Hello folks,
I'm new to the site and to the profession. I'm good with sound design and with electricity and mechanical repair, so the lighting hasn't been too tough to get a hold of quickly. But, I could really use a few tips on a few items.
I've recently been hired to teach at a local high school and to manage the theater. The idea is that I will start a theater tech program as soon as I'm qualified (or as soon as I can get the paper that says I'm qualified) to teach it. My background gives me a good background for sound design and lighting "design" (the artistic part is still in question). But my lack of experience in some areas really makes constantly second guess myself.
Anyways, here's my questions:
I need to know what the primary consideration is for making the best purchases when it comes to purchasing lamps. Is it the manufacturer, cost, life expectancy? My gut says to get the best dollar per hour of life of each lamp.
Also, the shop that I've inherited has no tools of any kind. I've purchased a few cordless drills, a couple of basic home repair kits so that I can teach the kids (my student assistants) how to repair the light fixtures as we can. What tools should I get, and in what order? I've looked for a website with ideas, but have had no luck.
Also, I've found that gaff tape is far more expensive than I expected. Are there any brands to avoid or can you make a recommendation on a brand that will get me the most for my money?
Finally, can you recommend any good stores to shop? California stores are easiest for me to purchase from, but I can get stuff from any U.S. retailer if the price warrants it.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Brad
I'm new to the site and to the profession. I'm good with sound design and with electricity and mechanical repair, so the lighting hasn't been too tough to get a hold of quickly. But, I could really use a few tips on a few items.
I've recently been hired to teach at a local high school and to manage the theater. The idea is that I will start a theater tech program as soon as I'm qualified (or as soon as I can get the paper that says I'm qualified) to teach it. My background gives me a good background for sound design and lighting "design" (the artistic part is still in question). But my lack of experience in some areas really makes constantly second guess myself.
Anyways, here's my questions:
I need to know what the primary consideration is for making the best purchases when it comes to purchasing lamps. Is it the manufacturer, cost, life expectancy? My gut says to get the best dollar per hour of life of each lamp.
Also, the shop that I've inherited has no tools of any kind. I've purchased a few cordless drills, a couple of basic home repair kits so that I can teach the kids (my student assistants) how to repair the light fixtures as we can. What tools should I get, and in what order? I've looked for a website with ideas, but have had no luck.
Also, I've found that gaff tape is far more expensive than I expected. Are there any brands to avoid or can you make a recommendation on a brand that will get me the most for my money?
Finally, can you recommend any good stores to shop? California stores are easiest for me to purchase from, but I can get stuff from any U.S. retailer if the price warrants it.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Brad