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Subject: Stagecraft Digest #156
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For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

Stagecraft Digest, Issue #156

 1. Re: Looking for a Laser
    by Jason Tollefson <jason [at] tollefsondesigns.com>
 2. Re: Batten Clamps
    by "Scheu Consulting Services" <peter [at] scheuconsulting.com>
 3. Re: Batten Clamps
    by Cosmo Catalano <Cosmo.A.Catalano [at] williams.edu>
 4. Re: LDI
    by Herrick Goldman <Herrick [at] hglightingdesign.com>
 5. Re: An academic question
    by Steve Larson <tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com>
 6. Herbal Cigarettes
    by Johan Godwaldt <godwaldt [at] Oswego.EDU>
 7. Re: LDI
    by Richard Niederberg <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
 8. Re: An academic question
    by Richard Niederberg <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
 9. Re: Herbal Cigarettes
    by Greg Bierly <gbierly [at] dejazzd.com>
10. Re: Batten Clamps
    by "richard j. archer" <rja10 [at] cornell.edu>
11. Re: Hiring
    by "Paul Guncheon" <paul.guncheon [at] verizon.net>
12. Re: Looking for a Laser
    by "Jon Ares" <jonares [at] hevanet.com>
13. Re: LDI
    by "Joe Golden" <Joe [at] elslights.com>
14. Re: cost of lumber
    by "Riter, Andrew (Head Ltg)" <chanlights [at] exchange.ubc.ca>
15. Re: LDI
    by Nathan Kahn/Look Solutions <nk [at] looksolutions.com>
16. Re: Looking for a Laser
    by Nathan Kahn/Look Solutions <nk [at] looksolutions.com>
17. Re: LDI
    by IAEG [at] aol.com
18. Re: LDI
    by "Joe Golden" <Joe [at] elslights.com>
19. Re: An academic question
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
20. Re: LDI
    by Stephen Litterst <slitterst [at] ithaca.edu>
21. Re: An academic question
    by Stephen Litterst <slitterst [at] ithaca.edu>
22. Re: Hiring~  Disclosure:*LONG- VERY LONG*
    by Richard Niederberg <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
23. Re[2]: Looking for a Laser
    by "Frank E. Merrill" <Lamplighter [at] TCON.net>
24. Re: An academic question
    by "Paul Schreiner" <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu>
25. Re: An academic question
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
26. Re: An academic question
    by Richard Niederberg <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
27. Re: LDI
    by Richard Niederberg <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
28. What rental item disappointed you most?
    by "Frank E. Merrill" <Lamplighter [at] TCON.net>
29. Re: What rental item disappointed you most?
    by Shawn Palmer <shawnp [at] northnet.net>
30. Re: What rental item disappointed you most?
    by Fred Fisher <fwfisher [at] wisc.edu>
31. Re: LDI
    by "Michael Finney" <mfinney [at] thinkwelldesign.com>
32. Re: LDI
    by Herrick Goldman <Herrick [at] hglightingdesign.com>
33. Re: An academic question
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
34. Re: An academic question
    by Boyd Ostroff <ostroff [at] operaphilly.com>
35. An academic question
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
36. Re: An academic question
    by Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
37. Re: Herbal Cigarettes
    by "Chad Croteau" <cpcroteau [at] kelcom.igs.net>
38. Re: 24 hour theater... Slightly off topic
    by Phil Genera <generp [at] rpi.edu>

*** Please update the subject line of your reply to use the subject
*** line of the message you are replying to! Please only reply to
*** one message subject in each reply.

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

Message-ID: <20041007111717.79601.qmail [at] web50308.mail.yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 04:17:17 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jason Tollefson <jason [at] tollefsondesigns.com>
Subject: Re: Looking for a Laser
In-Reply-To: <list-4607965 [at] prxy.net>

Before knowing what to recommend, I'd think we'd to know what your customer envisions this laser
doing.  Just what do you do with a laser is a "children's room"?  Beams in the air?  Shapes and
patterns on the wall?  Colors?  Control options?  There are a wide variety of systems depending on
the needs of the project.

Jason Tollefson
LD-at-Large
Orlando, FL
www.tollefsondesigns.com

> I have a customer that is interested in putting a laser in his children's
> room in his church. I am looking for a source for a laser, and pricing. Also
> any recommendations about what to do/not to do with it would be great.

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

From: "Scheu Consulting Services" <peter [at] scheuconsulting.com>
Subject: Re: Batten Clamps
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 07:27:20 -0400
Organization: Scheu Consulting Services, Inc.
Message-ID: <!~!UENERkVCMDkAAQACAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgAAAAAAAAAFIzFiG12TU6sr87xtBG2l8KAAAAQAAAA1DMoaj0yqkitZ+q0G+DpBAEAAAAA [at] scheuconsulting.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-4607965 [at] prxy.net>

JR Clancy's batten clamps have a catalog Recommended Working Load of =
only
200 lb, significantly less than some of the numbers being quoted here. =
This
is also much less than a typical beam clamp at the other end of the =
hanging
assembly as well as the 1/4" proofcoil grade 30 chain or 1/4" GAC, =
typically
used.

Call or check out the web sites of Clancy, H&H, SECOA, ADC, et. al. for =
a
real answer. While aesthetically pleasing, batten clamps many times =
aren't
adequate for typical loads seen with stage (or house) electrics, shell
ceiling sets, etc., though I see them specified for that use all the =
time.
IMHO, they should really only be used for low load dead hung sets, or to
attach drapery tracks to battens, where they can be placed at intervals =
less
than 10 feet on center.

Back to lurking mode...

Peter Scheu

Scheu Consulting Services, Inc.
www.scheuconsulting.com
Tel: 315.422.9984
fax: 413.513.4966


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

Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 07:37:05 -0400
From: Cosmo Catalano <Cosmo.A.Catalano [at] williams.edu>
Subject: Re: Batten Clamps
Message-id: <368CC188-1855-11D9-8C28-000D936C1414 [at] williams.edu>

>
> Patrick wrote:
>
> http://www.anvilintl.com/ps_hanger/index.php?CAT=4
>
> look at the Figure 295 series - "double bolt pipe clamp" - they are 
> rated,
> and I have used them for years in dead-hang situations.

Cosmo writes:

These clamps may have thicker steel than "Theatrical" models.  I also 
notice that the clamp for 1.5" pipe uses 5/8" bolts, theatrical ones 
typically use 3/8".  So interpret with care, or use the Anvil ones.  
However, as Bill may have implied, there are hundreds of installations 
out there that successfully use them with 1.5" pipe on 8 to 10ft 
centers for applications designed to hold approx 30 lbs per linear foot 
live load.  Not exactly a rating but perhaps almost a standard 
practice.

And if you think pipe and tube is expensive, try buying counterweight.  
We are even having problems finding 2" thick stock to have them cut 
from.  Closer to 1.75".  Mercifully we got the structural steel in 
before the beginning of this craziness.  Might be time to consider 
aluminum J-track instead of T-bar.

<http://www.williams.edu/admin-depts/bg/camera.html>

ENR is indeed a good source for documenting prices in the construction 
trades if you want to try and justify a budget increase w/ 3rd party 
info.  Most institutions are well aware of the problem by now, however.

Cosmo

Cosmo Catalano
Production Manager
Williams College Dept. of Theatre
1000 Main St.
Williamstown, MA  01267


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

Message-Id: <p06110403bd8adcacee00 [at] [10.0.1.2]>
In-Reply-To: <list-4606844 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-4606844 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 07:45:51 -0400
From: Herrick Goldman <Herrick [at] hglightingdesign.com>
Subject: Re: LDI

Sure. Pick a place and a time. Try to make it central to the 
convention and not conflict with parties, shows, and people going out 
for business dinners. :)


>For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
>---------------------------------------------------
>
>So will I, on Saturday only. Is a brief Saturday night get-together
>doable?
>/s/ Richard
>

-- 

Herrick Goldman
Lighting Designer, NYC
www.HGLightingDesign.com

"To the scores of silent alchemists who wreak their joy in darkness 
and in light bringing magic to life, we bow most humbly. "-CDS

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

Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 08:23:47 -0400
Subject: Re: An academic question
From: Steve Larson <tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com>
Message-ID: <BD8AAD93.165D%tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-4605065 [at] prxy.net>

Bang!  Oops, forgot to buy a license.

Steve






on 10/6/04 9:18 PM, Stuart Wheaton at sdwheaton [at] fuse.net wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> Steve Larson wrote:
> 
>> 
>> This has got to go into my book, "Opera...Why It Is
>> More Than Just Annoying".  Before you scream, I
>> love good opera.
>> 
>> Steve
> 
> As a friend once asked, "Why do they call it Opera Season if
> you aren't allowed to shoot them?"
> 
> 
> 


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

Message-Id: <BF425556-185D-11D9-B27E-000A95D973C6 [at] oswego.edu>
From: Johan Godwaldt <godwaldt [at] Oswego.EDU>
Subject: Herbal Cigarettes
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 08:38:10 -0400

Those of you in New York state may not know but herbal cigarettes are 
no longer allowed to be sold in New York State, they fail to meet self 
extinguishing regulations. I found out earlier this month. I ordered 
herbals online because it is not again regulations to smoke them or 
purchase them. My order though has not made it here. If there is anyone 
in Canada can you tell me if Herbal cigarettes are available in 
Ontario. I live about 1.5 hours from Kingston and need these cigarettes 
by tomorrow night. My local Health office refuses to give exemption to 
the smoking ban. This ruling came down on Monday after numerous weeks 
of asking for decision. Anyone have work around smoking ideas. There 
are so many productions which require smoking. I am trying to find 
solution that will cover my bases so that I do not have to keep going 
through same steps each time. For this production my local safety 
officer has allowed herbals but no guarantee for next production.

Johan Godwaldt
Technical Director
SUNY Oswego Theatre
47 Tyler Hall
Ph# 315 312 2987
Fax 315 312 3394


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

Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 06:01:41 -0700
Subject: Re: LDI
Message-ID: <20041007.060145.3504.0.ladesigners [at] juno.com>
From: Richard Niederberg <ladesigners [at] juno.com>

Dear Herrick,
        I would frankly rather not take that responsibility, with my
schedule being packed so tightly, but perhaps somewhere in the adjacent
Hilton would seem logical. I do not even know yet what other events I'll
be invited to, or what client meetings will materialize at the last
minute that I'll be 'forced' to attend for business reasons. I suspect
that you may also have similar constraints and must leave yourself open
to 'touch base' with colleagues and future clients based upon who you
meet during the day. Very few of us self-employed folk can survive
without some 'rainmaking'.
/s/ Richard
(702) 668-2008 pgr (Vegas #)
(323) 848-1001 pgr (LA #)
(323) 650-9600 msg
I WILL respond by cellphone.
I will NOT be checking e-mail.

> Sure. Pick a place and a time. Try to make it central to the 
> convention and not conflict with parties, shows, and people
> going out for business dinners. :)
> Herrick Goldman

> > So will I, on Saturday only. Is a brief Saturday night 
> > get-together doable?
> > /s/ Richard

________________________________________________________________
Speed up your surfing with Juno SpeedBand.
Now includes pop-up blocker!
Only $14.95/ month - visit http://www.juno.com/surf to sign up today!

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

Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 06:09:55 -0700
Subject: Re: An academic question
Message-ID: <20041007.061130.3504.1.ladesigners [at] juno.com>
From: Richard Niederberg <ladesigners [at] juno.com>

Because the characters will turn on you with their weaponry, just as they
attack each other, and/or themselves, in many Grand Opera plots.
/s/ Richard

> > As a friend once asked, "Why do they call it Opera Season if
> > you aren't allowed to shoot them?"

________________________________________________________________
Speed up your surfing with Juno SpeedBand.
Now includes pop-up blocker!
Only $14.95/ month - visit http://www.juno.com/surf to sign up today!

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

In-Reply-To: <list-4608700 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-4608700 [at] prxy.net>
Message-Id: <4A66EF11-186D-11D9-95DA-000D936BFA94 [at] dejazzd.com>
From: Greg Bierly <gbierly [at] dejazzd.com>
Subject: Re: Herbal Cigarettes
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 09:29:26 -0500

> There are so many productions which require smoking. I am trying to 
> find solution that will cover my bases so that I do not have to keep 
> going through same steps each time.

This has been hashed out a few times already.  We use "Puff Cigarettes" 
by Franco-American Novelties. We get them through our costume/prop 
shop. They look real but you blow out on them and a shiny red cone pops 
out the end with a dust of some sort.  Looks great from the audience.  
The drawbacks are it doesn't burn down, the tip only reflects light not 
emits it in a dark scene,  Not easy to block with a real lighter in an 
intimate space since you don't really want it to burn.  The actors have 
practiced to make the "puff" convincing.  Good luck with whatever you 
find.

Greg Bierly
Technical Director
Hempfield HS


Greg Bierly
Technical Director
Hempfield HS


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

Message-Id: <p05210600bd8af4d3379f [at] [132.236.252.58]>
In-Reply-To: <list-4608357 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-4608357 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 09:35:05 -0400
From: "richard j. archer" <rja10 [at] cornell.edu>
Subject: Re: Batten Clamps

>
>Cosmo writes:
>
>   Mercifully we got the structural steel in before the beginning of 
>this craziness.  Might be time to consider aluminum J-track instead 
>of T-bar.
>
>

When Cornell built it's theatre in 1986-88 aluminum T-Channel was the 
spec and bid. Aluminum prices went sky high and JR Clacy was hurting.

Dick A
TD,Cornell Univ

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

Message-ID: <000e01c4ac76$9980a5c0$0202a8c0 [at] MyLastPC>
From: "Paul Guncheon" <paul.guncheon [at] verizon.net>
References: <list-4607965 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: Re: Hiring
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 04:04:43 -1000

<<We ended up hiring an actor/director and have been hiring out the design
need not
fulfilled by students.>>

Ow.

...and this posted to a technical theatre group.

Laters,

Paul

"I need a home run hitter," Tom said ruthlessly.

-and the famous-

"I wonder where Ruth is?" Nick said ruthlessly.



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

Message-ID: <001501c4ac77$845846c0$0600000a [at] BRUTUS>
From: "Jon Ares" <jonares [at] hevanet.com>
References: <list-4608263 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: Re: Looking for a Laser
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 07:11:19 -0700

> Before knowing what to recommend, I'd think we'd to know what your 
> customer envisions this laser
> doing.  Just what do you do with a laser is a "children's room"?  Beams in 
> the air?  Shapes and
> patterns on the wall?  Colors?  Control options?



I assumed it was for Behavior Modification....

    -- Jon Ares
Program Director, West Linn HS Theatre Arts
www.hevanet.com/acreative
http://www.wlhs.wlwv.k12.or.us/aresj/theatre/index.htm 


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

Subject: RE: LDI
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 07:37:46 -0700
Message-ID: <FCDE18CF571244479E0A078AE596BADC9A79E9 [at] els02.elslights.com>
From: "Joe Golden" <Joe [at] elslights.com>

Everyone is welcome to stop at the ELS booth/BAR for a liquid beverage.

Joe

> ---------------------------------------------------
>=20
> Wondering if we have had any more thoughts on this?
>=20
> Klyph
>=20
>=20
> <I'll be there and maybe we can even try for a gathering=20
> although it's=20
> <usually pretty tough in Vegas. I'll come up with a time and place=20
> <sometime soon. >
> <Herrick Goldman
> <Lighting Designer, NYC
> <www.HGLightingDesign.com
>=20
>=20
>=20

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

Message-ID: <297C9E3B63B2D3119C8100508B5ED28F1601FF01 [at] exchange2.ubc.ca>
From: "Riter, Andrew (Head Ltg)" <chanlights [at] exchange.ubc.ca>
Subject: RE: cost of lumber
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 09:13:48 -0700 

Many people have noted the increasing cost of lumber. . . 

[rant ON]
Well, if you would all please write a letter to the AHJ and get them to recind the 27% tariff/duty/whatever on Canadian lumber(which a NAFTA panel has said doesn't pose a threat to US producers, AND that the lumber isn't being dumped into the US), then
our companies could send you more lumber.

The really funny thing (if it is funny), is that when the 27% was added two years ago (!), our producers ramped up production to save money on cost efficiencies and paid more than 1 BILLION dollars to the US govt, and can still afford to sell lumber
south of the border.

[/rant off] sorry

PS.  We want that money back when the NAFTA panel rules against the US law AGAIN.

PPS. The NAFTA panel is made up of two Americans and 1 Canadian.

Andrew M. Riter
Head Lighting Technician
Chan Centre



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

Message-Id: <5.0.0.25.2.20041007121931.0182e508 [at] 212.86.129.164>
Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:25:14 -0400
From: Nathan Kahn/Look Solutions <nk [at] looksolutions.com>
Subject: Re: LDI
In-Reply-To: <list-4609458 [at] prxy.net>

I don't have any input on a meeting place, but I would like to say, if 
anybody wants to put a face with a "voice" for me, stop by our Look 
Solutions booth #1228 and say hey.

Most of you know me as Nathan from Theatre Effects, rather than Nathan from 
Look Solutions.

Happy gambling,
Nathan

------------------------------------------------------------
Look Solutions USA, Ltd.
114 W. Third St., Waynesboro, PA 17268
Phone: 1-800-426-4189  Fax: 1-717-762-7366
Email: usa [at] looksolutions.com  Web: www.looksolutions.com


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

Message-Id: <5.0.0.25.2.20041007122540.0183db98 [at] 212.86.129.164>
Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 12:31:18 -0400
From: Nathan Kahn/Look Solutions <nk [at] looksolutions.com>
Subject: Re: Looking for a Laser
In-Reply-To: <list-4603504 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-4599126 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-4599126 [at] prxy.net>

At 04:32 PM 10/6/2004 -0500, you wrote:
>I have a 4.99 mW HeNe laser and pattern programmer that has been in my
>rental stock for some time without many rentals.  It is a "SummaStar"
>unit by Summa Technologies in California.  I shudder to think about
>how much I paid for that unit...Make me an offer.

Hey, I had one of those!  Pattern programmer too!

I wonder what happened to Steve Summa - his R&D was excellent.  Many of you 
probably don't know he made the first automated luminaire that could be 
purchased (rather than rented, i.e. Varilites).  Problem was, at the time, 
nobody could afford to buy them.

Nathan

------------------------------------------------------------
Look Solutions USA, Ltd.
114 W. Third St., Waynesboro, PA 17268
Phone: 1-800-426-4189  Fax: 1-717-762-7366
Email: usa [at] looksolutions.com  Web: www.looksolutions.com


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

From: IAEG [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <148.358a5887.2e96cc77 [at] aol.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 12:44:39 EDT
Subject: Re: LDI


In a message dated 10/7/04 10:38:55 AM, Joe [at] elslights.com writes:

<< 
Everyone is welcome to stop at the ELS booth/BAR for a liquid beverage. >>

will "non liquid" beverages be offered ? ?

very best, 

Keith Arsenault
International Arts & Entertainment Group
Tampa, FL

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

Subject: RE: LDI
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 09:50:26 -0700
Message-ID: <FCDE18CF571244479E0A078AE596BADC9A79F6 [at] els02.elslights.com>
From: "Joe Golden" <Joe [at] elslights.com>

Let me re-phrase that "Adult Beverages"

>
>=20
> <<=20
> Everyone is welcome to stop at the ELS booth/BAR for a liquid=20
> beverage. >>
>=20
> will "non liquid" beverages be offered ? ?
>=20
> very best,=20
>=20
> Keith Arsenault
> International Arts & Entertainment Group
> Tampa, FL
>=20

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

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <199.305aba2d.2e96d02b [at] aol.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 13:00:27 EDT
Subject: Re: An academic question

In a message dated 07/10/04 05:06:26 GMT Daylight Time, ladesigners [at] juno.com 
writes:

> Grand Opera is the closest thing existing scenographicly to a major Las
>  Vegas Production Show. 

Some are, some not. It all depends on the director.

Think of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" set on and under a Californian freeway, 
lit exclusive from below by the house footlights and by ten or a dozen 
sunfloods (the little black 500W floods used for temporary lights on construction 
work) on the front edge of the roadway. What would they make of that in Las Vegas?


Frank Wood

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

Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 13:03:08 -0400
From: Stephen Litterst <slitterst [at] ithaca.edu>
Subject: Re: LDI
Message-id: <416576CC.20C6B021 [at] ithaca.edu>
Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts
References: <list-4610403 [at] prxy.net>

Joe Golden wrote:
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> Let me re-phrase that "Adult Beverages"

Is that a Yuengling with it's label off?

Steve L.
-- 
Stephen C. Litterst
Technical Supervisor
Ithaca College
Dept. of Theatre Arts
607/274-3947
slitterst [at] ithaca.edu

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

Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 13:04:35 -0400
From: Stephen Litterst <slitterst [at] ithaca.edu>
Subject: Re: An academic question
Message-id: <41657723.A67BEE4C [at] ithaca.edu>
Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts
References: <list-4610478 [at] prxy.net>

FrankWood95 [at] aol.com wrote:
> 
> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> In a message dated 07/10/04 05:06:26 GMT Daylight Time, ladesigners [at] juno.com
> writes:
> 
> > Grand Opera is the closest thing existing scenographicly to a major Las
> >  Vegas Production Show.
> 
> Some are, some not. It all depends on the director.
> 
> Think of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" set on and under a Californian freeway,
> lit exclusive from below by the house footlights and by ten or a dozen
> sunfloods (the little black 500W floods used for temporary lights on construction
> work) on the front edge of the roadway. What would they make of that in Las Vegas?

First, the Queen of the Night and Pamina would be topless...

Steve L.


-- 
Stephen C. Litterst
Technical Supervisor
Ithaca College
Dept. of Theatre Arts
607/274-3947
slitterst [at] ithaca.edu

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

Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 10:11:03 -0700
Subject: Re: Hiring~  Disclosure:*LONG- VERY LONG*
Message-ID: <20041007.101111.3504.2.ladesigners [at] juno.com>
From: Richard Niederberg <ladesigners [at] juno.com>

        Of course, one could argue that the staff and faculty already
have THEIR jobs, and that all the Design and Directing opportunities
should be given to students, with the Staff and Faculty available as 'hot
standbys' and safety regulators. The product produced by our educational
institutions is the student, not the show, and the student should learn
how the budget, design, and build their concept with the vastly
diminished resources available today. Steel prices ascending 20% a month?
Welcome, student designers, to the real world! Heaven Forbid should they
ever have to consider labor costs when they are preparing detailed
budgets to realize THEIR concept. That goes for costume designers, too.
Make them calculate the REAL cost of all that conscripted student labor
working as Cutters, First Hands, Drapers, Stitchers, and other Wardrobe
personnel. Maybe a short seminar covering
FICA-FUTA-SDI-SS-Medicare-H&W-Pension and Workman's Comp costs would be
helpful, with a slight detour into the area of labor relations, with  IA
and/or AEA/AFM costs explained, as well as the lack of work-study
subsidies in the real world. There are all kinds of consumable costs that
are ignored in an educational setting. Force the student designers and
directors consider the cost of utilities, light bulbs, toilet paper,
tools, sewing needles, insurance, security, and all the other minutiae
necessary to fully realize all the aspects of  THEIR design, or the
fiscal ramifications of THEIR direction including the imputed rental
rates or purchase costs of stock scenery, stock costumes, transportation,
and lighting /sound /projection /intercom /whatever equipment that is
already in the theatre. It is very frustrating to offer someone a
lucrative design-and-build contract and receive a blank stare. I am well
aware how difficult it is to recruit and retain 'name' designers and
directors, unless you offer them a guaranteed number of shows to design
or direct each year. Nonetheless, I would rather have the student make
their mistakes at college expense rather than have my show serving as a
test ground for an extremely talented but unseasoned designer with a
newly minted BFA/MFA or whatever, who fails to appreciate the
relationship between THEIR design, material versus labor costs, and
safety. I am not seeking bean-counters; all I want is people that will
accept total responsibility for THEIR art. Teach them to think out a
back-up plan when trying out unproven materials and techniques, if steel
rises 20% in a month, or if there is a change in a MSDS that is now
adverse to their proposed application. If we teach them to exclusively
rely on the technical director or the production manager for this
expertise, and make them sit out the design process, where 'mainstage'
shows are reserved for faculty, they will be less successful in marketing
their skills and they will have less skills to market. I am now gingerly
stepping down from the soapbox in the free-speech area of the e-list
commons. <g>
/s/ Richard

> > We ended up hiring an actor/director and have been
> > hiring out the design need not fulfilled by students.
 

________________________________________________________________
Speed up your surfing with Juno SpeedBand.
Now includes pop-up blocker!
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 12:19:49 -0500
From: "Frank E. Merrill" <Lamplighter [at] TCON.net>
Message-ID: <1831005701.20041007121949 [at] TCON.net>
Subject: Re[2]: Looking for a Laser
In-Reply-To: <list-4610262 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-4599126 [at] prxy.net> <list-4599126 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-4610262 [at] prxy.net>

Howdy!

Thursday, October 07, 2004, Nathan Kahn wrote:

NKLS> I wonder what happened to Steve Summa - his R&D was excellent.
NKLS> Many of you probably don't know he made the first automated
NKLS> luminaire that could be purchased (rather than rented, i.e.
NKLS> Varilites). Problem was, at the time, nobody could afford to buy
NKLS> them.

I kinda wish I couldn't afford to buy his laser system.  It is a very
nice system, but has not generated the rental revenue I expected it
to.

Hmmmm...maybe there's an opportunity for a new discussion thread here:

"What rental item disappointed you the most?"

My laser system is right up there with gelstring scrollers, but I'd be
hard pressed to decide which one tops the other!

Ha ha ha...


Best regards,
 Frank E. Merrill
 MERRILL STAGE EQUIPMENT
 Eastablished 1946
 Indianapolis  
 317: 255 4666

 Running The Bat! Natural e-mail system v3.0
         mailto:Lamplighter [at] TCON.net



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

Subject: RE: An academic question
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 13:33:33 -0400
Message-ID: <6E497ADB607656479C24E6D7BF6B505A74ACF4 [at] exchange.rmwc.edu>
From: "Paul Schreiner" <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu>

> > > Grand Opera is the closest thing existing scenographicly=20
> to a major=20
> > > Las  Vegas Production Show.
> >=20
> > Some are, some not. It all depends on the director.
> >=20
> > Think of Mozart's "The Magic Flute"...=20
>=20
> First, the Queen of the Night and Pamina would be topless...

With magical pasties...and Papagena could wear a big ol' feather boa and
have a huuuuge feathery headdress!

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

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <89.16abcdb3.2e96d8bf [at] aol.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 13:37:03 EDT
Subject: Re: An academic question

In a message dated 07/10/04 18:05:15 GMT Daylight Time, slitterst [at] ithaca.edu 
writes:

> > Think of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" set on and under a Californian 
freeway,
>  > lit exclusive from below by the house footlights and by ten or a dozen
>  > sunfloods (the little black 500W floods used for temporary lights on 
> construction
>  > work) on the front edge of the roadway. What would they make of that in 
> Las Vegas?
>  
>  First, the Queen of the Night and Pamina would be topless...

Probably. In this one, the Queen of the Night was in a short, very tight, 
dress.

The opening scene was ingenious. No serpent at all: Tamino was just having a 
bad trip on LSD.


Frank Wood

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

Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 10:36:29 -0700
Subject: Re: An academic question
Message-ID: <20041007.104020.3504.3.ladesigners [at] juno.com>
From: Richard Niederberg <ladesigners [at] juno.com>

Dear Frank,
That may be Opera, (by definition: libretto entirely sung), but it
doesn't sound like GRAND Opera to me. I think you know what I meant.
There used to be a set for a large magic show at the Sahara in Vegas that
resembled your description, and another one at the Plaza. The Sahara is
walking distance from LDI, if you're going.
/s/ Richard


> > Grand Opera is the closest thing existing scenographicly to a 
> > major Las Vegas Production Show. 
 
> Some are, some not. It all depends on the director.
> Think of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" set on and under a
> Californian freeway, lit exclusive from below by the house
> footlights and by ten or a dozen sunfloods (the little black
> 500W floods used for temporary lights on construction 
> work) on the front edge of the roadway. What would they
> make of that in Las Vegas?
> Frank Wood

________________________________________________________________
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Now includes pop-up blocker!
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 10:39:25 -0700
Subject: Re: LDI
Message-ID: <20041007.104020.3504.4.ladesigners [at] juno.com>
From: Richard Niederberg <ladesigners [at] juno.com>

Sounds good to me!
/s/ Richard

> Everyone is welcome to stop at the ELS booth/BAR for a liquid 
> beverage.
> Joe

________________________________________________________________
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 13:44:29 -0500
From: "Frank E. Merrill" <Lamplighter [at] TCON.net>
Message-ID: <1169374059.20041007134429 [at] TCON.net>
Subject: What rental item disappointed you most?

Hey!

I'm starting a new thread here, just for the tom-foolery of it!

In the interest of protecting the guilty, don't name names.  Um...but
it might be a good idea to let the perpetrators know off-list <wink>

For Dealers and such:
What item have you purchased for rental by others that has
disappointed you the most, either by way of poor acceptance by your
customers, unexpected service costs between rentals, or whatever else
has made you want to unload that white elephant?

For users:
What item did you rent from some place with full expectation that it
would solve your need...but didn't?

My entry would be gel-string color scrollers.  The units I bought for
rental went out of my building exactly three times in the five or six
years I owned them:  Once for a free demo, once for a charity job
where they provided me with only a tax deduction, and the last time
when they were sold.

Best regards,
 Frank E. Merrill
 MERRILL STAGE EQUIPMENT
 Established 1946
 Indianapolis  
 317: 255 4666

 Running The Bat! Natural e-mail system v3.0
          mailto:Lamplighter [at] TCON.net



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

Message-ID: <41659117.2080805 [at] northnet.net>
Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 13:55:19 -0500
From: Shawn Palmer <shawnp [at] northnet.net>
Subject: Re: What rental item disappointed you most?
References: <list-4611307 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-4611307 [at] prxy.net>



> My entry would be gel-string color scrollers.  The units I bought for
> rental went out of my building exactly three times in the five or six
> years I owned them:  Once for a free demo, once for a charity job
> where they provided me with only a tax deduction, and the last time
> when they were sold.
> 
> Best regards,
>  Frank E. Merrill

How weird.  I rent our 24 scrollers frequently.  You never can tell... 
and maybe that is the lesson.  What do you rent a lot of?  Maybe that's 
the item that just sits on our shop and gathers dust :-)

Shawn Palmer
Neenah, WI
USA


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

Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 15:03:50 -0500
From: Fred Fisher <fwfisher [at] wisc.edu>
Subject: Re: What rental item disappointed you most?
In-reply-to: <list-4611307 [at] prxy.net>
Message-id: <5.2.1.1.2.20041007150059.01de2bf0 [at] wiscmail.wisc.edu>


>
>For Dealers and such:
>What item have you purchased for rental by others that has
>disappointed you the most, either by way of poor acceptance by your
>customers, unexpected service costs between rentals, or whatever else
>has made you want to unload that white elephant?
>  Frank E. Merrill

For us it's our MD player.  It got some use for about two years and has 
been sitting idle for the last 3.  Of course, as soon as I send it over to 
SWAP, someone will want to use it.
Fred Fisher 


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

Subject: Re: LDI
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 13:08:56 -0700
Message-ID: <D970C7F47C09C845806F744DA67B2176473AF0 [at] mercury.exchange.local>
From: "Michael Finney" <mfinney [at] thinkwelldesign.com>

 Herrick Goldman <<Herrick [at] hglightingdesign.com>> wrote:

<<I'll be there and maybe we can even try for a gathering although it's
usually pretty tough in Vegas. I'll come up with a time and place
sometime soon. Maybe we can Get Finney to reserve us the Bridge of The
Enterprise for a party. He built the darn thing.>>
=20
Now, now, Mr. H - I was one of a whole bunch of people who working on
that thing!  And we cheated on the bridge - we used the Paramount Staff
Shop to build a lot of those pieces (since they already had the plans
and the molds)(of course, there was a little bit of modification
required, since the Staff Shop hadn't ever build a permanent
installation before....BIG "thank you" to the boys at the old Scenic
Technology shop for making *that* work).
=20
Seriously - I'll see if any of my special events guys are still there,
but they're usually pretty stingy about letting anybody use the bridge
(after a couple of funny but vaguely disturbing private party
"incidents" involving Trek fans, costumes, alcohol, and long-held
fantasies...).

Maybe something closer to the Sands convention center?
=20
Michael Finney
(via PalmPilot)


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

Message-Id: <p0611040abd8b569a81ae [at] [10.0.1.2]>
In-Reply-To: <list-4611916 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-4611916 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 16:29:22 -0400
From: Herrick Goldman <Herrick [at] hglightingdesign.com>
Subject: Re: LDI

Ok ok ...I'm in the middle of an ice show, a friend's wedding and a 
Broadway Concert..Give me a few days and I'll try to organize 
something for Saturday night.  Maybe I'll just leave you all my room 
key at the fabulous Circus Circus.  Or we could just all meet at the 
ELS bar at the same time on Saturday day and drink them dry. Can I 
request a dirty Martini? or Maybe we can get Fleenor to run a blender 
blender on DMX using 802.11x.

We could just booth hop with a cooler on wheels and go pester 
Mckernon to finally develop the Palm LW app. then we can harrass 
Lehnus about the Maxxyz for awhile. If we bring beer I'm sure they'll 
be happy to see us.

-H

-- 

Herrick Goldman
Lighting Designer, NYC
www.HGLightingDesign.com

"To the scores of silent alchemists who wreak their joy in darkness 
and in light bringing magic to life, we bow most humbly. "-CDS

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

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <f4.423d0396.2e972520 [at] aol.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 19:02:56 EDT
Subject: Re: An academic question

In a message dated 07/10/04 18:43:46 GMT Daylight Time, ladesigners [at] juno.com 
writes:

> That may be Opera, (by definition: libretto entirely sung), but it
>  doesn't sound like GRAND Opera to me. I think you know what I meant.

No, I don't. Please tell me what you mean by GRAND Opera. My wife and I 
talked about this over dinner tonight. She suggested that it was mostly works 
created for the Paris Opera, in the nineteenth century. This was certainly a time 
for grand theatrical illusions. Verdi's "Don Carlo" was written for this format 
specifically, and Faust and Boris Godunov come close. On the other hand, 
Handel's works were never really intended to be staged at all, or few of them.

Richard Wagner is an oddball, really. The stage effects he asked for were 
amazing, and, if carried out, would tax most modern stage technicians. From the 
Rheinemadens to Brunnhilde's immolation in Siegfried's funeral pyre, plus the 
re-forging of Nothung and assorted giants and dragons, they still create 
problems. But he managed to create them, within the nineteenth century concepts and 
techniques.

>  There used to be a set for a large magic show at the Sahara in Vegas that
>  resembled your description, and another one at the Plaza. The Sahara is
>  walking distance from LDI, if you're going.

Unhappily, not. I live in the UK, and am a heavy smoker. But I wish you all 
well. 


Frank Wood

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

Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 20:59:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: Boyd Ostroff <ostroff [at] operaphilly.com>
Subject: Re: An academic question
In-Reply-To: <list-4613157 [at] prxy.net>
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.44.0410072021360.27949-100000 [at] aria.operaphilly.com>

One of the requirements for the Paris Grand Opera was a Ballet. I believe 
the Faust ballet was written solely for the purpose of having the opera 
performed there. You will rarely see these ballets performed in the US due 
to the budget implications of a corps de ballet as well as the additional 
time added to the opera.

Boyd Ostroff                          ooo      Opera Company of Philadelphia
Director of Design & Technology     ooooooo        1420 Locust St, Suite 210
ostroff [at] operaphilly.com             ooooooo           Philadelphia, PA 19102
http://tech.operaphilly.com           ooo                (215) 893-3600 x225


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

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20041007181250.0195f3d0 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 18:12:50
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: An academic question

First:
>I'm interested in finding out if anyone knows of a tenure track professorial 
>position that combines a set designer with a music director/conductor. 
Then:
>> With all due respect Dan, this is one of the goofiest ideas I've ever
>> heard. Why not also see if they have experience coaching basketball and
>> you could offer an even better salary?

...which seems to echo the feelings of most of the list, thus far.
However, if you were to post for a lighting designer/sound designer/op it
don't seem to phase folk much.  Go for it, Dan, you won't do any worse that
those that hire lighting guys to do sound design...
				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...

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

Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2004 02:22:57 +0100 (BST)
From: Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
Subject: Re: An academic question
In-Reply-To: <list-4613889 [at] prxy.net>
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.60.0410080221180.4984 [at] viscount.richmondsounddesign.com>
References: <list-4613889 [at] prxy.net>

On Thu, 7 Oct 2004, CB wrote:

> However, if you were to post for a lighting designer/sound designer/op it
> don't seem to phase folk much.  Go for it, Dan, you won't do any worse that
> those that hire lighting guys to do sound design...

Thanks for echoing my opinion on this, as usual ;-)

Some of the best known (not necessarily best...) sound designers are failed 
lighting designers... ;-)

Charlie

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

Message-ID: <006101c4acdf$e45f1ea0$6401a8c0 [at] cz1lbfinkbrlun>
From: "Chad Croteau" <cpcroteau [at] kelcom.igs.net>
References: <list-4608700 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: Re: Herbal Cigarettes
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 22:38:25 -0400

Hi Mr. Godwaldt.

I'm in Ontario... The good news is that yes, we do sell herbal cigarettes.
The bad news is I can't tell you where near Kingston to get them.  The only
suggestion I could make is to look up Smoke Shops in the Kingston area and
let your fingers do the walking...

Hope this helps,

Chad

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Johan Godwaldt" <godwaldt [at] Oswego.EDU>
To: "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 8:38 AM
Subject: Herbal Cigarettes


> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> Those of you in New York state may not know but herbal cigarettes are
> no longer allowed to be sold in New York State, they fail to meet self
> extinguishing regulations. I found out earlier this month. I ordered
> herbals online because it is not again regulations to smoke them or
> purchase them. My order though has not made it here. If there is anyone
> in Canada can you tell me if Herbal cigarettes are available in
> Ontario. I live about 1.5 hours from Kingston and need these cigarettes
> by tomorrow night. My local Health office refuses to give exemption to
> the smoking ban. This ruling came down on Monday after numerous weeks
> of asking for decision. Anyone have work around smoking ideas. There
> are so many productions which require smoking. I am trying to find
> solution that will cover my bases so that I do not have to keep going
> through same steps each time. For this production my local safety
> officer has allowed herbals but no guarantee for next production.
>
> Johan Godwaldt
> Technical Director
> SUNY Oswego Theatre
> 47 Tyler Hall
> Ph# 315 312 2987
> Fax 315 312 3394
>
>



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

Message-ID: <41661362.9020003 [at] rpi.edu>
Date: Fri, 08 Oct 2004 00:11:14 -0400
From: Phil Genera <generp [at] rpi.edu>
Subject: Re: 24 hour theater... Slightly off topic
References: <list-4541857 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-4541857 [at] prxy.net>

CATHERINE BRUMM wrote:
> I am working with a high school Thespian troupe that has heard about
> the 24 hour play process and are intrigued. They are contemplating one
> for next spring, hopefully working with the another local high school. I
> was wondering if anyone on the list is working with a group that has
> attempted this process who could give me an idea of not only what is
> successful but also some of the pitfalls I can advise them to look for
> beyond exhaustion of course.

Hi,

The college theatre club I'm involved with have been doing "24 hour 
Theatre Slams" since the vicinity of 1998. Our format differs a bit from 
what's described on 24hourplays.com.

Here's how things go at a technical school in northern New York:
- We select a producer for the event, who mainly is in charge of having 
a key to the space, publicity, and food. They also get to stay up for 26 
or so hours.
- Interested parties meet at an assigned room, occasionally the 
Playhouse but more often a small performance space in the student Union.
- The folks who show up are split according to interest. Writers stay, 
actors go home, directors do the same (usually). Often people take on 
more than one role, adding to the eventual hilarity.
- Writers begin writing plays from scratch, occasionally including 
musicals. By around 8am, they've finished the shows, and actors and 
directors arrive to start rehearsals. Shows are cast, somewhat randomly, 
and everyone rehearses until curtain at 8pm. There's usually one 
technician for the show, and basic costumes, lighting and sound.

I've always enjoyed the shows. We often have people write musicals, 
including "Tugboat: The Sinking Musical" and "Operation: Grandma-hooha!" 
Folks also often take more than one role, with one Producer choosing to 
write a musical, direct, and take a lead in it. He... barely survived, 
and didn't remember the words, but it was great fun to watch :). That 
show also featured a monofilament fly system for the eventual drowning 
scene.

I should mention that RPI, our school, doesn't offer any sort of degree 
program in theatre, or English, or anything artistic except for our own 
special brand of Electronic Arts and Communication. It certainly 
wouldn't be beyond the abilities of a high school group. We usually have 
our theatre slams in the reading period after classes and before finals, 
as its a great way to relieve stress.

If you'd like more information, I'd be more than happy to get you in 
touch with a few former producers. Or, if you find yourself in the NY 
capital district in the December, you're welcome to sit in on our next 
Theatre Slam :).

-- 
Phil Genera
President, RPI Players

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

End of Stagecraft Digest #156
*****************************