Return-Path: <stagecraft-report [at] theatrical.net>
X-Processed-By: Virex 7 on prxy.net
X-Real-To: stagecraftlist [at] theatrical.net
Received: by prxy.net (CommuniGate Pro PIPE 4.2)
  with PIPE id 4565506; Sat, 02 Oct 2004 03:00:19 -0700
X-ListServer: CommuniGate Pro LIST 4.2
List-Unsubscribe: <mailto:stagecraft-off [at] theatrical.net>
List-ID: <stagecraft.theatrical.net>
Message-ID: <list-4565502 [at] prxy.net>
From: "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
Sender: "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
To: "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
Precedence: list
Subject: Stagecraft Digest #150
Date: Sat, 02 Oct 2004 03:00:04 -0700
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"
Content-Disposition: inline
X-Spam-Status: No, score=-2.3 required=5.0 tests=ALL_TRUSTED,AWL,BAYES_00, MAILTO_TO_SPAM_ADDR,URIBL_SBL autolearn=ham version=3.0.0-pre4
X-Spam-Level: 
X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.0.0-pre4 (2004-08-04) on prxy.net
X-prxy-Spam-Filter: Scanned
X-TFF-CGPSA-Version: 1.4a3

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

Stagecraft Digest, Issue #150

 1. Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
    by Cosmo Catalano <Cosmo.A.Catalano [at] williams.edu>
 2. Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
    by Jason Tollefson <jason [at] tollefsondesigns.com>
 3. Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
    by Stan Jensen <jense1s [at] cmich.edu>
 4. Fresnels & lighthouses
    by "Gerry G" <megironda [at] worldnet.att.net>
 5. Re: Fresnels & lighthouses
    by "Moore, Martin W." <MOOREM4 [at] rpi.edu>
 6. Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
    by "Bryan H. Ackler" <backler [at] ix.netcom.com>
 7. Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
    by "Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
 8. Re: Fresnels & lighthouses
    by "Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
 9. Re: Fresnels & lighthouses
    by "Michael Feinberg" <michaelf [at] joyce.eng.yale.edu>
10. Re: 24 hour theater... Slightly off topic
    by "CATHERINE BRUMM" <cbrumm [at] nhcs.k12.nc.us>
11. Re: Fresnels & lighthouses
    by "Nigel Worsley" <nigle [at] dsl.pipex.com>
12. Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
13. Re: Guns (Again)
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
14. Re: 24 hour theater... Slightly off topic
    by "Michael Eddy" <mseddy2900 [at] hotmail.com>
15. Re: Guns (Again)
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
16. Curse of the Starving Class - Props and advice
    by Michael Powers <mfpowers [at] theater.umass.edu>
17. Re: Curse of the Starving Class - Props and advice
    by "Waxler, Steve (waxlers)" <WAXLERS [at] UCMAIL.UC.EDU>
18. Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
    by Mick Alderson <alderson [at] uwosh.edu>
19. Re: Fresnels & lighthouses
    by Steve Larson <tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com>
20. Re: Curse of the Starving Class - Props and advice
    by "Stephen E. Rees" <Rees [at] fredonia.edu>
21. Re: Curse of the Starving Class - Props and advice
    by Stuart Wheaton <sdwheaton [at] fuse.net>
22. ACTF Adjudicator
    by "Steve" <sschepker [at] charter.net>

*** 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: Fri, 01 Oct 2004 07:29:35 -0400
From: Cosmo Catalano <Cosmo.A.Catalano [at] williams.edu>
Subject: Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
In-reply-to: <list-4557635 [at] prxy.net>
Message-id: <2BFA4830-139D-11D9-9DDD-000D936C1414 [at] williams.edu>
References: <list-4557635 [at] prxy.net>

Hate to be the didactic academic here--sort of.  Although opinions are 
numerous regarding the fresnel comment on the program, the Greek in 
question was Archimedes.  By the time Copernicus was making waves, the 
Roman Empire had long disappeared, sailors were sailing three masted 
ships instead of rowing triremes, and soldiers carried muskets and did 
not use shields, bronze or otherwise.

Frankly, I was quite surprised that the reflector did not produce the 
necessary heat.  Maybe hoisting and holding it at the required angle 
distorted it enough by its own weight to cause misalignment.  I thought 
the mechanism to easily tilt the individual mirrors was quite clever, 
however.

<rstorms [at] bham.wednet.edu> wrote:

Did anybody catch Mythbusters last night?  They tried to 
verify/disprove =
the apocryphal story about Copernicus destroying a fleet of Roman =
triremes by arranging hundreds of bronze shields to focus reflected =
sunlight on a small area, thereby causing a fire...

Cosmo


  


------------------------------

Message-ID: <20041001124132.80351.qmail [at] web50301.mail.yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 05:41:32 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jason Tollefson <jason [at] tollefsondesigns.com>
Subject: Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
In-Reply-To: <list-4557635 [at] prxy.net>

I think Jamie's comparison was apt.  True, technically a fresnel is a type of lens and not a
reflector.  But the fresnel is characterized by the sectioning of the radius of a plano-convex
surface.  That's exactly what Jamie did with his mirrors.  Angling each course in such a way so
that they would have formed a continuous convex (well, concave actually) surface if arranged in
that manner.  

Man I wish in had worked,

Jason Tollefson
LD-at-Large
Orlando, FL

------------------------------

In-Reply-To: <list-4553958 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-4553958 [at] prxy.net>
Message-Id: <9433CB46-13AC-11D9-988E-0003933F192E [at] cmich.edu>
From: Stan Jensen <jense1s [at] cmich.edu>
Subject: Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 09:19:52 -0400


On Sep 30, 2004, at 6:33 PM, Michael Denison wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see 
> <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> Sort of...my understanding is that a Fresnel lens is a step lens
> flattened out. If you chopped up a Fresnel lens into concentric
> circles and then fit all of the convex surfaces together in one
> smooth curve, you'd have a step lens. The idea was to get the
> same light bending qualities from a thinner piece of glass that
> would be less likely to break under heat stress. Yes? No?



Yes--and to eliminate weight. The lenses for light houses were actually 
taken up the tower in pieces and assembled with brass fittings. They 
worked in 360-degrees--think of a pitted olive standing on its end, 
then slice it horizontally to create rings. Here in Michigan we have a 
number of old light house lenses in various maritime museums and they 
are wonderful pieces of 19th century craftsmanship.

Stan Jensen

Central Michigan University
Department of Speech Communication and Dramatic Art
Moore 242
Mount Pleasant, MI  48859

(989) 774-1990  office
(989) 774-2498  fax


------------------------------

From: "Gerry G" <megironda [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Fresnels & lighthouses
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 10:53:54 -0400
Message-ID: <MABBLCMLBGCLKLALNFJBKEDPELAA.megironda [at] worldnet.att.net>



 Here in NJ there are a number of great lighthouses, including the highest
on the east coast of the US. I believe all employ a fresnel lens. My
recollection is that the man Fresnel was a french bureaucrat and did not
invent anything. He was responsible for the promotion of the lens.
Gerry G




------------------------------

Subject: RE: Fresnels & lighthouses
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 11:31:05 -0400
Message-ID: <6B9A49CEF58B7F44B96081659904501D02D63A24 [at] vcc-ex1.win.rpi.edu>
From: "Moore, Martin W." <MOOREM4 [at] rpi.edu>

bm9wZSwgRnJlc25lbCB3YXMgbXVjaCBtb3JlIHRoYW4gYSBtZXJlIGJ1cmVhdWNyYXQNCiANCmh0
dHA6Ly93d3ctZ2FwLmRjcy5zdC1hbmQuYWMudWsvfmhpc3RvcnkvTWF0aGVtYXRpY2lhbnMvRnJl
c25lbC5odG1sDQogDQpNYXJ0aW4NCiANCg0KCS0tLS0tT3JpZ2luYWwgTWVzc2FnZS0tLS0tIA0K
CUZyb206IEdlcnJ5IEcgW21haWx0bzptZWdpcm9uZGFAd29ybGRuZXQuYXR0Lm5ldF0gDQoJU2Vu
dDogRnJpIDEwLzEvMjAwNCAxMDo1MyBBTSANCglUbzogU3RhZ2VjcmFmdCANCglDYzogDQoJU3Vi
amVjdDogRnJlc25lbHMgJiBsaWdodGhvdXNlcw0KCQ0KCQ0KDQoJRm9yIGluZm8sIGFyY2hpdmVz
ICYgVU5TVUJTQ1JJQkUsIHNlZSA8aHR0cDovL3N0YWdlY3JhZnQudGhlcHJpY2VzLm5ldC8+DQoJ
LS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tDQoJDQoJ
DQoJDQoJIEhlcmUgaW4gTkogdGhlcmUgYXJlIGEgbnVtYmVyIG9mIGdyZWF0IGxpZ2h0aG91c2Vz
LCBpbmNsdWRpbmcgdGhlIGhpZ2hlc3QNCglvbiB0aGUgZWFzdCBjb2FzdCBvZiB0aGUgVVMuIEkg
YmVsaWV2ZSBhbGwgZW1wbG95IGEgZnJlc25lbCBsZW5zLiBNeQ0KCXJlY29sbGVjdGlvbiBpcyB0
aGF0IHRoZSBtYW4gRnJlc25lbCB3YXMgYSBmcmVuY2ggYnVyZWF1Y3JhdCBhbmQgZGlkIG5vdA0K
CWludmVudCBhbnl0aGluZy4gSGUgd2FzIHJlc3BvbnNpYmxlIGZvciB0aGUgcHJvbW90aW9uIG9m
IHRoZSBsZW5zLg0KCUdlcnJ5IEcNCgkNCgkNCgkNCgkNCg0K

------------------------------

Message-ID: <415D7D94.9010100 [at] ix.netcom.com>
Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2004 08:53:56 -0700
From: "Bryan H. Ackler" <backler [at] ix.netcom.com>
Organization: Va. Tech - Vassar - USITT - NTHP
Subject: Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
References: <list-4557635 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-4557635 [at] prxy.net>

It also should be noted that a large portion of the lighthouse
lenses where constructed out of individual segments of "glass"
held in place by a metal frame, thereby  "constructing" a larger lens 
out of the optically important segments.  This also reduced the
weight, made them easier to ship, maintain, and repair.

Bryan H. Ackler
Portland, Oregon

P.S.
Anybody who gets to the Oregon Coast can see numerous lenses
up and down the coast displayed in museums or check out your
own coastal areas.


=====================================
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2004 16:48:01 -0700
Subject: Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
Message-ID: <20040930.164813.1112.3.ladesigners [at] juno.com>
From: Richard Niederberg <ladesigners [at] juno.com>

The primary reason for the introduction of the Fresnel lens was to cut 
down on the weight of a plano-convex lens that had to be supported 
dozens of  feet in the air and be rotated continuously. Before 
electrification, it was the Lighthouse keeper who had to wind a spring 
or lift a weight up the tower on a strict schedule. Also, Fresnel lenses 
were less likely than a plano-convex lenses to crack when exposed to 
rapid temperature changes, because they are much thinner.
/s/ Richard


 >> Hi,
 >> Light houses lenses are not just "old wives tales".
 >> Steve Rees, TD



------------------------------

From: "Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: RE: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 08:58:16 -0700
Message-ID: <00c501c4a7cf$77e37240$726dfea9 [at] DrDoomsComputer>
In-Reply-To: <list-4559501 [at] prxy.net>

Good point Bryan. Doom

====================================================
A Masters Workshop for Entertainment Technicians, Riggers, Public
Assembly Technicians, and Educational Performing Arts Personnel -
Sponsored by Risk International & Associates, Inc.    April 4, 5, 6,
2005 at ELCO Performing Arts Center, Elkhart, Indiana

Brochure & Registration Form available at: www.riskit.com/workshops
====================================================
Risk International & Associates, Inc.  -  Dedicated to making the world
a healthier & safer place.
Website: www.riskit.com E-mail: rdavidson [at] riskit.com
====================================================
International Secondary Education Theater Safety Association (ISETSA)  -
Dedicated to the protection of every student in the performing arts.
Website: www.isetsa.org E-mail: info [at] isetsa.org
====================================================
960 E. Bonita #158, Pomona, CA 91767    Phone/Fax: (909) 625-5961
====================================================

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Bryan
H. Ackler
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 8:54 AM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

It also should be noted that a large portion of the lighthouse
lenses where constructed out of individual segments of "glass"
held in place by a metal frame, thereby  "constructing" a larger lens 
out of the optically important segments.  This also reduced the
weight, made them easier to ship, maintain, and repair.

Bryan H. Ackler
Portland, Oregon

P.S.
Anybody who gets to the Oregon Coast can see numerous lenses
up and down the coast displayed in museums or check out your
own coastal areas.


=====================================
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2004 16:48:01 -0700
Subject: Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
Message-ID: <20040930.164813.1112.3.ladesigners [at] juno.com>
From: Richard Niederberg <ladesigners [at] juno.com>

The primary reason for the introduction of the Fresnel lens was to cut 
down on the weight of a plano-convex lens that had to be supported 
dozens of  feet in the air and be rotated continuously. Before 
electrification, it was the Lighthouse keeper who had to wind a spring 
or lift a weight up the tower on a strict schedule. Also, Fresnel lenses

were less likely than a plano-convex lenses to crack when exposed to 
rapid temperature changes, because they are much thinner.
/s/ Richard


 >> Hi,
 >> Light houses lenses are not just "old wives tales".
 >> Steve Rees, TD



------------------------------

From: "Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: RE: Fresnels & lighthouses
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 09:02:56 -0700
Message-ID: <00ca01c4a7d0$1e7e3400$726dfea9 [at] DrDoomsComputer>
In-Reply-To: <list-4559347 [at] prxy.net>

Thank you Martin, always good to know your base and to do your research.
Thank you for this clarification. Doom

====================================================
A Masters Workshop for Entertainment Technicians, Riggers, Public
Assembly Technicians, and Educational Performing Arts Personnel -
Sponsored by Risk International & Associates, Inc.    April 4, 5, 6,
2005 at ELCO Performing Arts Center, Elkhart, Indiana

Brochure & Registration Form available at: www.riskit.com/workshops
====================================================
Risk International & Associates, Inc.  -  Dedicated to making the world
a healthier & safer place.
Website: www.riskit.com E-mail: rdavidson [at] riskit.com
====================================================
International Secondary Education Theater Safety Association (ISETSA)  -
Dedicated to the protection of every student in the performing arts.
Website: www.isetsa.org E-mail: info [at] isetsa.org
====================================================
960 E. Bonita #158, Pomona, CA 91767    Phone/Fax: (909) 625-5961
====================================================

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Moore,
Martin W.
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 8:31 AM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Re: Fresnels & lighthouses

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------
 nope, Fresnel was much more than a mere bureaucrat
 
http://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Mathematicians/Fresnel.html
 
Martin
 

	-----Original Message----- 
	From: Gerry G [mailto:megironda [at] worldnet.att.net] 
	Sent: Fri 10/1/2004 10:53 AM 
	To: Stagecraft 
	Cc: 
	Subject: Fresnels & lighthouses
	
	

	For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see
<http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
	---------------------------------------------------
	
	
	
	 Here in NJ there are a number of great lighthouses, including
the highest
	on the east coast of the US. I believe all employ a fresnel
lens. My
	recollection is that the man Fresnel was a french bureaucrat and
did not
	invent anything. He was responsible for the promotion of the
lens.
	Gerry G
	
	
	
	



------------------------------

From: "Michael Feinberg" <michaelf [at] joyce.eng.yale.edu>
Subject: Re: Fresnels & lighthouses
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 12:50:54 -0400
Message-Id: <20041001164049.M53760 [at] joyce.eng.yale.edu>
In-Reply-To: <list-4559347 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-4559347 [at] prxy.net>

On Fri, 1 Oct 2004 11:31:05 -0400, Gerry G wrote
> My recollection is that the man Fresnel was a french 
> bureaucrat and did not invent anything. He was responsible for the 
> promotion of the lens.

On Fri, 1 Oct 2004 11:31:05 -0400, Moore, Martin W. wrote
>  nope, Fresnel was much more than a mere bureaucrat
> http://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Mathematicians/Fresnel.html

Hmm.  I also had the impression that Fresnel wasn't the inventor, and I'm 
fairly sure that I picked that up after visting the lighthouse museum in 
Rockland, ME.  However the only thing I found to support this impression was 
one unsubstantiated statement on a web page saying that Fresnel had nothing 
to do with the Fresnel lens.  I did find lots of sites saying that Fresnel 
was in fact the inventer and plenty of information on his long involvement 
with mathematics.  Finding lots of something doesn't necessarily make it 
true, as much on the web is sourced from elsewhere on the web and plenty of 
mistakes get circulated, but it looks like that Fresnel actually was 
reponsible for the development of the lens (though he was also employed by 
the French governmental agency in charge of lighthouses.)  I wonder why the 
idea that the Fresnel lens is a false attribution is common enough that Gerry 
and I both thought it, despite their being plenty of evidence to the contrary.
[And no, this list doesn't need to get into how the fact that people will 
belive anything applies to the current US election. :) ]

-Michael Feinberg

------------------------------

Message-Id: <s15d56c1.012 [at] mail.nhcs.k12.nc.us>
Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2004 13:08:09 -0400
From: "CATHERINE BRUMM" <cbrumm [at] nhcs.k12.nc.us>
Subject: Re: 24 hour theater... Slightly off topic


There is not one site where there is a lot of information becasue it is
more of a concept that has begun to take on some shape in the last few
years. There was an article about it in American Theater in May/June of
2001 I am not sure what sort of archive they keep on line though. The
concept is the show is written, directed, and performed in 24hours and
this general concept has grown into many realizations that differ from
group to group. That is pretty much why I asked on here so that I could
get in touch with some people who were part of a program that does it to
see how the execution varies from location to location and group to
group.

Catherine

>>> rockm [at] new.rr.com 09/30/04 06:44PM >>>

This sounds rather intresting, I did a rather quick search and I came
up
with some results mostly about schools that have done it, very little
real
info is there a site where I could get some details?

Mike


------------------------------

Message-ID: <0be801c4a7d9$fd3dbcc0$0c00a8c0 [at] Nigellaptop>
From: "Nigel Worsley" <nigle [at] dsl.pipex.com>
References: <list-4559347 [at] prxy.net> <list-4559846 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: Re: Fresnels & lighthouses
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 18:13:18 +0100

Michael Feinberg wrote:
> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> On Fri, 1 Oct 2004 11:31:05 -0400, Gerry G wrote
>> My recollection is that the man Fresnel was a french
>> bureaucrat and did not invent anything. He was responsible for the
>> promotion of the lens.
> 
> On Fri, 1 Oct 2004 11:31:05 -0400, Moore, Martin W. wrote
>>  nope, Fresnel was much more than a mere bureaucrat
>> http://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Mathematicians/Fresnel.html
> 
> Hmm.  I also had the impression that Fresnel wasn't the inventor

Correct, he wasn't.

> However the only thing I found to support this impression was
> one unsubstantiated statement on a web page saying that Fresnel had nothing
> to do with the Fresnel lens.

He didn't invent it, but certainly had a lot to do with it.

> I wonder why the
> idea that the Fresnel lens is a false attribution is common enough that Gerry
> and I both thought it

Because it is true! According to my encyclopaedia:

    Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon (1748) originated the idea of dividing a lens
    surface into concentric rings in order to reduce the weight significantly. In 1820
    this idea was adopted by Augustin-Jean Fresnel in the construction of lighthouse
    lenses.

As far as I can tell Fresnel was the first person to make use of Buffon's idea, by which
time he was long dead so Fresnel got the credit.

Nigel Worsley


------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20041001104054.0195f570 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2004 10:40:54
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"

> BTW, it isn't a step lens in the strict sense of 
>> the term as step lenses have the plano side removed and Fresnels have 
>> the convex side of the lens removed.

Mr. Denison wins the prize as the shortest and most accurate post-trim of
the thread. Come down and take a bow Michael!  OK, OK, don't be all that
about it with that sig... Thanks for thinking about the rest of us Michael!
How does one take seriously the technical ravings of a guy that can't use a
delete key?  
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment.  Rates
negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment...

------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20041001104702.0195f570 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2004 10:47:02
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Re: Guns (Again)

>The thing is, there are times when an open barrel IS
>more desirable, and yes, even safer, than a plugged
>barrel weapon.

One of the safety factors in a weapon that vents in a traditional manner is
that it vents in a traditional manner.  Everyone on the cast and crew
instantly recognises the 'dangerous' end.
Thanks again, June, for being right there and right on target, so to speak.
 I think I need to work on your crew or something next time you come to
Tucson.
				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...

------------------------------

From: "Michael Eddy" <mseddy2900 [at] hotmail.com>
Cc: cbrumm [at] nhcs.k12.nc.us
Subject: Re: 24 hour theater... Slightly off topic
Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2004 14:04:45 -0400
Message-ID: <BAY8-F116GhAj5p1Fjx0000ffbe [at] hotmail.com>

Catherine,

You may have already checked out this site, but just in case:

http://www.24hourplays.com/index.html

There was an article on them about two weeks ago in the NY Times. I am 
trying to find a copy of the article for you.

Hope this helps,

Michael Eddy



------------------------------

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <8d.163237d8.2e8ef9fd [at] aol.com>
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 14:20:45 EDT
Subject: Re: Guns (Again)

In a message dated 01/10/04 01:18:57 GMT Daylight Time, jea00321 [at] yahoo.com 
writes:

> The thing is, there are times when an open barrel IS
>  more desirable, and yes, even safer, than a plugged
>  barrel weapon.

Yes, there are. For even the limted version of realism we try to present on 
stage, a plugged barrel stands out like a sore thumb. But, with us in the UK, 
it's a necessity. It all started when a nut case walked into a school. with two 
automatic pistols, and shot about twenty kids and teachers. After that, the 
government rushed through a blanket ban on handguns, without thinking of the 
consequences. One of the results has been an boost for back-street 'gunsmiths', 
who will convert a blocked weapon into an open weapon. His pistols were 
perfectly legitimate, his license being supported by the Chief of Police, whose 
resignation I have not yet heard of.

>  Like, if the shooter's proximity to
>  other actors, flammable or delicate scenery, or the
>  audience is such that side venting would constitute a
>  danger to them. Or,if you were in an intimate space,
>  or a thrust or arena space where the actor's proximity
>  to the audience would make a plugged barrel in a
>  weapon glaringly obvious and detract from the play.
>  You CAN use an open barrel weapon onstage in a safe
>  manner. Whether you MAY, is another question.


Frank Wood

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2004 15:39:52 -0400
From: Michael Powers <mfpowers [at] theater.umass.edu>
Subject: Curse of the Starving Class - Props and advice
In-reply-to: <list-4557635 [at] prxy.net>
Message-id: <415DB288.8020105 [at] theater.umass.edu>
References: <list-4557635 [at] prxy.net>

Ladies and Gents;

UMass is doing Curse of the starving class and we have a couple of 
questions manly for anyone who has done this show recently:

1. Any advice on how to deal with the logistics of having a live lamb on 
stage. Advice for the lamb wrangler?  What were the issues you had to 
deal with and how did you troubleshoot them?
 
2. For the urination scene we've decided to go with a bladder sewn into 
the costume- has anyone else gone this route?  If so do you still have 
the unit and is it for loan or rent??
 
3. Lamb carcass. If you still have yours in props storage we'd love to 
rent or borrow  it.

TIA for any help.

Michael

Michael Powers, Technical Director
UMass Amherst
112 FAC West
Amherst, Ma. 01003

413-545-6821    Voice
413-577-0025 Fax

mfpowers [at] theater.umass.edu <mailto:mfpowers [at] theater.umass.edu>
mptecdir [at] aol.com <mailto:mptecdir [at] aol.com>




------------------------------

Message-ID: <886EF25AF8BEF64EB89A820EF84064FF0911A0D4 [at] UCMAIL4>
From: "Waxler, Steve (waxlers)" <WAXLERS [at] UCMAIL.UC.EDU>
Subject: RE: Curse of the Starving Class - Props and advice
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 16:11:31 -0400 

Try to get a lamb that is clean.  Ours had been out in a muddy pasture =
and
had mud and manure caked up on its coat... So there were three of us =
two men
and a coed) and the lamb in the shower in the dressing room when =
another
student walked in and thought they had come upon a "m=E9nage a trois" =
with a
lamb included.  Any way, we washed the lamb (that sounds almost =
biblical)
and built a pen for it.  One student was dubbed lamb wrangler and she =
took
care of making sure there was clean straw and water and that it was fed =
and
she even took it out on campus for walks to give it exercise.  The lamb =
was
very sweet and we all become very fond of it.  I think about this often =
when
I am eating lamb chops....  Don't think we still have the carcass but =
will
look and let you know.  We have done a few urinations. If you need =
something
let me know and I will check with costumes.

Steve Waxler
Technical Director
College Conservatory of Music
University of Cincinnati

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Powers [mailto:mfpowers [at] theater.umass.edu]=20
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 3:40 PM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Curse of the Starving Class - Props and advice

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see =
<http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

Ladies and Gents;

UMass is doing Curse of the starving class and we have a couple of=20
questions manly for anyone who has done this show recently:

1. Any advice on how to deal with the logistics of having a live lamb =
on=20
stage. Advice for the lamb wrangler?  What were the issues you had to=20
deal with and how did you troubleshoot them?
=20
2. For the urination scene we've decided to go with a bladder sewn into =

the costume- has anyone else gone this route?  If so do you still have=20
the unit and is it for loan or rent??
=20
3. Lamb carcass. If you still have yours in props storage we'd love to=20
rent or borrow  it.

TIA for any help.

Michael

Michael Powers, Technical Director
UMass Amherst
112 FAC West
Amherst, Ma. 01003

413-545-6821    Voice
413-577-0025 Fax

mfpowers [at] theater.umass.edu <mailto:mfpowers [at] theater.umass.edu>
mptecdir [at] aol.com <mailto:mptecdir [at] aol.com>



------------------------------

Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2004 15:41:06 -0500
From: Mick Alderson <alderson [at] uwosh.edu>
Subject: Re: Mythbusters Fresnel "Death Ray"
Message-id: <v04020a01bd8370eaec51 [at] [141.233.131.246]>

Nathan asked:

>Fresnel is also the term given to a
>stage light that's comprised of a lamp and a fresnel lens, in a housing.
>
>Can any light that incorporates a fresnel lens be called a fresnel?  Dunno
>. . .

I wouldn't think so. I once saw an on Century ellipsoidal reflector
spotlight with a clear fresnel lens instead of a PC or step lens, but I
wouldn't call that a fresnel. It has the wrong reflector. Our "fresnel" is
basically a short PC spotlight (a lens and a spherical reflector) but with
a fresnel lens instead of a PC lens to allow shorter throw distances.

Mick Alderson
TD, Fredric March Theatre
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

alderson [at] uwosh.edu

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2004 17:28:33 -0400
Subject: Re: Fresnels & lighthouses
From: Steve Larson <tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com>
Message-ID: <BD834441.154A%tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-4559101 [at] prxy.net>

Didn't you refer to the link that I provided
about Fresnel.  I suggest that we all go to
that link rather than argue about rumors that
he was this or that.

Steve

on 10/1/04 10:53 AM, Gerry G at megironda [at] worldnet.att.net wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> 
> 
> Here in NJ there are a number of great lighthouses, including the highest
> on the east coast of the US. I believe all employ a fresnel lens. My
> recollection is that the man Fresnel was a french bureaucrat and did not
> invent anything. He was responsible for the promotion of the lens.
> Gerry G
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 


------------------------------

Message-ID: <415DE148.6070404 [at] fredonia.edu>
Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2004 18:59:20 -0400
From: "Stephen E. Rees" <Rees [at] fredonia.edu>
Subject: Re: Curse of the Starving Class - Props and advice
References: <list-4561223 [at] prxy.net>

This brightened my evening!  Thanks Steve.
Steve Rees
SUNY-Fredonia

Waxler, Steve (waxlers) wrote:
[snipped]
  Don't think we still have the carcass but will
> look and let you know.  We have done a few urinations. [snipped]
> 
> Steve Waxler
> Technical Director


------------------------------

Message-ID: <415DED45.8080304 [at] fuse.net>
Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2004 19:50:29 -0400
From: Stuart Wheaton <sdwheaton [at] fuse.net>
Subject: Re: Curse of the Starving Class - Props and advice
References: <list-4561223 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-4561223 [at] prxy.net>

Waxler, Steve (waxlers) wrote:
 >  One student was dubbed lamb wrangler and she took
> care of making sure there was clean straw and water and that it was fed and
> she even took it out on campus for walks to give it exercise.  The lamb was
> very sweet and we all become very fond of it.  I think about this often when
> I am eating lamb chops....  Don't think we still have the carcass but will
> look and let you know.  

Funniest thing...

A friend of mine at that time said she was sitting in Latin 
class, and looked out the window and saw a student walking a 
very, very shaggy dog on campus...

It wasn't a dog, it was Ed.(the Lamb)

Make sure the facilities people have left an area of grass 
near your theatre un-fumigated so you can graze your lamb.

Sadly, Dead Ed was recycled for innards for Sweeney Todd.

Stuart


------------------------------

Message-ID: <002e01c4a82e$1efc26e0$1e7e7244 [at] D78YGH41>
From: "Steve" <sschepker [at] charter.net>
Subject: ACTF Adjudicator
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 22:15:50 -0500

Greetings,
I am in desperate need of an ACTF adjudicator next week.  My department
would be happy to supply a flight, hotel and a decent honorarium.  If anyone
is interested in spending a weekend in New Orleans on us, e-mail ASAP.  BTW
the weather in N.O. is beautiful in October.
Thanks,
Steve Schepker
Southeastern Louisiana University


------------------------------

End of Stagecraft Digest #150
*****************************