Updating Your Stage Equipment
By David Lasky

Churches and theatre have been linked for centuries, and theatrical arts are an important part of education. Theater production helps students develop critical thinking, visualization and expression of ideas, public speaking, and the understanding of new points of view and cultures. The ability to perform theatre in some form should be a part of any well-rounded educational program. However, many schools don't know where to begin when evaluating the use of an existing theatre or the possibility of creating a new one.

Most Christian schools already have a stage of some form, whether it is an actual stage or a raised area in the sanctuary or chapel. In considering the existing facilities, it is wise to get representatives of all the groups that use the space-such as theatre and music teachers, worship leaders and pastors-together to examine how the space is being used and how it could be better utilized to fulfill the needs of all the groups. Different groups may not realize that they are all looking for something similar and that they can unite multiple budgets together to meet their goals.

In these meetings, it is important to have each group come in with a "shoot for the moon" philosophy, for a number of reasons. First, this helps the groups to evaluate what they really want to do, and how to accomplish it. Second, an idea that one group has may have an element that another group is looking for, and the groups can team together to work on getting that done first. Finally, many projects can be done in stages over a number of years, so while the grand vision can't be accomplished in the next year, maybe it can be accomplished over a number of years. Planning is one of the most important stages in any project, and making sure everyone is on the same page makes the entire process much easier.

With any existing space, the first consideration needs to be safety. Even if there is no plan to renovate a theatre space, the existing one may very well need to be inspected for safety concerns. Since budgets are typically very tight in private schools, often the equipment is ignored and is not maintained, even though it may have been installed more than 20 years ago. There have been a number of cases in the last few years where older equipment has failed, or was about to fail and luckily got noticed by a person knowledgeable in rigging.

Many times, equipment was installed because it was the only option available at the time, including using non-rated hardware, chain and cable, and asbestos wiring on lighting fixtures. Therefore, it is wise to consult a theatre professional regarding a stage inspection. Inspections range in price, depending on location and size of the stage, so it is a good idea to consult a few different companies in the area for pricing. Check with the company you are considering for your inspection to make sure they specialize in theatre rigging. The moderate financial cost of a stage inspection is very small when compared to the cost of replacing the equipment, or to the irreplaceable cost of a life itself.

Once you've decided to update your equipment, it is best to bring in a professional to advise you in the process. This could be an architect if you are designing a new building or substantially renovating an existing one, or a person from a theatre equipment company. Many theatre equipment companies will conduct site visits to evaluate your needs with you and give you a realistic idea of what you can accomplish within your space. They can then break down any quotes into phases with you, if necessary. They may even be able to help you explain to other people in the organization why your project is worth the time and energy, as well as the benefits of the project for yourself and the organization at large.

It is important to remember that every space is different. There is no typical or standard theatre. Therefore, it is seldom a good idea to call a company looking for a "ballpark" quote, especially if you need information for a meeting that is only a few days away. An accurate quote typically involves a site visit by the professional. In preparing a quote, they can make recommendations to match the goals with the budget. They may make suggestions that had not been considered and that will make the space even more functional.

Rigging
Rigging is how everything on or above the stage is hung, from curtains tracks, to pipes, to scenery pieces. There are several different types of rigging.

Dead hung rigging is permanently hung is one place and is not typically movable.

Counterweight rigging is the style of rigging used in professional theatres. It uses a balanced system for moving pipes, lighting and scenery.

Motorized rigging uses electrical motors to lift or move the pipes, lighting or scenery. It can be used in conjunction with counterweight systems or on its own.

Curtains
There are a number of different considerations when looking at stage curtains. The first is the type of fabric. There are three standard types of fabric used in stage curtains.

Velour curtains have a nap to them, which gives them the "fuzzy" feel and texture. These are typically used for the main curtains, but can be used for the rear, or upstage, curtains as well. The main curtains are typically colored, and there is a wide range of colors to choose from. These curtains also typically have fullness (additional fabric) sewn into them, which gives them their wavy appearance.

Patterned fabrics have a pattern sewn in, which gives them a little bit of texture. While widely used through the mid-80s, patterned fabrics are not used as frequently anymore.

Flat fabrics have no nap or real texture to them. They are typically used for the upstage curtains, and are typically black (beige was used a lot through the mid-80s also, but is no longer used as frequently, since black helps with the suspension of belief). The upstage curtains can either be sewn flat, or with some fullness.

All stage curtains must be flameproofed. Any velour with cotton is treated using a salt solution. The salt solution needs to be re-applied every few years, per the local fire codes. Polyester fabrics are usually inherently flame retardant, which means that they never need to be re-flameproofed. It is recommended that you use inherently flame-retardant fabric for most school settings. Treated curtains cannot be spot cleaned, as the salt solution could rise and create a white circle on the fabric. They can also get very stiff after a number of re-flameproofings. In the long run, the cost savings for keeping up inherently flame-retardant fabrics outweighs the modest upfront price increase.

Lighting
Lighting can be an extremely expensive addition, especially since it usually requires an electrician to run wiring. However, since lighting equipment can be so expensive, there are local lighting companies that can help you out with a lighting rental. They can give you a temporary setup so you can try out different lighting layouts to find the one that best fits your need.

Many times, the lighting companies will also be able to install the new lighting system for you. They can do a site visit and give recommendations on fixtures, dimmers, controllers and positions. They can also help by phasing installations and rentals, so that you get the complete system, but end up gradually purchasing the parts of it as you get the money. For example, one year you purchase the dimmers, but rent the fixtures and controller. The next year, you purchase the controller and rent the fixtures. Finally, on the third year you purchase the fixtures.

There is a lot of terminology in lighting, but below are a few of the common terms:

Dimmers are the units that provide the power to the fixtures. These do the actual fading of the lights.

The controller is the unit that tells the dimmer when to fade which lights at which time.

Fixtures are the lights themselves, of which there are several families. Ellipsoidal are longer fixtures that provide a flat light that can be shuttered to square and rectangle shapes. These are also the fixtures used for projecting patterns using gobos, or cookies. These are typically used as spot or area lights.

Parcan are medium-length fixtures with an oval beam. The beams come in different widths, with the lamp containing all the lenses. These are the type of fixture often seen in rock concert trusses (other than moving lights). These are typically used as wash or flood lights.

Fresnel are shorter fixtures with a lens that looks like a lighthouse lens, with concentric circles. These are typically used as a wash or fill light.

Moving lights are lights that have a moving head or mirror that allow the beam to be moved around.

Sound
As with lighting systems, sound equipment can be rented as the permanent system is being built. Most schools already have someone who knows basic sound, but it is always wise to get a professional to assist you with evaluating the right acoustical needs for your space.

Updating your stage is an exciting process that can have a lasting impact on your school. With a little planning and a little help, most schools can have a theatre space to be proud of, and one that dramatically enhances the educational and ministry goals and abilities of the school.

David Lasky is project manager for Major Theatre Equipment Corp., www.majortheatre.com .

Product Roundup

Alulite Stages and Choral Risers from Southern Aluminum
Alulite stages and choral risers have become a popular choice for schools across the country. School personnel have found that the durable, all-aluminum construction can withstand all the use and abuse generally associated with educational environments. Each stage deck is constructed of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum, making it strong enough to hold more than 250 pounds per square foot. The lightweight feature allows each unit to easily be set up and taken down, as well as moved among locations throughout the facilities. With an interchangeable leg system to adjust to various heights, the stage decks can accommodate various facilities and functions. www.southernaluminum.com

SECOA Platforms and Risers
SECOA platforms and risers look permanent, but cost about half the amount of poured cement or built-in risers. The sturdy and portable platforms and risers are designed from the ground up to take abuse, and they are constructed using only premium materials that meet or exceed every established manufacturing standard. SECOA portable platforms can be used in many configurations for stages, stage extensions, seating risers, pit fillers, camera stands, ADA ramps and choral risers. The company offers customization of platforms to match the décor of a facility.
www.secoa.com

StageRight
StageRight makes setting up choral risers even easier. The easy setup of the FR-36 Choral Risers gives schools the flexibility to use risers for practices and performances. Additionally, schools can improve the sound for both performers and audiences with better blend, mix and projection. The Alla Breve Music Shell is easy to handle and can be rolled into any room and quickly setup to enhance sound. Durable, laminated panels reflect a maximum range of audible frequencies to improve the blend and mix of sounds. Together, the FR-36 Choral Riser and Alla Breve Music Shell will make performers and events look and sound better for performances of a lifetime.
www.stageright.com