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X-Real-To: stagecraftlist [at] theatrical.net Received: by prxy.net (CommuniGate Pro PIPE 4.2.10) with PIPE id 31107999; Tue, 13 Jun 2006 03:01:32 -0700 X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.1.3 (2006-06-01) on localhost X-Spam-Status: No, score=-3.5 required=5.0 tests=ADVANCE_FEE_1,AWL,BAYES_00, NO_RECEIVED,NO_RELAYS autolearn=ham version=3.1.3 X-Spam-Level: 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 #843 Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 03:00:49 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Disposition: inline X-TFF-CGPSA-Version: 1.4 X-prxy-Spam-Filter: Scanned For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Stagecraft Digest, Issue #843 1. Re: airplane by Clive Mitchell 2. Re: dichorics - WOW - solutions by Dorian Kelly 3. Re: laser measure by "Bill Nelson" 4. Re: airplane by "Bill Nelson" 5. Re: dichorics - WOW - solutions by "Bill Nelson" 6. Re: airplane by "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" 7. Re: dichorics - WOW - solutions by "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" 8. Re: Amplifier and Speakers by "Jim at TheatreWireless.com" 9. Re: laser measure by Dale Shirk 10. Re: dichroic filters - WOW by Herrick Goldman 11. Re: dichorics - WOW - solutions by Dorian Kelly 12. Re: dichorics - WOW - solutions by "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" 13. Live Event Grad Program by "Fritz, Barry L" 14. Re: Amplifier and Speakers by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 15. Re: Amplifier and Speakers by Jerry Durand 16. OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others by "Scott Parker" 17. Re: Amplifier and Speakers by "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" 18. Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others by Jerry Durand 19. Re: Amplifier and Speakers by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 20. Re: Amplifier and Speakers by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 21. Re: dichorics - WOW - solutions by "Bill Nelson" 22. Re: Amplifier and Speakers by Jerry Durand 23. Re: Amplifier and Speakers by Jerry Durand 24. Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others by "Scott Parker" 25. Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others by Jerry Durand 26. Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others by "Bill Nelson" 27. Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others by Jerry Durand 28. Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others by SS 29. Re: "Simple Playback PC/Media Player" by "Robert E. Graham" 30. Re: changing US gun topic thread a little bit by "Riter, Andrew \(Head Ltg\)" 31. Wireless mics by Steve Larson 32. Mars needs Rental guys/girls/people by Herrick Goldman 33. Re: Wireless mics by rwhitco [at] comcast.net (Randy Whitcomb) 34. Re: changing US gun topic thread a little bit by "Storms, Randy" 35. Re: "Simple Playback PC/Media Player" by "Salvatori, Jason" 36. Re: Amplifier and Speakers by Clive Mitchell 37. Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others by "David Silvernail" 38. Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others by 39. Re: Amplifier and Speakers by CB 40. Re: 500 yards by CB 41. Re: "Simple Playback PC/Media Player" by "Chris Rovers" 42. My Last Day by rwhitco [at] comcast.net (Randy Whitcomb) 43. Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others by "Delbert Hall" 44. Re: "Simple Playback PC/Media Player" by David Duffy 45. Re: Amplifier and Speakers by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 46. Re: My Last Day by "Storms, Randy" 47. Re: My Last Day by "RD" 48. Re: My Last Day by "Sam Fisher" 49. Re: My Last Day by "ladesigners [at] juno.com" 50. Re: My Last Day by "RD" 51. Re: My Last Day by Clive Mitchell 52. Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others by Clive Mitchell 53. Re: Amplifier and Speakers by Clive Mitchell 54. Re: My Last Day by Clive Mitchell 55. Re: My Last Day by "Donald Robert Fox" 56. Re: My Last Day by "RD" 57. Re: My Last Day by Clive Mitchell 58. Re: My Last Day by "RD" 59. 'Beauty & the Beast' questions by Jacqueline Haney Kidwell 60. Re: 'Beauty & the Beast' questions by "Salvatori, Jason" 61. Re: 'Beauty & the Beast' questions by "~Sandee" *** Please update the subject line of your reply to use the subject *** line of the message you are replying to! Please only reply to *** one message subject in each reply. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-ID: Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 11:19:02 +0100 From: Clive Mitchell Subject: Re: airplane References: In-Reply-To: In message , CB writes >The signs read, "This way to the Psychic Fair ---->". I asked, "Why?" Because if you don't put signs up the psychics tend to congregate where cosmic energy lines cross each other with potential risk of opening a portal to hell. (Usually a local theatre.) -- Clive Mitchell http://www.bigclive.com ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 11:51:38 +0100 From: Dorian Kelly Subject: Re: dichorics - WOW - solutions >For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see >--------------------------------------------------- > >> As for the holder issues in the iris slot, they are aware of the >> problem, and have custom made the solution (at $10 more per unit, >> from $14 to $25): a holder for the glass filter in the gobo slot, > > with a larger aperture. If you need a good hard beam, I imagine that a filter in the gobo slot will focus any imperfections, fingermarks, heat bloom etc? DK ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4473.205.215.255.152.1150110368.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 04:06:08 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: laser measure From: "Bill Nelson" > Because it's not the wavelength of the light you're measuring, it's the > wavelength of your stream of pulses. If the laser is triggered at 1MHz > (reasonably easy with home-brew elecronics), then you will have a > "wavelength" of about 300 metres. So, now you have an outgoing wave at > 1MHz, and an incoming wave at the same frequency. TV colour adjustment > deals with frequencies over 3 MHz, so determining the phase of the > reflected light should be a piece of cake. In theory :=) I assume you mean that you are modulating the laser with a 1 MHz continuous carrier. It sounds like you are intending to measure the phase of that 1 MHz signal. You would NOT be measuring the phase of the laser light - which has a frequency many orders of magnitude higher. Getting any precision with a 1 MHz waveform is a problem - as every degree of shift represents roughly 1 meter. You can't heasure such small shifts precisely with inexpensive electronics. Note that measuring and matching phases are two different things. TV color phase adjustment is a matching process - and even then it takes a fairly expensive piece of equipment to set it properly. Bill ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4480.205.215.255.152.1150110959.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 04:15:59 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: airplane From: "Bill Nelson" > In message , CB writes > The signs read, "This way to the Psychic Fair ---->". I asked, "Why?" Because the people going to see the psychics would need directions, of course. I never could understand why "psychics" would advertise on TV and radio for people to call them for advice. If they were psychic, they would know who wanted advice and were willing to pay for it - and would also know their phone numbers. Unless they call me first and tell me what I desire to know, there is no way I would trust their claimed "abilities". Bill ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4484.205.215.255.152.1150111204.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 04:20:04 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: dichorics - WOW - solutions From: "Bill Nelson" > If you need a good hard beam, I imagine that a filter in the gobo > slot will focus any imperfections, fingermarks, heat bloom etc? Only if you focus on the filter. Put a pattern in the gobo slot and run the lens barrel way out of focus. See how much of the pattern can be discerned. Bill ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" Subject: RE: airplane Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 07:42:59 -0400 Message-ID: <046501c68e15$5aebd460$6501a8c0 [at] Dell> In-Reply-To: > Unless they call me first and tell me what I desire to know, > there is no way I would trust their claimed "abilities". I knew you were going to say that. ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" Subject: RE: dichorics - WOW - solutions Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 07:44:55 -0400 Message-ID: <046601c68e15$a0a89ce0$6501a8c0 [at] Dell> In-Reply-To: =20 > If you need a good hard beam, I imagine that a filter in the gobo=20 > slot will focus any imperfections, fingermarks, heat bloom etc? Not necessarily; the gate, shutters, and gobo slot are in slightly = different planes. With a Source 4, the depth of field is such that it probably doesn't matter, but Strand SLs and Altman Shakespeares might let you get away with it. ------------------------------ From: "Jim at TheatreWireless.com" Subject: RE: Amplifier and Speakers Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 07:52:57 -0400 Message-ID: <021901c68e16$bfaeda90$7f9bfea9 [at] p3m866> In-reply-to: > I'm slightly baffled, because I don't know how to design a > 'bad' amp. Surely you've had to deal with cross-over distortion in a class-B design. And thermal compensation to ensure it is minimal over a wide operating temperature range. Jim RC4 Wireless ------------------------------ Message-ID: <448D5924.9020401 [at] shirkaudio.com> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 08:08:04 -0400 From: Dale Shirk Reply-To: daleshirk [at] shirkaudio.com Organization: Shirk Audio & Acoustics Subject: Re: laser measure References: In-Reply-To: Actually they vary the frequency and look for the 180 degree null. It's very easy to dial it in within a small fraction of a degree in a null if the level is matched. It's also very easy to precisely determine the oscillator frequency with an electronic counter. They start with a very high frequency which will give them fractional inch precision on the least significant digit. However, since there are many wavelengths of signal between the source and target, they do not yet know the most significant digits. They then use successively lower frequencies to determine the more significant digits. I learned about this when I bought a surplus laser interferometer used for land surveying for scrap value. I didn't use the beast, since it didn't include the power supply, but I learned allot about the theory and operation from the manual and looking at it's innards. On this one the successive measurements were done manually. I would imagine modern instruments would automate this process. Dale Shirk Shirk Audio & Acoustics Terre Hill, Pa. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 08:16:35 -0400 Subject: Re: dichroic filters - WOW From: Herrick Goldman Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Rosco will make B size or A size dichro for you to put in your gobo slot. I= t is a lot cheaper than frame size. I have had a few of these fade (about a year back) they immediately replace= d them. They also seem to last just as long as the frame stuff. Call Rosco they are very helpful. Ame' Strong is in charge of color in the US she goes out of her way to help people get what they need. I think some of her team lurks here.=20 And if you like the straight dichros, you should try the color wave patterns. They are gorgeous and a ton of fun. But they are $60 apiece. I also just used a single prismatic on a building fa=E7ade and it looked like the whole building turned into a cubistic candy covered structure. -H In no way employed by Rosco. I just like their toys. On 6/9/06 11:27 AM, "Fritz, Barry L" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- >=20 > Bill,=20 > =20 > Where are you getting gobo sized dichroics? Other than the textured and > multi-colored dichroics, everything that I've seen in catalogs has been f= or > the larger gel frame filters. One company did say they would sell them b= ut > that they would be a special order and cost more than the gel frame sized > dichroics. > =20 --=20 Herrick Goldman Lighting Designer, NYC www.HGLightingDesign.com 917-797-3624 "To the scores of silent alchemists who wreak their joy in darkness and in light bringing magic to life, we bow most humbly. "-CDS ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:51:07 +0100 From: Dorian Kelly Subject: Re: dichorics - WOW - solutions >For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see >--------------------------------------------------- > >> If you need a good hard beam, I imagine that a filter in the gobo >> slot will focus any imperfections, fingermarks, heat bloom etc? > >Only if you focus on the filter. Put a pattern in the gobo slot and run >the lens barrel way out of focus. See how much of the pattern can be >discerned. > >Bill yes, but the point is if, I want a nice light hard spot... DK ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" Subject: RE: dichorics - WOW - solutions Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:02:37 -0400 Message-ID: <047801c68e20$7b1773b0$6501a8c0 [at] Dell> In-Reply-To: > >Only if you focus on the filter. Put a pattern in the gobo > slot and run > >the lens barrel way out of focus. See how much of the pattern can be > >discerned. > > > >Bill > > yes, but the point is if, I want a nice light hard spot... ...You put the focal point of the lens assembly on the gate (or on the shutters). The light will project a sharp image of the gate (or of the shutters) but whatever's in the iris or gobo slot, being on a different plane, will be less sharp. The degree of "less sharp" will depend upon the depth of field of the fixture's optical system. ------------------------------ Subject: Live Event Grad Program Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2006 01:17:46 -0400 Message-ID: From: "Fritz, Barry L" A question for the all knowing list..... =20 I recall seeing an ad a few years ago for a graduate program which = focused on live event production. Any thoughts on where such a program = was or may still be? =20 Barry ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <411.36b51c5.31beedfd [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 12:19:09 EDT Subject: Re: Amplifier and Speakers In a message dated 6/11/06 9:35:58 PM W. Europe Daylight Time, bigclive1 [at] ntlworld.com writes: << Designing a bad amp is easy. You take a standard amplifier design then cut the components to a minimum and use cheap connectors and a slightly under-rated power supply. Throw in a poor quality PSU electrolytic for a touch of hum and add shitty pots and switches for crackle and there it is. >> In other words, design to a price, rather than to a specification. I am glad that I have never had to do that myself. As a result, I have a reputation for over-engineering designs. I was also lucky. If I held some of the jobs I have held nowadays, things would be different, and there would probably be a bitter and twisted engineer on the list. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:21:31 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: Amplifier and Speakers In-reply-to: Message-id: <7.0.1.0.0.20060612092114.01f26420 [at] interstellar.com> References: At 09:19 AM 6/12/2006, FrankWood95 [at] aol.com wrote: >there would probably be a bitter >and twisted engineer on the list. And there isn't now? :) -- Jerry Durand, Durand Interstellar, Inc. www.interstellar.com 219 Oak Wood Way, Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 Skype: jerrydurand ------------------------------ Message-ID: <90d9c9980606120922v1a4d6a3avd709fcc86b8bd0ce [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 12:22:14 -0400 From: "Scott Parker" Cc: hstech [at] googlegroups.com (hstech group) Subject: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others http://vectorpark.com/levers.html So this thing is balance in practice. Fun. -- Thanks and take care, Scott Scott C. Parker Professor/Technical Director Dept. of Performing Arts Dyson College of Arts and Sciences [at] Pace University Office/shipping: 41 Park Row, 1205F Mailing: 1 Pace Plaza New York, NY 10038 212-346-1423 Fax: 914-989-8425 ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" Subject: RE: Amplifier and Speakers Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 12:30:00 -0400 Message-ID: <048901c68e3d$7403c070$6501a8c0 [at] Dell> In-Reply-To: > At 09:19 AM 6/12/2006, FrankWood95 [at] aol.com wrote: > >there would probably be a bitter > >and twisted engineer on the list. "...And the winner is...JERRY DURAND!!!!" ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:30:40 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others In-reply-to: Message-id: <7.0.1.0.0.20060612093005.01f6e318 [at] interstellar.com> References: At 09:22 AM 6/12/2006, Scott Parker wrote: >http://vectorpark.com/levers.html http://vectorpark.com/Levers.html CaSe MattERs after the first '/'. -- Jerry Durand, Durand Interstellar, Inc. www.interstellar.com 219 Oak Wood Way, Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 Skype: jerrydurand ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <2c2.909a2a2.31bef307 [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 12:40:39 EDT Subject: Re: Amplifier and Speakers In a message dated 6/12/06 1:54:02 PM W. Europe Daylight Time, stagecraft [at] theatrewireless.com writes: << > I'm slightly baffled, because I don't know how to design a > 'bad' amp. Surely you've had to deal with cross-over distortion in a class-B design. And thermal compensation to ensure it is minimal over a wide operating temperature range. >> A design approaching class A-B will handle this, if you get the numbers right. Using constant-current sources in the bias chains will also help. Semiconductors are almost as cheap as discrete resistors, these days. I remember a stereo headphone amplifier with more semiconductors than resistors. ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <4c9.ff9969.31bef56c [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 12:50:52 EDT Subject: Re: Amplifier and Speakers In a message dated 6/12/06 6:22:09 PM W. Europe Daylight Time, jdurand [at] interstellar.com writes: << >there would probably be a bitter >and twisted engineer on the list. And there isn't now? :) >> Possibly. I read posts from many people who are disenchanted with their management. Thankfully, I am not among them, having been made redundant at the right time. After all, any organisation which trashes 120 years of experience just has to be in a bad way. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <1026.205.215.255.152.1150131145.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:52:25 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: dichorics - WOW - solutions From: "Bill Nelson" > yes, but the point is if, I want a nice light hard spot... Then put an empty dicro holder in the iris slot (or use a drop in iris). You then focus on the holder/iris - instead of on the dicro. Bill ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:53:58 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: Amplifier and Speakers In-reply-to: Message-id: <7.0.1.0.0.20060612095055.01f73db8 [at] interstellar.com> References: At 09:30 AM 6/12/2006, Jeffrey E. Salzberg wrote: >"...And the winner is...JERRY DURAND!!!!" Well, I'll take twisted, but bitter? I'm not out to get "them", other than the class-action suit against the guys who sold us our current roof (we just collected). Anyway, kill them all and have a nice day! :) -- Jerry Durand, Durand Interstellar, Inc. www.interstellar.com 219 Oak Wood Way, Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 Skype: jerrydurand ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:54:57 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: Amplifier and Speakers In-reply-to: Message-id: <7.0.1.0.0.20060612095427.01f73f48 [at] interstellar.com> References: At 09:40 AM 6/12/2006, FrankWood95 [at] aol.com wrote: >A design approaching class A-B will handle this, if you get the numbers >right. Using constant-current sources in the bias chains will also help. >Semiconductors are almost as cheap as discrete resistors, these >days. I remember a >stereo headphone amplifier with more semiconductors than resistors. Frank, do a web search on Class-D amplifiers. You may be surprised at what's being done now. -- Jerry Durand, Durand Interstellar, Inc. www.interstellar.com 219 Oak Wood Way, Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 Skype: jerrydurand ------------------------------ Message-ID: <90d9c9980606120956g6796315bh9bfda82f054c9d8e [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 12:56:08 -0400 From: "Scott Parker" Subject: Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others In-Reply-To: References: case was not a problem for me. Both links worked exactly the same. Perhaps it was the web browser? I'm using Firefox. I have not tried it in any other browser, though. thanks, Scott On 6/12/06, Jerry Durand wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > At 09:22 AM 6/12/2006, Scott Parker wrote: > >http://vectorpark.com/levers.html > > > http://vectorpark.com/Levers.html > > CaSe MattERs after the first '/'. > > > > -- > Jerry Durand, Durand Interstellar, Inc. www.interstellar.com > 219 Oak Wood Way, Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA > tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 > Skype: jerrydurand > > -- Thanks and take care, Scott Scott C. Parker Professor/Technical Director Dept. of Performing Arts Dyson College of Arts and Sciences [at] Pace University Office/shipping: 41 Park Row, 1205F Mailing: 1 Pace Plaza New York, NY 10038 212-346-1423 Fax: 914-989-8425 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:04:13 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others In-reply-to: Message-id: <7.0.1.0.0.20060612100147.01f779b8 [at] interstellar.com> References: At 09:56 AM 6/12/2006, Scott Parker wrote: >case was not a problem for me. Both links worked exactly the same. >Perhaps it was the web browser? I'm using Firefox. I have not tried it >in any other browser, though. Could be, I used Internet Explorer on Win-00. I don't know what server they're running, but Apache has a module that (sometimes) corrects case/typos. I have it enabled on our server but it doesn't always work. -- Jerry Durand, Durand Interstellar, Inc. www.interstellar.com 219 Oak Wood Way, Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 Skype: jerrydurand ------------------------------ Message-ID: <1164.205.215.255.152.1150132598.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:16:38 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others From: "Bill Nelson" > http://vectorpark.com/levers.html > > So this thing is balance in practice. Fun. All I got is a black screen. Does this require javascript? I don't like to allow it when surfing unknown sites. Bill ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:21:00 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others In-reply-to: Message-id: <7.0.1.0.0.20060612102047.01f871b8 [at] interstellar.com> References: At 10:16 AM 6/12/2006, Bill Nelson wrote: >All I got is a black screen. Does this require javascript? I don't like to >allow it when surfing unknown sites. I had to turn Flash on to make it work. -- Jerry Durand, Durand Interstellar, Inc. www.interstellar.com 219 Oak Wood Way, Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 Skype: jerrydurand ------------------------------ Message-ID: <8231e7ea0606121033r7c584c9w5604c148a0bd8e67 [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:33:21 -0400 From: SS Subject: Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others In-Reply-To: References: > case was not a problem for me. Both links worked exactly the same. > Perhaps it was the web browser? I'm using Firefox. Ditto. I had no problems whatsoever. I too am a Firefox user. Not starting a flame (browser) war, but you can't beat Firefox. Much, much better than IE. Opera is okay, but just not as cool as the fox. Fun clip Scott. .02 -SS TTS-EKU "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car." ------------------------------ Message-ID: <448DAEEA.2040502 [at] gmail.com> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:14:02 -0400 From: "Robert E. Graham" Reply-To: photonguide [at] gmail.com Subject: Re:"Simple Playback PC/Media Player" References: In-Reply-To: Hello fellow stagecraft digest readers, A while back, someone was offering a 'self made' sound effects playback program for the PC. If that individual (sorry, i deleted the message ages ago) is lurking, and would kindly send me a link, or the program itself, I'd greatly appreciate it. We need pc playback capability, and using media player is a scary thought, and we don't have the budget for SFX. Thanks in advance! -Robert Graham Technical Director Millbrook Playhouse ------------------------------ Subject: RE:changing US gun topic thread a little bit Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 11:25:12 -0700 Message-ID: <0E0CDE94AC5F92428C823684D00244E6092999D1 [at] exchange10.mercury.ad.ubc.ca> From: "Riter, Andrew \(Head Ltg\)" Stayed up too late last night watching Mythbusters. There were exploring the myth that diving into a lake/ocean/pool will protect you from small arms fire. They tested a 9mm handgun: the bullet would need to travel through 8' of water before loosing the ability to penetrate skin They tested a shot gun slug, and blew their test tank apart. I think the shot was lethal too. They then found a public swimming pool that agreed to let them fire rounds into the pool !! The short story is that anything larger than a handgun, the bullets fractured and disintegrated upon impact in the water. This included the round from the .50cal behemoth! After a couple of feet of passage through the water, all the bullets were non-lethal. They were shooting into the pool at an angle of 23 deg above horizontal. FYI Andrew M. Riter Head Lighting Technician Chan Centre, UBC 604-822-2372 =20 *********************** You understand, we are tied down to a language which makes up in obscurity what it lacks in style. Stoppard, R&G are Dead ************************ =20 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:28:57 -0400 Subject: Wireless mics From: Steve Larson Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Can anyone recommend wireless body mics in the $400 range? Steve ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:44:13 -0400 Subject: Mars needs Rental guys/girls/people From: Herrick Goldman Message-ID: Hey gang, I've had three requests in as many weeks from vendors seeking good rental managers who are smart and who will stick with a job. These are all reputable companies with good salaries and benefits. People that they are looking for will be guys as good as (because you can't find better) Ken Romaine and Andrew Nikel. If you have any ex-students, or recently married guys who want to come off the road, or guys who don't want to walk truss anymore ...have them shoot me an e-mail. I can put them in touch with various people. -- Herrick Goldman Lighting Designer, NYC www.HGLightingDesign.com 917-797-3624 "To the scores of silent alchemists who wreak their joy in darkness and in light bringing magic to life, we bow most humbly. "-CDS ------------------------------ From: rwhitco [at] comcast.net (Randy Whitcomb) Subject: Re: Wireless mics Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 18:44:27 +0000 Message-Id: <061220061844.29080.448DB60B0008738F000071982200734076010C9B0708999D [at] comcast.net> -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: Steve Larson > Can anyone recommend wireless body mics in the $400 > range? Sennheiser evoluton 100's . The G2's (generation 2) take AA batteries and we get 8 hrs. (+-) from NiMH rechargables. The cable connector is the weak point. However, I had a cable break at the connector and sent it to the company just about on the last day of the warranty and they sent me 2 new ones to replace it. Randy Whitcomb Manager/TD Price Civic Aud. Loveland, CO ------------------------------ Subject: RE: changing US gun topic thread a little bit Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 11:51:33 -0700 Message-ID: <555928311F8B2943B65FC7197942C3B70538C2A7 [at] es1.bsdnet.wednet.edu> From: "Storms, Randy" Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APS_underwater_rifle -- r. Randy Storms rstorms [at] bham.wednet.edu -----Original Message----- >The short story is that anything larger than a handgun, the bullets >fractured and disintegrated upon impact in the water. >This included the round from the .50cal behemoth! After a couple of >feet of passage through the water, all the bullets were non-lethal. ------------------------------ Subject: RE: "Simple Playback PC/Media Player" Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 15:38:50 -0400 Message-ID: From: "Salvatori, Jason" Cc: photonguide [at] gmail.com A relatively cheap and very functional program available is Sound Cue System. For less than $100US you get multi- channel playback, fade in's and outs, cueing within a=20 sound file, and more. We use it here for the occasional show and find it to be almost as good as SFX, but at a=20 price you can't beat. Also does midi triggers. If you=20 don't need all those functions, there are lower priced licenses (pay less, get less functionality from the=20 software). more info at http://www.soundcuesystem.com/ BTW, I don't work for them in any way, just a very satisfied customer. Jason Salvatori Technical Director City Playhouse Phone: 905-326-7469 Fax: 905-882-7949 _________________________________________________________________________= _ This e-mail, including any attachment(s), may be confidential and is = intended solely for the attention and information of the named = addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or have received = this message in error, please notify me immediately by return e-mail and = permanently delete the original transmission from your computer, = including any attachment(s). Any unauthorized distribution, disclosure = or copying of this message and attachment(s) by anyone other than the = recipient is strictly prohibited. ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 20:36:47 +0100 From: Clive Mitchell Subject: Re: Amplifier and Speakers References: In-Reply-To: In message , Jerry Durand writes >Frank, do a web search on Class-D amplifiers. You may be surprised at >what's being done now. And just how delightfully lightweight they are for their output. :) -- Clive Mitchell http://www.bigclive.com ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "David Silvernail" Subject: RE: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 15:57:13 -0400 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <448dc78b.6009b810.4c21.189c [at] mx.gmail.com> Has anybody gotten the next item after the big grey head thing? -David -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Bill Nelson Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 1:17 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- > http://vectorpark.com/levers.html > > So this thing is balance in practice. Fun. All I got is a black screen. Does this require javascript? I don't like to allow it when surfing unknown sites. Bill ------------------------------ Subject: RE: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 16:28:38 -0400 Message-ID: From: Cc: dsilvernail [at] controlbooth.com Well, I got seven objects and two birds but now I have to go home. Another hour missing from my life. Steve=20 -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of David Silvernail Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 3:57 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Has anybody gotten the next item after the big grey head thing? =20 -David=20 ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060612133710.00c06f30 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:37:10 From: CB Subject: Re: Amplifier and Speakers >I'm slightly baffled, because I don't know how to design a 'bad' amp. I >suppose that a specification which doesn't fit the job might do it. Aww, c'mon Frank! Don't be so hard on yourself. Sure you do! Look! >adequate power supply, careful control >of out-of-band signals, and casreful consideration of possible overload >conditions you could ignore the heat-cycle possibilities, you could ignore the flexibility of the chassis (as in trucking the thing) you could ignore the wear it could receive being used in twenty seperate venues a year, or use in twenty different apps in one venue, ventilation, shoot, there are a zillion things that you could ignore and end up with a 'bad amp'. 'Seasy Chris "Chris" Babbie Location Sound MON AZ Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment. Rates negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment... ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060612134308.00c06f30 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:43:08 From: CB Subject: Re: Re: 500 yards > We often >referred to them as "Mattel" rifles, so much plastic and so breakable >we thought of them as toys. Actually, the 'Mattel' moniker came from the toy company manufacturing the plastic parts. Mattel was one of the few manufacturers of the time in the US that could mass produce that quantity of parts and had tooled up for the 'high-impact' plastics at that point. Chris "Chris" Babbie Location Sound MON AZ Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment. Rates negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment... ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 17:03:30 -0400 From: "Chris Rovers" Subject: Re: "Simple Playback PC/Media Player" In-Reply-To: References: > A relatively cheap and very functional program available > is Sound Cue System. For less than $100US you get multi- > channel playback, fade in's and outs, cueing within a > sound file, and more. We use it here for the occasional > show and find it to be almost as good as SFX, but at a > price you can't beat. Also does midi triggers. If you > don't need all those functions, there are lower priced > licenses (pay less, get less functionality from the > software). > more info at http://www.soundcuesystem.com/ > BTW, I don't work for them in any way, just a very > satisfied customer. I very much agree with this - great product, great guy to deal with, too (I had an emergency order because I needed a license key for the tech rehearsal the following day and he got it to me in time, despite being in Australia) His product, for not much money, saved my butt at that rehearsal - sound went from a major problem area to something we could completely rely on 'just working' :) -cdr ------------------------------ From: rwhitco [at] comcast.net (Randy Whitcomb) Subject: My Last Day Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 21:22:04 +0000 Message-Id: <061220062122.27462.448DDAFC00065C3B00006B462209229927010C9B0708999D [at] comcast.net> The following is a bit self indulgent but I thought some of you would understand. Sorry digesters, its a bit long. Tonight I'll be going to my theatre for the last time. I'm giving my replacement an orientation and handing him the keys. My wife's job is returning us to Maryland, after spending the last 11years in Colorado. 9 years ago I took the job as TD of a 1200 seat Civic/ High School Auditorium, and after my boss retired last year I took on management duties as well. Recently there was a reprise of the why are we paid so little and why do we allow it thread. One of the reasons is that jobs like this are few and far between with lots of folks competing. There have been several times over the past few years when I was ready to walk away. Until last year, the school's Principal NEVER came to a play, concert or musical. Most of the rest of the admin and faculty were the same. We have a new Principal now who understands and cares about what we do, but changing the culture here is difficult. So why put up with low pay and indifferent P'sTB? Simple: my students. When an 18 yr old boy tells you that he's a better person for knowing you and you've changed his life - that matters. Students who have come back to visit tell me that they realized we were doing more than teaching acting and tech. They were learning real life lessons and skills. Working with people you may not like, working to a critical deadline, coping with pressure, getting past your fears and trepidations, and building a house on stage for less than $500! Our shows were always student productions. Everything you saw on stage was the result of their labors. We trained and directed them, but they did the work. My kids took pride in their shows and I took pride in them. Over 9 years 10 students asked me to present them their diplomas. Because we are the city's civic aud. we have had a nice budget for equipment. My students have been programming robotic lights for 6 years. One student was the AME for a main stage production his first semester at Big U down the road, because the school had just purchased the very same robotics we had and no one on the faculty or staff knew what to do with them. Brandon had been programming ours for 3 years. I started out as a stage tech in the early 80's and began at my first HS at that time as well, but my most memorable moments are from here: At the end of a crew call my first week here a freshman girl said that her dad would be so proud because she learned how to use powertools that day. -That is a scene that was repeated thoughout my time here. This spring we did Les Mis. We had 21 channels of wireless as well as 4 PCC's and mics in the pit about 30 channels in all. The 15 and 16 year old ops were practically flawless each night. They played the board like an instrument. One of them had never worked the K2 before. My proudest moment will be in a few hours when I hand my keys over to the former student who will be taking my place. He's graduting a semester early from CU Boulder, is an uprigger with our local, and is the best chance I have of ever having my name mentioned at the Tony Awards. I was at first reluctant to recommend him for the job or rather the job for him - he's destined for bigger things- but his faculty adviser thought this was a pretty good first job for him so I gave my blessing as well. I've told him if he stays too long I'll come back and beat him. I am a High School Technical Director and I love my job. I know there are many of you on the list who are as fortunate as I have been. The school district may own the facility but it is MY theatre. It has a life and personality and is a part of me. It's hard to leave it. It feels good when people walk by the sound station at the end of a show and say "Good job" to me. They've been entertained. We are lucky to be part of a profession that brings joy to people. This Friday we pack the cars and drive from Colorado to Columbia, MD with 2 beagles and a 15 year old girl who's being forced to leave behind her first boyfriend - it will be an adventure. BTW: If anyone in the Balto./D.C. area is looking for an experienced all around stage tech who works and plays well with others, I'm available. Thanks for indulging me. Randy Whitcomb Manager/TD (for the moment) Price Civic Aud. Loveland, CO ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 17:27:59 -0400 From: "Delbert Hall" Subject: Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others In-Reply-To: References: I got up to the giant head too, but no further. -Delbert -- Delbert L. Hall ZFX Flying Director Phone: 714-585-7070 ------------------------------ Message-ID: <448DDE9E.4000307 [at] audiovisualdevices.com.au> Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 07:37:34 +1000 From: David Duffy Subject: Re: "Simple Playback PC/Media Player" References: In-Reply-To: Robert E. Graham wrote: > Hello fellow stagecraft digest readers, > A while back, someone was offering a 'self made' sound effects > playback program for the PC. If that individual (sorry, i deleted the > message ages ago) is lurking, and would kindly send me a link, or the > program itself, I'd greatly appreciate it. We need pc playback > capability, and using media player is a scary thought, and we don't > have the budget for SFX. Thanks in advance! Hi Robert, That was me. I will send you the player via email today. If anyone else wants a copy please let me know. I working on an improved version that offers manual adjustment of the volume and pan of effects while they're playing. Please let me know of any other features that would make it more useful. David... ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <4b8.136c878.31bf4185 [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 18:15:33 EDT Subject: Re: Amplifier and Speakers In a message dated 6/12/06 6:55:39 PM W. Europe Daylight Time, jdurand [at] interstellar.com writes: << Frank, do a web search on Class-D amplifiers. You may be surprised at what's being done now. >> Not particurlarly. I remember when they were first around. No doubt GTO semiconductors and high power FETs have made things possible that I should not have thought of, back then. The basic design problem has not changed. This is to take a low level, comparitively speaking, audio signal and make it into something big enough to drive a big loudspeaker. There are many ways to do this, and probably as many problems to be considered. Enclosure design, damping factors, and transient response come to mind, for starters. All these interact, which is why I say that the subject still has an element of black magic to it. I know of engineering measurements I can make that will tell me that such a speaker and amplifier will sound bad. I know of none that will tell me that it will sound good, and here, 'good' does not equate with 'not bad'. Boolean algebra and acoustics do not mix. ------------------------------ Subject: RE: My Last Day Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 15:25:41 -0700 Message-ID: <555928311F8B2943B65FC7197942C3B70538C2A8 [at] es1.bsdnet.wednet.edu> From: "Storms, Randy" Amen, Brother. Randy Storms, High School TD for 14 years - and counting... rstorms [at] bham.wednet.edu -----Original Message----- >I am a High School Technical Director and I love my job. >I know there are many of you on the list who are as fortunate as I have = been. The school >district may own the facility but it is MY theatre. It has a life and = personality and is a part=20 >of me. It's hard to leave it. It feels good when people walk by the = sound station at the end=20 >of a show and say "Good job" to me. They've been entertained. We are = lucky to be part of a >profession that brings joy to people. ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "RD" Subject: RE: My Last Day Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 16:42:22 -0600 Message-ID: <012601c68e71$786c2600$c083c447 [at] doom1> In-Reply-To: Gosh, Randy, tell them about my book, www.theaterhealthandsafetybook.com Randy Davidson, dr. doom -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Storms, Randy Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 4:26 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: My Last Day For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Amen, Brother. Randy Storms, High School TD for 14 years - and counting... rstorms [at] bham.wednet.edu -----Original Message----- >I am a High School Technical Director and I love my job. >I know there are many of you on the list who are as fortunate as I have been. The school >district may own the facility but it is MY theatre. It has a life and personality and is a part >of me. It's hard to leave it. It feels good when people walk by the sound station at the end >of a show and say "Good job" to me. They've been entertained. We are lucky to be part of a >profession that brings joy to people. ------------------------------ From: "Sam Fisher" Cc: rwhitco [at] comcast.net ('Randy Whitcomb') Subject: RE: My Last Day Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 18:53:20 -0400 Message-ID: <000001c68e73$00cc73a0$180aa8c0 [at] ftoffice.local> In-Reply-To: Oh, I'm looking. Give me a call when you settle down with the move. Or stop by if you just need to get away from unpacking. The shop is 10 minutes from Columbia. I can also give you information on a Baltimore school that is looking for a 25hr. per week TD for next school year. And anyone else looking to pickup summer work, give me a call. Sam Fisher General Manager / VP Fisher Theatrical, LLC. 410-487-0100 office 410-487-0090 fax All information contained in this email, including any attachments, is to be treated as Confidential. -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Randy Whitcomb Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 5:22 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: My Last Day For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- The following is a bit self indulgent but I thought some of you would understand. Sorry digesters, its a bit long. Tonight I'll be going to my theatre for the last time. I'm giving my replacement an orientation and handing him the keys. My wife's job is returning us to Maryland, after spending the last 11years in Colorado. 9 years ago I took the job as TD of a 1200 seat Civic/ High School Auditorium, and after my boss retired last year I took on management duties as well. Recently there was a reprise of the why are we paid so little and why do we allow it thread. One of the reasons is that jobs like this are few and far between with lots of folks competing. There have been several times over the past few years when I was ready to walk away. Until last year, the school's Principal NEVER came to a play, concert or musical. Most of the rest of the admin and faculty were the same. We have a new Principal now who understands and cares about what we do, but changing the culture here is difficult. So why put up with low pay and indifferent P'sTB? Simple: my students. When an 18 yr old boy tells you that he's a better person for knowing you and you've changed his life - that matters. Students who have come back to visit tell me that they realized we were doing more than teaching acting and tech. They were learning real life lessons and skills. Working with people you may not like, working to a critical deadline, coping with pressure, getting past your fears and trepidations, and building a house on stage for less than $500! Our shows were always student productions. Everything you saw on stage was the result of their labors. We trained and directed them, but they did the work. My kids took pride in their shows and I took pride in them. Over 9 years 10 students asked me to present them their diplomas. Because we are the city's civic aud. we have had a nice budget for equipment. My students have been programming robotic lights for 6 years. One student was the AME for a main stage production his first semester at Big U down the road, because the school had just purchased the very same robotics we had and no one on the faculty or staff knew what to do with them. Brandon had been programming ours for 3 years. I started out as a stage tech in the early 80's and began at my first HS at that time as well, but my most memorable moments are from here: At the end of a crew call my first week here a freshman girl said that her dad would be so proud because she learned how to use powertools that day. -That is a scene that was repeated thoughout my time here. This spring we did Les Mis. We had 21 channels of wireless as well as 4 PCC's and mics in the pit about 30 channels in all. The 15 and 16 year old ops were practically flawless each night. They played the board like an instrument. One of them had never worked the K2 before. My proudest moment will be in a few hours when I hand my keys over to the former student who will be taking my place. He's graduting a semester early from CU Boulder, is an uprigger with our local, and is the best chance I have of ever having my name mentioned at the Tony Awards. I was at first reluctant to recommend him for the job or rather the job for him - he's destined for bigger things- but his faculty adviser thought this was a pretty good first job for him so I gave my blessing as well. I've told him if he stays too long I'll come back and beat him. I am a High School Technical Director and I love my job. I know there are many of you on the list who are as fortunate as I have been. The school district may own the facility but it is MY theatre. It has a life and personality and is a part of me. It's hard to leave it. It feels good when people walk by the sound station at the end of a show and say "Good job" to me. They've been entertained. We are lucky to be part of a profession that brings joy to people. This Friday we pack the cars and drive from Colorado to Columbia, MD with 2 beagles and a 15 year old girl who's being forced to leave behind her first boyfriend - it will be an adventure. BTW: If anyone in the Balto./D.C. area is looking for an experienced all around stage tech who works and plays well with others, I'm available. Thanks for indulging me. Randy Whitcomb Manager/TD (for the moment) Price Civic Aud. Loveland, CO ------------------------------ From: "ladesigners [at] juno.com" Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 22:56:31 GMT Subject: Re: My Last Day Message-Id: <20060612.155641.8266.48627 [at] webmail37.lax.untd.com> I concur. A new hire with as much autonomy and responsibility as is = required for this job should have a book such as Doom's to back up = his decisions in the interim period that occurs before the remainder = of the faculty, staff, and administrators get to know and trust him. /s/ Richard ______________________ Gosh, Randy, tell them about my book, = www.theaterhealthandsafetybook.com Randy Davidson, dr. doom = ________________ Amen, Brother. Randy Storms, High School TD for 14 years - and counting... rstorms [at] bham.wednet.edu ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "RD" Subject: RE: My Last Day Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 16:59:03 -0600 Message-ID: <013a01c68e73$cd5cebc0$c083c447 [at] doom1> In-Reply-To: Sam, I also have a young woman looking for work. I will have your contact you. She will be in the area this week. Doom -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Sam Fisher Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 4:53 PM To: Stagecraft Cc: 'Randy Whitcomb' Subject: Re: My Last Day For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Oh, I'm looking. Give me a call when you settle down with the move. Or stop by if you just need to get away from unpacking. The shop is 10 minutes from Columbia. I can also give you information on a Baltimore school that is looking for a 25hr. per week TD for next school year. And anyone else looking to pickup summer work, give me a call. Sam Fisher General Manager / VP Fisher Theatrical, LLC. 410-487-0100 office 410-487-0090 fax All information contained in this email, including any attachments, is to be treated as Confidential. -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Randy Whitcomb Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 5:22 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: My Last Day For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- The following is a bit self indulgent but I thought some of you would understand. Sorry digesters, its a bit long. Tonight I'll be going to my theatre for the last time. I'm giving my replacement an orientation and handing him the keys. My wife's job is returning us to Maryland, after spending the last 11years in Colorado. 9 years ago I took the job as TD of a 1200 seat Civic/ High School Auditorium, and after my boss retired last year I took on management duties as well. Recently there was a reprise of the why are we paid so little and why do we allow it thread. One of the reasons is that jobs like this are few and far between with lots of folks competing. There have been several times over the past few years when I was ready to walk away. Until last year, the school's Principal NEVER came to a play, concert or musical. Most of the rest of the admin and faculty were the same. We have a new Principal now who understands and cares about what we do, but changing the culture here is difficult. So why put up with low pay and indifferent P'sTB? Simple: my students. When an 18 yr old boy tells you that he's a better person for knowing you and you've changed his life - that matters. Students who have come back to visit tell me that they realized we were doing more than teaching acting and tech. They were learning real life lessons and skills. Working with people you may not like, working to a critical deadline, coping with pressure, getting past your fears and trepidations, and building a house on stage for less than $500! Our shows were always student productions. Everything you saw on stage was the result of their labors. We trained and directed them, but they did the work. My kids took pride in their shows and I took pride in them. Over 9 years 10 students asked me to present them their diplomas. Because we are the city's civic aud. we have had a nice budget for equipment. My students have been programming robotic lights for 6 years. One student was the AME for a main stage production his first semester at Big U down the road, because the school had just purchased the very same robotics we had and no one on the faculty or staff knew what to do with them. Brandon had been programming ours for 3 years. I started out as a stage tech in the early 80's and began at my first HS at that time as well, but my most memorable moments are from here: At the end of a crew call my first week here a freshman girl said that her dad would be so proud because she learned how to use powertools that day. -That is a scene that was repeated thoughout my time here. This spring we did Les Mis. We had 21 channels of wireless as well as 4 PCC's and mics in the pit about 30 channels in all. The 15 and 16 year old ops were practically flawless each night. They played the board like an instrument. One of them had never worked the K2 before. My proudest moment will be in a few hours when I hand my keys over to the former student who will be taking my place. He's graduting a semester early from CU Boulder, is an uprigger with our local, and is the best chance I have of ever having my name mentioned at the Tony Awards. I was at first reluctant to recommend him for the job or rather the job for him - he's destined for bigger things- but his faculty adviser thought this was a pretty good first job for him so I gave my blessing as well. I've told him if he stays too long I'll come back and beat him. I am a High School Technical Director and I love my job. I know there are many of you on the list who are as fortunate as I have been. The school district may own the facility but it is MY theatre. It has a life and personality and is a part of me. It's hard to leave it. It feels good when people walk by the sound station at the end of a show and say "Good job" to me. They've been entertained. We are lucky to be part of a profession that brings joy to people. This Friday we pack the cars and drive from Colorado to Columbia, MD with 2 beagles and a 15 year old girl who's being forced to leave behind her first boyfriend - it will be an adventure. BTW: If anyone in the Balto./D.C. area is looking for an experienced all around stage tech who works and plays well with others, I'm available. Thanks for indulging me. Randy Whitcomb Manager/TD (for the moment) Price Civic Aud. Loveland, CO ------------------------------ Message-ID: <3cuI1NMfLgjEFwUS [at] ntlworld.com> Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 01:12:15 +0100 From: Clive Mitchell Subject: Re: My Last Day References: In-Reply-To: In message , RD writes >Gosh, Randy, tell them about my book, >www.theaterhealthandsafetybook.com Randy Davidson, dr. doom Apparently they'd all rather buy Davie Dimmers big book of theatrical misfortune. (With pictures.) :) -- Clive Mitchell http://www.bigclive.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 01:03:20 +0100 From: Clive Mitchell Subject: Re: OT (sort of) Time waster. Fun for riggers? and others References: In-Reply-To: In message , Stephen.Rees [at] fredonia.edu writes >Well, I got seven objects and two birds but now I have to go home. >Another hour missing from my life. It's particularly amusing to pick up the bird house and then give it a right good shaking. Oh is it a game? I couldn't work out what was happening. :) The other things on the site are also quite psycho. -- Clive Mitchell http://www.bigclive.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 01:00:38 +0100 From: Clive Mitchell Subject: Re: Amplifier and Speakers References: In-Reply-To: In message , FrankWood95 [at] aol.com writes >Not particurlarly. I remember when they were first around. No doubt GTO >semiconductors and high power FETs have made things possible that I >should not have thought of, back then. GTO's? Gate Turn Off thyristors? Nah! You're probably thinking of those gutsy IGBT's (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors). Like a big meaty traditional transistor but with the added advantage of an integrated MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) to make it easy to drive. Used a lot on heavy electric traction control like vehicles or elevators. -- Clive Mitchell http://www.bigclive.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 01:07:27 +0100 From: Clive Mitchell Subject: Re: My Last Day References: In-Reply-To: In message , Randy Whitcomb writes >When an 18 yr old boy tells you that he's a better person for knowing >you and you've changed his life - that matters. Students who have come >back to visit tell me that they realized we were doing more than >teaching acting and tech. They were learning real life lessons and >skills. Anything that gets young people working with tools and using their heads creatively is good. I really like it when people email me to tell me that my website got them started or rekindled their interest in electronics and building things. -- Clive Mitchell http://www.bigclive.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: In-Reply-To: From: "Donald Robert Fox" Subject: RE: My Last Day Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 00:59:17 +0000

Thank you for sharing this.




Donald Robert Fox, M.F.A.
USA-AEA-IALD
Asst. Professor of Design
University of the Incarnate Word
Dept. of Theatre Arts
From:  rwhitco [at] comcast.net (Randy Whitcomb)
Reply-To:  "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
To:  "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
Subject:  My Last Day
Date:  Mon, 12 Jun 2006 21:22:04 +0000
For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
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The following is a bit self indulgent but I thought some of you would understand. Sorry digesters, its a bit long.


Tonight I'll be going to my theatre for the last time.  I'm giving my replacement an orientation and handing him the keys.  My wife's job is returning us to Maryland, after spending the last 11years in Colorado.

9 years ago I took the job as TD of a 1200 seat Civic/ High School Auditorium, and after my boss retired last year I took on management duties as well.  Recently there was a reprise of the why are we paid so little and why do we allow it thread.   One of the reasons is that jobs like this are few and far between with lots of folks competing. There have been several times over the past few years when I was ready to walk away.  Until last year, the school's Principal NEVER came to a play, concert or musical.  Most of the rest of the admin and faculty were the same.  We have a new Principal now who understands and cares about what we do, but changing the culture here is difficult.

So why put up with low pay and indifferent P'sTB?  Simple:  my students.  When an 18 yr old boy tells you that he's a better person for knowing you and you've changed his life - that matters.  Students who have come back to visit tell me that they  realized  we were doing more than teaching acting and tech.  They were learning real life lessons and skills.  Working with people you may not like, working to a critical deadline, coping with pressure, getting past your fears and trepidations, and building a house on stage for less than $500!

Our shows were always student productions.  Everything you saw on stage was the result of their labors.  We trained and directed them, but they did the work. My kids took pride in their shows and I took pride in them.  Over 9 years 10 students asked me to present them their diplomas.

Because we are the city's civic aud. we have had a nice budget for equipment.  My students have been programming robotic lights for 6 years.  One student was the AME for a main stage production his first semester at Big U down the road, because the school had just purchased the very same robotics  we had and no one on the faculty or staff knew what to do with them.  Brandon had been programming ours for 3 years.

I started out as a stage tech in the early 80's and began at my first HS at that time as well, but my most memorable moments are from here:

At the end of a crew call my first week here a freshman girl said that her dad would be so proud because she learned how to use powertools that day.
   -That is a scene that was repeated thoughout my time here.

This spring we did Les Mis.  We had 21 channels of wireless as well as 4 PCC's and mics in the pit  about 30 channels in all.  The 15 and 16 year old ops were practically flawless each night. They played the board  like an instrument. One of them had never worked the K2 before.

My proudest moment will be in a few hours when I hand my keys over to the former student who will be taking my place.  He's graduting a semester early from CU Boulder, is an uprigger with our local, and is the best chance I have of ever having my name  mentioned at the Tony Awards.  I was at first reluctant to recommend him for the job or rather the job for him - he's destined for bigger things- but his faculty adviser thought this was a pretty good first job for him so I gave my blessing as well.  I've told him if he stays too long I'll come back and beat him.

I am a High School Technical Director and I love my job.

I know there are many of you on the list who are as fortunate as I have been.  The school district may own the facility but it is MY theatre.  It has a life and personality and is a part of me.  It's hard to leave it.  It feels good when people walk by the sound station at the end of a show and say "Good job" to me.  They've been entertained.  We are lucky to be part of a profession that brings joy to people.

This Friday we pack the cars and drive from Colorado to Columbia, MD with 2 beagles and a 15 year old girl who's being forced to leave behind her first boyfriend - it will be an adventure.

BTW: If anyone in the Balto./D.C. area is looking for an experienced all around stage tech who works and plays well with others, I'm available.

Thanks for indulging me.


Randy Whitcomb
Manager/TD (for the moment)
Price Civic Aud.
Loveland, CO

------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "RD" Subject: RE: My Last Day Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 19:39:13 -0600 Message-ID: <019201c68e8a$2d3d4920$c083c447 [at] doom1> In-Reply-To: Pays your money takes your choice, they said. Trying to be helpful, but reckon that may have fallen on "some" deaf ears, pondwise. Doom -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Clive Mitchell Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 6:12 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: My Last Day For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- In message , RD writes >Gosh, Randy, tell them about my book, >www.theaterhealthandsafetybook.com Randy Davidson, dr. doom Apparently they'd all rather buy Davie Dimmers big book of theatrical misfortune. (With pictures.) :) -- Clive Mitchell http://www.bigclive.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 02:54:58 +0100 From: Clive Mitchell Subject: Re: My Last Day References: In-Reply-To: In message , RD writes >Pays your money takes your choice, they said. Trying to be helpful, but >reckon that may have fallen on "some" deaf ears, pondwise. Doom After they've tried some of the FX techniques in Davies book they'll probably have to buy yours anyway. :) -- Clive Mitchell http://www.bigclive.com ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "RD" Subject: RE: My Last Day Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 20:09:12 -0600 Message-ID: <01ba01c68e8e$5d4ff820$c083c447 [at] doom1> In-Reply-To: Good point. Thanks Clive. Appreciate the comment. Doom -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Clive Mitchell Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 7:55 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: My Last Day For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- In message , RD writes >Pays your money takes your choice, they said. Trying to be helpful, but >reckon that may have fallen on "some" deaf ears, pondwise. Doom After they've tried some of the FX techniques in Davies book they'll probably have to buy yours anyway. :) -- Clive Mitchell http://www.bigclive.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20060613031718.6321.qmail [at] web36209.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 20:17:18 -0700 (PDT) From: Jacqueline Haney Kidwell Subject: 'Beauty & the Beast' questions I have, as of this evening, joined the board of a local community theatre group. They are in the process of picking a show for next winter, and have just about talked themselves in Disney's B&B. Since the perusal copy of the script got sent back without anyone looking at ANY of the technical requirements, I have a few questions. If you have done (or seen) this show, could you contact me off list and tell me: *how many sets are there and what are they? *is the flying I have heard mentioned required? *what does the Invention have to do? *does anyone besides the Beast transform visibly? *do the specialty costumes (like the armoire) have particular requirements besides being danced in? *what do I not know to ask that I need to know? I have my own opinions on the advisability of this show at this time for this group. I just need information. Thank you all in advance. Jacki __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Subject: RE: 'Beauty & the Beast' questions Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 23:29:06 -0400 Message-ID: From: "Salvatori, Jason" Our resident community group did B&B this past year. - The set can be as big or small as you like. the one they had was a riser with 2 staircases (one down either side) and the door in and out of the castle in the centre under it. - Flying is definitely NOT required - The invention can do whatever you can imagine! something=20 that is useful in provincial France (the one I saw turned branches in to bundled firewood) - The beast is the only one to transform on stage - The costumes are by far the toughest part of the show. The costumes, in their complexity as well as sheer numbers can be very cost prohibitive. HTH Jason _________________________________________________________________________= _ This e-mail, including any attachment(s), may be confidential and is = intended solely for the attention and information of the named = addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or have received = this message in error, please notify me immediately by return e-mail and = permanently delete the original transmission from your computer, = including any attachment(s). Any unauthorized distribution, disclosure = or copying of this message and attachment(s) by anyone other than the = recipient is strictly prohibited. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <000601c68e9d$170103f0$1900f218 [at] CherylandSandee> From: "~Sandee" References: Subject: Re: 'Beauty & the Beast' questions Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 21:54:36 -0600 We did B&B in our Dinner Theatre. A very small stage but with platforms, staircase, scims and fog we were able to pull it off. The costumes were amazing, however VERY costly to make. Thank G-d for a very talented costume designer. The rose and teacart were equally costly, but fun to work with. Since we do not have a fly system we did not fly the old lady or beast, we did however use scrim, lites and fog for both. I am not sure what the royalties were...but the show was one of the best we did. Sandee UTEP Dinner Theatre ------------------------------ End of Stagecraft Digest #843 *****************************