Just doing some preliminary research, here's what I would recommend:
-the system could be a mix of DMX and Ethernet, which allows for daisychaining (one of the most important things that DMX can do)
-I would ask why a computer of the administrator. If it's for cost, it provides a cheaper alternative, but lacks the ability to do what a dedicated lighting console can do. It won't be as intuitive, as there won't be as much tactile input. And, regardless of input method, it will not be industry standard, leaving your students at a disadvantage.
-Computers have a shorter lifespan than a lighting console
-Any computer or console needs to be easy to train students, teachers, and technicians on. A computer isn't as easy as it seems. If a teacher just needs to turn on something on, and fade up a concert submaster, this will be much less time intensive than logging in, launching a program, and then getting into a submaster.
-A laptop won't have a big enough screen to work with, and so you'll likely need a larger monitor(s) to work with. They can't be locked away easily. You might also find that you need a more powerful computer, and thus a desktop that can't be moved.
-Open booths are also loud for audience members who may be near them. When stage managers are calling cues, they become distractions to audience members.
-We have an open window to our sound board, and we've had students unplug things from the back of the board, just because.
-With an open booth, how is he proposing to do sound? There could be dozens of inputs, plus output for sound. Amps, wireless receivers, audio adjustment. That certainly can't be secured my moving it in and out of a space each time.
-What about projection? It would be nice to have a space for that, and that will need a large desktop computer to do well (lots of images and video), which also can't be moved.
-Moving equipment regularly is more likely to result in damaging the equipment, than if it can stay put.
-Looking at specs for the ETC Ion lighting board, it can do both ethernet and DMX. Maybe there could be a compromise to help him feel like he's getting what he wants, and you're serving the students with a good console.
-Why can't the current booth be refitted? If it's falling apart, it may need to be cleaned out and redone. I'd start here to figure out why. This seems like this may help you figure out why. Why a computer? Why ethernet? Why an open booth? These are valid questions that may need to be tackled over the course of several meetings. If you have a direct supervisor, I would go to them first to see if they could offer any support. I'd include other performing arts teachers/users of the auditorium, and IT to talk about why you need good, dedicated equipment.
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Sydney Thiessen
Fine & Performing Arts Coordinator and Technical Director
Reynolds High School
Troutdale OR
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-19-2018 10:30
From: Debra Hubbard-Pastore
Subject: New Lighting System Recommendations
I teach in a beautiful 1920's auditorium that had become rundown. We recently had $672,000 donated to restore the space. My principal has not included me in any of the talks regarding the use of the monies. What few brief snippets of conversation with him have led me to believe he is looking into an "ethernet" system of light management. He says there will be no lighting board console and everything will be controlled by computer. I am woefully lacking in knowledge on this subject in general but have begun to read and research to better understand it all. What I read is that if you have limited funds and a small to medium space an ethernet system is a waste of money. He has already built a small open space in the balcony for a light and sound control area which blocks 3/4 of the view from our existing sound and light booth. He says we won't be using the old booth anymore and when I pointed out there was no way to secure items in the open booth he said everything would be run by computer and would be locked away in cabinets in that area. I am at a complete loss as to what to do and what is going on. Any advice or help?
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Debra Hubbard-Pastore
Theatre Arts teacher
Salisbury NC
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