How many Dimmer Channels ?
Sun, 22 June 2008, 07:35 pmDon Allen28 posts in thread
How many Dimmer Channels ?
Sun, 22 June 2008, 07:35 pmWith the offer of state funding in WA for amateur theatres, the decisions on what to apply for need researching and some professional advice is required to explain the theatre lighting requirements of amateur theatre groups.
One ideal "Square One" lighting design, (so called because if you put everything back to "square one" you will be able to provide good lighting for any basic production ) is to:
Divide the stage into the nine basic acting areas ie DSL, DSC, DSR, MSL, MSC, MSR, USL, USC, USR.
Allocate two key lights to each area (the McAndless method see lighting links, this takes you to 18 lights from the front. at 45 degrees to the centre of each acting area.
Allocate a back light to each acting area, directly behind the centre of each acting area, this takes another six channels
You now have an ideal lighting design that uses 24 dimmer channels for individual control of each light. In a usual amateur theatre situation, you will have to parallel lights if you have less dimmer channels.
You now need to allow three dimmer channels if you have a cyclorama and additional channels for specials, so the ideal number of channels takes you up to 36, which is three dimmer racks, of 12 channels each, with a channels capacity of 2400 watts.
Any questions ?
The 9 positions defined on
Mon, 23 June 2008, 01:45 pmThe 9 positions defined on the stage, as Don described, can be visualised here;-Defining the stage:-
http://www.blue-room.org.uk/wiki/Defining_the_Stage
Besides the work of Prof Stanley Macandless, who is of course an American pioneer in theatre lighting. So some of the terms used will be different.
My sort of Guru is Francis Reid, who I met when I was a young bloke, many many eons ago. His books are also a good resource to have on hand, along with a myriad of others.
Which is now in it's 6th edition;-Francis Reid;-
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/reader/0713653965/ref=sib_rdr_fc?ie=UTF8&p=S001&j=0#reader-page
However while it is relatively up to date, it can be heavy going.
Just to add to Don's post on the lighting angle positions, which are covered by Francis Reid.
that being 'X' - Overhead 'Y' FOH & 'Z' from the stage floor [deck] {'Floats' [footlights]}.
Personally I would opt for more 38A feeds, mains direct distribution, however as Don suggested, in all cases get a qualified Sparkie to check out the venue. Because in a lot of cases the Mains Board supply distribution may have to be reconciled &/or upgraded.
I prefer always to have more Amperage capacity than less to play with.
if you can't find a friendly electrician @ mates rates, for a few cartons or free. Pay for the service Call, it will be cheapest in the long run.
I'd like to say the Technical Advisory Pool [TAP} is up & running, to help & assist. [Tere are a few Licensed Electricains, Audio, Set & Costume ARTiciphers. Who have shown interest in coming on board. But we have yet to have our very First Moot & christen it properly, with an organised Launch.
TOI TOI TOI CHOOKAS
[May you always play to a full house] Hear the lights & see the sounds.