So, a dual-use space with theatre space always an after though. I deal with this all the time. It's either a Cafe-teria or a middle school gym/stage (gy-age? no... that doesn't work.)
It's a no-no to give specific instruction so I'll run down a few options I usualy go over with clients, you mentioned motorized so I'll start there.
The cheapest installed motorized lighting pipe is approx. $18k Tork-Winch makes a great system which I've worked with. The limitation on the less expensive systems are weight capacity and duty cycle. The Tork-Winch system isn't a 100% duty cycle so doing a yo-yo focus will require pauses for the system.
Schools usually use fly systems because students are not allowed to climb ladders/use scaffolding/use manlifts. If you have access to a manlift and are trained and allowed to use it, a dead hung pipe with safety cage would be much cheaper and do the job just as well. A safety cage under the lights will help prevent stray volleyballs and soccer balls from knocking a light loose and may even keep your focus depending on the design. I prefer a safety cage dead hung below the fixtures with an opening on the back for focus and bulb replacement. There are other options like individual fixture safety cages or fully enclosed ones.
Now, another approach is a temporary installation. Motorized truss is a real slick way of doing things. If you have the money for a rental package with truss, motors and fixtures it works well and is a pretty quick install.
I have done temporary installs with beam clamps on the lights directly to the OWSJ running parallel to the stage with a safety cable to the beam. I provided power with a SOCA runs to 20a Twist break-outs. This was for a middle school musical where we added about 48k of extra dimming.
How are you going to power the lights on this position ? That is the most expensive part. Do you have extra room in the dimmer rack to throw some more modules in and add a couple runs ? Is there existing power you can use?
The most expensive part will be the wire runs. If there is no inexpensive way to get power from a dimmer up there it's usually a lot cheaper to get a few 20a receptacles installed to power some small dimmers. Like the ETC Smart Bar or NSI DDS/D4 or Leprecon ULD dimmers. Typically schools around here get away with about 6-12 ellipsoidals on a FOH position. This is where modern 575w fixtures really shine (sorry for the horrible pun). (3) 575w Fixtures fit on a 20a circuit really nicely*. So that would be (4) 20a circuits to give you room for (12) 575w fixtures.
Now, (4) 20a circuits sound alot cheaper than 6 - 12 new circuits, eh? You'll also have to get DMX out there but another conduit could be run or there is cable rated for free-air runs. However, you shouldn't see a huge price increase for a 1/2" conduit run for the data and it is infinitely more serviceable. Having DMX sounds great for all those toys (I-CUE, Scrollers,Movers) doesn't it ?
What is really important is choosing a company that has the knowledge and experience in this sort of install. Most rental companies can get the temporary install done and working adequately, always check for their liability insurance, and ask around the other schools in the area for who they use. For a permanent install your board will have a Bid Tender procedure for all purchases for a certain amount.
Here's the approx. figures for the options;
Motorized FOH: $18,000 +
Dead-Hung FOH pipe: <$1,000 (installed, 20ft.)
Dead-Hung FOH pipe w/ Safety Cage: $1,000 - $3,000 (20ft)
Rental w/ Motors and Truss and Fixtures: $1,000 - $5,000 (I don't know your local prices)
Rental w/ fixtures and install to existing: $700+
Electrical work for 12 new circuits: $12,000ish typical
Electrical work for 4-6 20a: $3,000 - $6,000 typical
I can provide some typical rigging drawings and such for reference if that is allowed on this board. They could help quite a bit when specifying equipment with suppliers. ALWAYS make sure everything is load rated. If it isn't stamped with a manufacturer and model or rating don't trust it. It probably isn't rated.
/Hope that wasn't too much information ?
*Electrical ceveat
----I AM NOT AN ELECTRICIAN----
but, I can do simple maths.
So here's where I get that (3) 575w fixtures on a 20a circuit from.
Most breakers and wiring assume an %80 max continuous load, theatrical dimmers (good quality ones) usually have %100 max continuous. However, this is where you'd have to talk to the electrician doing the install and go over power requirments, ect.
The math works like this;
120v, 20amp circuit = 2400w
de-rated to 80% = 1920w
1920/575 = 3.34
So that's 3 lamps pulling their maximum amperage in a theoretical world. However, we live in a world with power issues. Voltage drops will and spike can cause problems for which you need to leave a little room. 4*575=2300w so if you could work out 100% rated everything with the electrician it may be possible to get (4) lamps safely on a 20a circuit.
You can; IF, and ONLY if: you use the assistance of Foy, ZFX, or another qualified, experienced, and insured company, and they tell you you can. See http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/glossarys/7904-flying-effects.html.
I'll second what Derek just said. I'll also chime in and add my buddies at Hall Associates Flying Effects to the previous list of legit flying fx companies.
Having worked on a show that used Hall for our flying effects I can say from experience they do a great job and can offer more flexibility into your stunts that some other companies who just have a standard set for every production of Peter Pan.
Whoa there, now you've crossed the line....Foy has one way they do every scene. On the other hand, Foy does it one way for a reason. It's safe and it always works... not that the other companies aren't safe. Foy's official attitude seems to be, "We do it this way because we have always done it this way. We can ensure safety by having a standard approach to every scene". If you have a standard theater and a typical production then Foy is a great way to go. If you are dreaming up some crazy ideas for when and where you want people to fly, you need ZFX or Hall. ...
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