Return-Path: X-Processed-By: Virex 7 on prxy.net X-Real-To: stagecraftlist [at] theatrical.net X-ListServer: CommuniGate Pro LIST 4.1.8 List-Unsubscribe: List-ID: Message-ID: From: "Stagecraft" Sender: "Stagecraft" To: "Stagecraft" Precedence: list Subject: Stagecraft Digest #33 Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 20:39:01 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Disposition: inline For info on subscribing, unsubscribing, and suspending your list subscription, go to the Stagecraft web site at: http://stagecraft.theprices.net/ --------------------------------------------------- Stagecraft Digest, Issue #33 1. Subject: Rental Draperies... help please by JAXBEAR31 [at] aol.com 2. Penguins by b Ricie 3. Re: NPR music file? by Rigger 4. INTERNS NEEDED!!! ASAP by "Brandy Bitzer" 5. Re: Subject: Rental Draperies... help please by usctd [at] columbia.sc 6. Re: NPR music file? by "Storms, Randy" 7. Pit Nets by "Robert D. Ingram" 8. Re: Pit Nets by "Sam Fisher" 9. by Michael Powers 10. Re: roller chain rigging (was "no subject") by Jerry Durand 11. Re: Rental Draperies... help please by MissWisc [at] aol.com 12. Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines by Michael Powers 13. Re: Pit Nets by "Storms, Randy" 14. Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines by "Paul Schreiner" 15. Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "Sarah Clausen" 16. Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines by Tony Miller 17. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "Paul Schreiner" 18. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "Fitch, Tracy" 19. Re: Rings (warning: almost completely OT) by Bruce Purdy 20. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "Jon Ares" 21. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "Sarah Clausen" 22. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "Andrew Vance" 23. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by James Kosmatka 24. Re: Subject: Rental Draperies... help please by "Joe Golden" 25. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by Stephen Litterst 26. Re: by 27. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "Tony Deeming" 28. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by 29. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "Adam Berns" 30. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "Paul Sanow" 31. Re: Video signal routing by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 32. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by Stephen Litterst 33. Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines by "Paul Schreiner" 34. Re: Rental Draperies... help please by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 35. Re: Rental Draperies... help please by doran [at] bard.edu 36. Re: Subject: Rental Draperies... help please by usctd [at] columbia.sc 37. Re: I'm cranky tonight by Wood Chip-P26398 38. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 39. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "Tony Deeming" 40. Re: Subject: Rental Draperies... help please by usctd [at] columbia.sc 41. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 42. Re: Video signal routing by Karen Archibald 43. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "Adam Berns" 44. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "C. Andrew Dunning" 45. Re: Subject: Rental Draperies... help please by usctd [at] columbia.sc 46. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by MissWisc [at] aol.com 47. Re: Rental Draperies... help please by Howie 48. Re: Lamp Warming (Was Re: Grandmasters) by Stephen Litterst 49. Re: Rental Draperies... help please by "Frank E. Merrill" 50. Re: Lamp Warming (Was Re: Grandmasters) by Dave Bowman 51. Re: NPR music file? by Rigger 52. Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines by Rigger 53. Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines by Rigger 54. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by Rigger 55. Re: Lamp Warming (Was Re: Grandmasters) by "Andrew Vance" 56. Re: I'm cranky tonight by Rigger 57. Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines by Tony Miller 58. Re: I'm cranky tonight by Wood Chip-P26398 59. Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines by Wood Chip-P26398 60. Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines by Tony Miller 61. Re: Lamp Warming by Steve Larson 62. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by Charlie Richmond 63. Re: Lamp Warming (Was Re: Grandmasters) by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com 64. Re: Video signal routing by Michael Feinberg 65. John Diaz and his Local 1 letter by Bsapsis [at] aol.com 66. Re: Video signal routing by "Adam Berns" 67. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "John Gibilisco" 68. Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? by "Jon Ares" 69. Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines by Stuart Wheaton 70. Re: pricing penguins by "Jack E. Wilkinson" 71. Re: pricing penguins by Jacqueline Haney Kidwell 72. Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines by Rigger 73. Video Projector by CB *** Please update the subject line of your reply to use the subject *** line of the message you are replying to! Please only reply to *** one message subject in each reply. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 08:10:12 -0400 From: JAXBEAR31 [at] aol.com Subject: Subject: Rental Draperies... help please Message-ID: <33344498.3CC92EA2.021F819D [at] aol.com> HI Barney, First of all..I applaud you for trying to help them out. Although, you do give me the impression that this is somewhat a NEW field for you...that is dealing with drapes/curtains etc. What I mean...is...Im certain you are a very smart person, but you should have someone on your staff that is more knowledgeable about these things. Handling all of the rental details is one thing. You can promise them the world. It looks like you tried to help them but I question why you are asking these questions to the list? Especially if you have owned this company for a couple of years. Did you fire the person that handled these problems in the past? I'm not trying to get down on you...Im just plain curious. This is my area of expertise per se. First of all...How can the client say they were unusable 'IF' they were used? Also...why did they wait so long to rent this stuff out? Were these people that inexperienced? It really sound like this was their first time renting based on the comments they gave you. I have run into this situation on many occasions. I don't care if it is a costume, drapes..or a prop...even if you decided that your not going to use it...that's their problem not yours. They rented it...they pay for it. I know that the customer is always right, but where do you draw the line? You did have a signed contract with them correct? Also....I can't believe the drapes were sent back wet...that is on very big no-no. Every set of drapes or curtains my former company rented were always returned dry, folded properly and sent back in the same condition received. Did you have a quick return date on them? Did you give them a chance to return them dry? Most companies give you 7-10 days to ship curtains back and 3-4 days for drops. At least, the ones I dealt with anyway. Remember...if you wash those drapes...you are going to have to fireproof them again. Now about the stitching...Look..I made all of the Swags for the Scintas at the Rio Casino in Vegas. Barney...No matter how bad you stitch your drapes together...the audience will never see it. No matter how bad things look up close...they will always (within reason...lol) read beautifully to the audience. The material I had to use for the swags was kind of difficult to work with and it did pucker a little bit...but you would of never known unless you hand inspected it and was standing 6" away from a seam. This is just another lame attempt by the client to justify not having to pay for the damages. Whatever you do...don't let this client walk all over you. You made an effort to help them...and now they are trying to screw you. As you even stated "there was nothing that I could have done to make it better." Hopefully you have a contract that list the terms of the rental. Don't worry about getting sued...your contract should be enough to get it thrown out. Eric S ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20040607122821.1155.qmail [at] web50608.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 05:28:21 -0700 (PDT) From: b Ricie Subject: Penguins In-Reply-To: >>Some pet stores sell penguins; it might be cheaper to buy than to rent, once you factor in the labor and delivery costs. << Perhaps natural penguin birthing would be cheaper. ===== Brian Rice b_ricie [at] yahoo.com __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Friends. Fun. Try the all-new Yahoo! Messenger. http://messenger.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 09:23:28 -0400 From: Rigger Subject: Re: NPR music file? At 9:35 AM +0100 6/7/04, Tony Deeming wrote: >I'm now bemused - what is this, and as a 300 owner, would I be >impressed/intrigued/amused by it??? Yes. (handled off-list) -- Dave Vick, IATSE #274 Head Electrician, The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University Carpe Per Diem ------------------------------ From: "Brandy Bitzer" Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 08:33:30 -0500 Subject: INTERNS NEEDED!!! ASAP Message-Id: <20040607133330.4EC36101D7 [at] ws1-3.us4.outblaze.com> Hello All I am currently looking for two interns for this summer season at the New London Barn Playhouse in New London NH If you know of anyone who would be interested please have them contact me off list....theatretech [at] techie.com Tech Intern -Fast Learner -Hard Worker -Basic Electrical -Basic Carpentry -Has worked with an ETC Express lighing board (would be great!! but also someone willing to learn too) -Spotlight operation -Minimal sound operation -assist the technical director and the lighting designer Wardrobe intern -Laundry -Ironing -Mending -Assist back stage -Help manage dressing rooms -quick changes -Hard worker -fast learner -assist the costume desigener These both include shared housing and 3 wonderful meals a day. The pay and travel expenses is a negotable thing with our managing producer If anyone has questions or wants more information please contact me and I will give you the info Thanks so much!!! Brandy Bitzer Lighting Designer theatretech [at] techie.com -- ___________________________________________________________ Sign-up for Ads Free at Mail.com http://promo.mail.com/adsfreejump.htm ------------------------------ Message-ID: <2455.129.252.241.105.1086621400.squirrel [at] webmail.columbia.sc> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 11:16:40 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Subject: Rental Draperies... help please From: usctd [at] columbia.sc HERE'S MY FEELING, Eric S. wrote: HI Barney, First of all..I applaud you for trying to help them out. Although, you do give me the impression that this is somewhat a NEW field for you...that is dealing with drapes/curtains etc. What I mean...is...Im certain you are a very smart person, but you should have someone on your staff that is more knowledgeable about these things. Handling all of the rental details is one thing. You can promise them the world. It looks like you tried to help them but I question why you are asking these questions to the list? Especially if you have owned this company for a couple of years. Did you fire the person that handled these problems in the past? I'm not trying to get down on you...Im just plain curious. This is my area of expertise per se. SOUNDS TO ME LIKE HE WANTED SOME IMPARTIAL AND/OR EXPERT ADVICE. WHY DOES EVERYONE ELSE WRITE TO THE LIST? First of all...How can the client say they were unusable 'IF' they were used? Also...why did they wait so long to rent this stuff out? Were these people that inexperienced? It really sound like this was their first time renting based on the comments they gave you. OBVIOUSLY THEY HAD TO USE SOMETHING! IF YOUR SHOW NEEDS A TRAVELER, YOU MAKE DO WITH WHAT YOU GOT. IT DOESN’T SOUND TO ME THAT IT HAPPENED THAT QUICKLY IF BARNEY HAD TIME TO SEND SWATCHES TO THEM. WHEN DID THEY GET THE DRAPES? HE SAYS THEY HUNG THEM ON FRIDAY. IS THAT THE CLIENTS FAULT TOO? I have run into this situation on many occasions. I don't care if it is a costume, drapes..or a prop...even if you decided that your not going to use it...that's their problem not yours. They rented it...they pay for it. IS THERE NO WIGGLE ROOM HERE? YOU AT LEAST KNOCK THE PRICE DOWN FOR THE “INCONVENIENCE”. HOW IS IT ETHICALY ACCEPTABLE TO MAKE A CLIENT PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT THEY FEEL IS UNACCEPTABLE? (THIS OBVIOUSLY HAS TO BE WITHIN REAON. ITS AMAZING WHAT SOME CLIENTS WILL DO TO GET OUT OF THE BILL. ANYONE WORKED HOTEL AV RECENTLY?) EVEN BARNEY FELT THAT THE PRODUCT WAS SUB-PAR. IT WAS ALL THAT HE HAD THAT SEEMED TO WORK. YOU DON’T SEND THAT PRODUCT OUT. YOU SAY SORRY I CAN’T HELP YOU ON THIS ONE, BUT HERE IS SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE ABLE TO. I GUARRANTEE THAT CLIENT WILL CALL IN THE FUTURE. I know that the customer is always right, but where do you draw the line? You did have a signed contract with them correct? Also....I can't believe the drapes were sent back wet...that is on very big no-no. Every set of drapes or curtains my former company rented were always returned dry, folded properly and sent back in the same condition received. Did you have a quick return date on them? Did you give them a chance to return them dry? Most companies give you 7-10 days to ship curtains back and 3-4 days for drops. At least, the ones I dealt with anyway. Remember...if you wash those drapes...you are going to have to fireproof them again. GOTTA AGREE ONE THAT ONE. THEY SHOULD HAVE MADE AN EFFORT TO DRY THEM OUT. THAT DIDN’T HELP THEIR CAUSE. Now about the stitching...Look..I made all of the Swags for the Scintas at the Rio Casino in Vegas. Barney...No matter how bad you stitch your drapes together...the audience will never see it. No matter how bad things look up close...they will always (within reason...lol) read beautifully to the audience. The material I had to use for the swags was kind of difficult to work with and it did pucker a little bit...but you would of never known unless you hand inspected it and was standing 6" away from a seam. This is just another lame attempt by the client to justify not having to pay for the damages. OK, I KNOW SOME FABRICS CAN BE A REAL BITCH TO WORK WITH, AND I SAW THAT SHOW AND THE DRAPES WERE NICE BUT…..WOW! I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU ACTUALLY WROTE THAT. THAT HAS TO BE THE MOST DAMAGING THING YOU COULD WRITE. WHO WANTS A MANUFACTURER THAT HIDES BEHIND THE 20’ RULE? IN MY BOOK, THAT’S LIKE NOT TRYING TO MAKE A NICO TERMINATION LOOK GOOD TOO. IT’S A MATTER OF PRIDE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE AUDIENCE IS NOT GOING TO GIVE YOU THE REPEAT BUSINESS. THE CLIENT THAT CAN SEE THE PUCKERS FROM 6” IS. WHEN I AM PAYING, I EXPECT A TOP OF THE LINE PRODUCT. Whatever you do...don't let this client walk all over you. You made an effort to help them...and now they are trying to screw you. As you even stated "there was nothing that I could have done to make it better." Hopefully you have a contract that list the terms of the rental. Don't worry about getting sued...your contract should be enough to get it thrown out. HE DID MAKE AN EFFORT TO HELP, BUT WHO WAS HE REALLY HELPING? HIMSELF OR THE CLIENT? SORRY, HE CAN’T SIT ON THE HIGH GROUND ON THIS ONE, BECAUSE ULTIMATELY HE GAVE THE CLIENT A NOT SO GREAT PRODUCT TO MAKE A SALE. THAT’S A BAD PLACE TO BE. HE SHOULD DO WHATS RIGHT AND REALIZE THAT MISTAKES WERE MADE ON BOTH SIDES. MEET IN THE MIDDLE AND LEARN FORM THIS ONE. -- Eric Rouse TD-University of SC, Columbia Freelance Foyboy ------------------------------ Message-ID: From: "Storms, Randy" Subject: Re: NPR music file? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 08:13:14 -0700 Thanks to Dave for kicking me the .RAM file; however, after repeated attempts I am still unable to play it: apparently some issue with the proxy server. I *hate* real audio - I've never used it without having some kind of problem... Anyway - I'm still looking for an .MP3 of "Cantata for Strand 520i" Cheers, - r. Randy Storms rstorms [at] bham.wednet.edu ------------------------------ Message-id: Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 11:13:50 -0400 Subject: Pit Nets From: "Robert D. Ingram" Hi Everyone, I've been running into trouble finding anyone who sell's "pit nets". Are these a custom item for each venue or something that is generally available? Every place I've every worked has already had one before I stared there. You could imagine my suprise when we opened the pit for a 3 week run of our musical. Let's just say I don't want to do that again. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Robert Ingram Signature Program Technical Director and Media Services Technician James Hubert Blake High School 300 Norwood Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20905 Main: 301-879-1300 Office: 301-879-1335 Fax: 301-879-1306 Email: Robert_D_Ingram [at] fc.mcps.k12.md.us ------------------------------ From: "Sam Fisher" Subject: Re: Pit Nets Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 11:27:21 -0400 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Robert, Fisher Theatrical supplies and installs pit nets, yes they are a "custom" item for each venue. Sam Fisher VP - Fisher Theatrical, LLC. 410-455-9641 office 410-455-9643 fax 410-961-0921 cell -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Robert D. Ingram Sent: Monday, June 07, 2004 11:14 AM To: Stagecraft Subject: Pit Nets For info on subscribing, unsubscribing, and suspending your list subscription, go to the Stagecraft web site at: http://stagecraft.theprices.net/ --------------------------------------------------- Hi Everyone, I've been running into trouble finding anyone who sell's "pit nets". Are these a custom item for each venue or something that is generally available? Every place I've every worked has already had one before I stared there. You could imagine my suprise when we opened the pit for a 3 week run of our musical. Let's just say I don't want to do that again. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Robert Ingram Signature Program Technical Director and Media Services Technician James Hubert Blake High School 300 Norwood Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20905 Main: 301-879-1300 Office: 301-879-1335 Fax: 301-879-1306 Email: Robert_D_Ingram [at] fc.mcps.k12.md.us ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 11:33:00 -0400 From: Michael Powers Message-id: <1086622380.40c48aac699d1 [at] mail-www3.oit.umass.edu> Jeff Grande Writes: << .... The basic idea would be to place a loop of roller chain around the back of the arbor ....... over a head block to the top of the arbor. ..... >> Jeff, You have just described the rigging system here at UMass to a "T" and you are welcome to it! Please come and take it away at your earliest convineance. It was designed in the late '60's and installed between '73 and '76. It has "A Lot" of problems. Many of the problems have to do with the control system and motor drives which are not only out dated, but half of them no longer work. Of course drives, controls and sensors have improved quite a bit since then but those are not the biggest of the problems. The system was designed as a "Motor Assisted, Single Purchase, Counterweight System." It will handle a load maybe 50 to 75 lbs out of ballance but no more. It, like a rope lock, is designed to handle a properly ballanced lineset. There are 19 motors for 33 line sets. The motors are located in a well at trap room level directly below the locking rail. The motors ride on steel rollers between two angle iron tracks. Each line set has #100 roller chain attached to the underside of the arbor, down past the tension block to a hard mounted sprocket in the well. The chain then goes up to the grid, over another spricket and back to the top of the arbor. Both of the sprockets are idlers and will turn freely so the linesets can be used as a standard manual lineset when they are not attached to on os the motors. This sounds good at first, but then start to concider the weight of 140' of #100 roller chain on a lineset. The extra weight means a lot of inertia and getting them moving manually is a pain. The extra friction added by the large sprockets also adds to the work needed to keep a lineset moving, the weight of the chain does NOT act like a flywheel to keep things moving. With this system there is no such thing as a "fast" in or out, it just won't happen. The extra weight and friction imposed by the chain also reduces the "feel" of the lineset so the operator can't notice the little things like the first touch of snagging a piece of soft goods or when a curtain comes down and drapes over a scenic unit. Granted, the system is in desparate need of renovation. Many of the components need to be replaced. I do wonder how well it worked when everything was brand new. However, the chain part of the equation just doesn't pan out as well in practice as it did on paper. Michael Michael Powers, Technical Director UMass Theatre Department 112 FAC West 151 Presidents Drive, Ofc.2 Amherst, Ma. 01003-9331 413-545-6821 voice 413-577-0025 fax mfpowers [at] theater.umass.edconvenienceepartment 112 FAC West 151 Presidents Drive, Ofc.2 Amherst, Ma. 01003-9331 413-545-6821 voice 413-577-0025 fax mfpowers [at] theater.umass.edu ------------------------------ Message-Id: <6.1.1.1.0.20040607083828.0272bd78 [at] localhost> Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 08:41:42 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: roller chain rigging (was "no subject") In-Reply-To: References: At 08:33 AM 6/7/2004, you wrote: >Granted, the system is in desparate need of renovation. Many of the >components need to be replaced. I do wonder how well it worked when >everything was brand new. However, the chain part of the equation >just doesn't pan out as well in practice as it did on paper. Instead of roller chain, what about a modern Kevlar notch belt? They're used for timing belts on just about all cars and drive "chains" on motorcycles. Light, low friction, don't rust, no oil...there MUST be a big problem someplace! Aside from the motor assist you could also just have a speed brake for safety. That way you COULDN'T have a runaway (assuming it was maintained, which is required for everything). ---------- Jerry Durand Durand Interstellar, Inc. 219 Oak Wood Way Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886 fax: +1 408 356-4659 web: www.interstellar.com ------------------------------ From: MissWisc [at] aol.com Message-ID: <126.42d0702e.2df5e8cc [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 11:50:36 EDT Subject: Re: Rental Draperies... help please Cc: barney [at] JosephCHansen.com <<1) The drapes were in bad condition, looking like they had been stored in=20 the bag and terribly winkled, and not long for this world as it was. 2) The drapes were puckered where we had joined them.>> When did they request the drapes? It's my experience that when you rent=20 pre-made things, they are often not **exactly** what you were hoping for, so= =20 getting them far enough in advance to make it work or find a plan B is=20 necessary.=20 Did they order them to arrive at least a week in advance to give them a=20 chance to get hung and let the wrinkles hang out? If you noticed the puckeri= ng=20 before they left your shop, why did you let them go out? Rip out that seam a= nd=20 re-sew it! <<3) He=92d never worked with unlined drapes. 4) These really were not actually =91drapes=92 because they were sewn withou= t=20 fullness.>> Red herrings. Moot. His lack of experience isn't your concern and the=20 fullness issue was discussed at length here just recently.=20 <<5) They crew used a Hudson sprayer, on the back, to dampen the drapes,=20 the only way to make them usable.>> VERY BAD choice on their part! As they have learned, it messes with the=20 flame proofing and makes them UN-usable for others without cleaning and=20 flame-retarding. Big thing with renting is the rented object needs to be ret= urned=20 unharmed. They owe you damages/replacement costs/depreciated value. A wrinkl= ed=20 drape is not THAT important to a show. If it were, they would have made cert= ain=20 long ago that the drapes were OK.=20 <<6) What recourse did they have as they hung the drapes on Friday night,=20 Hansen=92s not open on the weekend, and the show was Sunday night?>>=20 Also their mistake... should have gotten the drapes far enough in advanc= e=20 to insure they were OK for their purposes. They could have sent an email as=20 you're writing this on a non-business day. They could have even called and l= eft=20 a message on the business machine to let you know what was happening. Did=20 they even attempt to get in touch with you before wetting the drapes? Heck w= ith=20 Google, it's not difficult to find home phone numbers of most people in the=20 USA.=20 You DO need to have some form of emergency contact if you're going to do=20 business with people who work weekends. Get a cell phone with free nights an= d=20 weekends. :) It's a legitimate business expense.=20 I'd also suggest you deal with ONE contact per show. Don't get into "that's=20 not my responsibility, you need to call the business manager/director/set=20 designer/ whatever runaround." Whomever signs the contract with you is the p= erson=20 responsible to you and the ONLY person you should need to deal with. =20 <<7) They do not feel that they should pay the damages because what=20 were they to do?>> Plan ahead for contingencies.=20 <<#6: Should I do something different? The drapes they received were the=20 only ones I had that fit their specs, and there was nothing that I could=20 have done to make it better.>> They didn't fit their specs. Did you explain when you accepted the rental=20 that you would need to create something to meet their needs? Were they OK wi= th=20 that? NEVER be afraid of sending people to the competition if you don't have=20 exactly what they need. If you are able to meet the customer's need with the= right=20 INFO even if you don't have the right product, they will keep using you as=20 their first point of contact.=20 I take customers who want to cover a tattoo to the mall for Dermablend. I=20 sell Mary Kay products, but we don't have anything thick enough to totally c= over=20 a tattoo. I DO have the longest lasting moisturizing lipstick, the best=20 anti-aging skin care products, amazing things for men, and the best selling=20= brand of=20 color cosmetics and facial skin care in the USA for the last 10 years.=20 Customers deeply appreciate honesty (so rare in many businesses!) and willin= gness to=20 forgo a quick buck to establish a long term relationship. When they see I=20 have THEIR needs first, they come back, and tell their friends.=20 In the future if someone asks for something you don't have but wish you did,= =20 you or someone on your staff could do the research work for the customer and= =20 call them back with the info. It helps you learn what your competitors have.= "I=20 don't have that drape, but XYZ company has one in stock. Call and ask for=20 Joe, my contact there. He's expecting your call and will give you a great de= al!" =20 That customer WILL call you first next time and will tell others about what=20 you did - met their need honestly. That's worth far more than the time and=20 phone costs involved. Do it enough times and Joe will return the favor. It's= about=20 planting seeds that develop into long term business and relationships based=20 on trust.=20 For this situation... not knowing the $$ involved, I'd suggest you write off= =20 the loss of the drapes (it is a tax deductable expense of doing business and= =20 from the sound of it, they weren't in great shape to begin with) call the=20 customer and tell him "The fee to clean and flamrproof the drapes is $ _____= ; the=20 replacement value of would be $_____. Because if the difficulties you=20 encountered, I'm just going to leave it at the rental fee and deposit rather= than=20 charge you the full replacement value." Then send a HAND WRITTEN note thanking them for their business.=20 Tis a small world we're involved with here. You're brave to bring this to th= e=20 list. Kristi http://www.marykay.com/kross-clausen ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 11:54:22 -0400 From: Michael Powers Subject: Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines Message-id: <1086623662.40c48fae1acf4 [at] mail-www3.oit.umass.edu> Bsapsis [at] aol.com Writes: << << mfpowers [at] theater.umass.edu writes: << Shawn, How 'bout "Adapt, get in the game AND drink beer"??? After all I don't want to have to retire to drink beer!! ;-) >> What Mike really means is....You can't play the game while you're drinking. After the game is over..no problem. But not during...... Right Mike? That's what you meant, right? >> >> The only games I know that you can drink beer while playing is Saturday afternoon Slow pitch (I think it's required!) and bowling. Michael Michael Powers, Technical Director UMass Theatre Department 112 FAC West 151 Presidents Drive, Ofc.2 Amherst, Ma. 01003-9331 413-545-6821 voice 413-577-0025 fax mfpowers [at] theater.umass.edu ------------------------------ Message-ID: From: "Storms, Randy" Subject: Re: Pit Nets Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 09:12:41 -0700 We got ours from International Cordage in Connecticut - WWW.incord.com Pretty reasonable, and quick turnaround, too. Good Luck, -- r. Randy Storms rstorms [at] bham.wednet.edu __________________________________________ >I've been running into trouble finding anyone who sell's "pit nets". ------------------------------ Message-Id: <200406071616.i57GGbAR005433 [at] tshield.longwood.edu> From: "Paul Schreiner" Subject: Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 12:16:37 -0400 In-Reply-To: > The only games I know that you can drink beer while playing > is Saturday afternoon Slow pitch (I think it's required!) and bowling. Ah, you forget darts. Back when I played regularly it usually took me about a pint and a half of the nectar of the gods (Guinness, for the uninitiated) before I'd hit my groove... There's also horseshoes and golf, off the top of my head. Paul Schreiner Technical Director, Longwood University Theatre 434.395.2250 ICQ# 2269284 ------------------------------ Subject: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 11:19:30 -0500 Message-ID: <0B70E9798A3B4E4080E46327FA359F21051FF3 [at] MIDL-MAILV.etclink.net> From: "Sarah Clausen" Hello all - I was having a chat with a colleague and we happened upon the subject of = Grandmaster faders on lighting consoles. It seems that these faders are = usually supplied, and often reviled (or disabled). I myself have been = caught numerous times wondering why none of the lights are coming on, = only to smack myself in the forehead after realizing the $*() [at] #&)!! = Grandmaster had been set to zero. So, I know what my opinion is, and I = know that there will be differing opinions out there... =20 So, honestly, do you or do you not use a Grandmaster on your lighting = console? If there's one there, do you disable it (via software or by sticking = tape beneath the fader)? Do you use the GM creatively - if so, how? Have you ever wanted more than one? Enquiring minds want to know......... Thanks! Sarah Sarah Clausen Product Manager Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 17:29:05 +0100 Subject: Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines From: Tony Miller Message-ID: In-Reply-To: You lot have obviously never played cricket. When your side is batting it is more or less compulsory to drink the odd pint of beer and when you're fielding you don't want to dehydrate in our wonderful English Summer. Tony Miller. >> The only games I know that you can drink beer while playing >> is Saturday afternoon Slow pitch (I think it's required!) and bowling. > > Ah, you forget darts. Back when I played regularly it usually took me about > a pint and a half of the nectar of the gods (Guinness, for the uninitiated) > before I'd hit my groove... > > There's also horseshoes and golf, off the top of my head. ------------------------------ Message-Id: <200406071631.i57GVUAR007397 [at] tshield.longwood.edu> From: "Paul Schreiner" Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 12:31:31 -0400 In-Reply-To: > So, honestly, do you or do you not use a Grandmaster on your > lighting console? > If there's one there, do you disable it (via software or by > sticking tape beneath the fader)? > Do you use the GM creatively - if so, how? > Have you ever wanted more than one? Working on an ETC Express 72/144, FYI. Wish I had a separate "independent master". And maybe a "submaster master", too. Not enough fingers sometimes to do what I want to do when recording actual cues isn't practical. Every May, I light the annual end-o-year recitals for a couple of local dance schools in our space. This year, we added a bunch of scrollers for side light. Usual rehearsal process involves one or two flat-out dress rehearsals where I set lights on the fly, followed by the concert a day or two later. When setting looks, I usually record to submasters; this became a problem when I'd try fading out the sub live, as the scrollers would scroll in time with the submaster. So I set all the scroller channels to independent, and used the GM to fade out between numbers; while the GM was down, I'd bring up the next sub cue, and fade in the GM once the scrollers had set themselves and the music came up. That worked really well. On a more mundane note, I usually take the GM out when I turn the board off as a matter of habit, rather than fading out each individual channel or sub (as I'm often repeating general looks on a day-to-day or event-by-event basis when the events are things like graduation ceremonies or lectures or the like). Paul Schreiner Technical Director, Longwood University Theatre 434.395.2250 ICQ# 2269284 ------------------------------ Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 12:33:37 -0400 Message-ID: From: "Fitch, Tracy" I love them for when things go wrong or you have no prep time. Need a blackout? -- there's one, and you don't have to wiggle the other faders to get there. The presenter says all the light is too bright -- easily fixed. What I don't like is the blackout button. It gives you only a hint of the functionality of the grandmaster yet it is another button for curious ops to play with. --Tracy Fitch TD, UNC Charlotte; LD, Everywhere Else ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 12:35:19 -0400 Subject: Re: Rings (warning: almost completely OT) From: Bruce Purdy Message-ID: In-Reply-To: >> I've seen Wizards and all of the lord of the rings; here's >> the question. Someone told me that he also did a movie >> involving some famous rock personalities. Does anyone know >> the name of this movie? > > In what context were they involved? Bakshi did something like 68 > features, most of which have heavy pop & rock soundtracks. "American > Pop" might be what you're thinking of, OTOH maybe not. In case you haven't been there, try the Internet Movie Database at http://www.imdb.com/ Type in "Ralph Bakshi" in the search box and you'll get a list if all the Movie and TV work he's done. Each listing is a link to a LOT more information about that particular film. It's the best resource out there if you have a question about movies. Bruce -- Bruce Purdy Technical Director Smith Opera House ------------------------------ Message-ID: <003201c44cad$c9afa080$0201a8c0 [at] BRUTUS> From: "Jon Ares" References: Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 09:37:52 -0700 > So, honestly, do you or do you not use a Grandmaster on your lighting console? Hmm... will ETC be banishing the GM? Hmm.... ;) At my school, we basically use the GM on our Expresses for focus or light check - the BO or ME sets it at 80%, then each channel is run up on the sliders while focusing. One of my previous MEs, who was a programming whiz and fond of the macros, set up a macro button to do the same thing. In spaces where events might use a 'manual' board, the GM can be mildly handy. I can only think of one time in the last few years at this particular school where the GM was used during a programmed show - where a blackout was added partway into the run. I'm a liar. I can think of a time this last fall - during faux curtain calls for the corpse d' ballet sequence in Il Fornicazione (Michael Green's Coarse Actor opera)... the GM was dipped a little in between each faux curtain call for the ballerinas. -- Jon Ares www.hevanet.com/acreative ------------------------------ Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 11:45:08 -0500 Message-ID: <0B70E9798A3B4E4080E46327FA359F21295565 [at] MIDL-MAILV.etclink.net> From: "Sarah Clausen" >Hmm... will ETC be banishing the GM? Hmm.... ;) No speculation, please...... :-) This is a subject that has come up numerous times and I thought I would = take advantage of the opportunity to ask those of you who might care to = share an opinion. Thanks! Sarah Sarah Clausen Product Manager Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <0a0401c44cb0$70fefa50$0500000a [at] anneb> From: "Andrew Vance" References: Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 11:56:52 -0500 Paul Schreiner wrote: > So I set all the scroller channels to independent, and > used the GM to fade out between numbers; while the GM was down, I'd = bring up > the next sub cue, and fade in the GM once the scrollers had set = themselves > and the music came up. That worked really well. I do the exact same thing for the dance school recitals that use our = space. It is, however, the only time the GM on either of our boards = gets used. I take that back. We do use the GM for the multiple curtain = calls for the ballet company, but that's really the only other time. I = always disable the GM so my good natured [but largely unskilled] board = ops don't accidentally bring it down and forget how to solve the = problem. Ditto with the Blackout button, though that's worse because = then they'll hit the fader clear button instead of the other clear to = get rid of the warning. That'd be a nice software fix to see. -- Sincerely, Andrew Vance Lighting Designer/Supervisor Omaha Theatre Company/Omaha Theatre Ballet andrewv [at] otcmail.org 402-345-9718 x139 =20 ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20040607165926.85876.qmail [at] web50506.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 09:59:26 -0700 (PDT) From: James Kosmatka Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? In-Reply-To: > So, honestly, do you or do you not use a Grandmaster > on your lighting console? Yes, all the time. I, too, bring the GM down when I'm shutting down for the evening and use it to bring the whole shebang down a few notches at the request of whoever is in charge. It's a useful shortcut for those of us who don't normally mess around with the lighting console. I also like it because I know EXACTLY what it will do; I've (almost) no fear, when trying to fix something, that I'm messing something else up. ===== -james kosmatka cleveland state university http://www.geocities.com/gillenkosmatka http://www.csuohio.edu/theater ------------------------------ Subject: Re: Subject: Rental Draperies... help please Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 10:04:34 -0700 Message-ID: From: "Joe Golden" Spam training > -----Original Message----- > From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf=20 > Of usctd [at] columbia.sc > Sent: Monday, June 07, 2004 8:17 AM > To: Stagecraft > Subject: Re: Subject: Rental Draperies... help please >=20 >=20 > For info on subscribing, unsubscribing, and suspending > your list subscription, go to the Stagecraft web site at: > http://stagecraft.theprices.net/ > --------------------------------------------------- >=20 >=20 > HERE'S MY FEELING, >=20 > Eric S. wrote: > HI Barney, > First of all..I applaud you for trying to help them out.=20 > Although, you do give me the impression that this is somewhat=20 > a NEW field for you...that is dealing with drapes/curtains=20 > etc. What I mean...is...Im certain you are a very smart=20 > person, but you should have someone on your staff that is=20 > more knowledgeable about these things. Handling all of the=20 > rental details is one thing. You can promise them the world.=20 > It looks like you tried to help them but I question why you=20 > are asking these questions to the list? Especially if you=20 > have owned this company for a couple of years. Did you fire=20 > the person that handled these problems in the past? I'm not=20 > trying to get down on you...Im just plain curious. This is=20 > my area of expertise per se. >=20 > SOUNDS TO ME LIKE HE WANTED SOME IMPARTIAL AND/OR EXPERT=20 > ADVICE. WHY DOES EVERYONE ELSE WRITE TO THE LIST? >=20 > First of all...How can the client say they were unusable 'IF'=20 > they were used? Also...why did they wait so long to rent this=20 > stuff out? Were these people that inexperienced? It really=20 > sound like this was their first time renting based on the=20 > comments they gave you. >=20 > OBVIOUSLY THEY HAD TO USE SOMETHING! IF YOUR SHOW NEEDS A=20 > TRAVELER, YOU MAKE DO WITH WHAT YOU GOT. IT DOESN'T SOUND TO=20 > ME THAT IT HAPPENED THAT QUICKLY IF BARNEY HAD TIME TO SEND=20 > SWATCHES TO THEM. WHEN DID THEY GET THE DRAPES? HE SAYS=20 > THEY HUNG THEM ON FRIDAY. IS THAT THE CLIENTS FAULT TOO? >=20 > I have run into this situation on many occasions. I don't=20 > care if it is a costume, drapes..or a prop...even if you=20 > decided that your not going to use it...that's their problem=20 > not yours. They rented it...they pay for it. >=20 > IS THERE NO WIGGLE ROOM HERE? YOU AT LEAST KNOCK THE PRICE=20 > DOWN FOR THE > "INCONVENIENCE". HOW IS IT ETHICALY ACCEPTABLE TO MAKE A=20 > CLIENT PAY FOR > SOMETHING THAT THEY FEEL IS UNACCEPTABLE? (THIS OBVIOUSLY=20 > HAS TO BE WITHIN REAON. ITS AMAZING WHAT SOME CLIENTS WILL=20 > DO TO GET OUT OF THE BILL. ANYONE WORKED HOTEL AV RECENTLY?)=20 > EVEN BARNEY FELT THAT THE > PRODUCT WAS SUB-PAR. IT WAS ALL THAT HE HAD THAT SEEMED TO=20 > WORK. YOU > DON'T SEND THAT PRODUCT OUT. YOU SAY SORRY I CAN'T HELP YOU=20 > ON THIS ONE, BUT HERE IS SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE ABLE TO. I=20 > GUARRANTEE THAT CLIENT WILL CALL IN THE FUTURE. >=20 > I know that the customer is always right, but where do you=20 > draw the line? You did have a signed contract with them=20 > correct? Also....I can't believe the drapes were sent back=20 > wet...that is on very big no-no. Every set of drapes or=20 > curtains my former company rented were always returned dry,=20 > folded properly and sent back in the same condition received.=20 > Did you have a quick return date on them? Did you give them=20 > a chance to return them dry? Most companies give you 7-10=20 > days to ship curtains back and 3-4 days for drops. At least,=20 > the ones I dealt with anyway. Remember...if you wash those=20 > drapes...you are going to have to fireproof them again. >=20 > GOTTA AGREE ONE THAT ONE. THEY SHOULD HAVE MADE AN EFFORT TO=20 > DRY THEM OUT. THAT DIDN'T HELP THEIR CAUSE. >=20 > Now about the stitching...Look..I made all of the Swags for=20 > the Scintas at the Rio Casino in Vegas. Barney...No matter=20 > how bad you stitch your drapes together...the audience will=20 > never see it. No matter how bad things look up close...they=20 > will always (within > reason...lol) read beautifully to the audience. The material=20 > I had to use for the swags was kind of difficult to work with=20 > and it did pucker a little bit...but you would of never known=20 > unless you hand inspected it and was standing 6" away from a=20 > seam. This is just another lame attempt by the client to=20 > justify not having to pay for the damages. >=20 > OK, I KNOW SOME FABRICS CAN BE A REAL BITCH TO WORK WITH, AND=20 > I SAW THAT SHOW AND THE DRAPES WERE NICE BUT.....WOW! I CAN'T=20 > BELIEVE YOU ACTUALLY WROTE THAT. THAT HAS TO BE THE MOST=20 > DAMAGING THING YOU COULD WRITE. WHO WANTS A MANUFACTURER=20 > THAT HIDES BEHIND THE 20' RULE? IN MY BOOK, THAT'S LIKE NOT =20 > TRYING TO MAKE A NICO TERMINATION LOOK GOOD TOO. IT'S A=20 > MATTER OF PRIDE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE AUDIENCE IS NOT GOING TO=20 > GIVE YOU THE REPEAT BUSINESS. THE CLIENT THAT CAN SEE THE=20 > PUCKERS FROM 6" IS. WHEN I AM PAYING, I EXPECT A TOP OF THE=20 > LINE PRODUCT. >=20 > Whatever you do...don't let this client walk all over you. =20 > You made an effort to help them...and now they are trying to=20 > screw you. As you even stated "there was nothing that I=20 > could have done to make it better." Hopefully you have a=20 > contract that list the terms of the rental. Don't worry=20 > about getting sued...your contract should be enough to get it=20 > thrown out. >=20 > HE DID MAKE AN EFFORT TO HELP, BUT WHO WAS HE REALLY HELPING?=20 > HIMSELF OR THE CLIENT? SORRY, HE CAN'T SIT ON THE HIGH=20 > GROUND ON THIS ONE, BECAUSE ULTIMATELY HE GAVE THE CLIENT A=20 > NOT SO GREAT PRODUCT TO MAKE A SALE.=20 > THAT'S A BAD PLACE TO BE. HE SHOULD DO WHATS RIGHT AND=20 > REALIZE THAT MISTAKES WERE MADE ON BOTH SIDES. MEET IN THE=20 > MIDDLE AND LEARN FORM THIS ONE. >=20 > --=20 > Eric Rouse > TD-University of SC, Columbia > Freelance Foyboy >=20 >=20 >=20 >=20 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 13:05:23 -0400 From: Stephen Litterst Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Message-id: <40C4A052.1378D995 [at] ithaca.edu> Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts References: Sarah Clausen wrote: > --------------------------------------------------- > So, honestly, do you or do you not use a Grandmaster on your lighting console? > If there's one there, do you disable it (via software or by sticking tape beneath the fader)? > Do you use the GM creatively - if so, how? > Have you ever wanted more than one? On our Obsession II, the GM is rarely used. And often it's the cause of everything having randomly vague levels until we realize that removing the dust cover nudged the grandmaster to 98%. Our Strand 300 does not have a grandmaster, although it is possible to configure a submaster fader as the grandmaster. We have not done that. In previous lives I have used the grandmaster/blackout button to coax more applause out of an audience. Personally I think the usefulness of the grandmaster is fading. (ha) In the sound world, situations can demand pulling the overall level of the show down by a few points (although I did just learn that the GM is going out of style there). In preset lighting, such things are predetermined and pre-recorded. Certainly in the world of on-the-fly lighting the mood might demand an impulsive fade down, but that's becoming less common in my experience. Steve Litterst -- Stephen C. Litterst Technical Supervisor Ithaca College Dept. of Theatre Arts 607/274-3947 slitterst [at] ithaca.edu ------------------------------ From: Subject: Re: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:16:55 -0400 Message-Id: <20040607171655.LERS1534.de-fe01.dejazzd.com [at] de-fe01> > start to concider the weight of 140' of #100 roller chain on a > lineset. The extra weight means a lot of inertia and getting them > moving manually is a pain. I just saw something similar to this in a new installation only the chain came off the bottom of the arbor and went halfway around to a small piece of aircraft cable. The chain was "cable weight compensation" Greg Bierly Hempfield HS ------------------------------ Message-ID: <02ed01c44cb4$317a7630$0a01a8c0 [at] Tony> From: "Tony Deeming" References: Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 18:23:47 +0100 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sarah Clausen" To: "Stagecraft" Sent: Monday, June 07, 2004 5:19 PM Subject: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? For info on subscribing, unsubscribing, and suspending your list subscription, go to the Stagecraft web site at: http://stagecraft.theprices.net/ --------------------------------------------------- Hello all - I was having a chat with a colleague and we happened upon the subject of Grandmaster faders on lighting consoles. It seems that these faders are usually supplied, and often reviled (or disabled). I myself have been caught numerous times wondering why none of the lights are coming on, only to smack myself in the forehead after realizing the $*() [at] #&)!! Grandmaster had been set to zero. So, I know what my opinion is, and I know that there will be differing opinions out there... So, honestly, do you or do you not use a Grandmaster on your lighting console? If there's one there, do you disable it (via software or by sticking tape beneath the fader)? Do you use the GM creatively - if so, how? Have you ever wanted more than one? Enquiring minds want to know......... Thanks! Sarah I wish the Strand 300 had got one sometimes..... ------------------------------ From: Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:26:58 -0400 Message-Id: <20040607172658.LLSN1534.de-fe01.dejazzd.com [at] de-fe01> > predetermined and pre-recorded. Certainly in the world of on-the-fly > lighting the mood might demand an impulsive fade down, but that's > becoming less common in my experience. I wish that were the case here. Our dance instructor that took a masters class on theatrical lighting trys to run our console for the shows and uses the bump buttons, faders, Grandmaster, and BO switch as an "energy builder" Greg Bierly Hempfield HS ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:30:15 -0400 Message-Id: <200406071330.AA924713252 [at] mail.adamb.com> From: "Adam Berns" Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? For the high-school I teach at, I heavily rely on it. Because all of the students and other faculty don't understand the whole concept of warming lights (no matter how often I yell at them for not doing so), or even turning them off (I don't know how many times I have come in after school to find all the lights blaring on). SO I have put a nice note, and have explained to before you bring up a light, bring the grandmaster to zero (in case the previous person did something weird), bring up the lights, then bring up the grand master in stages and then when they are done, bring down the grand master. We never actually use it during a show's ques. Just for classroom usage. ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Sarah Clausen" Reply-To: "Stagecraft" Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 11:19:30 -0500 For info on subscribing, unsubscribing, and suspending your list subscription, go to the Stagecraft web site at: http://stagecraft.theprices.net/ --------------------------------------------------- Hello all - I was having a chat with a colleague and we happened upon the subject of Grandmaster faders on lighting consoles. It seems that these faders are usually supplied, and often reviled (or disabled). I myself have been caught numerous times wondering why none of the lights are coming on, only to smack myself in the forehead after realizing the $*() [at] #&)!! Grandmaster had been set to zero. So, I know what my opinion is, and I know that there will be differing opinions out there... So, honestly, do you or do you not use a Grandmaster on your lighting console? If there's one there, do you disable it (via software or by sticking tape beneath the fader)? Do you use the GM creatively - if so, how? Have you ever wanted more than one? Enquiring minds want to know......... Thanks! Sarah Sarah Clausen Product Manager Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. ________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------ Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:35:03 -0400 Message-ID: From: "Paul Sanow" > -----Original Message----- > From: Tony Deeming [mailto:deeming.tony [at] btinternet.com] > Sent: Monday, June 07, 2004 1:24 PM > To: Stagecraft > Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? >=20 snip > I wish the Strand 300 had got one sometimes..... It can have one sometimes. Just change the type of submaster to grand = master on the Submaster Display screen (right hand column I believe). = There are lots of options for the type of submaster including GM1 and = GM2. One can also select specific channels to be under control of the = GM via Groups (maybe also under the specific sub fader channel settings- = experiment). This also works on the 520 desks as well Paul *********************************************************** Paul Sanow psanow [at] vls.com Technical Sales www.vincentlighting.com Vincent Lighting Systems 1420 Jamike Ln. #2 Erlanger, KY 41018 (859) 525-2000 x211 FAX (859) 525-2050 *********************************************************** ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <1c4.1a205c2c.2df60164 [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:35:32 EDT Subject: Re: Video signal routing In a message dated 07/06/04 02:26:34 GMT Daylight Time, peterequinlan [at] hotmail.com writes: > The spec asks for two LCD monitors capable displaying feeds from up > to eight sources including cameras a computer and a DVD/VCR. This is a far more elaborate set up than your first post suggested. To start with, you are looking for two switchers, one for each monitor. This is now looking like a small TV studio set up. Not so small, either, with eight sources. These all need to be in the same form. I think composite video (PAL or NTSC coded) will be best for your purposes. Most cameras have a connector for this, and I think it comes out on the SCART connector most recorders and players have, these days. The computer will need to have a composite output, too. Cards are available for this: the normal monitor output will not serve. The switchers, used in tandem like this, will need to have a loop-through or terminate option: you can't split video signals. If not, distribution amplifiers are the answer. But all cables must be scrupulously terminated. I should start by looking at educational suppliers. This is the scale of gear that a well-equiped school might want. I have also seen monitors with multiple inputs, which might be a cheaper solution. Whatever, check your budget: this looks like an expensive project. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 13:39:11 -0400 From: Stephen Litterst Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Message-id: <40C4A83F.8BB96C78 [at] ithaca.edu> Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts References: Tony Deeming wrote: > --------------------------------------------------- > I wish the Strand 300 had got one sometimes..... While there isn't a dedicated GM on the 300 series, you can configure any submaster to serve as the GM. In the sub display, scroll across the properties columns for the chosed submaster. In the "Type" column you can scroll through the submaster types until you reach the setting for "Grand Master." Just make sure your Board Op knows to leave that submaster up at all times. Steve Litterst -- Stephen C. Litterst Technical Supervisor Ithaca College Dept. of Theatre Arts 607/274-3947 slitterst [at] ithaca.edu ------------------------------ Message-Id: <200406071739.i57Hdfk1016220 [at] tshield.longwood.edu> From: "Paul Schreiner" Subject: Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:39:41 -0400 In-Reply-To: > You lot have obviously never played cricket. When your side > is batting it is more or less compulsory to drink the odd > pint of beer and when you're fielding you don't want to > dehydrate in our wonderful English Summer. No, I've never had the opportunity...though from the way you describe it, it sounds like something right up my alley! (Awfully tough to have a beer while playing floor hockey, unless you're the goalie and keep a squeeze bottle on top of the net. Wouldn't have helped me, since I was a center...) Paul Schreiner Technical Director, Longwood University Theatre 434.395.2250 ICQ# 2269284 ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <42.4fe6f262.2df6048f [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:49:03 EDT Subject: Re: Rental Draperies... help please In a message dated 07/06/04 06:50:31 GMT Daylight Time, rigger [at] tds.net writes: > > is it better to say no visit my major competator, > > or to try and help... always a tough call. It's better every time. The guy on the other end of the 'phone wants service. Tell him where can get what he needs, and he will remember you. A friend of mine worked on this principle for years, as a salesman. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Message-ID: <1086630644.40c4aaf44bd41 [at] webmail.bard.edu> Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:50:44 -0400 From: doran [at] bard.edu Subject: Re: Rental Draperies... help please References: In-Reply-To: Barney, My feeling is that the client has misused your product. While the client says wrinkley, wrong, and unusable, they still used the goods. The user could have opted to use something else, or go without altogether. The customer does not have the right to alter the goods without your permission, but a client with more real-world experience than this would know that. The client's lack of experience is indicated by his/her definition of drapes, the admission of never having worked with unlined drapes, and, most importantly, by wetting fire-retarded goods. They took a chance in wetting the goods, and, as it turns out, they were wrong. Quoting our own Rental/Loan Agreement, "Any damage to any rented or borrowed item, other than ordinary wear and tear, will be the sole responsibility of the Borrower (the client). Determination of damages is at the sole discretion of the Renter (that's us). No alterations of any sort shall be made to any rented or borrowed item without prior expressed written consent of the Renter. All unauthorized alterations will be considered damage. Any damaged items shall be repaired, replaced, or paid for at the sole discretion of the Renter in an amount solely determined by the Renter, but not to exceed the replacement value of the item as indicated on the reverse side of this Agreement." I don't know, Barney. I've dealt with you for probably 15 years now, and I've rented from you at JC Hansen. My experience is that renting from Hansen is better now than in the past. I also know that while you do everything you can to acommodate our needs, you will send us to the best place for our specifics, even if that means the competition gets our business. It sounds to me that you did what your client asked for. As you know, most of your clients don't have a problem asking you for your best price, and then going elsewhere if they can get a better deal that fits their needs. It sounds to me that this client doesn't want to pay the damages and won't be a return customer, anyway. I would try to assess the cost in dollars and grief of getting damages, and decide if it's worth the hassle. You might find you'd be better off just eating the damage and charging the rental, as I believe Kristi already suggested. As for the emergency number, maybe get a pager, and include that number as an emergency contact on your rentals. Good luck, Barney. Because of the great service and help you've always given us, I know that we will continue to do business with you, regardless of the outcome of this event. Sincerely, Andy Champ-Doran Bard Departments of Dance and Theater Quoting barney : > What the final representative of the customer I spoke to said: > 1) The drapes were in bad condition, looking like they had been stored > in the bag and terribly winkled, and not long for this world as it was. > 2) The drapes were puckered where we had joined them. > 3) He’d never worked with unlined drapes. > 4) These really were not actually ‘drapes’ because they were sewn > without fullness. > 5) They crew used a Hudson sprayer, on the back, to dampen the drapes, > the only way to make them usable. > 6) What recourse did they have as they hung the drapes on Friday night, > Hansen’s not open on the weekend, and the show was Sunday night? > 7) They do not feel that that they should pay the damages because what > were they to do? > Okay, comments please…Thanks > Barney ------------------------------ Message-ID: <2723.129.252.241.105.1086633153.squirrel [at] webmail.columbia.sc> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 14:32:33 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Subject: Rental Draperies... help please From: usctd [at] columbia.sc Joe Golden, Sentiments noted. Thanks, Eric ------------------------------ Message-ID: <6728517EECE7D511981B00D0B78290310BD49E16 [at] az33exm27.corp.mot.com> From: Wood Chip-P26398 Subject: Re: I'm cranky tonight Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 11:00:55 -0700 Yeah, like your 9 line one. I left it in to say- look to thyself first. Note: I will continue to top-post because I believe it is the right way to read a thread. I am not a slave to Outlook, nor am I an idiot. I don't care how cranky you are, please don't spew gratuitous insults. -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Rigger > and then follow up their "me too" with a thirty line signature." He's far from the only one. -- Dave Vick, IATSE #274 Head Electrician, The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University Carpe Per Diem ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <136.2f45a445.2df60865 [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 14:05:25 EDT Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? In a message dated 07/06/04 17:20:41 GMT Daylight Time, sclausen [at] etcconnect.com writes: > So, honestly, do you or do you not use a Grandmaster on your lighting console? > > If there's one there, do you disable it (via software or by sticking tape > beneath the fader)? > Do you use the GM creatively - if so, how? > Have you ever wanted more than one? Seldom: never during a show. If I want a blackout, I'll programme one in. In rehearsal, or if I have to busk a show, perhaps. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Message-ID: <031f01c44cb8$4d4111e0$0a01a8c0 [at] Tony> From: "Tony Deeming" References: Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 18:53:12 +0100 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Sanow" To: "Stagecraft" Sent: Monday, June 07, 2004 6:35 PM Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? For info on subscribing, unsubscribing, and suspending your list subscription, go to the Stagecraft web site at: http://stagecraft.theprices.net/ --------------------------------------------------- > -----Original Message----- > From: Tony Deeming [mailto:deeming.tony [at] btinternet.com] > Sent: Monday, June 07, 2004 1:24 PM > To: Stagecraft > Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? > snip > I wish the Strand 300 had got one sometimes..... It can have one sometimes. Just change the type of submaster to grand master on the Submaster Display screen (right hand column I believe). There are lots of options for the type of submaster including GM1 and GM2. One can also select specific channels to be under control of the GM via Groups (maybe also under the specific sub fader channel settings- experiment). This also works on the 520 desks as well Paul Yep - know that, but the problem is that we often use up all 24 subs we have at the mo. Apart from that, there are so many numpties using our desk (unfortunately, in a way) who know only the bare essentials that even if it were clearly labelled as a GM, they'd probably take it down at some stage and start a flat panic, not knowing what they've done....!! 8-((( Ynot ------------------------------ Message-ID: <2751.129.252.241.105.1086634337.squirrel [at] webmail.columbia.sc> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 14:52:17 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Subject: Rental Draperies... help please From: usctd [at] columbia.sc Joe, Actually the more I think of it the more irritating I find your message to be. Instead of your eloquent one liner, why not make a suggestion as to how I could make the message more list-friendly? Constructive criticism goes much farther. -- Eric Rouse TD-University of SC, Columbia Freelance Foyboy > For info on subscribing, unsubscribing, and suspending > your list subscription, go to the Stagecraft web site at: > http://stagecraft.theprices.net/ > --------------------------------------------------- > > > Joe Golden, > > Sentiments noted. > > Thanks, > > Eric > > ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <1e6.2230f479.2df60a46 [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 14:13:26 EDT Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? In a message dated 07/06/04 18:31:37 GMT Daylight Time, ab [at] adamb.com writes: > Because all of the students and other faculty don't understand the whole > concept of warming lights (no matter how often I yell at them for not doing > so) I have never understood the merits of doing this. What benefits is it supposed to confer? Frank Wood ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 08:26:28 -1000 Subject: Re: Video signal routing From: Karen Archibald Message-ID: In-Reply-To: We just did Mark Medoff's "Gunfighter" which required a switcher to go to a projector with inputs from a live feed camera and a DVD (run from a laptop). We borrowed the switcher from a local post production house and used simple Radio Shack adaptors to get the proper BNC connectors on the input and output. The post production house had no problem loaning the switcher because it was old equipment, not something they were using with clients anymore, and was rack mountable. Try getting some old, but adequate, model/make information and if they're not available locally I would try ebay. Of course, maybe you actually have a budget, and can get something newer, better, etc. I would still call a post production facility and get their advice. Most people are incredibly helpful when I approach them. > From: "pete quinlan" > Subject: Video signal routing > Date: Sun, 06 Jun 2004 13:19:19 +0800 > Message-ID: > > Hello all, > I am trying to find a rack mountable video switcher capable of taking inputs > from cameras a computer and a dvd/vcr . Does anyone know of one or where to > start looking? > regards > Pete Quinlan ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 14:29:46 -0400 Message-Id: <200406071429.AA724172972 [at] mail.adamb.com> From: "Adam Berns" Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? you are taking yell a little to litteraly. ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Reply-To: "Stagecraft" Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 14:13:26 EDT For info on subscribing, unsubscribing, and suspending your list subscription, go to the Stagecraft web site at: http://stagecraft.theprices.net/ --------------------------------------------------- In a message dated 07/06/04 18:31:37 GMT Daylight Time, ab [at] adamb.com writes: > Because all of the students and other faculty don't understand the whole > concept of warming lights (no matter how often I yell at them for not doing > so) I have never understood the merits of doing this. What benefits is it supposed to confer? Frank Wood ________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------ From: "C. Andrew Dunning" Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:35:19 -0500 Organization: Landru Design In-Reply-To: Message-Id: >So, honestly, do you or do you not use a Grandmaster on your >lighting console? I definitely use the GM. In addition to the usual ways, I've found it to be pretty useful when programming (the ETC line of consoles). For example, when I'm really strapped for time, I use it to program dimmer versions of cues/console output that I've used before. Knowing that we all have at one time or another been confused by its level, I think that it's a matter of training ourselves (and our students) that that needs to be one of the first things to check when console output is confusing. Our being sometimes forgetful would be a bad reason to eliminate that handle. A better solution might be to place it in a place on the console that isn't so out-of-the-way (as some manufacturers have chosen to do) and to give the simple option of disabling or reassigning it. FWIW, I've grown to hate/detest the &^%$#! practice of eliminating the GM and instead giving the operator the option of using one of the subs. A lot of times I will use every sub that I can get. Losing a sub to regain a feature that should have been standard in the first place is incredibly annoying. One if my disappointments about the Hog III... Rant over. Back to drawing now. C. Andrew Dunning Landru Design - Nashville, TN - cad [at] landrudesign.com www.landrudesign.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <2802.129.252.241.105.1086635858.squirrel [at] webmail.columbia.sc> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 15:17:38 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Subject: Rental Draperies... help please From: usctd [at] columbia.sc Well, he was just training his spam filter. Yeah.....feeling pretty stupid right now. Sorry for taking up the bandwidth. Did I mention I am pretty new with the computer thing?.... -- Eric Rouse TD-University of SC, Columbia Freelance Foyboy > For info on subscribing, unsubscribing, and suspending > your list subscription, go to the Stagecraft web site at: > http://stagecraft.theprices.net/ > --------------------------------------------------- > > > Joe, > > Actually the more I think of it the more irritating I find your message to > be. Instead of your eloquent one liner, why not make a suggestion as to > how I could make the message more list-friendly? Constructive criticism > goes much farther. > > -- > Eric Rouse > TD-University of SC, Columbia > Freelance Foyboy > >> For info on subscribing, unsubscribing, and suspending >> your list subscription, go to the Stagecraft web site at: >> http://stagecraft.theprices.net/ >> --------------------------------------------------- >> >> >> Joe Golden, >> >> Sentiments noted. >> >> Thanks, >> >> Eric >> >> > > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 14:38:28 -0400 From: MissWisc [at] aol.com Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Message-ID: <4E28A418.4EA2D822.007B9F2A [at] aol.com> Sarah - Options are good things to have. More choices = more ways to get the task done. The "right" choice for me may not be right for the next person in the space nor for the same board in a different space. As someone who learned lighting on a 32 dimmer, 2 scene preset board, (Ccourse I was a BABY then!), I LOVE being able to have that visual there to show a newcomer how it works. Numbers on a computer screen work for those of us who have the spacial reasoning to visualize what will happen when those numbers change. Not everyone is blessed with that abiliity, though I do think it's far more common in theatre folks than in the general public. Leave it there. :) Kristi ------------------------------ Message-ID: <40C4B719.3070304 [at] hillinteractive.net> Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 14:42:33 -0400 From: Howie Organization: Hill Interactive Subject: Re: Rental Draperies... help please References: In-Reply-To: this is a variation of an old story... the stagehand at the theater says "These (drapes, lights, platforms, wagons, or whatever) the shop sent us are crap, they won't work. the shop says "It worked in the shop". I can understand your lack of an emergency number. It's hard to imagine a "drapery emergency". someone who knew what they were doing at the venue could have made those drapes look fine with some blanket pins and a steamer, and you wouldn't have had to sew the panels together, they could have been pinned. you should consider sending out an installer with your rentals, particularly when renting to people you don't know, and/or a security deposit when renting to unknowns. with no security deposit to keep, there's not much you can do at this point other than write it off to experience. oh well, if the drapes were 10 years old you should have made your money back 10 times on them by now. Be thankful you didn't make up something new for these clients... -------------howie barney wrote: > For info on subscribing, unsubscribing, and suspending > your list subscription, go to the Stagecraft web site at: > http://stagecraft.theprices.net/ > --------------------------------------------------- > > > As some you know, I bought JC Hansen Co, primarily a drapery rental > house, a couple of years ago. I have a problem with a customer now, and > I would like to deal with it fairly and honestly, and he’s brought up > some things I’d like help with. > > The story: I was contacted about needing to rent a red traveler velour > curtain and a valance. Okay, They wanted want sounded like traveler > halves so I offered to stitch a couple of drapes together to make a > pair. 4 [at] 13’ wide become 2 [at] 26’ wide. First admission: that might not > have been the best answer; the stitching was a bit puckered where they > were joined (photos available at www.jchansen.com/problem.html Monday > morning 6/7). I cannot rightly say what relationship the person who > called and I spoke to had to anything… I’ve ended up speaking to the > presenters, the venue, and the production manager. > > The drapes we sent were 8 – 10 years old, cleaned and re-flame proofed > within the last 3 years and are rented out fairly often (at least three > times in the last year). When drapes are returned we inspect and vacuum > them, fold on the seams and roll them up. We then store them in canvas > bags. The drapes were returned wet, and having laid them out to dry, all > the salts are now huge white stains. (Photo are at the website above). > > What the final representative of the customer I spoke to said: > > 1) The drapes were in bad condition, looking like they had been stored > in the bag and terribly winkled, and not long for this world as it was. > > 2) The drapes were puckered where we had joined them. > > 3) He’d never worked with unlined drapes. > > 4) These really were not actually ‘drapes’ because they were sewn > without fullness. > > 5) They crew used a Hudson sprayer, on the back, to dampen the drapes, > the only way to make them usable. > > 6) What recourse did they have as they hung the drapes on Friday night, > Hansen’s not open on the weekend, and the show was Sunday night? > > 7) They do not feel that that they should pay the damages because what > were they to do? > > Okay, where to start? A couple of MY questions: > > #3: does anyone rent lined drapes? > > #6: Should I do something different? The drapes they received were the > only ones I had that fit their specs, and there was nothing that I could > have done to make it better. > > Okay, comments please…Thanks > > Barney > > JC Hansen Co. > > NYC > > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 15:14:03 -0400 From: Stephen Litterst Subject: Re: Lamp Warming (Was Re: Grandmasters) Message-id: <40C4BE7B.A34F0FCC [at] ithaca.edu> Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts References: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com wrote: > --------------------------------------------------- > > In a message dated 07/06/04 18:31:37 GMT Daylight Time, ab [at] adamb.com writes: > > > Because all of the students and other faculty don't understand the whole > > concept of warming lights (no matter how often I yell at them for not doing > > so) > > I have never understood the merits of doing this. What benefits is it > supposed to confer? In colder climes, we sometimes run the lamps slowly up to ~10% before a channel check so that you're not snapping the filament from cold to frickin hot. There is continual debate on whether this saves lamp life or adds to its deterioration. The T-H cycle doesn't operate at the lower temps used for pre-warming, so this can pre-age a lamp, in theory. I use it both as a pre-warm and as a lamp check. I can see what's out and have an electrician working on it while I go channel by channel looking for other problems. I tend to limit my use of the pre-warm to cold theatres, though. Steve L. -- Stephen C. Litterst Technical Supervisor Ithaca College Dept. of Theatre Arts 607/274-3947 slitterst [at] ithaca.edu ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 14:38:54 -0500 From: "Frank E. Merrill" Message-ID: <1182731249.20040607143854 [at] TCON.net> Subject: Re: Rental Draperies... help please In-Reply-To: References: Howdy! Sunday, June 06, 2004, Barney Simon wrote a terror-filled anecdote of renting red velour, and many have offered advice and chastisement along with their condolences, to which I'd like to add mine. Between my Dad, my brother and myself, we represent over 200 years of selling and renting stage curtains and I am greatly relieved to report we have never had the horrible experience Barney describes. We've fallen into just about every OTHER putfall but not that one. My sincere sympathy goes out to my friend Barney. I hired a real honestagosh shiny pants lawyer several years ago to look at the legalese on our rental documents and see if it needed to be strengthened but still keep it simple and easy to understand. Here's what I paid him to generate for us: "I have received the above listed equipment in acceptable condition and will return the same equipment in similar condition on the date listed above or I will contact Merrill Stage Equipment before the return date to arrange a different return schedule. If any equipment is lost or damaged while in my care, I will take the responsibility to see that I and/or my organization will, upon demand, pay the full purchase price as determined by Merrill Stage Equipment. If a lawsuit must be brought to enforce this agreement, I and/or my organization will pay the costs of the suit including reasonable attorney's fees, and also agree to jurisdiction in Marion County, Indiana courts with no change of venue. I will use the equipment according to the manufacturer's recommended practice and will exercise common sense. Should any personal injury occur, I will hold Merrill Stage Equipment blameless." Please understand htat the orginal wording that the lawyer generated contained much more legalese and hocus-pocus, but after discussing each phrase carefully and simplifying where possible, the above paragraph was developed. Although I ask customers to return expired lamp bulbs if one burns out while my equipment is in their care, I don't charge for that burned out lamp bulb because that equipment had likely enjoyed dozens of previous rentals since installing the now-expired lamp. Similarly, rental curtains are sometimes torn or soiled and getting such things are merely part of the cost of doing business. I try to retire my rental items into quiet and peaceful theatres before they get embarrassingly shabby. I am grateful to the guy that invented voicemail, which serves as my "emergency contact." I check my voicemail every cupla hours when I'm away, primarily to sidestep the communication problem Barney describes. My kids dragged my wife and me into the 21st Century last Christmas by getting us cell phones and we have become hooked on their convenience, but I'm not wealthy enough to invite all of my customers to know my cell number. As for the condition of rental drapes as they go out the door, I tell my customers that they are "guaranteed to look like they've been rolled up inside a lawnmoer for five years" and they should allow time to hang out and remind them that some people pay extra for crushed velour upholstery in their Cadillac. Unfortunately, I fear that Barney is going to have to eat this one. Although there is probably sufficient room to nail that varlet's hide to the proverbial wall, the time, expense and anguish of doing so will not likely return enough cash to be worthwhile. May we all move forward more carefully that we might not suffer similarly. I'm going to mail ten bucks to Barney in sympathy, knowing that such a loss could befall any of us at any time, and musing about his misfortune will hopefully save me much more than ten bucks in the future. May I be so bold to invite all of us in the rental indistry to do the same, in the interest of helping out a stricken comrade in a practical way? Mail to Barney at Joseph C Hansen Company, Inc. 423 W 43rd Street · New York NY 10036-5604 Best regards, Frank E. Merrill MERRILL STAGE EQUIPMENT Eastablished 1946 Indianapolis 317: 255 4666 Running The Bat! Natural e-mail system v2.10.1 mailto:Lamplighter [at] TCON.net ------------------------------ Message-ID: <40C4C66F.8000702 [at] syr.edu> Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 15:47:59 -0400 From: Dave Bowman Organization: Syracuse Stage/SU Drama Subject: Re: Lamp Warming (Was Re: Grandmasters) References: In-Reply-To: Hey gang, We tend to do a warm-up here at Syracuse... mostly for what Steve L. mentioned was the cold climate and a quick way to find problems before going channel-by-channel. We run a specific cue which bring all channels up to 30% on a 3:00 minute count, hold for 2:00 minutes and out again on a 3:00 minute. I find that it tends to "get all the working parts working" (including/especially the electrician). Not to mention the lovely hum it creates in our speakers to drive the buzz boys completely nutz!!!! ;-) On our Strand board, we sometimes use the "Auto-Preheat" function which does the same thing, but automagically during the run of a show. The decision to use it or not rests with the designer as it definitely affects the look of the fade and, therefore, the fade time that is assigned. dave B. -- David M. Bowman Syracuse Stage / SU Drama Master Electrician / Adj. Professor dmbowman [at] syr.edu ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 16:04:34 -0400 From: Rigger Subject: Re: NPR music file? At 8:13 AM -0700 6/7/04, Storms, Randy wrote: > Anyway - I'm still looking for an .MP3 of "Cantata for Strand 520i" It doesn't exist by that name. Search for "Into The Light", which is what the cantata is 'Bofficially named. Start at www.prairiehome.org, as the song came from the December 1, 2001 Prarie Home Companion broadcast. BTW, it's a Strand 300 console, not a 520i. -- Dave Vick, IATSE #274 Head Electrician, The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University Carpe Per Diem ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 16:08:52 -0400 From: Rigger Subject: Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines At 11:54 AM -0400 6/7/04, Michael Powers wrote: >The only games I know that you can drink beer while playing is >Saturday afternoon Slow pitch (I think it's required!) and bowling. Belgian feather-bowling. -- Dave Vick, IATSE #274 Head Electrician, The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University Carpe Per Diem ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 16:09:37 -0400 From: Rigger Subject: Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines At 5:29 PM +0100 6/7/04, Tony Miller wrote: > You lot have obviously never played cricket. I thought cricket was about gin, not beer. -- Dave Vick, IATSE #274 Head Electrician, The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University Carpe Per Diem ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 16:11:48 -0400 From: Rigger Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? At 11:19 AM -0500 6/7/04, Sarah Clausen wrote: > So, honestly, do you or do you not use a Grandmaster on > your lighting console? Occasionally, not often but yes I do use it.... You can get rid of the bloody blackout button any day now, though. -- Dave Vick, IATSE #274 Head Electrician, The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University Carpe Per Diem ------------------------------ Message-ID: <0a6101c44ccc$2f522b10$0500000a [at] anneb> From: "Andrew Vance" References: Subject: Re: Lamp Warming (Was Re: Grandmasters) Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 15:15:31 -0500 Dave Bowman wrote: > We tend to do a warm-up here at Syracuse... mostly for what Steve L.=20 > mentioned was the cold climate and a quick way to find problems before = > going channel-by-channel. We run a specific cue which bring all=20 > channels up to 30% on a 3:00 minute count, hold for 2:00 minutes and = out=20 > again on a 3:00 minute. I find that it tends to "get all the working=20 > parts working" (including/especially the electrician). =20 Your predecessor taught me that exact thing whilst I was at Actors = Theatre, where we ran it religiously during my tenure. We always found = that it almost always gave us enough time to turn on all the little = do-dads that weren't controlled by the board [hazers, scroller power, = etc.] and get downstairs to do channel check. Helped out when we were = repping shows to see if we missed any color changes in the washes we = could address before channel check. While Omaha winters are too cold and snowy for my tastes, I've fallen = out of habit of having my board ops do it. I believe fully in the = theory behind it, but in practice I don't see any measurable increase in = lamp life. At least in my spaces, the lamps always seem to go en masse = when its summer as opposed to the arctic chill of winter. I guess they = don't want to work when its nice outside, either. : ) -- Sincerely, Andrew Vance Lighting Designer/Supervisor Omaha Theatre Company/Omaha Theatre Ballet andrewv [at] otcmail.org 402-345-9718 x139 ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 16:17:21 -0400 From: Rigger Subject: Re: I'm cranky tonight At 11:00 AM -0700 6/7/04, Wood Chip-P26398 wrote: > Yeah, like your 9 line one. I left it in to say- look to thyself first. > > Note: I will continue to top-post because I believe it is the right way > to read a thread. I am not a slave to Outlook, nor am I an idiot. I > don't care how cranky you are, please don't spew gratuitous insults. Apparently top-posting has robbed you of any common sense. My sig is six lines, not nine, and it's common netiquette to bottom-post; go look up any common usage guide you care to. And I'll spew any damned thing I please. -- Dave Vick, IATSE #274 Head Electrician, The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University Carpe Per Diem ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 21:29:54 +0100 Subject: Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines From: Tony Miller Message-ID: In-Reply-To: On Monday, June 7, 2004 9:09 pm Dave Vick wrote > I thought cricket was about gin, not beer. > I was at the Cricket Test Match between England and New Zealand last week and there was a sign on the bar saying "Only 4 pints per person. No Shandy." I never saw any gin though. Remember a Test Match lasts 5 days and very often it will still end in a draw. That's an awful lot of drinking time. Tony Miller. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <6728517EECE7D511981B00D0B78290310BD49E6D [at] az33exm27.corp.mot.com> From: Wood Chip-P26398 Subject: Re: I'm cranky tonight Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:46:11 -0700 You count them again! From "please." to the empty line after "diem" is 9 lines. But then I had to go all the way to the bottom of the page to count them. If you had top posted, it would have been easier. :>) Why waste even 6 (or 9) lines on repetitive self-aggrandizing? This is fine when you are e-mailing to a one-off recipient, but sending it again and again to a news group is a little weird. BTW, that bottom posting netiquette was written well before the modern era of news and e-mail readers. And "spew any damned thing I please" is probably also a violation of those same netiquette "rules" you hold so high. -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Rigger At 11:00 AM -0700 6/7/04, Wood Chip-P26398 wrote: > Yeah, like your 9 line one. I left it in to say- look to thyself > first. > > Note: I will continue to top-post because I believe it is the right > way to read a thread. I am not a slave to Outlook, nor am I an idiot. > I don't care how cranky you are, please don't spew gratuitous > insults. Apparently top-posting has robbed you of any common sense. My sig is six lines, not nine, and it's common netiquette to bottom-post; go look up any common usage guide you care to. And I'll spew any damned thing I please. -- Dave Vick, IATSE #274 Head Electrician, The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University Carpe Per Diem ------------------------------ Message-ID: <6728517EECE7D511981B00D0B78290310BD49E70 [at] az33exm27.corp.mot.com> From: Wood Chip-P26398 Subject: Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:48:52 -0700 Is that 4 pints per order, per day, or per match? -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Tony Miller I was at the Cricket Test Match between England and New Zealand last week and there was a sign on the bar saying "Only 4 pints per person. No Shandy." I never saw any gin though. Remember a Test Match lasts 5 days ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 22:05:49 +0100 Subject: Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines From: Tony Miller Message-ID: In-Reply-To: On Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:48:52 -0700 Wood Chip-P26398 wrote > Is that 4 pints per order, per day, or per match? That is four pints an order and should usually go with a naked wobbly belly, salmon pink from sitting in the sun too long or this season fancy dress is very popular. After a few pints the chanting of the mantra Eng-er-land, Eng-er-land seems to compulsory among the younger members of the crowd. For exercise the Mexican Wave is seen as a suitably aerobic activity. Apart from all that it is a jolly good way to spend a day, particularly as Eng-er-land is winning at the moment. Cheers Tony. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 17:14:15 -0400 Subject: Re: Lamp Warming From: Steve Larson Message-ID: In-Reply-To: The first cue that I program is to bring all my dimmers up to 20% over a 30 sec count. The filaments and instruments warm up and I find that the lamp life of the lamps increases dramatically. I run about 150-200 instruments per show in my space and I change about 5-10 lamps a year. We do five shows. Because of the size of the space I rarely have to run intensities on the main acting lights above 65%. I'm using Source4's and Altman instruments. Steve ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 22:32:23 +0100 (BST) From: Charlie Richmond Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? In-Reply-To: Message-ID: References: On Mon, 7 Jun 2004, Stephen Litterst wrote: > the show down by a few points (although I did just learn that the GM > is going out of style there). In the AudioBox, there never has been a Grand Master, although, as mentioned here, there are 32 submasters, any of which can be configured as a grand master by assigning it to all inputs or outputs. Charlie > + Charlie Richmond - Richmond Sound Design Ltd - Aura Show Control Ltd + + http://www.RichmondSoundDesign.com -- http://www.AuraShowControl.com + +---- "Performance for the Long Run" ----- "Creativity in Control" ----+ ------------------------------ From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com Message-ID: <57.2cc1b86a.2df6467d [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 18:30:21 EDT Subject: Re: Lamp Warming (Was Re: Grandmasters) In a message dated 07/06/04 20:15:19 GMT Daylight Time, slitterst [at] ithaca.edu writes: > I use it both as a pre-warm and as a lamp check. I can see what's out > and have an electrician working on it while I go channel by channel > looking for other problems. I tend to limit my use of the pre-warm to > cold theatres, though. Yes, when I have an operator's hat on, I run a check on every lantern at a lowish level. Bright enough that I can see that it's doing its job, and in time to fix it if it isn't. Frank Wood ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 18:44:46 -0400 From: Michael Feinberg Subject: Re: Video signal routing >Some LCD panels (mostly the ones sold as tvs have a boatload of inputs >built in... A glance around the net found me this: If you haven't purchased your panels yet, take a look at http://www.lcdracks.com. Marshall offers several panels with multiple input switchers. The V-R62P is a 3U rack mount with two 6.4" active matrix LCDs and six composite inputs that can be routed to either display or switched sequentially. It's not cheap ($2500 list) but the Marshall products are reliable broadcast quality units. They also have larger panels with VGA inputs and quad splitters so that four composite sources can be monitored at once. The above mentioned panels are composite only, but as someone else mentioned (and if space allows) your best bet might be to use an inexpensive LCD computer monitor for the computer signals, so as to not have to worry about scan converting and switching with the composite signals. Marshall does make a 4U dual 8.4" 800x600 LCD unit with an internal scaler to accept RGBHV signals up to 1280x1024, but it doesn't include an internal switcher (each display has it's own composite, Y/C, VGA, and SDI input) and it is even more expensive: $4000. But it is the smallest unit I know of for native SVGA monitoring, if that's what you need. -Michael Feinberg, CTS ------------------------------ From: Bsapsis [at] aol.com Message-ID: <90.474cee66.2df64cc0 [at] aol.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 18:57:04 EDT Subject: John Diaz and his Local 1 letter OK. I promised I'd ask, and I did. But before I give you his answer, please understand that I am not interested in opening up this thread again. Y'all can talk about it all you want, but I'm staying out of it. That said.... John has received a lot of, ahem, interest, on that piece. He's been told it's good by some and it's been suggested that he re-write it by others. His intention was to point out the need for better training. He is not opposed to automated rigging; he welcomes it. He understands that it's here to stay. He has his concerns about the way the equipment are being maintained (or not, as the case may be) and it is his hope that the training, both of his people (the IA) and the rest of the world, catches up with the technology. It is also his desire to see as many of his people working as possible. (As a Local 1 officer, that is one of his jobs.) I promised you a report and now you have it. If I haven't been clear enough, please let me know. Enjoy. Bill S. Sapsis Rigging, Inc. www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 800.292.3851 fax 267.278.4561 mobile We stand behind, our work. and under, ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 21:11:56 -0400 Message-Id: <200406072111.AA1512571088 [at] mail.adamb.com> From: "Adam Berns" Subject: Re: Video signal routing I think you are simply looking for a video matrix box, kind of like what is at http://www.extron.com/product/prodtype03.asp We have one of these (jsut a 4x2) and we love it, especially since a computer can control it. Bioy, deja-vu here, did I already reply to this one? ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "pete quinlan" Reply-To: "Stagecraft" Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 09:25:59 +0800 For info on subscribing, unsubscribing, and suspending your list subscription, go to the Stagecraft web site at: http://stagecraft.theprices.net/ --------------------------------------------------- Hello again, I am using the switcher in a stage management console I have been asked to design. The spec asks for two LCD monitors capable displaying feeds from up to eight sources including cameras a computer and a DVD/VCR. My Idea was that if I can have some sort of switcher set up so that the SM can quickly and easily assign what source is going to which monitor. The main idea of the whole project is to create a console that is portable and adaptable. Thanks for your help Pete Quinlan _________________________________________________________________ Open an Online Savings Account today & collect a bonus $30*! http://clk.atdmt.com/1DG/go/hsb005000991dg/direct/01/ ________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------ Message-ID: <007601c44cf6$c37afea0$0200a8c0 [at] om.cox.net> From: "John Gibilisco" References: Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 20:20:19 -0500 > Yep - know that, but the problem is that we often use up all 24 subs we have > at the mo. Actually you have 5 pages of 24 Subs on your 300 giving you 120 subs. You can easily toggle to the new page by entering [sub page] +1 or [sub page] + 2 command. (see manual for optional commands to do same thing) Set one of the fresh subs on page 2 as the GM. You could also write soft key macros to quickly toggle between sub pages 1 and 2. Good Luck! John Gibilisco Omaha Playhouse ------------------------------ Message-ID: <00c901c44cf8$1ddf7280$0201a8c0 [at] BRUTUS> From: "Jon Ares" References: Subject: Re: Grandmasters - Love 'em or.....? Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 18:29:59 -0700 > can easily toggle to the new page by entering [sub page] +1 or [sub page] + > 2 command. (see manual for optional commands to do same thing) > ....or just grab the "real" GM and slide it. Guess there IS value to having a GM. Maybe Strand should consider it. :) -- Jon Ares www.hevanet.com/acreative sheesh... how many keystrokes does it take to use a 'virtual' GM? It's like using Speed Dial to call 911 -- enter . ------------------------------ Message-ID: <40C51C86.1010703 [at] fuse.net> Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 21:55:18 -0400 From: Stuart Wheaton Subject: Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines References: In-Reply-To: Tony Miller wrote: > Apart from all that it is a jolly good way to spend a day, particularly as > Eng-er-land is winning at the moment. > > Cheers > > Tony. So after watching for a day or two, Does it begin to make sense? I've watched snippets on Eurosport, but can't figure it out. I've promised myself I'd someday learn enough to follow the game, but I'm not in too much hurry since after that I have to figure out Finnish Baseball Stuart ------------------------------ Subject: Re: pricing penguins From: "Jack E. Wilkinson" Message-Id: <1086660284.3242.3.camel [at] scarpia.drbear.com> Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 21:04:44 -0500 i daresay that i know not if these folks are for real or not... http://www.penguinwarehouse.com ...but if nothing else, there are prices and you can enjoy a good laugh. peace... jack ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20040608021516.50451.qmail [at] web52010.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 19:15:16 -0700 (PDT) From: Jacqueline Haney Kidwell Subject: Re: pricing penguins In-Reply-To: I don't think it IS real, but what fun! Thank you, Jack. Thank you all for the information. The quest was really more about upholding my reputation for being able to find out odd things than any serious intention of hiring a penguin. I knew you folks would come through for me, and you did. It is indeed "The Man Who Came to Dinner", a community theatre production with a community theatre budget. Jacki --- "Jack E. Wilkinson" wrote: > i daresay that i know not if these folks are for > real or not... > > http://www.penguinwarehouse.com > > ...but if nothing else, there are prices and you can > enjoy a good laugh. > > peace... > jack > __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Friends. Fun. Try the all-new Yahoo! Messenger. http://messenger.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Message-Id: In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 22:15:46 -0400 From: Rigger Subject: Re: Adapt or sit on the sidelines At 9:55 PM -0400 6/7/04, Stuart Wheaton wrote: > So after watching for a day or two, Does it begin to make sense? Probably depends on how much you've had to drink... I think the drunker you are, the easier it is to make heads-or-tails of the game. -- Dave Vick, IATSE #274 Head Electrician, The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University Carpe Per Diem ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20040607195337.0168d120 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 19:53:37 From: CB Subject: Video Projector >How should I research buying a mid-range ($2500+/-) video projector, for theatre >use (which means I don't really have any idea what throw distance, signal format, >etc. to expect)? I don't want to start a long thread, off-list replies would be >welcome. First, start nailing down some of the particulars. Go measure how far it is from the nearest convenient projection point (balcony rail?) to the procenium, then to the back wall. That'd give you the focal length for the first lens you want to buy. Then think about budgeting the cost of another projector to cover the short throw lens. Add another five hundred bucks for a spare lamp. Rent (borrow) a coupla projectors to look at what kind of output you'll need. Have salesmen bring thier toys and demo them. Regardless of what lumens folk sy you'll need, looking at them in the environment they will (may) be used in will be the only yardstick that will be meaningful. After that, look at the used pile that is out there. Projectors are a bit like computers now. New technology is coming out so fast that the rich kids are disposing of their 'old' technology long before it has worn out. Let me know of list if you need me to put you in touch with some used gear and I'll get you some contacts. As far as taking the discussion off list, with all the talk about projectors bandied about, I'm sure that there are others as curious about the answers as you are. I was just saying last night that painted drops are going to be history in less than twenty years, and some ort of digital backdrop (maybe projection) will take its place. 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... ------------------------------ End of Stagecraft Digest #33 ****************************