Starting a Theatre

[Artemis133]

Okay, so I have another question. I start a job in a week at a new theatre downtown, called Gunthrie. I'm the first lighting designer that they have. They have no equiptment what-so-ever. I was told that I'm getting a budget, and that I get to supply the theatre with everything they need. At least, for this show. It's a children's theatre, and has shows about one hour long. They are fun and happy shows, and the budget will prbably be pretty low.
So, my question, how do I start? What do I need, how do I get the right ones, and what's good for the price? Basically, any tips you can give on building the lighting at all would be helpful.
Thanks.

[stantonsound]

Ok, a couple of questions that everyone will have, just so we can get a better idea of what you have to work with.

How big is the venue?
Are dimmers installed, if so , how many channels/circuits?
Is there a lighting console?

In general, it really depends on budget. When you say that your budget is "low", I doubt that you will be able to buy a few dozen movers and 100 S4's.

Personally, I would consider buying a few items that you know will be used for every show, like a dozen or so ellipsoidals, some fresnels, some Par's (or whatever the space calls for), and then buy used or borrow the rest.

Don't forget, cable is VERY expensive. Home Depot is selling 12/3 SO cable for $1.45 a foot, and our local electrical shop is selling it for $.85 a foot. With connectors at about $5 each, that will be a least a couple of grand for cable. Many theatres have a great deal of this extra and borrowing for now is a great idea.

[Artemis133]

Hm... I hadn't thought of borrowing anything. There's nothing around here, but I guess I can go out of town... It's a good thought. As to the theatre, it is in the last stages of construction, but we are not allowed in until the construction is done. I've had all of my meetings and such over the phone, or at a loacl coffee shop. They told me that they have absolutely nothing for lights. I am assuming that this means they have no dimmers, or anything. The owner/director does not exactly know much about tech, so I could be wrong. I am supposed to actually be let in the building later this week. I can find out then, and let everyone know just what exactly I have to work with.

Thanks.

[zac850]

Theater size? Stage dimensions? Grid height? Throw from FOH position? Balc rail? Number of electrics?

Also, what is the budget?

Also, define "no equipment what-so-ever". Is there any cable run to any of the positions? As was stated, cable is expensive (the price for copper keeps skyrocketing). Are there any dimmers? If there are no dimmers, is there at least a panel you can tie in to somewhere on stage or at least near stage? If there is a tie in panel, how much power do you have?

On a budget, look at NSI dimmers and consoles, and some PAR cans (get the cheapest you can find).

If you have a more substantial budget, everyone likes the Sensor racks (ETC), Source4s (ETC), and an Obsession II (or an EOS, or a Strand 550i, go look at the numerous threads about consoles to use).

If your putting in cable, make sure you leave a few circuits free on each multi cable. Especially if its going to be a permeant install, things break, and people need to hang more lights.

[stantonsound]

If there are no dimmers installed, electricity really is the main priority. If you don't have it, there is little that you can do. One of the High Schools that I am the LD for only has 21 working dimer channels and no way of accessing any more power (they have an 800amp service, but to way to access it, and with the rules of the school district, we can't do any sort of construction).

Again, tell us what you do know about the space.

[Artemis133]

Stage dimensions-40 ft. width, 30 ft. depth
Audience size- 50 ft width, 30 ft. depth
Grid height-30 ft.
one cat, two electrics, plus a third electric for cyc lights.
By no equiptment, from what I understand, means nothing. They don't have dimmers, they don't have cable. They have nothing. I'm assuming that they have a panel, or something where I can hook everything up, but when I ask, the owner tells me he doesn't know yet. What they are doing is remodelling an old restaurant, and that is all I've been told about the power.
Budget wise, about 7 grand, from what I understand. This is for the board, and the fixtures. I was told that the "other major things for lights" are in the building budget. I still have to find them, but they are not included in that budget. I think cabling falls into that category, but it could be with the fixtures.
Sorry I don't have more information, I've known about this for two weeks, and haven't had many meetings. Three, actually, and all under 30 minutes. I'll try and find out more, and let you know. Thanks for the help.

[gafftaper]

First off are we talking a proscenium, thrust, round, black box? What type of theater is it?

It would be REALLY financially foolish on their part to build a theater but not at least install dimmers and circuitry. I guess I can see not installing a console... but there must be dimmers and circuitry. Ask to borrow the blueprints and all the electrical documents for the space (which should tell you about dimming). Also ask for the architect's phone/e-mail if they are any good they should be able to help you. Finally, ask if a theatrical consultant was hired in the design process... and pray the answer is yes... if yes, contact that person and forget everything else above. Between those items you should be able to determine what is and isn't included. If you are handy with a scale ruler the blueprints give you a good sense of distance of throw from the lighting positions. Throw distance from your lighting positions is critical before we can get very specific on what equipment to purchase.

Your basic inventory list will include: Source 4 ellipsoidals (primary front light source), Source 4 pars (side, back and down light), Altman Fresnels (probably 8 inch depending on the space for side, back, down, and possibly front light ), some Altman Zip Strips (down lighting from on stage electrics), and probably some Altman cyc lights (if you have a cyc to light or just large area washes). A lot of cable may be needed... depending on how the place is wired, you may want to look at multi circuit "socapex" to get a lot of power where you need it. Accessories you will need: Top hats/Snoots, Barn Doors, Side Arms, Two-fers, GSP-Eddison adapters (assuming the place is wired with GSP connectors), donuts, pattern holders. Try to get an inital stock of consumeables as well: Tape, tie line, gel, gobos... the list goes on and on.

If dimmers and console are already included, your stage isn't huge and your throw distance isn't ridiculous, a very nicely equipped (but no big toys) conventional lighting package will run you $90k-$100k. You can make cuts and "get by" well down into the $70k-80k range, but much below that you are going to have to do a lot of searching for used gear and looking to borrow/rent to fill in the gaps.

On the other side is the question of renting... if you don't have the money to purchase you'll find renting gear for a show gets really expensive quick. You'll want to find a nearby theater dealer to work with for renting.Here is a link to my local dealer's rental pricing page to give you a sense of what things cost. Where are you? I'm sure someone around here can help you find a rental place that isn't too far away. Also check out recent threads on places to rent and purchase lighting equipment.

My college is building a new black box theater and I've spent a lot of time putting together the shopping list for all equipment. Drop me a Private Message and I'll be glad to send you the spreadsheet of what I am purchasing with rough bid prices to help you set your budget.

[stantonsound]

If dimmers are in the building budget, $7k could get you started (sort of). Many people will give you different advice, but my 2cents worth would be:

Board: $1,500 (you could spend less, but this will get you something that will be functional and useful)
Cable: $1,500
Gel, Pattern Holders, Clamps, Safties, Barn Doors, Etc... $500
8 Source 4 Lekos: $2200
20 Par 64's: $1000
3 Fresnels: $300

I don't know what your exact needs are, but that would light the stage and let you do a few things. Granted, there is really no cyc lighting, but with the ellipsoidals in the cat, and the Par 64's for a wash, top lighting, back lighting, etc....you could get by. If you are looking to rent, cable is usually the best thing to rent and most cost effective. For instance, I rent S4's for about $18 a week, less with a discount. That fixture sells for about $280. I rent 100' stagepin cable for $4 a week, and that sells for about $110. The cable is by far a better deal than the S4 fixtures.

Also, used lighting is an option, and you could get about 33% more gear by buying used, but if the stuff is not in good shape, you are buying a headache that will constantly need repair.

[gafftaper]

OUCH... ok.... well ignore that post. $7k and no dimming huh?

You are going to have to go deep into the world of Low budget and used gear. Dimming and cable is going to be your largest expense... You need to get just a small simple console... see recent threads on low budget lighting consoles for ideas. The dimmer pack is the killer here. You need an electrician to tell you how much power is available where. You may have to ditch installed dimming all together and go with something like "scrimmer sticks" that are designed for portable lighting. They just plug into a wall outlet... one or two separate circuits are required to power each dimmer. You will need access to a lot of separate circuits in the space but you won't need to hire an electrician to put it all together you can just hang the dimmer on the electric, and run power from there.

Tom's got a good idea about basing your wash on a lot of PAR 64's. It's about all you are going to be able to afford if you have to buy dimming as well.

[stantonsound]

It might be necessary to rent all of the gear on a 6 mos or a 1 year rental if you need dimming too. Hopefully, the tickets will sell and the owner will take in enough money, or get sponsors, and come up with enough money to purchase the fixtures. There are places that will do an "install rental", where they bring and maintain everything, and the rent really isn't that bad.