List of Contributions

RE: Dance Belts Advice

Posted By David Simpson 12-16-2021 13:06
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In 22 years I have never heard this a requirement for a college or high school musical theatre production. Certainly in traditional dance performance, but never have I even heard of it mentioned in musical theatre (unless the performer was wearing a ballet type costume). I do not see a need for them ...

RE: Ladders and students

Posted By David Simpson 12-15-2021 15:13
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We do this all the time. We have a brief safety speech and, of course, they are supervised. Our tallest is 12'-0". We have used ladders for sets as well. It is choreographed just like any other set piece. We have a general waver for all students in each production that lists scene shop conditions and ...

RE: Newsies Newspaper Stacks

Posted By David Simpson 12-14-2021 13:51
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Perhaps taking some appropriate foam, cutting it into paper size pieces. Glue those sections in the desired formation of your paper stack. Paint and twine to finish it off. If needed, maybe cover the sections with muslin fabric to give it more of a paper feel. You might also want to consider corrugated ...

RE: Audrey II Puppets Needed

Posted By David Simpson 12-14-2021 13:43
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Someone a few posts down is giving them away:https://www.schooltheatre.org/communities/community-home/digestviewer/viewthread?GroupId=133&MessageKey=815effa3-9238-4f59-987d-64b280c13742&CommunityKey=35d3756e-031c-447e-a020-14aeb57718f1&tab=digestviewer&ReturnUrl=%2fcommunities%2fcommunity-home%2fdig ...

RE: Orchestra Pit Net Cover

Posted By David Simpson 12-13-2021 08:12
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Incord did ours as well. We put it out for bid and they were the only ones who bid on it. A local supplier installed it to their specs. It has held up wonderfully over the years. ~Dave ------------------------------ David Simpson Performing Arts Center Manager MI ----------------- ...

RE: genie lift

Posted By David Simpson 12-02-2021 14:43
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In order to properly answer that, we need some information from you. How do you intend to use it? What tasks? At which heights? Do you need to accommodate more than one individual at once? What are the conditions like in the space you will be using it in? What is your budget? Don't forget that training ...

RE: Changing words

Posted By David Simpson 11-22-2021 12:52
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In this particular instance, I would insist that they sing as written, or recast that role. It is such a large part of the song. It also teaches that you cannot just change art and copy written material to suit one or a handful of individuals. That is an important lesson. To me, any changes like this ...

RE: question about performance rights

Posted By David Simpson 11-08-2021 11:51
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Absolutely. And all edits or cuts of the script must be approved in writing. That is usually not easy to do. ~Dave ------------------------------ David Simpson Performing Arts Center Manager MI ------------------------------

RE: New Performing Space-need input!

Posted By David Simpson 11-08-2021 11:49
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Above all, I would recommend that your administration hire an architect AND a theatrical consultant (that works for the district not the architect). Most architects and construction management companies just do not possess the experience to deliver this type of unique space without the proper professionals ...

RE: Light Rental Question

Posted By David Simpson 10-25-2021 11:44
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A good start might be to look into some LED PARs that also have nice white light color to them. Likely your available power will be limited in this type of space. Not only is this a good way to conserve power, but many are also outdoor rated. Your best bet will be to contact a lighting rental company ...

RE: Outdoor Lighting Guidance Needed

Posted By David Simpson 10-20-2021 08:37
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Looks like standard DJ type tree lights. At best, you will likely only get a face light wash out of them. Not sure the spread on the instruments will blend enough to cover even a 16x16 space. It would be common to place them on a 45 degree angle downstage of the stage, with the trees at full height... ...

RE: Outdoor Lighting System

Posted By David Simpson 10-04-2021 08:49
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We could help you better if you could provide us with more information. How big of a space are you lighting? How much power is available? What infrastructure is available to safely deploy instruments from? What is your budget? In general, I think you would be best suited to reach out to lighting companies ...

RE: Replacing stage floor

Posted By David Simpson 09-24-2021 09:04
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Most specialty flooring contractors can handle it. If you need a recommendation, we used Foster Specialty Flooring. They are out of the Metro Detroit area. Just be VERY specific on the top layer you wish to have, and what the final finish of the floor will be. This is usually to part that goes against ...

RE: Use of Technology

Posted By David Simpson 09-20-2021 08:58
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We require our technicians or myself to be at every event, period. Our district built our facility 18 years ago. Prior to that, they had a space that they rented out to all sorts of groups, unsupervised. It was a total train wreck when I got here. People just didn't know what they didn't know, but there ...

RE: Performing in the Heat

Posted By David Simpson 05-21-2021 14:22
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If direct sun absolutely cannot be prevented, limiting the duration of performance (or rehearsal), frequent breaks, and lots of water and fans are some of your best options. ~Dave ------------------------------ David Simpson Performing Arts Center Manager --------------------------- ...

RE: Performing with Music Tracks

Posted By David Simpson 04-27-2021 12:46
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If you have a traditional orchestra pit, you could still place them in the pit as you traditionally find them. You could also place them in a convenient area with a video camera, and run that feed to the stage and set up a video monitor or two for the cast to follow. It would be great if the music director ...

RE: Foley and Sound Effects Recording Equipment

Posted By David Simpson 03-23-2021 16:57
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Most decent external mics like a Shure SM57, Shure SM58, etc. would be better than your built in computer mic. If you had a simple external sound interface, a mic, mic stand, and cable, you would have a decent set up. And, as a bonus, you have a decent recording set up for future use. Focusrite, Presonus, ...

RE: Masks on stage ?

Posted By David Simpson 03-15-2021 09:12
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The recent thread below addresses a lot of this. Every region is just a bit different. We are in the Metro Detroit Area. We have required standard masks up until final dress. Then actors were allowed to use half masks, but only while on stage. Our district approved this. We included this conversation ...

RE: Trans student support

Posted By David Simpson 02-19-2021 15:48
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I have had a little experience with this over the years with a handful of students. My advice would be to take your cues from the student. Basics such as the pronouns they prefer to use, learning and reinforcing referring to them by their new name (if they are changing their name). Try to be sensitive ...

RE: Community Sponsor/Donation Letters?

Posted By David Simpson 02-04-2021 13:10
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I have always found connecting with an individual or organization personally, not just a blanket form letter, to be more effective. It builds a relationship and interest in your program and students. Perhaps you could get a few moments put on the agenda to speak at a Chamber of Commerce Meeting, and ...

David Simpson

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