Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: getting a new auditorium/theater

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Aimee
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Joined: 8/31/04
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Posted: 5/04/05 at 1:24am

I am fortunated enough to work at another theater as well , so I see pretty much both ends of the spectrum here. The high school is like the relic that needs to be put out of it's misery and the college has what I'd love to have, but will never get. So I am already thinking of comprimise. Thanks again for all the input. This has given me alot to think about and ask the TD at the college too!

Are there any other alternatives to having a fly system? I'd love to atleast have something to bring the electric in and out easily. I agree with counter weights and kids, probaly not a good mixture.

Aimee

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Gaafa
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Location: Australia
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Posted: 5/05/05 at 1:35am

The best counterweight system, is still the one controlled by a mechanist & not a motor, this system goes way back in history & is still used effectively;- http://www.gweep.net/~prefect/pubs/iqp/node54.html

Besides the hemp pin & rail, which is practiced far too often, as a quick cheap method, requires muscle even in it?s simplest form, of a rope & pulley. In most cases this system is used because of costs & even when counterweights are applied to the hauling line, can still be a dangerous operation.

Hall stage seems to have cracked the safety aspect, with it?s winch operation:- http://www.hallstage.com/winches.htm

The basic principle is to have easy safe operation.

As it always amazes me, why there are not a lot more accidents in theatre, we must charmed! Or Saint Ignatious of Loyola, who supposed to be the patron saint of Theatre, [who ever he was?] might be looking after us! - I doubt it & don?t believe that for one moment. It is rather that we tend to be more vigilant, as nothing is completely idiot proof. So we end up doing more ?Idiot Checks? than any other game - no matter when, what, where, why &/or with whom!

Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

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Shatcher
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Joined: 2/21/05
Location: United States
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Posts: 251

Posted: 5/11/05 at 5:40pm

It may seem silly to say this but do make sure they paint the backstage walls black. My university had the theatre redone and somebody painted it all a high gloss dove grey. The reasons this are bad are many.

Also, find out who is biding on your job and get to know them. They can bid in things you would like to have and may give you a discount on service and supplies in the future.

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Topper
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Joined: 1/27/05
Location: United States
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Posts: 543

Posted: 5/12/05 at 3:19pm

And as long as we're still compiling a wish list, don't
forget to include a proper intercom system.
Depending on where your dressing rooms and
greenroom(s) wind up being located, it is extremely
valuable to have the ability to cue performers waiting
to go on stage. Or at least give them the ability to
hear for themselves.

This is something that is best handled during the
construction phase. I've seen too many theaters
where this bit of equipment was left as an
afterthought.

Cheers!

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Aimee
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Joined: 8/31/04
Location: United States
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Posts: 156

Posted: 5/13/05 at 12:08am

Our first meeting with the architect is this Friday afternoon. Can't wait to see what they have in mind for us

Again, thanks for all the input! so many great ideas. Wonder how many we'll get to put in use ?

Aimee

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Aimee
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Joined: 8/31/04
Location: United States
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Posts: 156

Posted: 5/14/05 at 11:59pm

So we have already eliminated a fly system....so what else is out there? I am speaking about the legs, borders, and electrics. I can live with out the fly system for scenery, but it makes the electrics real easy and so on. I am just unfamiliar with what else is out there. Right now I have an AWFUL track system (for the curtains) so that is a concern. I'd like to have some other ideas for the next meeting, more research

Aimee

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Gaafa
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Joined: 3/21/04
Location: Australia
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Posts: 1181

Posted: 5/16/05 at 1:07am

They probably will only entertain cosmetic changes to the building.

I assume they are thinking of a Proscenium arch space!

They will attempt to restrict the stage space to the usual 5 x 5 metre stage, with no wing space, & a restrictive ceiling over the stage?

Try to get the stage ceiling removed & the structure reinforced, as high as possible in the roof void, with RSJ Girders ?I? type.

Then have a grid set up with pulleys, light battens with an electric patch system, distributed in ducting, fixed above the light battens, with a patch bay in the bio control box. The on stage battens can be handled by a simple Pin & Rail system of which counterweights can be attached to the hauling lines - not the difficult & fairly cheap.

Try to avoid dead hanging battens, which they will suggest, as an alternative!

If you can get them to have a proscenium arch, where by the Teasers & Tormentors can be moveable & flexibly used, this will; help in mounting different productions. This could also include the House Rag tab track upgrade.

Also ask for an a decent size Apron [ForeStage] to work with.

Front of House lighting bars [I call these Lighting Bars, as they are usually of the fixed type, rather than the ones on stage, which tend to moveable] & Perch?s Bars as well!

Get as much of the structural requirements & push the budget envelope on lighting, Audio & soft Hangings equipment as you can.

In most situations they opt to purchasing equipment. Rather than structural changes - The Architect will still get his Gold Bricks, as he picks up a % on Purchase Sums anyway!

He will attempt to pour the budget into the cosmetic acetic, such as the foyer & other areas! Hang out for a workable space, rather than a pretty one, that doesn?t work!

Chookas Aimee

Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

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Dustmac
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Joined: 5/25/05
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 42

Posted: 6/05/05 at 3:33pm

As has been mentioned, restrooms backstage or a definite plus, even if you can only afford one uni-sex bathroom. Also make sure that yout theater has handicap access. Obviously make sure you have a good sound and light system and you make want to check into a good microphone set up to put on stage. I saw a theater where they had hidden mics all around the front of the stage. It helps with volume problems.

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Shatcher
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Joined: 2/21/05
Location: United States
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Posts: 251

Posted: 6/07/05 at 3:17pm

Dont forget about storage! for props costumes scenery ext

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casey05
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Joined: 6/17/05
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Posts: 42

Posted: 6/18/05 at 7:35am

The worst thing that my high school did when they built their theatre was to have steps leading down to the wing space. This was the worst mistake, mainly because all our plays now seem to be restricted to the same sort of design because there's no storage space for sets.

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Author	Message
Aimee Celebrity Joined: 8/31/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 156	Posted: 5/04/05 at 1:24am
	I am fortunated enough to work at another theater as well , so I see pretty much both ends of the spectrum here. The high school is like the relic that needs to be put out of it's misery and the college has what I'd love to have, but will never get. So I am already thinking of comprimise. Thanks again for all the input. This has given me alot to think about and ask the TD at the college too! Are there any other alternatives to having a fly system? I'd love to atleast have something to bring the electric in and out easily. I agree with counter weights and kids, probaly not a good mixture.
	Aimee
	IP Logged

Gaafa Celebrity Joined: 3/21/04 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 1181	Posted: 5/05/05 at 1:35am
	The best counterweight system, is still the one controlled by a mechanist & not a motor, this system goes way back in history & is still used effectively;- http://www.gweep.net/~prefect/pubs/iqp/node54.html Besides the hemp pin & rail, which is practiced far too often, as a quick cheap method, requires muscle even in it?s simplest form, of a rope & pulley. In most cases this system is used because of costs & even when counterweights are applied to the hauling line, can still be a dangerous operation. Hall stage seems to have cracked the safety aspect, with it?s winch operation:- http://www.hallstage.com/winches.htm The basic principle is to have easy safe operation. As it always amazes me, why there are not a lot more accidents in theatre, we must charmed! Or Saint Ignatious of Loyola, who supposed to be the patron saint of Theatre, [who ever he was?] might be looking after us! - I doubt it & don?t believe that for one moment. It is rather that we tend to be more vigilant, as nothing is completely idiot proof. So we end up doing more ?Idiot Checks? than any other game - no matter when, what, where, why &/or with whom!
	Joe Western Gondawandaland turn right @ Perth. Hear the light & see the sound. Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"} May you always play to a full house}
	IP Logged

Shatcher Celebrity Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 251	Posted: 5/11/05 at 5:40pm
	It may seem silly to say this but do make sure they paint the backstage walls black. My university had the theatre redone and somebody painted it all a high gloss dove grey. The reasons this are bad are many. Also, find out who is biding on your job and get to know them. They can bid in things you would like to have and may give you a discount on service and supplies in the future.
	IP Logged

Topper Celebrity Joined: 1/27/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 543	Posted: 5/12/05 at 3:19pm
	And as long as we're still compiling a wish list, don't forget to include a proper intercom system. Depending on where your dressing rooms and greenroom(s) wind up being located, it is extremely valuable to have the ability to cue performers waiting to go on stage. Or at least give them the ability to hear for themselves. This is something that is best handled during the construction phase. I've seen too many theaters where this bit of equipment was left as an afterthought. Cheers!
	IP Logged

Aimee Celebrity Joined: 8/31/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 156	Posted: 5/13/05 at 12:08am
	Our first meeting with the architect is this Friday afternoon. Can't wait to see what they have in mind for us Again, thanks for all the input! so many great ideas. Wonder how many we'll get to put in use ?
	Aimee
	IP Logged

Aimee Celebrity Joined: 8/31/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 156	Posted: 5/14/05 at 11:59pm
	So we have already eliminated a fly system....so what else is out there? I am speaking about the legs, borders, and electrics. I can live with out the fly system for scenery, but it makes the electrics real easy and so on. I am just unfamiliar with what else is out there. Right now I have an AWFUL track system (for the curtains) so that is a concern. I'd like to have some other ideas for the next meeting, more research
	Aimee
	IP Logged

Gaafa Celebrity Joined: 3/21/04 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 1181	Posted: 5/16/05 at 1:07am
	They probably will only entertain cosmetic changes to the building. I assume they are thinking of a Proscenium arch space! They will attempt to restrict the stage space to the usual 5 x 5 metre stage, with no wing space, & a restrictive ceiling over the stage? Try to get the stage ceiling removed & the structure reinforced, as high as possible in the roof void, with RSJ Girders ?I? type. Then have a grid set up with pulleys, light battens with an electric patch system, distributed in ducting, fixed above the light battens, with a patch bay in the bio control box. The on stage battens can be handled by a simple Pin & Rail system of which counterweights can be attached to the hauling lines - not the difficult & fairly cheap. Try to avoid dead hanging battens, which they will suggest, as an alternative! If you can get them to have a proscenium arch, where by the Teasers & Tormentors can be moveable & flexibly used, this will; help in mounting different productions. This could also include the House Rag tab track upgrade. Also ask for an a decent size Apron [ForeStage] to work with. Front of House lighting bars [I call these Lighting Bars, as they are usually of the fixed type, rather than the ones on stage, which tend to moveable] & Perch?s Bars as well! Get as much of the structural requirements & push the budget envelope on lighting, Audio & soft Hangings equipment as you can. In most situations they opt to purchasing equipment. Rather than structural changes - The Architect will still get his Gold Bricks, as he picks up a % on Purchase Sums anyway! He will attempt to pour the budget into the cosmetic acetic, such as the foyer & other areas! Hang out for a workable space, rather than a pretty one, that doesn?t work! Chookas Aimee
	Joe Western Gondawandaland turn right @ Perth. Hear the light & see the sound. Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"} May you always play to a full house}
	IP Logged

Dustmac Lead Joined: 5/25/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 42	Posted: 6/05/05 at 3:33pm
	As has been mentioned, restrooms backstage or a definite plus, even if you can only afford one uni-sex bathroom. Also make sure that yout theater has handicap access. Obviously make sure you have a good sound and light system and you make want to check into a good microphone set up to put on stage. I saw a theater where they had hidden mics all around the front of the stage. It helps with volume problems.
	IP Logged

Shatcher Celebrity Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 251	Posted: 6/07/05 at 3:17pm
	Dont forget about storage! for props costumes scenery ext
	IP Logged

casey05 Lead Joined: 6/17/05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 42	Posted: 6/18/05 at 7:35am
	The worst thing that my high school did when they built their theatre was to have steps leading down to the wing space. This was the worst mistake, mainly because all our plays now seem to be restricted to the same sort of design because there's no storage space for sets.
	IP Logged