Strobe Light warning in program?
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Lights and Sound
Forum Discription: Technical discussion
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3555
Printed Date: 12/12/24 at 12:27pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Strobe Light warning in program?
Posted By: Mr. Lowell
Subject: Strobe Light warning in program?
Date Posted: 10/23/08 at 8:51pm
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Have any of you had to print a warning about the use of strobe lights in the program? And if so, how was it worded?
Thanks, Dana ------------- Mr. Lowell, Lighting/Set Designer & Tech Director, for the Linda Sloan Theatre, in the Davison Center for the Arts, at Greensboro Day School |
Replies:
Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 10/24/08 at 12:10pm
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Not that we use strobes that much, but each time we do, we ensure there is a warning notice in the programme & notices on all entrances & in the Box Office.
"Strobe lighting effects will be used during this performance. Patrons that may suffer from epilepsy & other visual light stimulation effects. Are advised to contact the Front of house staff, prior to entering the auditorium!"
In a lot of instances punters who are pre warned, can take appropriate action to reduce the possibility of a seizure.
However it is not only Strobe lighting, but other types such as coloured stripes & moving patterns can be a problem.
I have a particular problem with mercury vapour lighting, as I have survived 5 strokes thus far.
If I'm forewarned I can look away & cover my eyes or in extreme cases, use sunglasses, which help.
Seizures can be provoked by intermittent light and by patterns, most notably of stripes, whether flickering or steadily illuminated, static or moving. Sensitivity is usually, but not invariably, maximal at flicker rates of ------------- [western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!} |
Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 10/24/08 at 3:26pm
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We will put a warning on our lobby doors for strobes, gunshots and adult language. ------------- Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse |
Posted By: Debflo
Date Posted: 10/24/08 at 6:56pm
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I agree with those above me - always put a warning up. For Strobe lights and gun shots. ------------- Check out The Denver Theatre Examiner! http://www.examiner.com/x-474-Denver-Theater-Examiner |
Posted By: tech_director
Date Posted: 11/15/08 at 9:05pm
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We put warnings in the program, outside all the doors and it is mentioned in the pre-show recorded announcements. We always word ours as "There will be strobe lights used during this production."
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Posted By: Mr. Lowell
Date Posted: 12/15/08 at 12:43pm
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Followup: I had absolutely no complaints about the strobe during the run. (Although it was aimed upstage and only used for about 10 seconds). On the inside page of our "Les Mis" program our director printed the following notice: "Please be aware that theatrical smoke, live gunshots and a strobe light are used in this production." ------------- Mr. Lowell, Lighting/Set Designer & Tech Director, for the Linda Sloan Theatre, in the Davison Center for the Arts, at Greensboro Day School |
Posted By: Lima
Date Posted: 12/24/08 at 11:54am
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We always post strobe-light warnings in our programs, because we like to strobe in the audience's faces occasionally (you know, strobing intels that rotate and flare out before going off), two times I remember are from when we did Beauty and the Beast and also Les Mis. They create a nice sense of chaos. Especially because two of our techies have epilepsy (one induced by strobing lights), we're really careful about warning the audience. We also warn for hazers, just so we're completely free of liability. (Our TD comes from a magic show/Vegas/DJ background, so we do a lot with strobes and hazers/fazers/fog machines.) |