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Subject: Stagecraft Digest #785
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 03:00:48 -0700
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For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

Stagecraft Digest, Issue #785

 1. Re: VW Spotlight query
    by "Paul Schreiner" <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu>
 2. Re: how to dress for dress??
    by <Stephen.Rees [at] fredonia.edu>
 3. Re: the wonderful world of Opera
    by "Paul Schreiner" <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu>
 4. Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
    by "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
 5. Re: 9volt led flashlight
    by "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
 6. Re: Painting PVC-new twist
    by "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
 7. Re: USITT 2008?
    by "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
 8. Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
    by "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
 9. Re: USITT 2008?
    by "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
10. Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
    by "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
11. Re: Orchestra pit safety?
    by "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
12. Re: Orchestra pit safety?
    by "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
13. Re: how to dress for dress??
    by "Shawn King" <skingld [at] gmail.com>
14. Re: the wonderful world of Opera
    by iaeg [at] aol.com
15. Re: how to dress for dress??
    by Kate Daly <kdaly973 [at] comcast.net>
16. Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
    by Clive Mitchell <bigclive1 [at] ntlworld.com>
17. Re: Rack for Flying Advice
    by Clive Mitchell <bigclive1 [at] ntlworld.com>
18. Re: 9volt led flashlight
    by Clive Mitchell <bigclive1 [at] ntlworld.com>
19. Re: how to dress for dress??
    by Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
20. Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
    by "Bill Conner" <bill-conner [at] att.net>
21. Off topic - compiler problem
    by "Bill Conner" <bill-conner [at] att.net>
22. Re: Cable paths...
    by "Bill Conner" <bill-conner [at] att.net>
23. Re: Cable paths...
    by "Steven Haworth" <sjh [at] idm.com>
24. Re: VW Spotlight query
    by "Jason Cowperthwaite" <jasonclights [at] gmail.com>
25. Re: Opera Rep
    by MissWisc [at] aol.com
26. Re: VW Spotlight query
    by "Paul Schreiner" <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu>
27. Re: Opera Rep
    by "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" <stagecraft [at] jeffsalzberg.com>
28. Re: Rack for Flying Advice
    by "C. Andrew Dunning" <cad [at] landrudesign.com>
29. Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
30. Re: how to dress for dress??
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
31. Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
32. Re: Pit Nets
    by "Jim Niesel" <jimn [at] tpcworld.com>
33. Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
    by Phil Johnson <Phil.Johnson [at] mail.tamucc.edu>
34. Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
35. Re: VW Spotlight query
    by Steve Larson <tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com>
36. Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
    by Michael Drury <MSDRURY [at] peoplepc.com>
37. Re: Missing Digest #780
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
38. Re: Pit Nets
    by Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
39. Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
    by Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
40. Spinning Stripper poles
    by Pgl87 [at] aol.com
41. Noisy Theatre Doors
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
42. Re: USITT 2008?
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
43. Re: big river
    by MissWisc [at] aol.com
44. Re: Opera Rep
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
45. Re: USITT 2008?
    by Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
46. Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
47. Re: Cable paths...
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
48. Re: Rack for Flying Advice
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
49. Re: Rack for Flying Advice
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
50. Re: Orchestra pit safety?
    by Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
51. Re: USITT 2008?
    by "Patrick Immel" <salukitd [at] gmail.com>
52. Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
    by Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
53. Re: how to dress for dress??
    by Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
54. Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
    by Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
55. Re: USITT 2008?
    by Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
56. Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
    by "Ken" <holyoak1 [at] comcast.net>
57. Fat Frog 88
    by "Maurice Moe Conn" <t8rtekguy [at] hotmail.com>
58. Re: Missing Digest #780
    by "Noah Price" <stagecraft-web [at] theprices.net>
59. Re: USITT 2008?
    by "Patrick Immel" <salukitd [at] gmail.com>
60. Re: Orchestra pit safety?
    by "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
61. Re: Orchestra pit safety?
    by "Don Taco" <taco [at] peak.org>
62. Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
    by Dale Farmer <dale [at] cybercom.net>
63. Re: Orchestra pit safety?
    by Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
64. Re: Orchestra pit safety?
    by Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
65. could be useful backstage?
    by Kate Daly <kdaly973 [at] comcast.net>
66. Painting PVC - A followup
    by "Patrick Immel" <salukitd [at] gmail.com>
67. designs on recent works
    by "Jeffrey Mulvey" <mulvey.tech [at] gmail.com>
68. Re: Cable paths...
    by "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>
69. Re: Rack for Flying Advice
    by "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>
70. Re: how to dress for dress??
    by "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>
71. Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
    by "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>
72. Re: Pit Nets
    by "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>
73. Re: Spinning Stripper poles
    by "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>
74. Re: Orchestra pit safety?
    by "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>
75. Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
    by "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>
76. Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
    by "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>
77. testing
    by Jason Haislet <lightheatre [at] yahoo.com>
78. Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
    by Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>

*** Please update the subject line of your reply to use the subject
*** line of the message you are replying to! Please only reply to
*** one message subject in each reply.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: RE: VW Spotlight query
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:00:29 -0400
Message-ID: <6E497ADB607656479C24E6D7BF6B505A042A9C38 [at] exchange.rmwc.edu>
From: "Paul Schreiner" <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu>

> Your pipe has become a symbol and you can find it in the resource=20
> browser and re-insert it with the Light Position Object tool.=20

That's what I thought when I first tried it...but the weird part is that
the pipe disappears, but the text block "appended" off the end of the
pipe with the position name is there.  When I try to re-insert it with
the tool, all I get is the text block, even though the entire pipe shows
up in the Resource Browser.

The pipe reappears when I switch to any view other than Top/Plan.  But I
wanna work in that view!  Why is it *only* "invisible" in Top/Plan?

------------------------------

Subject: RE: how to dress for dress??
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:05:15 -0400
Message-ID: <F9E613F2DD66A645B6BD1423FA0EEC321B86C1 [at] exchangeb3.ad.fredonia.edu>
From: <Stephen.Rees [at] fredonia.edu>

We do.  It gets them in the habit and also alerts us to the fact that
someone might not have show blacks and need to obtain them.
Steve=20

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of b Ricie
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 3:02 PM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: how to dress for dress??

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------


Quick poll(not a stripper pole)

How many people out there require their crew to be in show blacks for
final Dress rehearsal. How many people out there care not what the crew
wears as long as come show night they are in their show blacks??

Brian Rice
508-685-0716
b_ricie [at] yahoo.com
"Blessed are the cracked: For it is they who let in the light."

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com=20

------------------------------

Subject: RE: the wonderful world of Opera
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:07:18 -0400
Message-ID: <6E497ADB607656479C24E6D7BF6B505A042A9C39 [at] exchange.rmwc.edu>
From: "Paul Schreiner" <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu>

> Opera...[is] full of sex,
> death and debauchery(not really something for the
> kids).

Reminds me of an ooooold newspaper article I read many years ago (like,
sixteen...during my first summer stock gig!) written by a guy at the
Hartford Courant:  "If It's Sex, Drugs, and Murder, It Must Be Opera!"

I might still have a photocopy of it somewhere...as I recall, about five
years ago someone on the list had asked me if I could copy it, and I
tracked down the author (still at the Courant) who was so flabbergasted
that I was even asking permission to distribute copies that he pretty
much gave me blanket leave to do with it as I will with his compliments.
So if I can find it, maybe I'll make some available somewhere...

Egads...thinking about how long it's been since that article was written
got me to thinking...and I just realized that come the fall I'll be
teaching kids who weren't even born when I started college.

Time for a beer.

------------------------------

Reply-To: <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
From: "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: RE: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:07:59 -0600
Message-ID: <022001c6696d$27fbc140$c083c447 [at] doom1>
In-Reply-To: <list-29716686 [at] prxy.net>

Fine for now .....and let the years go by. Ouch. Doom 

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Bruce Purdy
Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 8:08 PM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

> Her pelvis is
> fractured in two places, there is a break in her tailbone, and her forearm
> is also broken.
<Snip>
>"Mrs. Peterson is fine," said Deputy Mayor Steve Campbell Monday night.
<Snip>
> As an added precaution, Mrs. Peterson did spend the night at the hospital.

    Fractured pelvis (In two places), broken tailbone and arm, and she is
"Fine"? 

Bruce
-- 
Bruce Purdy
Technical Director
Smith Opera House



------------------------------

Reply-To: <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
From: "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: RE: 9volt led flashlight
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:07:59 -0600
Message-ID: <025501c6696d$3c9cd260$c083c447 [at] doom1>
In-Reply-To: <list-29727660 [at] prxy.net>

Agreed Radio  Slock?  A former client, ouch. Doom 

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Scott
Parker
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 7:41 AM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Re: 9volt led flashlight

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

Pricey, yes... But, a great idea for an electrics class project...
Except for the molded cap, all the parts are at the local Radio Slock.

Scott

On 4/26/06, Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com> wrote:
> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> http://9voltlight.com/
> > I found it via digg.com.
>
>     Those look neat, but rather pricey for what they are! I'd likely try a
> blue one for backstage and a red one for night hiking - maybe even a white
> one whilst I'm at it - if the price was more reasonable.
>
> Bruce
> --
> Bruce Purdy
> Technical Director
> Smith Opera House
>
>
>


--
Thanks and take care, Scott

	Scott C. Parker
	Professor/Technical Director
	Dept. of Performing Arts
	Dyson College of Arts and Sciences  [at]  Pace University
	Office/shipping: 41 Park Row, 1205F
	Mailing: 1 Pace Plaza
	New York, NY 10038
	212-346-1423  Fax: 914-989-8425


------------------------------

Reply-To: <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
From: "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: RE: Painting PVC-new twist
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:07:59 -0600
Message-ID: <025601c6696d$3dfd9ae0$c083c447 [at] doom1>
In-Reply-To: <list-29728543 [at] prxy.net>

Is this like sin  cerly. Doom 

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Jon Ares
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 8:29 AM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Re: Painting PVC-new twist

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

From: "CB" <psyd [at] cox.net>
> if the pole sins
> freely,


There's certainly a joke in there.

(Would be a good title for something as well.)

      - Jon Ares
www.hevanet.com/acreative 


------------------------------

Reply-To: <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
From: "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: RE: USITT 2008?
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:07:59 -0600
Message-ID: <025701c6696d$3e42ba30$c083c447 [at] doom1>
In-Reply-To: <list-29728773 [at] prxy.net>

HOUSTON, TEXAS 

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Michael
Beyer
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 8:42 AM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Re: USITT 2008?

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

I THINK, that I heard someone in a comission meeting say that it was
Huston in 2008....

If memory serves...

Michael

On 4/26/06, Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] richmondsounddesign.com> wrote:
> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> On Wed, 26 Apr 2006, Steve Larson wrote:
>
> > spaces past 2010.  The demand for a facility that
> > large is tremendous.
>
> I can assure you they know where they are going to meet for the next 10
years at
> least, and specific dates and locations for the next 5.  I looked at their
web
> site and that information doesn't seem to be there but head office will
> definitely know:
>
> http://www.usitt.org
>
> Charlie
>


--
www.mjblightdesign.com


------------------------------

Reply-To: <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
From: "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
Cc: bill [at] bcaworld.com ('Bill Conner')
Subject: RE: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:07:59 -0600
Message-ID: <025801c6696d$3eb52b10$c083c447 [at] doom1>
In-Reply-To: <list-29729310 [at] prxy.net>

Bill, exactly what we have pressed for and use in all of our work, and is
accepted by those I deal with. Doom 

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Bill Conner
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 9:09 AM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

Peter S. asked about OSHA and stage fall protection.  My understanding of 
OSHA is that it requires an employer to provide fall protection for 
employees when there is a fall hazard and that there are exceptions for 
performers on stages.  Whether or not this means railings or other means for

other than performers is less clear.  Fortunately or unfortunately - and it 
does vary - OSHA is not regularly enforced in the same manner as fire 
marshals and building inspectors do for fire and building codes.  The 
fallacy of federal regulations.

Here is what OSHA stated in an interpretation to Mr. Mark W. DeLawyer, 
Secretary and Senior Rigger, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage 
Employees Local No.9, Syracuse, New York, on January 28, 1997.  (Search 
interpretations for "stage" if you want entire text - which deals more with 
trusses and bosons chairs.)

"OSHA is concerned with the safety and health of all workers in the 
entertainment industry. Although OSHA recognizes it is not appropriate to 
put guardrails at the edge of stages, theatrical employees need to be 
protected from all occupational safety and health hazards. The fall 
protection standards for general industry (found in Subpart D of 29 CFR at 
1910.21 through 1910.32) as well as the personal protective equipment 
standards (found in Subpart I of 29 CFR at 1910.132 through 1910.138) are 
the appropriate standards for your situation."

I've mentioned balcony rails are similar.  Building and fire codes require 
they be only 26" but OSHA says 42" or fall protection.  Thus, temporary 42" 
rails are last thing out at end of construction; ushers and vendors are 
directed to not go to first row in upper decks; and cleaners use harnesses 
attached to a zip line under the first row of seats.  But pay $100 for the 
ticket, sit and stand in the front row, drink too much beer bought from the 
vendor in the second row, and OSHA doesn't protect you.

I have several times been a proponent of regulations that would require 
temporary guards at the front of stages but have been defeated, usually by 
building officials who find it difficult enough to enforce stuff that is 
permanent, let alone removable.  (So, they require this portable rail and 
someone falls and their department gets sued for not enforcing the use of 
what they required.)

One simple option would be to mark and enforce a 42" "no step" zone at the 
front of the stage.  This is equivalent to a 42" rail.  (Which should be 44"

or so - the center of gravity of the 95th percentile male.)  But, sure, tell

someone not to walk there.  Good luck, huh?

Well, at some point, we're all going to suffer from some governmental agency

who, knowing nothing about stages and theatre and entertainment technology, 
will swoop in with their own idea of safety.  Probably will start in 
Indiana.

The pop-up railings is one response - I'm sure not much over $50,000-100,000

for a typical stage - initially - plus maintenance annually.  I'm not sure 
where the chain or cable goes - lies on the floor I guess.

Theatre consultant Bob Davis suggests a tennis net that attaches to the 
proscenium (about the right height and economical because they are mass 
produced).

On one project, the (private) school on their own had a safety net installed

just below the removable pit cover.  It came from a company that does nets 
like under bridge repair work and attached to the walls around the pit, 
including railing.  I won't vouch for it meeting all strength requirements 
but sure looks like it would stop someone.  Reported to cost under $3000.

Keep in mind that many of these falls - and I'm even more certain that this 
is the most common injury and most serious hazard on stages - are frequently

at non-performance times, often in the very off hours.  Firemen fell and 
were injured in 6 out of 26 stage fires reported to NFPA in one 5 year 
period - the only injuries resulting from those fires.  I know of a former 
college president and a trustee of a college both seriously injured in 
separate incidents while touring folks through "their" new theatre.  Reports

of performers falling are not uncommon.  Reports of pit musicians being 
injured by falling props an scenery are not unheard of.

And then there is the ADA and other accessibility regulation which sometimes

results in curbs at stage edges - which I think are worse than no edge but 
am not sure.

How does anyone feel about requiring the lighted edge - tivoli style or 
other - for all stages?  Someone was manufacturing a black extrusion about 
1/2" sq with l.e.d.s angled from vertical to minimize the audience's view. 
Don't know if that is still out there or not.

Thanks for all your reports.  I've saved and filed them.

Bill C.






------------------------------

Reply-To: <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
From: "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: RE: USITT 2008?
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:07:59 -0600
Message-ID: <025f01c6696d$41d3f740$c083c447 [at] doom1>
In-Reply-To: <list-29730436 [at] prxy.net>

It is Houston. Doom 

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Michael
Banvard
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 9:57 AM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Re: USITT 2008?

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------


> I THINK, that I heard someone in a commission meeting say that 
> it was Huston in 2008....
> 
> If memory serves...
> 

I too heard that it might be HOUston in '08.  Texas, that is.  I heard this
at the conference, thought when I used it to refer to the '08 conference,
others were taken by surprise, so I reverted back to "the 2008 conference."

- Michael Banvard
Saint Louis University High School


------------------------------

Reply-To: <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
From: "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: RE: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:07:59 -0600
Message-ID: <026001c6696d$42228c70$c083c447 [at] doom1>
In-Reply-To: <list-29731571 [at] prxy.net>

And this is used in litigation, as it follows their interpretation of the
Regulations. Doom 

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Eric Lin
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 10:45 AM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

So... is there anything wrong with putting a large metal grate over
the pit in that situtation? use the frame and supports from the
removable pit cover, remove the deck, bolt some expanded steel or bar
grate to it? Seems like it would be priceless in a school situation,
or are there sound, sight issues?

On 4/26/06, Bill Conner <bill-conner [at] att.net> wrote:
> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> Peter S. asked about OSHA and stage fall protection.  My understanding of
> OSHA is that it requires an employer to provide fall protection for
> employees when there is a fall hazard and that there are exceptions for
> performers on stages.  Whether or not this means railings or other means
for
> other than performers is less clear.  Fortunately or unfortunately - and
it
> does vary - OSHA is not regularly enforced in the same manner as fire
> marshals and building inspectors do for fire and building codes.  The
> fallacy of federal regulations.
>
> Here is what OSHA stated in an interpretation to Mr. Mark W. DeLawyer,
> Secretary and Senior Rigger, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage
> Employees Local No.9, Syracuse, New York, on January 28, 1997.  (Search
> interpretations for "stage" if you want entire text - which deals more
with
> trusses and bosons chairs.)
>
> "OSHA is concerned with the safety and health of all workers in the
> entertainment industry. Although OSHA recognizes it is not appropriate to
> put guardrails at the edge of stages, theatrical employees need to be
> protected from all occupational safety and health hazards. The fall
> protection standards for general industry (found in Subpart D of 29 CFR at
> 1910.21 through 1910.32) as well as the personal protective equipment
> standards (found in Subpart I of 29 CFR at 1910.132 through 1910.138) are
> the appropriate standards for your situation."
>
> I've mentioned balcony rails are similar.  Building and fire codes require
> they be only 26" but OSHA says 42" or fall protection.  Thus, temporary
42"
> rails are last thing out at end of construction; ushers and vendors are
> directed to not go to first row in upper decks; and cleaners use harnesses
> attached to a zip line under the first row of seats.  But pay $100 for the
> ticket, sit and stand in the front row, drink too much beer bought from
the
> vendor in the second row, and OSHA doesn't protect you.
>
> I have several times been a proponent of regulations that would require
> temporary guards at the front of stages but have been defeated, usually by
> building officials who find it difficult enough to enforce stuff that is
> permanent, let alone removable.  (So, they require this portable rail and
> someone falls and their department gets sued for not enforcing the use of
> what they required.)
>
> One simple option would be to mark and enforce a 42" "no step" zone at the
> front of the stage.  This is equivalent to a 42" rail.  (Which should be
44"
> or so - the center of gravity of the 95th percentile male.)  But, sure,
tell
> someone not to walk there.  Good luck, huh?
>
> Well, at some point, we're all going to suffer from some governmental
agency
> who, knowing nothing about stages and theatre and entertainment
technology,
> will swoop in with their own idea of safety.  Probably will start in
> Indiana.
>
> The pop-up railings is one response - I'm sure not much over
$50,000-100,000
> for a typical stage - initially - plus maintenance annually.  I'm not sure
> where the chain or cable goes - lies on the floor I guess.
>
> Theatre consultant Bob Davis suggests a tennis net that attaches to the
> proscenium (about the right height and economical because they are mass
> produced).
>
> On one project, the (private) school on their own had a safety net
installed
> just below the removable pit cover.  It came from a company that does nets
> like under bridge repair work and attached to the walls around the pit,
> including railing.  I won't vouch for it meeting all strength requirements
> but sure looks like it would stop someone.  Reported to cost under $3000.
>
> Keep in mind that many of these falls - and I'm even more certain that
this
> is the most common injury and most serious hazard on stages - are
frequently
> at non-performance times, often in the very off hours.  Firemen fell and
> were injured in 6 out of 26 stage fires reported to NFPA in one 5 year
> period - the only injuries resulting from those fires.  I know of a former
> college president and a trustee of a college both seriously injured in
> separate incidents while touring folks through "their" new theatre.
Reports
> of performers falling are not uncommon.  Reports of pit musicians being
> injured by falling props an scenery are not unheard of.
>
> And then there is the ADA and other accessibility regulation which
sometimes
> results in curbs at stage edges - which I think are worse than no edge but
> am not sure.
>
> How does anyone feel about requiring the lighted edge - tivoli style or
> other - for all stages?  Someone was manufacturing a black extrusion about
> 1/2" sq with l.e.d.s angled from vertical to minimize the audience's view.
> Don't know if that is still out there or not.
>
> Thanks for all your reports.  I've saved and filed them.
>
> Bill C.
>
>
>
>
>
>


--
-Eric Lin


------------------------------

Reply-To: <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
From: "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: RE: Orchestra pit safety?
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:07:59 -0600
Message-ID: <026601c6696d$42bd93f0$c083c447 [at] doom1>
In-Reply-To: <list-29729563 [at] prxy.net>

Also, Michael: having the lift up and the footlights, if any still exist,
down or covered is a must. Doom 

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Michael
Sorensen
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 9:20 AM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Orchestra pit safety?

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

Didn't we discuss pit safety issues awhile back? 
Doom, does OSHA have anything about this?  

I seem to remember that you are supposed to have a pit
net (although I have never seen one) in place whenever
the pit is used, which is supposed to prevent
accidents like this?  That would seem to be the
simplest solution...

Michael Sorensen
Proton Lighting and Video
"We positively charge up your show!"
Phone: 520-232-3540  
Email: chaoscon666 [at] yahoo.com

"It's all just a scam, isn't it?  
You get those actors to put on a 
show, just so you can have a good 
reason to play with your toys." 
--Christopher Stasheff, "A Slight Detour"

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 


------------------------------

Reply-To: <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
From: "RD" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: RE: Orchestra pit safety?
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:07:59 -0600
Message-ID: <026701c6696d$43076e30$c083c447 [at] doom1>
In-Reply-To: <list-29729563 [at] prxy.net>

April 26, 2006
Michael: Yes, we have discussed this over and over again, and there have
been some excellent recommendations. There are about four divergent views as
to markings and directions. I discuss some of those in my new book. All of
us have gone from the marking the edge of the stage, which is mandatory in
the Stage Managers directions for Equity, as I recall, and all the way to
the suggestion that Olaf Soot made for a hydraulic cover for the orchestra
pit at Radio City Music Hall. 

Having inspected thousands of these pits and having testified in many law
suits dealing with people who have fallen in them, we have approached OSHA
years ago about this problem. There are indeed sections in their Regulations
which discuss pits, but not orchestra, but in law suits these Regulations
have been applicable. I have written reams on this, it seems. 

I still come back to photoluminescent markings, solid and exact training for
anyone who uses the stage and the orchestra lifts. Blocking by the director
is mandatory, in my opinion. There are others suggestions as to barriers,
bells, alarms, flashing lights, when the lift is down and the pit is open,
and I am sure others will spell out those we have already read about.
However, it comes down to training the crews, and anyone else who uses the
stage, from the music people to custodial help. 

My recent law suits have dealt with groups who use the stage, from schools
and from clubs, and who have not been specific information and warnings
about the problems. 

Nets, yes, if they are properly done. Most I have seen are not, sad to say. 
People will continue to "play" with the edge as if it means little to them.
People back off, run off, jump off, try to jump over the open pit (oh yes.)
and various other curmudgenly actions. It all falls back on training and
enforcing the regulations, especially with individuals of any stripe who are
not familiar with the problems. I took the case of Bing Crosby when he fell
at the Academy Awards, some years ago, and I still get cases of people who
just do not think or know the danger. 
Doom  

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Michael
Sorensen
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 9:20 AM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Orchestra pit safety?

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

Didn't we discuss pit safety issues awhile back? 
Doom, does OSHA have anything about this?  

I seem to remember that you are supposed to have a pit
net (although I have never seen one) in place whenever
the pit is used, which is supposed to prevent
accidents like this?  That would seem to be the
simplest solution...

Michael Sorensen
Proton Lighting and Video
"We positively charge up your show!"
Phone: 520-232-3540  
Email: chaoscon666 [at] yahoo.com

"It's all just a scam, isn't it?  
You get those actors to put on a 
show, just so you can have a good 
reason to play with your toys." 
--Christopher Stasheff, "A Slight Detour"

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 


------------------------------

Message-ID: <84c790f30604261320o1e6c85edg3eb3faa166f77258 [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:20:15 -0400
From: "Shawn King" <skingld [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Re: how to dress for dress??
In-Reply-To: <list-29735124 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29724045 [at] prxy.net> <list-29735124 [at] prxy.net>

We require show blacks for dress rehearsals.

On 4/26/06, b Ricie <b_ricie [at] yahoo.com> wrote:

> Quick poll(not a stripper pole)
>
> How many people out there require their crew to be in
> show blacks for final Dress rehearsal. How many people
> out there care not what the crew wears as long as come
> show night they are in their show blacks??

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:28:25 -0400
Message-Id: <8C837871ABA27DA-C60-1CED [at] FWM-M13.sysops.aol.com>
From: iaeg [at] aol.com
References: <list-29736722 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-29736722 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: Re: the wonderful world of Opera

for those of you who have also been involved in marketing the 
performing arts.. you will recognize  the "sex, drugs, murder!" 
headline.

It was made famous to sell opera by Danny Newman of "Subscribe Now!" 
fame, I believe he actually used that line to market the CHICAGO LYRIC 
OPERA subscription season at one time.

very best,

Keith Arsenault
International Arts & Entertainment Group




-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Schreiner <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu>
To: Stagecraft <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
Sent: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:07:18 -0400
Subject: Re: the wonderful world of Opera

    For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see 
<http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

> Opera...[is] full of sex,
> death and debauchery(not really something for the
> kids).

Reminds me of an ooooold newspaper article I read many years ago (like,
sixteen...during my first summer stock gig!) written by a guy at the
Hartford Courant:  "If It's Sex, Drugs, and Murder, It Must Be Opera!"

I might still have a photocopy of it somewhere...as I recall, about five
years ago someone on the list had asked me if I could copy it, and I
tracked down the author (still at the Courant) who was so flabbergasted
that I was even asking permission to distribute copies that he pretty
much gave me blanket leave to do with it as I will with his compliments.
So if I can find it, maybe I'll make some available somewhere...

Egads...thinking about how long it's been since that article was written
got me to thinking...and I just realized that come the fall I'll be
teaching kids who weren't even born when I started college.

Time for a beer.

    

------------------------------

Message-Id: <6.1.2.0.2.20060426164816.03d6d068 [at] mail.comcast.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:52:07 -0400
From: Kate Daly <kdaly973 [at] comcast.net>
Subject: Re: how to dress for dress??
In-Reply-To: <list-29735124 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29724045 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-29735124 [at] prxy.net>

At 03:02 PM 4/26/2006, b Ricie wrote:

>How many people out there require their crew to be in
>show blacks for final Dress rehearsal.

Final dress rehearsal should have everything a performance has except the 
paying audience - including the crew in blacks unless they will be in 
costume. (I ASM'd a show a while back where I changed the set dressed as a 
hospital orderly, for example.)  



------------------------------

Message-ID: <Ky5nOUPAA+TEFwRj [at] ntlworld.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 22:02:56 +0100
From: Clive Mitchell <bigclive1 [at] ntlworld.com>
Subject: Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
References: <list-29734031 [at] prxy.net> <list-29735952 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-29735952 [at] prxy.net>

In message <list-29735952 [at] prxy.net>, Jim at TheatreWireless.com 
<stagecraft [at] theatrewireless.com> writes
>So... Should SciFi writers be filing patent applications for everything 
>they dream up in their fiction?

The thing is...  What happens when fiction meets reality?

http://www.lasikathome.com/index.html

I'm not sure I trust this.

-- 
Clive Mitchell
http://www.bigclive.com

------------------------------

Message-ID: <lxIcecOE99TEFwFL [at] ntlworld.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:59:48 +0100
From: Clive Mitchell <bigclive1 [at] ntlworld.com>
Subject: Re: Rack for Flying Advice
References: <list-29734680 [at] prxy.net> <list-29735864 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-29735864 [at] prxy.net>

In message <list-29735864 [at] prxy.net>, Jim at TheatreWireless.com 
<stagecraft [at] theatrewireless.com> writes
>A couple of years ago I had to take a scrolling sign to Vegas, from 
>Toronto, for a demo.  It was packed in a crate 36" x 48" x 12", and 
>weighed about 175lbs.

You actually thought you could have a pop at YESCO and Mikohn on their 
home turf?  :)

-- 
Clive Mitchell
http://www.bigclive.com

------------------------------

Message-ID: <YBVTC7Nz59TEFwBU [at] ntlworld.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:56:19 +0100
From: Clive Mitchell <bigclive1 [at] ntlworld.com>
Subject: Re: 9volt led flashlight
References: <list-29727660 [at] prxy.net> <list-29734364 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-29734364 [at] prxy.net>

In message <list-29734364 [at] prxy.net>, Bruce Purdy 
<bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com> writes
>    I was actually thinking the same thing! The moulded cap is the 
>issue - even the smallest "Project box" would be ridiculously big.

You can get hard PP3 snaps that pop apart and allow the insertion of an 
LED and small resistor with some skill.  The same concept is used for 
little LED markers with a flashing LED.

-- 
Clive Mitchell
http://www.bigclive.com

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:08:20 -0400
Subject: Re: how to dress for dress??
From: Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
Message-ID: <C0755984.101BE%bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-29735542 [at] prxy.net>

> How many people out there require their crew to be in
> show blacks for final Dress rehearsal. How many people
> out there care not what the crew wears as long as come
> show night they are in their show blacks??

    `As for myself, I own few cloths that *aren't* black!

Bruce
-- 
Bruce Purdy
Technical Director
Smith Opera House



------------------------------

Message-ID: <01cf01c66975$99f2e3c0$6d01a8c0 [at] BCA1>
Reply-To: "Bill Conner" <bill [at] bcaworld.com>
From: "Bill Conner" <bill-conner [at] att.net>
Subject: Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:08:43 -0500

Bill N. posted:  "For example, should we require high mess barriers along 
all sidewalks and automatic gates at crosswalks - to keep idiots from 
walking into traffic at the wrong times?"

Well, as I recall, there are some streets in Edinburgh that do have railings 
between the sidewalks and roadway and some walk lights - with audible 
signals as well - that seem pretty effective.

and Bill N. posted:  "The number of users injured by falling off a stage or 
into a pit is small."

But not zero nor close to it.  Based on health and similar research, the 
problem is probably at least 100 times that or greater than the news and 
posts here report.  I've gotten reports of several more falls into orchestra 
pits already from distributing the original article to theatre consultants 
just this morning.  (You want "small"? Try the number of people injured or 
killed by fire on stage.)

Trips and falls account for more injuries than probably any other event 
cause by the built environment.  Based on a study of emergency room admits 
some years ago, it was estimated that falls cost well over 100 times more 
injuries than did building fires.  Just because they happen one at a time 
and don't get as much reporting doesn't lessen the problem or losses.

Bill C.




------------------------------

Message-ID: <01d001c66975$bfe67740$6d01a8c0 [at] BCA1>
Reply-To: "Bill Conner" <bill [at] bcaworld.com>
From: "Bill Conner" <bill-conner [at] att.net>
Subject: Off topic - compiler problem
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:09:47 -0500

Chris B. posted:  The only reason I'd suggest 'Word' over 'Word Perfect' is 
its ubiquity.

I am sympathetic.  In the same way I'm intolerant of drafters that don't use 
AutoCAD, especially since the translation from another format to .dwg 
inevitably drops so much information.

I find I can work so much faster and more productively in WP - especially 
when it comes to writing specifications - that it's been worth developing 
techniques to work around the minority status.  I distribute documents (of 
all sorts) in pdf - truly a versatile and ubiquitous format - and the most 
recent versions of WP save to .doc very well.  I tried to switch a few years 
back and when I found that everyone I talked to had given up on Word's 
outline function, I gave up, and stuck with WP.

In my work, where I often have to match the appearance of a clients 
specifications, I can't imagine solving it with Word.

Bill C.


------------------------------

Message-ID: <01d101c66976$07636650$6d01a8c0 [at] BCA1>
Reply-To: "Bill Conner" <bill [at] bcaworld.com>
From: "Bill Conner" <bill-conner [at] att.net>
Subject: Re: Cable paths...
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:11:47 -0500

> Too bad a cable trough isn't quite feasible under these circumstances...

>But it would require extra thick floor joists to make up for
>the lost thickness for the trough. Plus the trough would require fairly
>stout cover sections that would stand up well to customer traffic.

While this is a very functional option, getting this detailed and installed 
so that the covers sit flush and smooth and don't cause stumbles is not easy 
and not inexpensive.  Consider that a bump or ridge in the floor as small as 
1/8" can cause a stumble leading to a fall and injury, it's tricky.  Finger 
holes for lifting - forget it with spiked heels.

Troughs overhead are an option but hard to get then to the center of house 
mix position.

Bill C.




------------------------------

Subject: RE: Cable paths...
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:16:06 -0500
Message-ID: <5D5187063B6B8B46A99E8C0D36E0EB0901AAA1F5 [at] danube.river.idm.com>
From: "Steven Haworth" <sjh [at] idm.com>
Cc: bill [at] bcaworld.com (Bill Conner)

Our new church venue had a number of heavy conduits laid in the floor -
accesible only at the ends.  This is a permanent install, so a number of
sound snakes were pulled thru these.  But couldn't a large enough pipe
be buried?  Then you avoid the whole issue of covers.

- Steven      (sjh [at] idm.com)
---------------------------
http://www.stagelights.info



>> Too bad a cable trough isn't quite feasible under these=20
>circumstances...
>
>>But it would require extra thick floor joists to make up for
>>the lost thickness for the trough. Plus the trough would=20
>require fairly
>>stout cover sections that would stand up well to customer traffic.
>
>While this is a very functional option, getting this detailed=20
>and installed=20
>so that the covers sit flush and smooth and don't cause=20
>stumbles is not easy=20
>and not inexpensive.  Consider that a bump or ridge in the=20
>floor as small as=20
>1/8" can cause a stumble leading to a fall and injury, it's=20
>tricky.  Finger=20
>holes for lifting - forget it with spiked heels.

------------------------------

Message-ID: <3eb8da960604261418q6e938503ob47bfd6411da1d21 [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:18:23 -0400
From: "Jason Cowperthwaite" <jasonclights [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Re: VW Spotlight query
In-Reply-To: <list-29736544 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29736544 [at] prxy.net>

Is your pipe a 3D object?  Lighting positions have both a 3D and 2D
view just like any other symbol.  If you are in Top/Plan, IIRC,
symbols utilize their 2D version.  All other views utilize their 3D
version.

Jason Cowperthwaite

On 4/26/06, Paul Schreiner <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu> wrote:
> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> > Your pipe has become a symbol and you can find it in the resource
> > browser and re-insert it with the Light Position Object tool.
>
> That's what I thought when I first tried it...but the weird part is that
> the pipe disappears, but the text block "appended" off the end of the
> pipe with the position name is there.  When I try to re-insert it with
> the tool, all I get is the text block, even though the entire pipe shows
> up in the Resource Browser.
>
> The pipe reappears when I switch to any view other than Top/Plan.  But I
> wanna work in that view!  Why is it *only* "invisible" in Top/Plan?
>

------------------------------

From: MissWisc [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <38e.2067454.31813e1b [at] aol.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:20:27 EDT
Subject: Re: Opera Rep

peter [at] scheuconsulting.com writes:
<< Another thing is "misting"  the stage. Although it probably was highly 
ineffectual in such a large space, I  would often walk around the stage about 5 
mins to curtain with a Hudson sprayer,  spraying a fine mist of water into the 
air (not enough to cause slip concerns).  The singers would see that and I was 
their HERO for getting the dust out of the  air (he-he). >>

It does help a little. I've "left" the  clothing steamer in a dressing room 
for a singer to use to raise the humidity  level. Voices that aren't well 
lubricated get hurt.
 
Kristi
 

------------------------------

Subject: RE: VW Spotlight query
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:23:35 -0400
Message-ID: <6E497ADB607656479C24E6D7BF6B505A042A9C3A [at] exchange.rmwc.edu>
From: "Paul Schreiner" <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu>

> Is your pipe a 3D object?  Lighting positions have both a 3D=20
> and 2D view just like any other symbol.  If you are in=20
> Top/Plan, IIRC, symbols utilize their 2D version.  All other=20
> views utilize their 3D version.

Ah, that might be it...so I should draw a 2D version, select both that
and the 3D pipe, and *then* try converting it to a lighting position?

------------------------------

Reply-To: <stagecraft [at] jeffsalzberg.com>
From: "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" <stagecraft [at] jeffsalzberg.com>
Subject: RE: Opera Rep
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:39:27 -0400
Message-ID: <006601c66979$e5290d70$6601a8c0 [at] Dell>
In-Reply-To: <list-29733678 [at] prxy.net>



> Make sure that the TV cart is heavy on=20
> the bottom so=20
> that it won't be knocked over in a scene change

Ah, if only most theatres were equipped with some sort of mechanical =
system
that required them to have on hand large numbers of iron weights which =
would
be perfect for this....


------------------------------

Reply-To: <cad [at] landrudesign.com>
From: "C. Andrew Dunning" <cad [at] landrudesign.com>
Subject: RE: Rack for Flying Advice
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:56:31 -0500
Organization: Landru Design
Message-ID: <E1FYrzx-0007im-0S [at] elasmtp-junco.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

Thanks for the advice.

I'm concluding (or having confirmed) that the MTS/SKB/Gator route is just
asking for trouble.  Though I really like how compact those cases are, I'm
not comfortable at all w. the likelihood of watching my gear emerge from the
conveyor belt...bit...by...bit...

C. Andrew Dunning
Landru Design
-
Nashville, TN
-
cad [at] landrudesign.com
landrudesign [at] earthlink.net
www.landrudesign.com
 



------------------------------

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <3b9.1832a14.31814792 [at] aol.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 18:00:50 EDT
Subject: Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...

In a message dated 26/04/06 19:42:49 GMT Daylight Time, billn [at] peak.org writes:

> Yep. There is no realistic way to protect people from all risks.

The late Robert Heinlein had an interesting point of view on this. He held 
that fools should not be prevented from killing themselves through their own 
stupidity. That way, and slowly, the human race improves.

I can see what he means. The inept caveman had a short life: the brighter 
ones survived. Hence, in the long run, Einstein. Darwinism in the extreme, I 
know. But I think it is right.


Frank Wood

------------------------------

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <37c.20b4d88.3181489f [at] aol.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 18:05:19 EDT
Subject: Re: how to dress for dress??

In a message dated 26/04/06 20:19:05 GMT Daylight Time, 
tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com writes:

> Since we often have invited guests at final
>  dress, it's blacks for the crew.

Any time after the tech, it's blacks for the crew, by me.

Frank Wood

------------------------------

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <293.943a8dc.31814a50 [at] aol.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 18:12:32 EDT
Subject: Re: Noisy Theatre Doors

In a message dated 26/04/06 20:38:43 GMT Daylight Time, 
stagecraft [at] theatrewireless.com writes:

> > I cannot think of the number of writers of Science Fiction 
>  > who have postulated this.
>  
>  So... Should SciFi writers be filing patent applications for everything 
they
>  dream up in their fiction?

From what I have seen, probably. Alas, many of them are no longer with us.


Frank Wood

------------------------------

Subject: RE: Pit Nets
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 18:19:00 -0400
Message-ID: <DAE59A897C3BFC43B57BBCDEF96F34720D2E25 [at] tpcserver.TPCCT.local>
From: "Jim Niesel" <jimn [at] tpcworld.com>

I have had some conversations with Barry Cordage, who make circus nets
and acrobatic supplies(they supply Cirque), about orchestra pit nets,
and the basic answer was that if you want it to meet the criteria for
supporting a human body(300lbs) without deflecting so much that a
musician in the pit is struck(or the harp or the cello), the net has to
be really tight.  I mean really tight.  Not like you just clip It in,
but like you hook up the come-along.  What this equates to is really
strong anchorages.  Most pits we do have a demountable railing at the
edge so that you can put seating on it when it is not in use.  There is
no way that railing is going to serve as an anchor for the net.  I have
also talked to Pecuda, who make construction nets and they said sure
they sell orchestra pit nets but had no reports on how they performed.
As for marking stage edges, most of our pits,  platforms or lifts, allow
for a stage extension.  A permanent  construct at the stage edge would
potentially be in the way in stage extension mode.  Taping the edge or
providing a string of some sort of LEDS or electroluminescent that can
be relocated as desired is our preference and we leave it to the users.
We do provide a 4" wide strap("safety yellow")  with ratchet with
anchors at the proscenium(usually holes in the smoke pocket)  that we
refer to as a "safety barrier strap" that we expect the users to install
when not in performance.

Jim Niesel
Consultant
Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc.


------------------------------

In-Reply-To: <list-29739526 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29739526 [at] prxy.net>
Message-Id: <8e794e43e6e444d149dc98e22c940bce [at] mail.tamucc.edu>
From: Phil Johnson <Phil.Johnson [at] mail.tamucc.edu>
Subject: Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:26:25 -0500

With the recent TIVO and Blackberry litigation, I wonder if some of the 
estates should get lawyers and take advantage of the climate  Majel 
Barret  (mrs Gene Roddenberry)  could get even richer.


On Apr 26, 2006, at 5:12 PM, FrankWood95 [at] aol.com wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see 
> <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> In a message dated 26/04/06 20:38:43 GMT Daylight Time,
> stagecraft [at] theatrewireless.com writes:
>
>>> I cannot think of the number of writers of Science Fiction
>>> who have postulated this.
>>
>>  So... Should SciFi writers be filing patent applications for 
>> everything
> they
>>  dream up in their fiction?
>
> From what I have seen, probably. Alas, many of them are no longer with 
> us.
>
>
> Frank Wood
>
Philip Johnson
Designer/Technical Director
Texas A & M -Corpus Christi


------------------------------

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <325.3552519.31814e23 [at] aol.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 18:28:51 EDT
Subject: Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...

In a message dated 26/04/06 22:09:01 GMT Daylight Time, bill-conner [at] att.net 
writes:

> But not zero nor close to it.  Based on health and similar research, the 
>  problem is probably at least 100 times that or greater than the news and 
>  posts here report.  I've gotten reports of several more falls into 
orchestra 
> 
>  pits already from distributing the original article to theatre consultants 
>  just this morning.  (You want "small"? Try the number of people injured or 
>  killed by fire on stage.)

Well, I think that stopping fools being harmed by they're own folly is 
counterproductive, in terms of the survival of the human race.As long as it harms 
no-one else.


Frank Wood

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 18:43:50 -0400
Subject: Re: VW Spotlight query
From: Steve Larson <tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com>
Message-ID: <C0756FE6.BA8D%tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-29738440 [at] prxy.net>

Draw it in a side view as a circle and
extrude it the length you want.  Then
it is 3-D.

Steve

> From: "Paul Schreiner" <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu>
> Reply-To: "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
> Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:23:35 -0400
> To: "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
> Subject: Re: VW Spotlight query
> 
> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
>> Is your pipe a 3D object?  Lighting positions have both a 3D
>> and 2D view just like any other symbol.  If you are in
>> Top/Plan, IIRC, symbols utilize their 2D version.  All other
>> views utilize their 3D version.
> 
> Ah, that might be it...so I should draw a 2D version, select both that
> and the 3D pipe, and *then* try converting it to a lighting position?


------------------------------

Message-ID: <444FFDA6.4040104 [at] peoplepc.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 19:09:26 -0400
From: Michael Drury <MSDRURY [at] peoplepc.com>
Subject: Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
References: <list-29735272 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-29735272 [at] prxy.net>

She was "honorary co-chair".  To my knowledge she has no stage 
experience outside of politics. 

The lectern was placed approximately 10' right of the pit.  The pit was 
raised and lowered throughout the show.  Some acts were on it in the 
raised position.  Some of these were loaded/struck at the lowest level 
while other acts performed on the stage proper.  Some entered from the 
wings, both left and right.  The speakers entered and exited through the 
wings DR.
 
msd


CB wrote:

>What kind of performance history did this woman have?  Wa she on stage
>solely as the wife of a VIP, or had she had any previous theatrical
>experience?  This sounds like the best argument for 'pro's only beyond this
>point'.  Was she a performer, really, or was this 'skit night'?
>Folks just don't think of the stage as a dangerous work environment...
>				
>  
>

------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060426164613.00dbbb90 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:46:13
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Re: Missing Digest #780

I got it. Thanks to all of you who sent a copy.  Now, what about the race?
; >
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment.  Rates
negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment...

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 19:45:34 -0400
Subject: Re: Pit Nets
From: Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
Message-ID: <C0757E5D.101DA%bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-29739655 [at] prxy.net>

> We do provide a 4" wide strap("safety yellow")  with ratchet with
> anchors at the proscenium(usually holes in the smoke pocket)  that we
> refer to as a "safety barrier strap" that we expect the users to install
> when not in performance.

    It occurs to me that this makes another argument in favour of dropping
the fire curtain when the show isn't going on. Much more solid than a
"Safety strap".

Bruce
-- 
Bruce Purdy
Technical Director
Smith Opera House



------------------------------

Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 19:49:23 -0400
Subject: Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
From: Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
Message-ID: <C0757F43.101DB%bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-29738029 [at] prxy.net>

>and Bill N. posted:  "The number of users injured by falling off a stage or
>into a pit is small."

>But not zero nor close to it.
<Snip>
> Trips and falls account for more injuries than probably any other event
> cause by the built environment.  Based on a study of emergency room admits
> some years ago, it was estimated that falls cost well over 100 times more
> injuries than did building fires.

    Trips and falls are one thing, falling into an orchestra pit is only a
small subset of that category.

Bruce
-- 
Bruce Purdy
Technical Director
Smith Opera House



------------------------------

From: Pgl87 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <3f1.809a0b.3181636f [at] aol.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 19:59:43 EDT
Subject: Spinning Stripper poles

_http://www.platinumstages.com_ (http://www.platinumstages.com) 
 
They have portable ones with cases too!

Philip LaDue
EPAC Audio  Engineer
RFL
Home 607-748-0347
Cell 607-727-7093
 

------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060426171004.00dbbb90 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:10:04
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Noisy Theatre Doors

>This from a recent ESTA publication. The article is not a joke, even if =
>the patent application may seem to be.

I'm not a patent lawyer, but I seem to recall that the requirements include
new technology, and not just a re-organization of older technology; and
that the patent include a description of the technology that can be used to
create said technology.  The patent application *is* a joke unless the
applicant has at least these two things.
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment.  Rates
negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment...

------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060426171704.00dbbb90 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:17:04
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Re: USITT 2008?

>> > I too heard that it might be HOUston in '08.  Texas, that is.

>As opposed to all the other Houstons?

Id'n'at the one at teh far edge of Texas t'where they have a street called
'Houston' but pronounced 'How'-stun'?  Or am I thinking of San Antone?
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment.  Rates
negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment...

------------------------------

From: MissWisc [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <404.425dd.3181663e [at] aol.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 20:11:42 EDT
Subject: Re: big river

Great family show. Can do super marketing  tie-ins with the Mark Twain stuff. 
Can make the set simple or complicated as you  choose. 

Kristi  


------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060426172326.00dbbb90 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:23:26
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: RE: Opera Rep

> Also havePLENTY of Kleenex boxes backstage for when they 
> want to "hock a loogie"

I purchased a spitoon for our 'Aida', who used to use the garbage can that
I'd invariably put in front of the amp racks for candy wrappers and empty
battery boxes.  She was a far better singer than spitter, and it was far
easier to rinse out a spittoon than wash down the amps...  
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment.  Rates
negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment...

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 01:20:40 +0100 (BST)
From: Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
Subject: Re: USITT 2008?
In-Reply-To: <list-29741554 [at] prxy.net>
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0604270119470.22909 [at] viscount.richmondsounddesign.com>
References: <list-29741554 [at] prxy.net>

On Wed, 26 Apr 2006, CB wrote:

> Id'n'at the one at teh far edge of Texas t'where they have a street called
> 'Houston' but pronounced 'How'-stun'?  Or am I thinking of San Antone?

You're thinking of NYC, TX.

Charlie

------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060426172852.00dbbb90 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:28:52
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...

>Yes. There would be a high probability of wrecking the sound.

How?  By emotionally stunting the performance of the musicians behind bars?
 As a(self-proclaimed) physicist and engineer , you cannot very well leave
this at, "Yes", and expect that to be the end of it.  Besides, and answer
like that does no one any good at all, ever.  No one learns anything, no
one is better informed than before they read this post, and the only
possible purpose that such a post would serve is to inflate one's ego.
Explain yourself.  Personally, accoustically, I believe that the bars would
present no more an obstacle to the sound than a net would, and I have no
scientific data available to me that would suggest otherwise.
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment.  Rates
negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment...

------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060426174011.00dbbb90 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:40:11
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: RE: Cable paths...

> I figured excavating a trough
>in what is presumably a concrete floor for the audience seating would be
>beyond their ken...

I figured that if they were talking about putting large holes through
walls, they were either familiar with concrete destructive devices, or were
sub-contracting the dirty work.  I'd go with troughs over conduit, given
the opportunity.  I'd have neither done by amateurs, though.  If the
technology to cut a trough isn't avalable, making it up as you go along is
going to be a disaster...
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment.  Rates
negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment...

------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060426174040.00d31cf0 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:40:40
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: RE: Rack for Flying Advice

>A couple of years ago I had to take a scrolling sign to Vegas, from Toronto,
>for a demo.  It was packed in a crate 36" x 48" x 12", and weighed about
>175lbs.  
>Meanwhile, my plane ticket was only $150.  BOTH WAYS!

So, for $150, you could have had the thing in the seat next to you the
whole time, and gotten the miles?  Actually, I meant 'FedEx' in the
'Crescent Wrench' sort of a way.  To imply 'some commercial carrier of
freight and goods across country'.  Brand names specificity was not to be
inferred by my use of a specific brand name.  I know, I know, how were you
to know?
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment.  Rates
negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment...

------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060426174236.00d31cf0 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:42:36
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Re: Rack for Flying Advice

>The production manager and I 
>rushed it to the airport, and put it on a Delta flight.  The TD had it 
>later that day.
>
>The whole thing cost less than FedEx would have charged to get it there 
>the next day.

How do you crush a drop?
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment.  Rates
negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment...

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:23:19 -0400
Subject: Re: Orchestra pit safety?
From: Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
Message-ID: <C0759547.C3C2%bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-29730438 [at] prxy.net>

Ladies and gents.  Pit nets do not work. Period.  If y9ou make it tight
enough to support a person and not allow that person to hit the musician or
the cello or harp (thanks Jim. Nice touch) then it will have to be so tight
that it will pull the anchorage points out whatever you have attached them
to.  We did pit nets for a little while because customers requested them.
But we've stopped.  We cannot justify their use in any situation.

And there is no regulation anywhere in the US that specifically requires pit
nets.

We do have a duty to protect our musicians, actors and technicians, but pit
nets are not the answer.

Bill S
ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre
www.sapsis-rigging.com
800.727.7471
267.278.4561 mobile

Join the Long Reach Long Riders on their 3rd annual cross country charity
motorcycle ride.   <www.LRLR.org>






On 4/26/06 11:54 AM, "Peter Scheu" <peter [at] scheuconsulting.com> wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> Michael Sorensen wrote:
> 
>> I seem to remember that you are supposed to have a pit
>> net (although I have never seen one) in place whenever
>> the pit is used, which is supposed to prevent
>> accidents like this?
> 
> Operative word here is "supposed". I know of no specific NATIONAL regulation
> or model code that REQUIRES an open orchestra pit or the edge of a stage to
> be made safe from falls. And I MEAN specific to edge of stage conditions. It
> may be a damn good idea, but I don't think its even "required" by local
> codes or regulations in most of this country. There may be a few local
> requirements, but it's almost impossible to know without consulting with
> local code officials and/or local architects. All national regulations are
> open to interpretation by the local inspector.
> 
> Peter Scheu
>  
> Scheu Consulting Services, Inc.
> Syracuse, NY
> www.scheuconsulting.com
> 



------------------------------

Message-ID: <b3333cd60604261858w486fe83dg962069e19684022b [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 20:58:04 -0500
From: "Patrick Immel" <salukitd [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Re: USITT 2008?
In-Reply-To: <list-29734443 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29727293 [at] prxy.net> <list-29734443 [at] prxy.net>

>
>    I see this a lot on this list - does anyone actually read the question=
s?
> The OP asked about the *date* for scheduling purposes. I think every repl=
y
> I've seen talks about the location!
>
> Bruce
> --
> Bruce Purdy
> Technical Director
> Smith Opera House

And your comment was helpful how?


--
Patrick Immel
Lighting and Scenic Designer
Northwest Missouri State University
patrickimmel.com

------------------------------

Message-ID: <44502A90.8030801 [at] dreampossible.ca>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 22:21:04 -0400
From: Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
Organization: Dreampossible Inc.
Subject: Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
References: <list-29734031 [at] prxy.net> <list-29735952 [at] prxy.net> <list-29737964 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-29737964 [at] prxy.net>

Clive Mitchell wrote:
> The thing is...  What happens when fiction meets reality?
> 
> http://www.lasikathome.com/index.html
> 
> I'm not sure I trust this.

Please tell me that site is a joke.

Let me rephrase that. The site *is* a joke. But please tell me they
don't really try to sell that kit over the Internet!

-- 
Jim Hyslop


------------------------------

Message-ID: <44502B9F.9060701 [at] dreampossible.ca>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 22:25:35 -0400
From: Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
Organization: Dreampossible Inc.
Subject: Re: how to dress for dress??
References: <list-29735124 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-29735124 [at] prxy.net>

b Ricie wrote:
> How many people out there require their crew to be in
> show blacks for final Dress rehearsal. How many people

As with most respondents, we require blacks at dress. As others have
said, a dress should be exactly like a show except for the audience.

So, curious minds (or at least my curious mind) want to know: what
brought this on?

-- 
Jim Hyslop


------------------------------

Message-ID: <44502DC8.7090406 [at] dreampossible.ca>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 22:34:48 -0400
From: Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
Organization: Dreampossible Inc.
Subject: Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
References: <list-29739298 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-29739298 [at] prxy.net>

FrankWood95 [at] aol.com wrote:
> The late Robert Heinlein had an interesting point of view on this. He held 
> that fools should not be prevented from killing themselves through their own 
> stupidity. That way, and slowly, the human race improves.

An interesting proposition. On the one hand, I do agree - let the idiots
remove themselves. OTOH, we do need to show compassion. The problem with
compassion, though, is that eventually the idiots will outnumber the
rest of us. Or have we passed that point already?

-- 
Jim Hyslop


------------------------------

Message-ID: <44502E29.9000209 [at] dreampossible.ca>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 22:36:25 -0400
From: Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
Organization: Dreampossible Inc.
Subject: Re: USITT 2008?
References: <list-29727293 [at] prxy.net> <list-29734443 [at] prxy.net> <list-29743586 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-29743586 [at] prxy.net>

Patrick Immel wrote:
> And your comment was helpful how?

By bringing people back to the topic at hand, and pointing out that the
original question remains unanswered.

-- 
Jim Hyslop


------------------------------

From: "Ken" <holyoak1 [at] comcast.net>
Subject: RE: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 22:40:56 -0400
Message-ID: <005701c669a4$02a50500$0200a8c0 [at] COMPAQ>
In-Reply-To: <list-29744248 [at] prxy.net>

I was with Mayor and his parents - she is doing much better actually stood
up today.


-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Jim Hyslop
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 10:35 PM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

FrankWood95 [at] aol.com wrote:
> The late Robert Heinlein had an interesting point of view on this. He held

> that fools should not be prevented from killing themselves through their
own 
> stupidity. That way, and slowly, the human race improves.

An interesting proposition. On the one hand, I do agree - let the idiots
remove themselves. OTOH, we do need to show compassion. The problem with
compassion, though, is that eventually the idiots will outnumber the
rest of us. Or have we passed that point already?

-- 
Jim Hyslop



------------------------------

Message-ID: <BAY102-F186EF4D6763B6D8CB5ADF1E0BD0 [at] phx.gbl>
From: "Maurice Moe Conn" <t8rtekguy [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Fat Frog 88
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 03:01:15 +0000


Ok so wise list...I have a former student working in a Theatre with a Fat 
Frog 88 board, Where the heck is the power switch and is it bad that they 
never turn it off?

Thanks
Moe


Help support Long Reach Long Riders 2006 Charity Ride. For Donation and/or 
Rider information, Check out: www.lrlr.org



------------------------------

From: "Noah Price" <stagecraft-web [at] theprices.net>
Subject: Re: Missing Digest #780
Date: 26 Apr 2006 20:14:00 -0700
Message-ID:<3228927255.1869685 [at] www.chatteremail.com>

> Anyhoo, has *no one* out there
> a copy of Digest #780 ...?

<http://stagecraft.theprices.net/digest/2006/04_April/>

Zup to date now. It's typically only updated weekly, but a request to stagecraft-web [at] theprices.net can get it sooner when anyone needs something specific.

Thanks,

Noah




------------------------------

Message-ID: <b3333cd60604262014k34ef3633tf917891f661eacf [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 22:14:55 -0500
From: "Patrick Immel" <salukitd [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Re: USITT 2008?
In-Reply-To: <list-29744281 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29727293 [at] prxy.net> <list-29734443 [at] prxy.net>
	 <list-29743586 [at] prxy.net> <list-29744281 [at] prxy.net>

> By bringing people back to the topic at hand, and pointing out that the
> original question remains unanswered.
>
> --
> Jim Hyslop

This whole thread has been on topic. Does every thread have to be 100%
on topic all of the time?  No.  This thread has been on topic as much
as most other threads!  It is just as useful to know *where* the event
is, as *when* it is!  Geesh, people are just trying to be helpful by
trying to answer a question.

Ok, so now its getting off topic!  ;-)

Pat

------------------------------

From: "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 03:55:04 GMT
Subject: Re: Orchestra pit safety?
Message-Id: <20060426.205512.12721.273081 [at] webmail37.lax.untd.com>

Dear Bill,
Do you also oppose the use of permanent or semi-permanent Tension Grids =
over orchestra pits which have the same construction style and ratings a=
s the Tension Grids that are sometimes built into Theatre  ceilings dire=
ctly above orchestra pits? Are you opposed to the 'give' of a rope net, =
but not to that of a high-tension steel-cable net?
/s/ Richard
_______________________________

Ladies and gents.  Pit nets do not work. Period.  If you make it tight e=
nough to support a person and not allow that person to hit the musician =
or the cello or harp (thanks Jim. Nice touch) then it will have to be so=
 tight that it will pull the anchorage points out whatever you have atta=
ched them to.  We did pit nets for a little while because customers requ=
ested them. But we've stopped.  We cannot justify their use in any situa=
tion.
And there is no regulation anywhere in the US that specifically requires=
 pit nets.

We do have a duty to protect our musicians, actors and technicians, but =
pit nets are not the answer.

Bill S



------------------------------

Message-ID: <018d01c669ae$b6f1e550$e28aaa43 [at] DonTaco>
From: "Don Taco" <taco [at] peak.org>
References: <list-29742896 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: Re: Orchestra pit safety?
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 20:57:31 -0700

> Ladies and gents.  Pit nets do not work. Period.  If y9ou make it tight
> enough to support a person and not allow that person to hit the musician 
> or
> the cello or harp (thanks Jim. Nice touch) then it will have to be so 
> tight
> that it will pull the anchorage points out whatever you have attached them
> to.

  Well, sure, and that's simple, easy to grasp physics.  But isn't there a 
middle ground where hitting the net and ground/musician/harp is 
better/safer/softer than hitting them without the net?

  For one thing, if the structure that held a pit cover remained in place 
and the net was a bunch of small nets instead of one large one, wouldn't 
that improve the odds?

  If there was an easy answer, it'd have been on the market ages ago. 


------------------------------

Message-ID: <4450488F.5060701 [at] cybercom.net>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:29:03 -0400
From: Dale Farmer <dale [at] cybercom.net>
Organization: I'm working on that....
Subject: Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
References: <list-29735952 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-29735952 [at] prxy.net>

Jim at TheatreWireless.com wrote:
> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
>> I cannot think of the number of writers of Science Fiction 
>> who have postulated this.
> 
> So... Should SciFi writers be filing patent applications for everything they
> dream up in their fiction?
> 
> Jim

   I've been told that Arther C. Clarke held the patent on earth 
orbiting satellites.

   --Dale

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:25:48 -0400
Subject: Re: Orchestra pit safety?
From: Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
Message-ID: <C075C00C.C3E0%bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-29745490 [at] prxy.net>

If you have the ability to put a tension grid in over the pit, then that
would be a good thing.  Do you have the structure around the lip of the
stage and the house edge of the pit to support such a structure and not have
it be in the way of the audience or the pit lift?

Bill S.
ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre
www.sapsis-rigging.com
800.727.7471
267.278.4561 mobile

Join the Long Reach Long Riders on their 3rd annual cross country charity
motorcycle ride.   <www.LRLR.org>



 


On 4/26/06 11:55 PM, "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com> wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> Dear Bill,
> Do you also oppose the use of permanent or semi-permanent Tension Grids over
> orchestra pits which have the same construction style and ratings as the
> Tension Grids that are sometimes built into Theatre  ceilings directly above
> orchestra pits? Are you opposed to the 'give' of a rope net, but not to that
> of a high-tension steel-cable net?
> /s/ Richard
> _______________________________
> 
> Ladies and gents.  Pit nets do not work. Period.  If you make it tight enough
> to support a person and not allow that person to hit the musician or the cello
> or harp (thanks Jim. Nice touch) then it will have to be so tight that it will
> pull the anchorage points out whatever you have attached them to.  We did pit
> nets for a little while because customers requested them. But we've stopped.
> We cannot justify their use in any situation.
> And there is no regulation anywhere in the US that specifically requires pit
> nets.
> 
> We do have a duty to protect our musicians, actors and technicians, but pit
> nets are not the answer.
> 
> Bill S
> 
> 



------------------------------

Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:30:57 -0400
Subject: Re: Orchestra pit safety?
From: Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
Message-ID: <C075C141.C3E5%bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-29745520 [at] prxy.net>

You're right.  If there was an easy answer we'd be using it.  My concern is
that people 'settle' for a net in the false hope that it will work and they
stop looking for other solutions.
Bill S.
ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre
www.sapsis-rigging.com
800.727.7471
267.278.4561 mobile

Join the Long Reach Long Riders on their 3rd annual cross country charity
motorcycle ride.   <www.LRLR.org>






On 4/26/06 11:57 PM, "Don Taco" <taco [at] peak.org> wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
>> Ladies and gents.  Pit nets do not work. Period.  If y9ou make it tight
>> enough to support a person and not allow that person to hit the musician
>> or
>> the cello or harp (thanks Jim. Nice touch) then it will have to be so
>> tight
>> that it will pull the anchorage points out whatever you have attached them
>> to.
> 
>   Well, sure, and that's simple, easy to grasp physics.  But isn't there a
> middle ground where hitting the net and ground/musician/harp is
> better/safer/softer than hitting them without the net?
> 
>   For one thing, if the structure that held a pit cover remained in place
> and the net was a bunch of small nets instead of one large one, wouldn't
> that improve the odds?
> 
>   If there was an easy answer, it'd have been on the market ages ago.
> 



------------------------------

Message-Id: <6.1.2.0.2.20060427003027.03d41c00 [at] mail.comcast.net>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:33:01 -0400
From: Kate Daly <kdaly973 [at] comcast.net>
Subject: could be useful backstage?
In-Reply-To: <list-29745924 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29745490 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-29745924 [at] prxy.net>

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/04/18/traffic.changer.ap/index.html

This guy has a gizmo that makes the traffic light change. And it only took 
the cops two years to catch him using it. Wow.



------------------------------

Message-ID: <b3333cd60604262300j6b6eff88re09c62c57dd849f2 [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 01:00:45 -0500
From: "Patrick Immel" <salukitd [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Painting PVC - A followup

I think I am at a point where I can report on the PVC painting
experiment!  I simply cleaned the pvc with water and a rag, then
painted it with Krylon "Fusion" spray paint.  After a couple days of
use, I noticed small scratches...I did a little touch up and painted
the whole thing with two coats of "Future" floor polish.  It dried
quickly between coats.  If you don't mind the gloss, it really makes a
nice protective coating. I almost have to try to scratch it now!

Does anybody else use "Future" for theatrical uses?  I've used it on a
couple of shows now...to good AND economical effect!

Thanks,
Pat

--
Patrick Immel
Lighting and Scenic Designer
Northwest Missouri State University
patrickimmel.com

------------------------------

Message-ID: <d19db28f0604262306y54ad4dc9r9ccc15f0fc1473 [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 23:06:32 -0700
From: "Jeffrey Mulvey" <mulvey.tech [at] gmail.com>
Subject: designs on recent works

A youth singing group of which I am the technical director has decided
to produce a broadway set.  One of the songs on the list is "Seasons
of Love" from Rent.  The director and the rest of the design staff
would like a lighting effect extremely similar to, if not exactly the
same as the movie.  While I consider the look for the opening song to
be damn near perfect, I am VERY hesitant to blatantly rip off the
look.

Is there an unwritten code regarding designing for musical numbers
from shows that have been recently produced?

My natural inclination is to "barrow" the general downlight concept,
but add my own flair in some other way; (perhaps a medium blue on the
cyc?).  I am by-no-means married to any of the ideas i have come up
with so far.

As always, your collective help is greatly appreciated.

Jeffrey Mulvey
Scene 5 Productions

------------------------------

Message-ID: <1059.64.28.53.82.1146118281.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org>
In-Reply-To: <list-29734968 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29734968 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 23:11:21 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Cable paths...
From: "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>

> I agree with the permanent solution for a house snake, but suggesting the
> number of channels or returns is wildly presumptuous.  If your console is
> going to have 32 channels, get 48 coming at you, minimum.  I'd suggest 60
> and patchbay capabilities.  In an ideal world, twice that many.  Return
> get
> eaten up far too quickly , unless your amps are in the same room as you
> (I've seen it, don't laugh) but four is never going to be enough for any
> decently sized theatre doing any serious production.  Left, Right, OSF,
> and
> BSP and you're already done.

Most small houses seem to have only left, right, center and maybe BOH
fill. That takes up the 4 returns. If there are musiscians that want
monitors, then that would eat up more returns.

The return shortage risk is why I suggested having powered speakers
available. You can use the regular send channels for those.

As you state, it is best to have far more channels than are available on
the house board. The venue where I work has a 16 channel board with a 32
channel snake. I have never come close to running out of channels, but
suppose it could happen sometime.

Keep in mind that this is a 300 seat theatre and we never have large rock
groups or the necessity for side fills etc.

Bill


------------------------------

Message-ID: <1092.64.28.53.82.1146120337.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org>
In-Reply-To: <list-29735864 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29734680 [at] prxy.net> <list-29735864 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 23:45:37 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Rack for Flying Advice
From: "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>

> Fedex wanted over $600.
>
> I managed to ship it out by Air Canada Cargo for only $150.

Yep. Somewhere around 50 pounds or so, it is usually less expensive to use
an air cargo outfit. UPS and FedEx are often cheapest for the 10 to 50
pound range.

Bill


------------------------------

Message-ID: <1114.64.28.53.82.1146121570.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org>
In-Reply-To: <list-29737732 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29724045 [at] prxy.net> <list-29735124 [at] prxy.net>
    <list-29737732 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:06:10 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: how to dress for dress??
From: "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>

> Final dress rehearsal should have everything a performance has except the
> paying audience - including the crew in blacks unless they will be in
> costume. (I ASM'd a show a while back where I changed the set dressed as a
> hospital orderly, for example.)

I lit "Annie Get Your Gun - the Revival" this last fall. All stage crew
were in costume and often made set changes under the bright lights.

It worked well, as it was staged as if Buffalo Bill himself were touring
the show to our theatre.

Bill


------------------------------

Message-ID: <1127.64.28.53.82.1146122029.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org>
In-Reply-To: <list-29737964 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29734031 [at] prxy.net> <list-29735952 [at] prxy.net>
    <list-29737964 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:13:49 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
From: "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>

> http://www.lasikathome.com/index.html
>
> I'm not sure I trust this.

It has to be a ripoff.

There is no way that they could sell a eximer laser for $100, much less a
scanning laser that can detect distances, pupil size etc.

I wonder if this has been reported to the FDA. I can't imagine their
allowing the sale of something that could so easily permanently blind a
person.

Bill


------------------------------

Message-ID: <1147.64.28.53.82.1146123011.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org>
In-Reply-To: <list-29739655 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29739655 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:30:11 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Pit Nets
From: "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>

> I have had some conversations with Barry Cordage, who make circus nets
> and acrobatic supplies(they supply Cirque), about orchestra pit nets,
> and the basic answer was that if you want it to meet the criteria for
> supporting a human body(300lbs) without deflecting so much that a
> musician in the pit is struck(or the harp or the cello), the net has to
> be really tight.  I mean really tight.  Not like you just clip It in,
> but like you hook up the come-along.

Well, he is the expert. But I would not expect such tensions to be necessary.
Think of a trampoline - but needing stronger anchorages due to the
increased flexibility of the net.

Bill


------------------------------

Message-ID: <1197.64.28.53.82.1146123857.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org>
In-Reply-To: <list-29741343 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29741343 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:44:17 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Spinning Stripper poles
From: "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>

> They have portable ones with cases too!

I doubt if you will ever see any of those portable toys used in a bar.

It appears that the spin kits are something new. Whether they will add
anything useful to a pole dance is questionable.

Bill


------------------------------

Message-ID: <1209.64.28.53.82.1146124295.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org>
In-Reply-To: <list-29745924 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29745490 [at] prxy.net> <list-29745924 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:51:35 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Orchestra pit safety?
From: "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>

> If you have the ability to put a tension grid in over the pit, then that
> would be a good thing.  Do you have the structure around the lip of the
> stage and the house edge of the pit to support such a structure and not
> have it be in the way of the audience or the pit lift?

Another concern is the many pits where the conductor sits or stands on an
elevated platform, with his/her head well above stage level.

Bill


------------------------------

Message-ID: <1213.64.28.53.82.1146124477.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org>
In-Reply-To: <list-29745908 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29735952 [at] prxy.net> <list-29745908 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:54:37 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
From: "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>

>    I've been told that Arther C. Clarke held the patent on earth
> orbiting satellites.

No. As far as is known, Clarke was the first to conceive the idea. He
wrote that it would have been interesting if he HAD patented the idea. But
when he made the proposal, there had never been an orbital flight.

I think he also proposed the "space elevator", but may be wrong on this.

Bill


------------------------------

Message-ID: <1217.64.28.53.82.1146124687.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org>
In-Reply-To: <list-29745908 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-29735952 [at] prxy.net> <list-29745908 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:58:07 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Noisy Theatre Doors
From: "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>

>    I've been told that Arther C. Clarke held the patent on earth
> orbiting satellites.

Oops. I should correct my previous post.

Others had proposed orbital satellites. That is a fairly obvious
application, seeing that we have our own large satellite provided by
nature.

Clarke was the first to propose a geosynchronous satellite.

Bill


------------------------------

Message-ID: <20060427085706.63394.qmail [at] web30707.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 01:57:06 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jason Haislet <lightheatre [at] yahoo.com>
Reply-To: lightheatre [at] yahoo.com
Subject: testing

Pardon the message but trying o get yahoo to work.

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 10:43:31 +0100 (BST)
From: Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
Subject: Re: MAYOR'S WIFE FALLS INTO ORCHESTRA PIT...
In-Reply-To: <list-29744248 [at] prxy.net>
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0604271042520.3197 [at] viscount.richmondsounddesign.com>
References: <list-29739298 [at] prxy.net> <list-29744248 [at] prxy.net>

On Wed, 26 Apr 2006, Jim Hyslop wrote:

> An interesting proposition. On the one hand, I do agree - let the idiots
> remove themselves. OTOH, we do need to show compassion. The problem with
> compassion, though, is that eventually the idiots will outnumber the
> rest of us. Or have we passed that point already?

I think so because there are more idiot leaders than not these days.

Charlie

------------------------------

End of Stagecraft Digest #785
*****************************