justgina
Member
Last edited:
Hey all! My name is Gina, and I'm the TD for a brand-new (getting the keys this week) PCA in Beaumont, Texas. I'm going to need lots of advice from those of you who have done this for a while. It's been several years since I've TD'ed and I've never started from the ground up before.
PCA = ?
Porsche Club of America
Poodle Club of America
Professional Cowboy Association
Am I close?
LOL! Closer than I was. That's what happens when you post before your Diet Coke kicks in.
PAC...Performing Arts Center, specifically the James F. Jackson Center for the Performing Arts at Ozen Magnet High School in Beaumont.
Welcome! You're in good hands here. There's so much experience on this board, it's scary. Feel free to ask questions...we're a helpful bunch.
Good to know since I'm going to need a lot of help!
I'm not a novice by any means, but this is the first official TD position I've held, and my theatre is brand-new, so I'll be starting from the ground up. Right now I'm trying to think through my basic light hang since all of my instruments are currently on the rails, but pointed straight at the ground, unfocused and ungelled. *sigh* Did I mention the first production/dedication of the space is on Dec. 12th, and the contractors haven't turned over the keys yet?
Awesome! That means you get to shake down the place and find all the bugs!
On the bright side (no pun intended), you have new equipment to work with, you're free to set things up YOUR way, and you will have keys to everything.
You are the light czar...
Yep! I'm as excited as a kid on Christmas. I'm ready to get in and get my hands dirty. It's just a little bit daunting to start from nothing.
As for the title, my kids have a different one: Technical Diva! (or as they say, "All Hail Queen Gina!")
If you don't have your crew together yet, remember: Your kids = Free labor
If they're old enough to speak, they're old enough to cut gel!
My suggestions for a new space:
* Secure your perimeter. Know who has access to your space. The fewer, the better. Make sure others know this is YOUR territory. Own it. This is easier done in a new space.
* Try EVERYTHING. Make a list of any problems. Report them to the vendors ASAP. Know the vendors by first name.
That's a dangerous assumption... hope they would be able to...
I would suggest having a second copy of keys for things like the booth and storage closets if possible. Then, you can always keep yours and still give keys out if needed. As long as you always know where they are and make sure the people who have them really need them.
Know vendors, local shops, and other TDs of nearby venues who may have things you may want to borrow if necessary. Friends in good places are ALWAYS nice!
Enjoy your new space! Welcome to CB!
Beaumont ! That's some pretty area around there, well for Texas anyway. ; >
Welcome aboard You're going to find a lot of help from folks from all over and we do have quite a few from Texas as well.
At this point, there are no students working with me. I have a team of guys that I've worked with for the last several years in a different venue that are going to help me get through this year until I can start training my kids next year. I won't actually have any tech classes until then from which to recruit. (I'm currently in the English Department, even though my degrees are both in theatre. English was my gateway!)
As for the keys to the space, the agreement right now is that I will have the keys, and there will be an additional set in the Fine Arts AP's office in case of an emergency if I'm unable to be reached. The only other person that will have keys to the facility at this time is the head of custodial services. People will not be able to go check out the keys or anything like that. For all intents and responsibilities, the space will be "mine," and I will liaise with the different fine arts departments (theatre, dance, choir, band, orchestra, A/V production) to facilitate and meet their needs for performance events. It's not supposed to be an assembly hall. They've been very specific about that.
I won't be handing off to kids for a while - not until I know for a fact that they are properly trained and trustworthy.
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