Yea, $3,600 for one show lighting rental is pretty insane. We get $10k annually for absolutely anything
theatre/drama/theater maintenance/tech related. We end up spending about $2,500-$3,000 per show, on anything, including rights.
$3,600 at three shows a year, after two years, could entirely turn over my inventory.
Personally? ****
the Gafftaper Method. To me, this money sounds too good to be true, so get your inventory in order now. Think about the future. I think your successors will appreciate a nice well stocked inventory of conventionals rather than a handful of nice MLs they can't afford to repair.
Here are my thoughts:
Start with increasing the size of your
conventional inventory, making sure you have all your bases covered, with extras, to allow you the most versatility in the future. With that much money, really
cover your conventionals well, with variety and quantity.
Next, hit up sustainability, can you currently support what you have in the air? What if all the money dries up next season? I'd say organize an LX shop, and
stock it with lamps, parts, tools,
etc.. Make sure you have what you need to do your job down the
road.
Now, get back to
the Gafftaper method, and start buying yourself some
DMX toys. I'd avoid moving lights, as aforementioned. Too easy to mess up, and repair is steep, not to forget mentioning that technology moves rapidly. Plus, what happens if in six years, no one is around who understands intel gear? Go with the components, seachangers, right arms/I-cues,
DMX iris, scrollers, whatever. Rent MLs as
needed.
My spare change.