Open Forum

  • 1.  Portable Stage Lighting: What's good?

    Posted 04-03-2014 11:56
    Greetings, one and all!

    For our upcoming production of Fagles' translation of Sophocles' Antigone, we will be performing in our school's gymnasium rather than our auditorium. The idea is to give the students a new challenge as they perform on a traverse stage (audience on both sides of the performance area). It's going well, and the students are really digging the contemporary additions (embodied in a very driving, pounding techno soundtrack - of course).

    I am looking to purchase some kind of portable lighting. I am, for my sins, looking at Amazon and have found two potential candidates for lighting purposes.

    American DJ Supply Jelly Par Profile System Bright LED Stage Wash Light System Rgb Color Mixing with Stand/Case/Foot Controller 

    is one of them. Here's the link to the amazon page:
    http://www.amazon.com/American-Supply-Jelly-Profile-System/dp/B0078KW9AE/ref=sr_1_13?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1396540057&sr=1-13&keywords=stage+lighting+led 

    This set runs to $270 or so, and I'd probably need two. I need to light an area that is 45 foot long and 19 foot wide.

    The other is 
    MBT Lighting PARPACK_13728 Mobile Lighting System

    link: 
    http://www.amazon.com/MBT-Lighting-PARPACK_13728-Mobile-System/dp/B001L8IJSA/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1396540255&sr=1-1&keywords=stage+lighting+packages

    and is about $175. The reviews are good, but seem directed to DJs or musical acts, so I'm wondering, because in my previous professional life as an actor, I never paid attention to all the technical stuff (something I'm desperately trying to remedy as a first year theatre instructor), so can anyone tell me if these lights will light up my stage enough for my performers to be seen? I'm finding it really hard to choose between the two; I kind of like the idea of the LED ones as they have some features that could be used to great effect. I am also thinking that these lights would be useful for other shows that are planned that won't be in the auditorium, as well as being a potential teaching tool for the mammoth amount of technical theatre students I am gaining next year. 

    Any advice on either of these units, or an equivalently priced but more practical alternative, would be really, really appreciated! 

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    Phillip Goodchild

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  • 2.  RE:Portable Stage Lighting: What's good?

    Posted 04-04-2014 07:13
    Hi,

    Sounds like a challenging production and a good experience for the students. Neither of the lighting systems described will provide adequate light for the stage set up you describe. These systems are generally purchased by DJ's to add some flash and trash to the dance floor and aren't really intended for theatrical use on the scale you describe.

    I would advise speaking with a local lighting rental shop about their thoughts on lighting the area described and the costs of providing adequate lighting.

    Another option, that might be part of the same conversation is to see what you can move from your theatre into the gym and what would be needed in terms of hanging light and providing adequate power and control.

    Depending on your budget, you may be able to come up with a more effective alternative to the purchase the systems described.

    Best wishes,

    Dana



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    Dana Taylor
    MSD of Mt. Vernon


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  • 3.  RE:Portable Stage Lighting: What's good?

    Posted 04-07-2014 14:03
    Hi Phillip,

    The previous feedback about the DJ rigs is accurate (splash & trash), but you're on the right track;  LED lighting is likely going to be your best bet and give you some flexibility for future productions as well, but it may be at a higher cost then you'd expect.

    Chauvet make decent LED fixtures at a reasonable price and they handle the DJ type profiles that you may have encountered.  Most Chauvet LEDs can also be chained together limiting your need for power cabling - still need DMX cables though if you want controllable lighting cues.

    Pro Sound Audio in NYC usually will take a nice chuck of change out if you ask them to for a school and they have a decent LED selection available.

    Another option would be to look at PAR Bars.  These are preset mini electrics of just PAR Cans that you can purchase gels for individually.  Some of these are DMX controlled individually, some aren't.  Depends on your needs.

    The other good piece of advise you have is to talk to your local suppliers.  Some may be willing to temporarily or long-term donate, gift, discount a rental/purchase - especially if you are expecting to house your own Tech program; that's just potential future customers for the suppliers!

    Hope this helps a bit! 

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    Erik Morris
    Artistic & Technical Director

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  • 4.  RE:Portable Stage Lighting: What's good?

    Posted 04-04-2014 14:09
    All Pro Sound out of Florida specializes in portable packages and is also available for advice.

    I've never actually had my own theater space, so one big piece of advice for you is to check what kind of power that you have in the gymnasium - most theaters are wired with a lot more available amperage than other spaces.  Then you can better decide on  how much and what kind of lighting you can purchase.  LED's take less power than ellipsoidals (Lekos), but PARs can use even less, depending on the lamp that's installed.

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    Kathleen Conner
    Performing Arts Department Chair

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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE:Portable Stage Lighting: What's good?

    Posted 04-04-2014 21:37
    It's a good idea to contact your local lighting rental shop, if you have one about.  It might also be a good idea to reach out to other schools, someone may have done this previously.  Also, considering your admitted lack of technical knowledge, is there a university or community college/theater nearby that might mentor you in some of these areas... it would be a good experience for everyone.

    That being said--

    Personally, 8 PAR 64's, two 12 foot trees, two 4 channel dimmer packs, a simple light board and or using the one from your theater (if it is compatible) -- is always a good thing to have around.  Keep in mind you will need adequate extension cords, Gaff tape to tape the cords to the floor and some set up as well.

    Missoula Children's Theater, travels the country with a simple lighting set up as described above and they do shows in all kinds of locations.  I remember one team traveling with simple PAR lighting fixtures from Home Depot and the like as their illumination.

    Best of luck,

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    Michael Johnson

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