Using Gobos with Border Lights

[DHSLXOP]

Hi everyone,
I was wondering if there is anyway possible to use a gobo with a border light? We have borderlights downstage of the cyc, but we don't any space on the electric to hang a leko or other fixture for a gobo. Is this possible? Thanks

Just for clarity--I thought I should add that we are using altman borderlights. (Not sure exactly of the frame size though)

[stantonsound]

If you are speaking of cyc or strip lights, then sorry....no. The beam of light in an ellipsoidal is reflected and focused through the lens and the gobo is put into the path of light at the necessary point before it goes through the lens. (thus the name GOBO, GOes Before Optics). You can't put a gobo in a fresnel, par, etc...

[Sean]

In short, no.

You need the focusing optics of an Ellipsoidal to project a Gobo.

Take a step back. What effect are you trying to create? There could be another way to get what you're looking for.

Tell us more: Do you know the model, or can you find out (or take a photo) of the lights? Are the units out of sightlines?

--Sean

[DHSLXOP]

Ok thanks for the answer. I never realized what gobo actually meant.

[DHSLXOP]

Originally Posted by Sean

In short, no.
You need the focusing optics of an Ellipsoidal to project a Gobo.
Take a step back. What effect are you trying to create? There could be another way to get what you're looking for.
Tell us more: Do you know the model, or can you find out (or take a photo) of the lights? Are the units out of sightlines?
--Sean

For the effect--I just want to be able to put gobos on our cyc (its a broadway song show, so I wanted to put some broadway like gobos at different times on the cyc)
This is the model http://www.theaterlighting.net/images/borderlight.jpg
And yes, they are out of sightlines

[Sean]

OK, well, that won't work.

Can you hang the units further downstage on a boom? Then project over the heads of the actors onto the cyc?

You could also do this from the house if you have a low box boom position.

In a real pinch (and you'll have to figure out the positioning carefully to not be catching the actors in the lights and casting shadows): put a couple lekos on floor plates and put them out on the apron to the sides--like footlights.

That make sense?

--Sean

[DHSLXOP]

Originally Posted by Sean

OK, well, that won't work.
Can you hang the units further downstage on a boom? Then project over the heads of the actors onto the cyc?
You could also do this from the house if you have a low box boom position.
In a real pinch (and you'll have to figure out the positioning carefully to not be catching the actors in the lights and casting shadows): put a couple lekos on floor plates and put them out on the apron to the sides--like footlights.
That make sense?
--Sean

It will be difficult to use the floor because its kind of an odd shaped stage, and hanging on another electric may be possible, but is there a way to put the fixture lower than the actual electric? (Because if not, i'd be hitting a border that can't be flown out)

[Sean]

Originally Posted by DHSLXOP

It will be difficult to use the floor because its kind of an odd shaped stage, and hanging on another electric may be possible, but is there a way to put the fixture lower than the actual electric? (Because if not, i'd be hitting a border that can't be flown out)

Yes... but would that put the light in sightlines? Would that be ok?

I really think you should explore the "in the wing on a boom" idea.

Or, not to shoot holes in your design idea: Is there another way to get the _idea_ across without something as literal as a gobo _telling_ the audience the "where/when" of the scene?


--Sean

[gafftaper]

A "vertical extension tube" will do it, but they are a little hard to find. These are from www.CityTheatrical.com.


A side arm is probably the most common way to do this, they are available at any rental place for a few bucks or for sale for about $20 depending on the length and type. ... can't get the picture to work... here's a link. You remove the C-clamp from the instrument and bolt it to the side arm, then use the C-clamp on the other end of the side arm to attach it to the pipe.

[DHSLXOP]

Originally Posted by Sean

Yes... but would that put the light in sightlines? Would that be ok?
I really think you should explore the "in the wing on a boom" idea.
Or, not to shoot holes in your design idea: Is there another way to get the _idea_ across without something as literal as a gobo _telling_ the audience the "where/when" of the scene?
--Sean

Its a camp show for the other campers (at a non theater camp...so I'm not really worried about "telling the story.") I'm more or less trying for the "eye candy"...you know, trying to keep the kids interested in the show when they are not performing. Any other ideas of how to do eye candy type things?