We don't have "a bunch of other students" who know how to hook up an ipod to the board, but a few of the senior techs do know how and we do it fairly regularly, with TD approval of course. We're frequently in the theatre working for long hours, and we often plug in someone's ipod to play as background music to entertain us while we work. This is always at a low enough level so we can still easily communicate with eachother, and if we're bringing in a pipe or some other dangerous activity, we'll pause the music to make sure everyone hears the calls. I can see where you're coming from, but a sound system in a high school theatre is designed with the idea in mind that it will be used for many other purposes other than theatre sound reinforcement. What about teachers, who will sometimes play music while grading papers or check their personal emails using school computers? If a computer suddenly decided to die while they were reading an personal email, would that teacher be held liable for the entire repair/replacement cost of that computer?
Controlling Booth Traffic
- Thread starterAnonymous067
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We don't have "a bunch of other students" who know how to hook up an ipod to the board, but a few of the senior techs do know how and we do it fairly regularly, with TD approval of course. We're frequently in the theatre working for long hours, and we often plug in someone's ipod to play as background music to entertain us while we work. This is always at a low enough level so we can still easily communicate with eachother, and if we're bringing in a pipe or some other dangerous activity, we'll pause the music to make sure everyone hears the calls. I can see where you're coming from, but a sound system in a high school theatre is designed with the idea in mind that it will be used for many other purposes other than theatre sound reinforcement. What about teachers, who will sometimes play music while grading papers or check their personal emails using school computers? If a computer suddenly decided to die while they were reading an personal email, would that teacher be held liable for the entire repair/replacement cost of that computer?
The way I was always taught was that "the amps should be on for the least amount of time" compared to all other elements of the system.
MillburyAuditorium
Active Member
Well, I knew this person, and plus, if they decided to tell someone else and they think they will just got and do it themselves, they wouldn't know to turn the amps on and or how to : )
Well, We have been turning the amps on first for 6 years with no problem, and we make sure all channels are muted and set to -10 before it is on.
A good way we make sure we will never blow our speakers is, that we only keep the amps up about half way, so whatever we can make the board do, still pretty loud, will not even get to above half of its potential.
Don't know if this helps or not, seems like it does.
Well, We have been turning the amps on first for 6 years with no problem, and we make sure all channels are muted and set to -10 before it is on.
A good way we make sure we will never blow our speakers is, that we only keep the amps up about half way, so whatever we can make the board do, still pretty loud, will not even get to above half of its potential.
Don't know if this helps or not, seems like it does.
Les
Well-Known Member
Re: Controlling Bohttp://www.controlbooth.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreoth Traffic
That's reading a little far into it I think. First, you are comparing a computer that is worth maybe $1,000 with a sound system costing potentially thousands more. I'm not saying I've never used a $50,000 sound system for my own personal entertainment, what I was getting at was the potential of having inexperienced users plugging things in with an underlying possibility that one knob being set too high could thrash out thousands of dollars worth of equipment. The teacher would not be held liable for a computer because it isn't likely for them to screw it up, however, if you have a mysteriously blown amp and an ipod connected to the mixer the district would start pointing fingers. There is also the teacher vs student analogy. If a teacher's computer goes bad, oh well, they will get a new one. If a student "breaks" a sound system it would hit the fan because in a school district's eyes the teachers are much more credible than the students. Sad but true. On the other hand, if a teacher opened a personal email that contained and unleashed a virus, they probably would get a "talking to".
Now I'm the one who read way too far into it
That's reading a little far into it I think. First, you are comparing a computer that is worth maybe $1,000 with a sound system costing potentially thousands more. I'm not saying I've never used a $50,000 sound system for my own personal entertainment, what I was getting at was the potential of having inexperienced users plugging things in with an underlying possibility that one knob being set too high could thrash out thousands of dollars worth of equipment. The teacher would not be held liable for a computer because it isn't likely for them to screw it up, however, if you have a mysteriously blown amp and an ipod connected to the mixer the district would start pointing fingers. There is also the teacher vs student analogy. If a teacher's computer goes bad, oh well, they will get a new one. If a student "breaks" a sound system it would hit the fan because in a school district's eyes the teachers are much more credible than the students. Sad but true. On the other hand, if a teacher opened a personal email that contained and unleashed a virus, they probably would get a "talking to".
Now I'm the one who read way too far into it
MillburyAuditorium
Active Member
Re: Controlling Bohttp://www.controlbooth.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreoth Traffic
Although its not directed to me, I mentioned something about it before.
At our school, I have shown one or two students how to plug in an ipod, but, for one thing, they don't know they need to go backstage to turn on the amps, and so it is very unlikely anyone would do anything without us around, specially thanks to our couple fake but convincing signs One being "Disciplines issued without question if unathorized person is found opererating theatre equipment." There is nothing backing this up, but students and teachers dont know that
I rarely let others play their music when I am around anyways, I useally am playing my own and have everyones songs
As for Teachers vs. Students, in our district, if a student breaks or vandalizes something, the parents are fined/sued for however much replacement cost is.
So I say, go ahead and blow our sound system or a light or two xD
(...not really..)
That's reading a little far into it I think. First, you are comparing a computer that is worth maybe $1,000 with a sound system costing potentially thousands more. I'm not saying I've never used a $50,000 sound system for my own personal entertainment, what I was getting at was the potential of having inexperienced users plugging things in with an underlying possibility that one knob being set too high could thrash out thousands of dollars worth of equipment. The teacher would not be held liable for a computer because it isn't likely for them to screw it up, however, if you have a mysteriously blown amp and an ipod connected to the mixer the district would start pointing fingers. There is also the teacher vs student analogy. If a teacher's computer goes bad, oh well, they will get a new one. If a student "breaks" a sound system it would hit the fan because in a school district's eyes the teachers are much more credible than the students. Sad but true. On the other hand, if a teacher opened a personal email that contained and unleashed a virus, they probably would get a "talking to".
Now I'm the one who read way too far into it
Although its not directed to me, I mentioned something about it before.
At our school, I have shown one or two students how to plug in an ipod, but, for one thing, they don't know they need to go backstage to turn on the amps, and so it is very unlikely anyone would do anything without us around, specially thanks to our couple fake but convincing signs
One being "Disciplines issued without question if unathorized person is found opererating theatre equipment." There is nothing backing this up, but students and teachers dont know that I rarely let others play their music when I am around anyways, I useally am playing my own and have everyones songs
As for Teachers vs. Students, in our district, if a student breaks or vandalizes something, the parents are fined/sued for however much replacement cost is.
So I say, go ahead and blow our sound system or a light or two xD
(...not really..)
Anonymous067
Active Member
Re: Controlling Bohttp://www.controlbooth.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreoth Traffic
I disagree completely with anybody but the sound tech knowing how to hook playback up to the board. Most people don't know the difference between channels 1 and 60, and 1 could be set for the ipod, and not 60. I give my talent this much leway: I provide the 1/8" plug for them, sometimes even on stage. I don't care what they plug into it, or what they play. The second it becomes too loud, I turn it down, and the second it becomes inappropriate, I shut it off.
As soon as you start showing them how things work, you lose all control (OK...I'm being a bit power happy). But thats what I get for running a 56X10 channel board weekly at a school... xD.
And about the blowing thousands of dollars worth of equipment, didn't we already agree that most of that stuff if insured for more than anyone's life?
That's reading a little far into it I think. First, you are comparing a computer that is worth maybe $1,000 with a sound system costing potentially thousands more. I'm not saying I've never used a $50,000 sound system for my own personal entertainment, what I was getting at was the potential of having inexperienced users plugging things in with an underlying possibility that one knob being set too high could thrash out thousands of dollars worth of equipment. The teacher would not be held liable for a computer because it isn't likely for them to screw it up, however, if you have a mysteriously blown amp and an ipod connected to the mixer the district would start pointing fingers. There is also the teacher vs student analogy. If a teacher's computer goes bad, oh well, they will get a new one. If a student "breaks" a sound system it would hit the fan because in a school district's eyes the teachers are much more credible than the students. Sad but true. On the other hand, if a teacher opened a personal email that contained and unleashed a virus, they probably would get a "talking to".
Now I'm the one who read way too far into it
I disagree completely with anybody but the sound tech knowing how to hook playback up to the board. Most people don't know the difference between channels 1 and 60, and 1 could be set for the ipod, and not 60. I give my talent this much leway: I provide the 1/8" plug for them, sometimes even on stage. I don't care what they plug into it, or what they play. The second it becomes too loud, I turn it down, and the second it becomes inappropriate, I shut it off.
As soon as you start showing them how things work, you lose all control (OK...I'm being a bit power happy). But thats what I get for running a 56X10 channel board weekly at a school... xD.
And about the blowing thousands of dollars worth of equipment, didn't we already agree that most of that stuff if insured for more than anyone's life?
Re: Controlling Bohttp://www.controlbooth.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreoth Traffic
I let a kid come over and "DJ" on this epically long charity event because I was tired and frankly wanted the company. So I get up to take a break, after telling him he is NOT to touch anything other than his laptop and the mute if there were some problem. I walk down to the far end of the field ~100m to check and make sure it isn't too loud down there (b/c its late at night). While walking down I keep wondering why it seems so loud. I get to the end and stop, wondering how on earth it's louder there than in front of the stage, and realize its actually getting louder. I go running back and promptly get rid of "DJ"... turns out me telling him 15 times that is couldn't go louder didn't dissuade him from turning it up the second I walked away. People sometimes!
The crew certainly played music from our ipods during work calls, but hey it was usually approved by a teacher or TD. Often if someone (non-teacher) wanted music I'd set up my ipod and hand it to thema and tell them they could play whatever they like and at whatever volume (from the ipod... which had nothing inappropriate on it). If they really wanted to play theirs, I needed a teacher's okay, or to preview the music.
I let a kid come over and "DJ" on this epically long charity event because I was tired and frankly wanted the company. So I get up to take a break, after telling him he is NOT to touch anything other than his laptop and the mute if there were some problem. I walk down to the far end of the field ~100m to check and make sure it isn't too loud down there (b/c its late at night). While walking down I keep wondering why it seems so loud. I get to the end and stop, wondering how on earth it's louder there than in front of the stage, and realize its actually getting louder. I go running back and promptly get rid of "DJ"... turns out me telling him 15 times that is couldn't go louder didn't dissuade him from turning it up the second I walked away. People sometimes!
The crew certainly played music from our ipods during work calls, but hey it was usually approved by a teacher or TD. Often if someone (non-teacher) wanted music I'd set up my ipod and hand it to thema and tell them they could play whatever they like and at whatever volume (from the ipod... which had nothing inappropriate on it). If they really wanted to play theirs, I needed a teacher's okay, or to preview the music.
DuckJordan
Touring IATSE Member
our booth is actually kindof nice (seeing as how we have both a microwave and a fridge in there as well as both our lighting and sound systems almost completely in the booth with still quite a bit of room for clutter items (darn them Artistic directors needing more space for and i use the term loosely "props/set peices") we don't have too much problem with people coming into the booth as my freshman year in HS becoming a very learned tech made sure everyone knew that if i tell them to get out they move. as far as actors coming into the booth for mics, I don't deal with actors at all with mics as i have my very own subordinate to had out mics and collect mics back stage. i do allow however the janitor or even the artistic director to sit in the booth to watch the show as we have windows on the front of our booth as well as hanging stage mics direct feed into the booth monitors which go very loud and still cannot be heard by the audience through our double paned glass. (one of the few things they got right in our auditorium). so traffic is really not an issue.
Les
Well-Known Member
Re: Controlling Bohttp://www.controlbooth.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreoth Traffic
Well, for the record, I never said that. My point is, the talent has no business playing with the sound equipment unless they have been properly trained and signed off; period.
You sure that insurance policy covers abuse? Not saying that's the case here, but relaxed rules can lead to that sort of thing.
Don't get me wrong guys, I'm not trying to start a war. I have just seen too many things get broken through the years because people think that they own it and can treat it how they want.
Well, for the record, I never said that. My point is, the talent has no business playing with the sound equipment unless they have been properly trained and signed off; period.
You sure that insurance policy covers abuse? Not saying that's the case here, but relaxed rules can lead to that sort of thing.
Don't get me wrong guys, I'm not trying to start a war. I have just seen too many things get broken through the years because people think that they own it and can treat it how they want.
DuckJordan
Touring IATSE Member
This is how it should go:
Nobody other than the board operators and Stage Managers should be in the Control Booth during a production. All mic-ing is done near the Green Room, in the house, and Changing Rooms before curtain. Mic problems that occur during a show show must be addressed to Assistant Stage Manager. Any one who has questions should knock and open the door step aside from the door and ask their questions. But usually this isnt necessary because SM and Director give cast and crew notes and questions are encouraged to be asked during that. Visitors are never allowed in the booth during a show, they always cause distractions except by permission from TD. Keep all control booth traffic to a minimum to 0. Keep door way and space nearby equipment free and easy to get to. No food, nor drinks allowed.
You should make sure that anything actors need is available outside the booth. All problems should be addressed to and solved by if capable by assistant stage manager (who addresses stage manager via headset).
Those who must enter booth during a performance must not make a sound and are responsible for closing the door so it doesn't make a sound.
During breaks or intermissions, nobody other than Stage Manager, board operators, Director and TD should be in the booth.
Nobody other than the board operators and Stage Managers should be in the Control Booth during a production. All mic-ing is done near the Green Room, in the house, and Changing Rooms before curtain. Mic problems that occur during a show show must be addressed to Assistant Stage Manager. Any one who has questions should knock and open the door step aside from the door and ask their questions. But usually this isnt necessary because SM and Director give cast and crew notes and questions are encouraged to be asked during that. Visitors are never allowed in the booth during a show, they always cause distractions except by permission from TD. Keep all control booth traffic to a minimum to 0. Keep door way and space nearby equipment free and easy to get to. No food, nor drinks allowed.
You should make sure that anything actors need is available outside the booth. All problems should be addressed to and solved by if capable by assistant stage manager (who addresses stage manager via headset).
Those who must enter booth during a performance must not make a sound and are responsible for closing the door so it doesn't make a sound.
During breaks or intermissions, nobody other than Stage Manager, board operators, Director and TD should be in the booth.
During the shows, we don't really have a problem with people coming into the booth. Everybody's usually too busy to bother us, except the director who likes to stay up there so he can glare at us if something goes wrong. But before shows, and during rehearsals, we sometimes get people up there. It's usually not that big a deal, except when we're having pizza. The actors are like sharks, they can smell it a mile away. That's when we lock the door. But other than that, it's not that big of a problem.
I think this is because of the stairs we've got. They're staggered stairs with no backing, where each step only extends halfway across the stair, and if you miss a step, you trip a couple feet down to the next one. They intimidate people. Carrying the lighting console up them is always fun.
I think this is because of the stairs we've got. They're staggered stairs with no backing, where each step only extends halfway across the stair, and if you miss a step, you trip a couple feet down to the next one. They intimidate people. Carrying the lighting console up them is always fun.
It's occasionally so. Although next year when we put this multimedia system in, we won't have room where we wouldn't get pizza guts on everything.
I thought traffic on ControlBooth was good?
No, No, No, No, and No! You shouldn't need to eat pizza mid-show, and before the show, shouldn't you just go somewhere else?
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Last edited:
shiben
Well-Known Member
Maybe this is just me, but all the professional theaters I have worked at are pretty lax, the ME and LD and Director hovering around the board op, SM and her shadow, 2 spots, the sound guy's friend, etc... If there is a legit reason for them to be there, or even not too much, as long as they are not distracting its not a big deal... As for being distracting, everyone is already reading a book, playing farmville, etc already, so how much more distracting can it be?
I thought traffic on ControlBooth was good?
No, No, No, No, and No! You shouldn't need to eat pizza mid-show, and before the show, shouldn't you just go somewhere else?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I have had a lot of need to eat pizza mid show. An example: working a decently sized church conference (about 1500 people in attendance). I was LD/Board Op, sitting on station for 12 hours. When they took lunch, we had to change over the stage for their next session, same for dinner. If it was just chairs it would have been ok, but we were hanging screens and silly set pieces... At any rate, Pizza is good. Sucking it down in the smoking area is just annoying, what with all the ash getting on it. Also, late night programing session? You better believe I have my drink and snacks. Same with any programing session at that matter... Tech rehearsal, whatever. Im definitely in the minority on here, but I dont really see a big deal with food/drink in the booth so long as you have tops on your bottles that wont spill, and no soup (thats just obnoxious anyhow). Most people who are in the booth already have some measure of respect for the gear.
The only people we ever allow to eat in the booth are part of the booth crew, we know the equipment, how expensive it is, and exactly what will happen to it if something is spilled. to-date, it hasn't been a problem. During tech week, we've had rehearsals go from the end of school (2:30) to 11 at night. (the actors' fault, not ours) Considering that lunch period often gets forgotten with last-minute preparations, we've gotta eat something. Although I suppose that if anybody ever does spill anything, we'd put a stop to it.
I can't have food in the control booth? Time to get the forklift.
We have food in our control booth reasonably frequently, with the understanding that if anything happens, there will be a corpse hanging from a batten the next morning.
Incidentally, when you hang someone, do you have to use rated hardware?
For those of you who are lawyers or have no sense of humor, the past two sentences were facetious.
We have food in our control booth reasonably frequently, with the understanding that if anything happens, there will be a corpse hanging from a batten the next morning.
Incidentally, when you hang someone, do you have to use rated hardware? For those of you who are lawyers or have no sense of humor, the past two sentences were facetious.
