF's from Acad and VW. It's a freebie(pc). You just have to live with the web site popping up every time you click save.=20 No big deal. -- Eric Rouse TD-Penn State University State College, PA ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43D8CE57.5090107 [at] fredonia.edu> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 08:27:51 -0500 From: "Stephen E. Rees" Reply-To: Rees [at] fredonia.edu Subject: Re: Cutawl References:

Oh Yeah? Well, I don't have one and it didn't cost me anything. So there! :) Steve Mark O'Brien wrote: >>> I bought mine at a yard sale for $100. >>> >>> Steve >> >> >> Oh yeah? >> >> I bought mine at a local swap meet for $20.00. >> >> I talked the guy down from $25.00. >> >> Laters, >> >> Paul >> >> "I repaired the step unit" said Tom with a fixed stare. > > > Oh yeah? I got mine at an aution for 5 US Dollars. The Duo Fast guns > were 25 > though... Poor guy whose shop it was. A retiring patternmaker. His > Bridgport > mill went for 500 USD WITH tooling. > > > Mark O'Brien > Opera Technical Director > University of Arizona, School of Music > 520-621-7025 > 520-591-1803 Mobile ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20060126133624.5192.qmail [at] web80503.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 05:36:24 -0800 (PST) From: Rick Malone Subject: Re: Lone Star and Horns Several years ago after the Lone Star Brewery and Museum closed, the contents including all the horns were sold to The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum which is now located downtown in SA. The horns are still there along with lots of other "memoribilia" of the Old West. It's a tourist place a couple of blocks from Alamo plaza. Rick Malone ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Lone Star and Horns Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 08:48:58 -0500 Message-ID: <6E497ADB607656479C24E6D7BF6B505A042A9AD7 [at] exchange.rmwc.edu> From: "Paul Schreiner" > Several years ago after the Lone Star Brewery and > Museum closed, the contents including all the horns > were sold to The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum which is > now located downtown in SA. The horns are still there > along with lots of other "memoribilia" of the Old > West. It's a tourist place a couple of blocks from > Alamo plaza. Do they still have the model of the church (I think that's what it was...been sixteen years now) built out of matchsticks? ------------------------------ From: BKHAIN [at] aol.com Message-ID: Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 09:20:44 EST Subject: Re: Started as caster question - thanks Hi everybody, Thanks for all the suggestions on casters and the following discussion of 'triple throw vs. zero throw' and the pneumatic casters / lifts. Call me a slow learner and just to explain it to myself, making a platform that rolls quietly is more than casters, it's building the proper platform in the first place with proper noise suppression built in to prevent 'thumping' and THEN putting the appropriate caster on it whether that be air, triple, or whatnot... Thanks for all the suggestions. Ben Hain Freelance TD / LD / General Theater Guy Rochester, MN ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Air lift casters (was Re: Casters) Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:09:27 -0800 Message-ID: <555928311F8B2943B65FC7197942C3B70538C130 [at] es1.bsdnet.wednet.edu> From: "Storms, Randy" Yes, please do that! It sounds like a great project for my stagecraft = students! Randy Storms rstorms [at] bham.wednet.edu _________________________ >Everyone else, give me a chance to post it.I have been meaning for some = time to post >the text and drawings on Scott's web site, maybe now is the time to do >it. ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 10:09:42 -0500 From: "richard j. archer" Subject: Re: Air lift casters (was Re: Casters) > >Jim, > >I've brought up this solution before and I'll bring it up again >because it works so well and is quite inexpensive, $15 - $20 a >unit............ >............ >The method I have used successfully for many years is the diaphragm >caster lift invented by Greg Bell. >---------- > >Michael Powers We built a number of these caster lifts (slightly modified from Greg Bell's original design) about 17 years ago. They still work fine. We pull them out, use them, throw them back in storage. Lost a few over the years to leaks and mechanical breakage but not because of air pressure nor have the bladders ever failed. (To my amazement actually) the rubber is still pliable after all these years. I guess we don't have too much sulfur in the air here in Ithaca getting in the way of those little molecules stretching. We've built our own zero throw/triple swivel caster units as well. Originally in the Yale tech brief (April 1984) These are made commercially nowadays. Centerline Studios makes a whole range of them from baby to big and beefy. I know BMI sells a version as well. We got one from (a unnamed source) and then made our own knock off. (learning from the Chinese?). As Michael mentioned, the real cost is in the casters themselves .. We've gone to using Darnell (most of the time) since they merged with Rose. We were using Darcor (Canadian Darnell once upon a time--but I suppose that's another story which I don't know). Whatever caster you use-buy the best you can afford or maybe the one just above that. You can't do this stuff with $5 casters and expect them to last--spend $15-20 for the caster and then another $15-20 for the rest of the parts. (so the air lift will run $40/unit and a triple swivel will cost about $80 as opposed to $120-150 for the commercial one assuming you're not adding in labor costs) If you need 25 or 30 units this will sounds outrageous to many of you but that's what it costs. Dick A TD, Cornell U ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20060126151737.87374.qmail [at] web50614.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:17:37 -0800 (PST) From: b Ricie Subject: Rhinoceri and tigers and bears... In-Reply-To: I know that Suffock University in Boston did 'Rhinoceros' about a year or so ago. Perhaps you could contact them to get some info. Brian Rice 508-685-0716 b_ricie [at] yahoo.com "Blessed are the cracked: For it is they who let in the light." __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20060126152218.82941.qmail [at] web50609.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:22:18 -0800 (PST) From: b Ricie Subject: Back light material In-Reply-To: I know Movie theatres use light boxes for the posters(one sheets). The posters are printed on both sides,reverse printed on back. Perhaps a simple light box with a well printed poster is all you need. Brian Rice 508-685-0716 b_ricie [at] yahoo.com "Blessed are the cracked: For it is they who let in the light." __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 10:31:04 -0500 From: Stephen Litterst Subject: Re: Back light material In-reply-to: Message-id: <43D8EB38.4090903 [at] ithaca.edu> Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts References: b Ricie wrote: > --------------------------------------------------- > > I know Movie theatres use light boxes for the > posters(one sheets). The posters are printed on both > sides,reverse printed on back. It depends on the quality of the poster. Many of the one sheets I collected during my time in the cinema were dyed through the paper. Printing on both sides can muck up the image. Plenty are printed only on one side and still work fine with the light boxes. Steve L. -- Stephen C. Litterst Technical Supervisor Ithaca College Dept. of Theatre Arts 607/274-3947 slitterst [at] ithaca.edu ------------------------------ Message-ID: <5bf598700601260743u6f0c827aped168bdfb6321a83 [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 10:43:59 -0500 From: Ben Travis Subject: Re: Outdoor decking In-Reply-To: References:

I used the ThruFlow product for a pier last year from a company called Renew Resource. The quality of the ThruFlow was nice. I can't speak for the other products, but I have to assume its just as durable. They are based in Canada, and as far as I know you can only order straight from them, so shipping is a factor. My contact there was Leigh Harrison 416-335-4040 ext. 5 1-800-439-5028 http://www.renewresources.com Good Luck, -ben -- Benjamin Travis 781.223.5769(m) ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43D8F15A.6040707 [at] dreampossible.ca> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 10:57:14 -0500 From: Jim Hyslop Organization: Dreampossible Inc. Subject: Re: Cutawl References:

In-Reply-To: Stephen E. Rees wrote: > Oh Yeah? Well, I don't have one and it didn't cost me anything. So > there! :) I think Steve wins this round ;=) -- Jim Hyslop ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Cutawl Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 11:05:56 -0500 Message-ID: <3CF87682970858499CA56707FB1F092BCBF555 [at] wscc-s-003000.westshore.edu> From: "Davis, Thomas J" I think Steve may lose this round, he's had to survive all these years without a cutawl. I paid full price for mine 25 years ago, it made back the investment in time savings in the first 10 days I owned it (a 240 unit display order). Since then, it turned a profit for me. I've billed many thousands of dollars for jobs I could not have done without it- or which would have taken much more time. =20 Stephen E. Rees wrote: > Oh Yeah? Well, I don't have one and it didn't cost me anything. So > there! :) I think Steve wins this round ;=3D) --=20 Jim Hyslop ------------------------------ Message-ID: <023001c62296$5d82cd90$e28aaa43 [at] DonTaco> From: "Don Taco" References:

Subject: Re: Outdoor decking Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 08:30:32 -0800 Trex, and several similar brands of new-age decking are quite popular here in the Pacific Northwest. We don't see the extremes of weather, but nearly constant rain is a big issue with outdoor wood products. In my experience, many peole like these products for the lower maintenance, and just as many others hate the way they look and feel. It is definitely not wood. The jury is still out on whether they truly last longer enough to justify the added expenses. They also require more supporting structure than an equivalent wood product. I would definitely recommend trying it out on a smaller project before committing to it on the whole stage. I have not seen it available as sheet goods. ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060126092056.00cf4aa8 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 09:20:56 From: CB Subject: Re: Longstar Logo and Brewery (was cutawl) >Lone Star is no longer brewed here in San Antonio. >Aside from a couple of brewpubs, no beer is brewed >here now. I knew that that city just felt wrong last time I was there! I just thought it was the imbalance of all those saltwater fish surviving that far inland. Thanks Rick, it was you I was thinking of. 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: <2EC3735B-0C4F-4477-8D1A-78AB7B7A02B7 [at] dopher.com> From: "C. Dopher" Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 11:30:51 -0500 Tom asked: > > Does anybody have a minimum lumens suggestion for rear projection? > I have no > experience in this kind of thing, so any advice would be greatly > appreciated. Tom, give the folks at Show Solutions (their site is at www.avhq.com) They specialize in this and have offices around the country. They're nice guys and have helped me crunch numbers on a couple of projects,( like my current one with the 72' x 12' RP, for which we'll be using a five-stack Montage system.) And then they can rent you the equipment you need! You may not need anything too big or fancy, but having the right guys advising what you need in terms of equipment can make the difference between an OK rear projection and a fantastic rear projection. Cris Dopher, Insight Design LD/ScD LRLR ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060126093401.00cf4aa8 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 09:34:01 From: CB Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question >As my sig says, I work for Barco. And, IIRC, it used to say that you worked for Vari*light. This is just another indication of the impending apocolypse, er, I mean, the impending marriage of lighting/video. Someday (sooner rather than later) electrics dept will start hanging video projectors, and 'video' will be sent to each projector. Blue background for a blue wash, red for a red, blue/red/green stripe for stripes on the set, or focus and image on a wall for electric scenery. My suggestion, electricians and LD's, is to get a leg up on this technology before the sound dept adopts responsibility for all video. Go now, to your various skweeks, and demand that you take over video as your god given right to rule over all light emitting sources on the stage before its too late! 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: <001c01c62297$04bf9bb0$6401a8c0 [at] amd2200> From: "Idaho Scenic and Rigging" References:

Subject: Tractor pads Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 09:39:03 -0700 Open inquiry for suggestions. I have been contracted to do maintenance on some Hussy retractable seating. All of it will be simple mechanical, except for one thing. (The non deteriorating bladders from another post got me to thinking about this.) The electric tractors, which resemble tank tracks with a motor pull and push the seating out and in, have a surface, which over 20 years, has gotten hard and no longer provides great traction on the hard "Tartan rubber" surface of the arena floor. Mentioning also that the Arena floor has also aged. The cost of replacing each pad on each track for thirty eight motors is beyond the budget AND might not necessarily solve the problem because of the aged Tartan rubber. My thoughts are to possibly "sipe" the tractor pads, find a chemical that slightly softens the hard glaze of the surface without affecting the Tartan or even 180 grit the surface with the time consuming finishing sander. Looking at twenty years of in and out, 30-50 times a year, there are absolutely no marks on the Tartan and I would like to keep it that way. Number Five needs input! Robert Riddle Will Disagree for the Sake of Discussion Will Discuss for the Sake of Learning ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 11:40:48 -0500 From: Stephen Litterst Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question In-reply-to: Message-id: <43D8FB90.3070103 [at] ithaca.edu> Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts References: CB wrote: > --------------------------------------------------- > My suggestion, electricians and LD's, is to get a leg up on this technology > before the sound dept adopts responsibility for all video. Go now, to your > various skweeks, and demand that you take over video as your god given > right to rule over all light emitting sources on the stage before its too > late! Nice try. I'm not falling for that gag again. Although if it gave me dominion over those powered speakers with the blinky lights ruining my blackouts I might consider it. Steve l. -- Stephen C. Litterst Technical Supervisor Ithaca College Dept. of Theatre Arts 607/274-3947 slitterst [at] ithaca.edu ------------------------------ Message-ID: <002201c62297$5dec6f60$87d11ed8 [at] Hackman1> From: "Tom Hackman" References: Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 11:41:27 -0500 Sorry for the delayed response, I am a digester. Ken asked about: >Content - Mostly stills and text, can be high contrast text. A little shot of live video feed at the end. >Source signal type - Most of it coming from a laptop but I need to tie in the live camera somehow. Ford wrote: >1. What's your throw distance >2. How much will your projections be used over, or on, a lit stage >3. Is this something that you expect to use Frequently >4. Do you need a complete Blackout--If so, you'll need a shutter to go in >front of the lens. 1. Probably not more than 15 feet, but my screen size is pretty small, 7x7ish? 2. As of this morning, they will be on the upstage wall of a small set. 3. Not all the time, but occasionally. Thanks for advice thus far. I have a small 1200 lumen projector sitting right here and I was originally wandered if it had the strength to do rear projection. Thanks again, Tom ------------------------------ Message-ID: <003301c6229b$b930dba0$6401a8c0 [at] amd2200> From: "Idaho Scenic and Rigging" References: Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question / Lighting Video integration Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 10:12:44 -0700 On the last two James Taylor tours Video was integrated "with" (I won't say "into") Lighting. The screens were used for still images, video and front wash of LED banks. And it seemed to me some of those still images were lighting effects (not to discuss the finer points of that here) Designed by Brian Leitch from the UK. The LD had his hands full. Video still hung their own stuff each day. Although on the summer tour the carpenter hung the screens. Robert Riddle Will Disagree for the Sake of Discussion Will Discuss for the Sake of Learning ----- Original Message ----- From: "CB" To: "Stagecraft" Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 9:34 AM Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question > the impending > marriage of lighting/video. Someday (sooner rather than later) electrics > dept will start hanging video projectors, and 'video' will be sent to each > projector. Blue background for a blue wash, red for a red, blue/red/green > stripe for stripes on the set, or focus and image on a wall for electric > scenery. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43D90554.20902 [at] fredonia.edu> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 12:22:28 -0500 From: "Stephen E. Rees" Reply-To: Rees [at] fredonia.edu Subject: Re: Cutawl References:

Only until someone comes up with having returned one and gotten a credit! Steve Jim Hyslop wrote: > Stephen E. Rees wrote: > >>Oh Yeah? Well, I don't have one and it didn't cost me anything. So >>there! :) > > > I think Steve wins this round ;=) > ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43D905C3.1090002 [at] fredonia.edu> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 12:24:19 -0500 From: "Stephen E. Rees" Reply-To: Rees [at] fredonia.edu Subject: Re: Cutawl References: I actually did have one when I was TD at the Univ. of Georgia a long time ago. I really do appreciate the tool and its capabilities. Steve Davis, Thomas J wrote: > > I think Steve may lose this round, he's had to survive all these years > without a cutawl. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <004601c6229e$659c5840$6401a8c0 [at] amd2200> From: "Idaho Scenic and Rigging" Cc: Rees [at] fredonia.edu References:

Subject: Re: Cutawl Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 10:31:52 -0700 Has anyone been paid to KEEP one? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Stephen E. Rees" To: "Stagecraft" Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 10:22 AM Subject: Re: Cutawl > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > Only until someone comes up with having returned one and gotten a credit! > Steve > > Jim Hyslop wrote: > > > Stephen E. Rees wrote: > > > >>Oh Yeah? Well, I don't have one and it didn't cost me anything. So > >>there! :) > > > > > > I think Steve wins this round ;=) > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 12:32:30 -0500 Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question From: "Curtis L. Mortimore" Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Tom wrote: > I have a small 1200 lumen projector sitting > right here I would try it. It really depends on all the other variables, lighting, content, etc. Our last production used several projectors. We had four different models ranging from a 600 to 6500 lumens. Obviously the 600 couldn't keep up with 6500 but image size was radically different as well. We had two different models that we tested for one location. A 600 and a 1000, advertised lumens, the 600 actually looked better. Arguably just as bright and more clarity. I didn't figure out what the specific differences were as the equipment was borrowed so we got our hands on it the night before tech and plugged it all up in the wee hours. Then the effect was cut 20 minutes into first tech. I guess what I am trying to say is "It depends. I would give it a try" Hope that helps. -- Curtis L. Mortimore Technical Director Ball State University Department of Theatre and Dance Muncie, IN 47306 ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 16:29:54 -0500 From: Ken Romaine Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question In-Reply-To: References: Damn!! Can't skweek (hee-hee) anything past CB! I did, indeed, work for Vari*Lite in a past life. Also VLPS, PRG (twice), TMB, Production Arts, Bestek, S&S Sunoco, Renata Pizzeria, and a bunch o' folk as a freelancer. But that's not important now, and quit calling me Shirley. But seriously, folks...Chris, as usual, has a clue here. Barco, among others, sees this (brace yourselves) "convergence" of lighting and video coming. We're actively working to make it a reality, but it's coming anyway, with or without us. More on that later, but you electricians out there would be well advised to brush up on your vidiot-speak. It couldn't hurt. At the very least it'll be another tool in your toolbox, and make you a more valuable technician to have around. As Unka Bill, Herrick, and others know, I'm always happy to discuss this, and other things about our business, over an adult carbonated beverage. Just ask. -- Ken Romaine Business Development Manager Barco Media & Entertainment The opinions expressed here are mine - all mine - no matter how much I want to impose them on the rest of the world. On Thu, 26 Jan 2006 09:34:01, CB wrote: >Ken wrote: > >As my sig says, I work for Barco. > > And, IIRC, it used to say that you worked for Vari*light. This is just > another indication of the impending apocolypse, er, I mean, the impending > marriage of lighting/video. Someday (sooner rather than later) electrics > dept will start hanging video projectors, and 'video' will be sent to eac= h > projector. Blue background for a blue wash, red for a red, blue/red/gree= n > stripe for stripes on the set, or focus and image on a wall for electric > scenery. > My suggestion, electricians and LD's, is to get a leg up on this technolo= gy > before the sound dept adopts responsibility for all video. Go now, to yo= ur > various skweeks, and demand that you take over video as your god given > right to rule over all light emitting sources on the stage before its too > late! > Chris "Chris" Babbie > Location Sound > MON AZ > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 16:58:47 -0500 From: Stephen Litterst Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question In-reply-to: Message-id: <43D94617.9060800 [at] ithaca.edu> Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts References:

Ken Romaine wrote: > --------------------------------------------------- More on that later, but you > electricians out there would be well advised to brush up on your > vidiot-speak. It couldn't hurt. At the very least it'll be another > tool in your toolbox, and make you a more valuable technician to have > around. What I would like to have (or to develop with others) is a squint to vidiot dictionary. Projector photometrics are in a different language than I was taught by the photometrics handbook. Understanding how lens ratios on projectors compare to beam angles on luminaires; multiplication factors on projectors; etc... I have computer programs from my projector manufacturer that help me figure such things out on a show by show basis, but I hate being dependent on software. Steve L. -- Stephen C. Litterst Squint/Vidiot Ithaca College Dept. of Theatre Arts 607/274-3947 slitterst [at] ithaca.edu ------------------------------ Message-ID: <3eb8da960601261403r63e9ae09v3b55da93caa97a0d [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 17:03:30 -0500 From: Jason Cowperthwaite Subject: Ollllld gear... Hey folks, So I was digging around in our old projection booth (probably hasnt been used for anything but storage for about 20+ years) and found a bunch of old Carbon Arc projection equipment up there which looks to be in very good condition. Some of the stuff i found is below... 3 Peerless Magnarc type "g" Cinearc Lamphouses 2 Simplex X-L Projectors w/ lenses and simplex soundheads 2 simplex heavy duty bases 1 Golde DH Deluxe Rewinder 1 RCA Monochrome Cradle Head on a heavy rolling camera mount... and it apparently originally belonged to ABC's washington news bureau ;) Any of you all have any clue as to the possible value of some of this equipment? Or do any of you have connections to collectors or dealers in this type of gear? We are toying around with the idea of either selling them to get some much needed funding for repairs, or even doing whatever repairs need to be done and putting them back into action (with some obvious modifications like converting to Xenon) Any information you all can provide would be appreciated, Jason Cowperthwaite Asst. Technical Director Catholic University of America, Dept. of Drama ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 17:08:58 -0500 From: Ken Romaine Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question In-Reply-To: References:

Steve: Me too! I want a squint-to-vidiot dictionary. Where can I get mine? In the meantime - I can answer one of your questions quickly & easily. The lens ratio is the throw distance divided by the image diameter.=20 So - a 1.5 ratio lens means that at 15' throw, you get about a 10' image. A .8 ratio lens gives you the 10' image at a throw distance of about 8'. In the words of the immortal (well - he used to think he was) Unka Bill - Zat help? -- Ken Romaine Business Development Manager Barco Media & Entertainment The opinions expressed here are mine - all mine - no matter how much I want to impose them on the rest of the world. On 1/26/06, Stephen Litterst wrote: > > What I would like to have (or to develop with others) is a squint to > vidiot dictionary. Projector photometrics are in a different language > than I was taught by the photometrics handbook. Understanding how > lens ratios on projectors compare to beam angles on luminaires; > multiplication factors on projectors; etc... > > I have computer programs from my projector manufacturer that help me > figure such things out on a show by show basis, but I hate being > dependent on software. > > Steve L. ------------------------------ From: "Ash Munro" Subject: RE: Rear Projection Question Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 17:28:58 -0500 Message-ID: <006401c622c7$ec92d580$6403a8c0 [at] charlottedt> In-Reply-To: >What I would like to have (or to develop with others) is a squint to >vidiot dictionary. Projector photometrics are in a different language >than I was taught by the photometrics handbook. Understanding how >lens ratios on projectors compare to beam angles on luminaires; >multiplication factors on projectors; etc... Just make sure you remember focal length and throw ratio are two different numbers on these lenses. The numbers are close, but not close enough. This chart gives you a whole slew of focal lengths and ratios for various size LCD panels and lenses. http://tinyurl.com/c35u9 or http://navitar.com/av/proj_cal_english.htm Doesn't convert to squint, but is still a very complete glossary http://tinyurl.com/e3og2 or http://www.videoessentials.com/glossary.php Ash Munro ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 17:40:25 -0500 From: Stephen Litterst Subject: Tail Downs Message-id: <43D94FD9.5090309 [at] ithaca.edu> Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts How do folks around the list handle tail-downs in a proscenium space? We attach the taildown to the pipe with a "grid lock" clamp (from TheLightSource) and stabilize it with a cross-pipe held on with scaffold clamps. A coupler or C-clamp above the grid-lock keeps the taildown from slipping through, should something go wrong. Rigging the tail-down happens with the batten in, the tail down is attached with enough play for the pipe to swivel to plumb. The batten is weighted for the taildown and flown out until the taildown is vertical. The grid-lock and scaffold clamps are then tightened fully, and then the lights are hung on the tail down and counterweighted. The problem I'm trying to solve is that this is quite space and time intensive. I could make it take up less space but that increases the time. I could do it faster but that increases the budget. How do *you* rig a taildown? Steve l. -- Stephen C. Litterst Technical Supervisor Ithaca College Dept. of Theatre Arts 607/274-3947 slitterst [at] ithaca.edu ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 15:06:05 -0800 From: "Mt. Angel Performing Arts Center" Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question In-reply-to: Message-id: <43D955DD.2030409 [at] mtangelperformingarts.com> References: Ash Munro wrote: >For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see >--------------------------------------------------- > > > >Just make sure you remember focal length and throw ratio are two different >numbers on these lenses. The numbers are close, but not close enough. > >This chart gives you a whole slew of focal lengths and ratios for various >size LCD panels and lenses. >http://tinyurl.com/c35u9 or http://navitar.com/av/proj_cal_english.htm > > > >Ash Munro > > > > Charts??? We don't need no stinking charts! The math is easy with a calculator... Projected (screen) image dimensions are proportional to original image dimensions Lens to screen distance is this same proportion to lens to original image distance. Mostly, lens to screen is much larger than lens to original, so it can be considered 'infinity focus' and the necessary lens focal length equals the calculated lens to original image distance. F;'r instance- If your original is 1" high and your screen is 120" high and your projector is 30 feet (360") from it: Original Image/Screen Image = Focal Length/Projection Throw 1" / 120" = Focal Length/360" 1 x 360 /120 = 3" 3 inch focal length lens gets you what you want. Used to do these on my slide rule for 35mm movie projectors. Showing my age :( Carla ------------------------------ Message-Id: <65204435-52D5-4CF5-84E8-C37880CF8FAF [at] gac.edu> From: Terena Wilkens Subject: Bat Boy Props Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 18:10:37 -0600 I am looking for help on a few props for Bat Boy The Musical. The script calls for 2 dead geese tied together around a persons neck--and then one has to bleed into a basin when it's head is cut off. We have the skin and feathers from real geese, were hoping to use dog training ducks for the body. Any suggestions My second concern is a torch that needs to be thrown as if starting a fire. fake torches look, well, fake and the would probably break. We are a 3/4 Thrust stage, so tossing a torch off stage does not work. Also, a limited budget always make this type of thing a bit harder. Any suggestions? T. Wilkens Gustavus Adolphus College St. Peter, Minnesota ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <21e.7079d0c.310ac2f2 [at] aol.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 19:27:30 EST Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question In a message dated 26/01/06 21:30:51 GMT Standard Time, ken.stagecraft [at] gmail.com writes: > But seriously, folks...Chris, as usual, has a clue here. Barco, among > others, sees this (brace yourselves) "convergence" of lighting and > video coming. We're actively working to make it a reality, but it's > coming anyway, with or without us. More on that later, but you > electricians out there would be well advised to brush up on your > vidiot-speak. It couldn't hurt. At the very least it'll be another > tool in your toolbox, and make you a more valuable technician to have > around. Yes, it's another tool, and like all tools, it needs to be properly used to be useful. Pulling nails with a wrench doesn't work well. There is a concept in rear projection called 'bend angle'. This is how much the screen has to divert the light from the projector for all the audience to see it. Consider a ray of light striking the screen on its extreme left side. This will have to be diverted by the screen through a considerable angle to be seen by someone sitting on the right of the auditorium. A heavily diffusing screen will do this, but they have low transmissions. That, in a nutshell, is the problem. You have to reduce the bend angle. The classic answer is to have the projector as far away from the screen as is possible, but you may not have the space. Seriously big mirrors can help to lengthen the projection path, and carefully stretched film will do this. The BBC used to use mirrors about 10' square, and proper optical mirrors, too, when doing rear projection in TV studios. The problem was simpler, too, as you had a limited number of viewpoints to cater for. Frank Wood ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <2d8.16fbf7c.310ac4bd [at] aol.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 19:35:09 EST Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question In a message dated 26/01/06 22:09:30 GMT Standard Time, ken.stagecraft [at] gmail.com writes: > The lens ratio is the throw distance divided by the image diameter. > So - a 1.5 ratio lens means that at 15' throw, you get about a 10' > image. A .8 ratio lens gives you the 10' image at a throw distance of > about 8'. This is a new one on me. What, exactly, do you mean by 'lens ratio'? The ratio of what to what? Frank Wood ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <2b5.3872860.310ac7d5 [at] aol.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 19:48:21 EST Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question In a message dated 26/01/06 22:29:35 GMT Standard Time, amunro [at] avcompany.com writes: > Just make sure you remember focal length and throw ratio are two different > numbers on these lenses. The numbers are close, but not close enough. There are five numbers you need. Focal length, object distance, which is usually near enough the focal length, object size, image size, and throw. Anything else you need is a matter of simple arithmetic, and of knowing the connections between them. In the stated order, f is the focal length, u is the object distance, O is the object size, I the image size, and v the throw. Then apply two simple fomulae. 1/f = 1/u + 1/v I/O = u/v Units should be consistent throughout. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 20:11:37 -0500 (EST) From: Stephen Litterst Subject: Re: Bat Boy Props In-reply-to: Message-id: <4535.172.153.108.43.1138324297.squirrel [at] 172.153.108.43> References: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > I am looking for help on a few props for Bat Boy The Musical. > > The script calls for 2 dead geese tied together around a persons > neck--and then one has to bleed into a basin when it's head is cut > off. We have the skin and feathers from real geese, were hoping to > use dog training ducks for the body. Any suggestions We embraced the camp nature of the piece and used stuffed ducks from a toy store. The bleeding duck was gutted and a blood bag was put inside. The neck was rigged with velcro and the actor worked with the geese until it was a fairly convincing. It was also a (visibly) dark scene to match the dark neature of the action. A similar effect was done with the rabbit. > My second concern is a torch that needs to be thrown as if starting a > fire. fake torches look, well, fake and the would probably break. > > We are a 3/4 Thrust stage, so tossing a torch off stage does not work. We also did the show in a 3/4 configuration. We rented a torch from Jauchem & Meeh. When the actor threw the torch offstage (upstage, through a door in the set), the deadman switch cut off the flame. In case anything went wrong we had stagehands with fire extinguishers all over the place. Steve Litterst ------------------------------ From: IAEG [at] aol.com Message-ID: <2d1.24e5596.310acf14 [at] aol.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 20:19:16 EST Subject: venues Friends, just thought I would throw this out there, , any one with personal familiarity with the following venues, , I'd love to hear from you off list, , I don't think that anyone from these venues is a regular here on the list although you might be out there in "lurk" mode. Needless to say I have the tech packages on these venues and have spoken with the folks at each one, was just looking for any off the record anecdotal info you might care to share. This is the first time in years I have been headed out to a group of theatres where there isn't a single one on the list I have played before. Mc Morran Center / Theatre Pt Huron MI College of Lake County Grey's Lake , IL Governor's State University University Park, IL Temple Theatre Meridian, MS (yeah tell me , , strange routing) please don't bother the rest of the folks here with public postings, , please feel free to email me directly at iaeg [at] aol.com very best, Keith Arsenault IAEG - International Arts & Entertainment Group Tampa, Florida ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: From: Greg Williams Subject: Re: Cutawl / Beavis - OT Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 20:22:44 -0500 On Jan 24, 2006, at 6:33 PM, CB wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see stagecraft.theprices.net/> > --------------------------------------------------- > >> And here's the tinyurl.com version: > >> http://tinyurl.com/9r6cl > > That is the coolest thing I have ever seen, Beavis. On a completely unrelated note, we were in Austin just before Christmas, and saw a band called Barfield at the Continental Club. Not only were they a great band, but their guitar player was the inspiration for the character Beavis. -=Greg Williams=- Production Manager Valborg Theatre, Appalachian State University www.LRLR.org - 2006 ride dates July 9-18 - c'mon and join us! ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References:

Message-Id: <8ED398A4-8BC2-47FC-9E16-3D7A55B349D0 [at] appstate.edu> From: Greg Williams Subject: Re: Cutawl and gobo cutting Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 20:26:37 -0500 On Jan 25, 2006, at 10:19 AM, Jon Ares wrote: >> Got a tie tak and a FINE belt buckle with a built-in bottle opener >> as a bonus. > > How to freak out a girl on the 1st date, Number 58: > > Start undoing your pants, but tell her it's just because you need > to open a beer. > > - Jon Ares > www.hevanet.com/acreative How to tell she's the right girl, #24: She doesn't freak. -=Greg Williams=- lrlr.org ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43D98274.6040601 [at] peak.org> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 18:16:20 -0800 From: Pat Kight Subject: Re: Outdoor decking References:

In-Reply-To: Don Taco wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > > Trex, and several similar brands of new-age decking are quite popular > here in the Pacific Northwest. We don't see the extremes of weather, > but nearly constant rain is a big issue with outdoor wood products. Don, Don, Don - you exaggerate. The rain is only "nearly constant" for, oh, eight-nine months of the year. -- Pat Kight kightp [at] peak.org ------------------------------ Message-ID: <945b44a8dfe054737981c2f0c0ea021e [at] cybercom.net> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 21:20:11 -0500 From: Subject: Re: Rear Projection Question Reply-to: In-Reply-To: References:

On 4:58:47 pm 01/26/06 Stephen Litterst wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see /> > --------------------------------------------------- > > Ken Romaine wrote: > > --------------------------------------------------- > More on that later, but you > > electricians out there would be well advised to brush up on your > > vidiot-speak. It couldn't hurt. At the very least it'll be > > another tool in your toolbox, and make you a more valuable > > technician to have around. > > > What I would like to have (or to develop with others) is a squint to > vidiot dictionary. Projector photometrics are in a different language > than I was taught by the photometrics handbook. Understanding how > lens ratios on projectors compare to beam angles on luminaires; > multiplication factors on projectors; etc... > > I have computer programs from my projector manufacturer that help me > figure such things out on a show by show basis, but I hate being > dependent on software. > Canon has a lens calculator on their web site for their projectors. It's a downloadable app. Acquintance of mine wrote it for them couple of years ago. I'd expect that the others have something similar. --Dale ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4291.208.51.52.71.1138330552.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References:

Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 18:55:52 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: Bat Boy Props From: "Bill Nelson" >> My second concern is a torch that needs to be thrown as if starting a >> fire. fake torches look, well, fake and the would probably break. When we did the show, we dispensed with the torch. I don't think it detracted from the production at all. Bill ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4387.208.51.52.71.1138334725.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References:

Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 20:05:25 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: Outdoor decking From: "Bill Nelson" > Don, Don, Don - you exaggerate. > > The rain is only "nearly constant" for, oh, eight-nine months of the year. And constant the other 3-4 months. Marine grade plywood holds up far better than EX grade, but it is very expensive. Also, wood tends to get slippery when it is wet - although non-skid paint can reduce this to a more tolerable level. Bill ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 23:12:18 -0500 Subject: Re: Outdoor decking From: John McKernon Message-ID: In-Reply-To: > Marine grade plywood holds up far better than EX grade, but it is very > expensive. Also, wood tends to get slippery when it is wet - although > non-skid paint can reduce this to a more tolerable level. We used plastic/wood composite decking from Home Depot on our outdoor deck, and it's great even in the rain. It has a finely ribbed texture on one side, which looks better than the "fake wood grain" variety, and offers better traction when the deck is wet. I don't remember the brand name, but it came in either grey or tan. As far as I know, it's the only kind I've ever seen with the ribbed texture. However, it *is* heavy, and it does require supports closer together than normal because it *does* sag a bit without supports around 13"o.c. - John ------------------------------ Message-ID: <84dbfda04db9a1d689980dee8a30bae6 [at] cybercom.net> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2006 00:29:48 -0500 From: Subject: Re: Outdoor decking Reply-to: In-Reply-To: References:

On 11:05:25 pm 01/26/06 "Bill Nelson" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see /> > --------------------------------------------------- > > > Don, Don, Don - you exaggerate. > > > > The rain is only "nearly constant" for, oh, eight-nine months of > the year. > And constant the other 3-4 months. > > Marine grade plywood holds up far better than EX grade, but it is very > expensive. Also, wood tends to get slippery when it is wet - although > non-skid paint can reduce this to a more tolerable level. > > Bill > I'd look into some of the rubbery surfaces that they use around swimming pools. You could see if they will spring for Marley. --Dale ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43D9BCE9.8080009 [at] peak.org> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 22:25:45 -0800 From: Pat Kight Subject: Re: Bat Boy Props References:

In-Reply-To: Bill Nelson wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > >>>My second concern is a torch that needs to be thrown as if starting a >>>fire. fake torches look, well, fake and the would probably break. > > > When we did the show, we dispensed with the torch. I don't think it > detracted from the production at all. I propped our production, and we went over-the-top fake with lots of stuff, including the torch - it was a dowel wrapped with foam rubber and rags with "flames" of red and yellow gel on top, no attempt to look realistic. And then there was the bat-drape for Shelly - a poncho-like affair covered with rubber bats, which one of the other characters simply dropped over her head when the bats "attacked" her. The show's so hokey that realism seems misplaced. -- Pat Kight kightp [at] peak.org ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43D9BD24.5050704 [at] peak.org> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 22:26:44 -0800 From: Pat Kight Subject: Re: Bat Boy Props References:

In-Reply-To: Bill Nelson wrote: >>>My second concern is a torch that needs to be thrown as if starting a >>>fire. fake torches look, well, fake and the would probably break. > > > When we did the show, we dispensed with the torch. I don't think it > detracted from the production at all. Heh. I didn't notice this was Bill's comment - we worked on this production together. (Hey, Bill, there was a torch - it was just ostentatiously fake.) -- Pat ------------------------------ End of Stagecraft Digest #669 *****************************