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  • 1.  Ordering New Lighting Instruments

    Posted 07-11-2022 11:48

    We have a small black box theatre, and recently purchased a new element board which is a huge step up from or cheap dmx controllers. 


    I would like to use the majority of the budget this year to get all new instruments. It is a must. 

    Where do I start? Thanks in Advance!



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    Tim Sandifer
    Theatre Director/Instructor
    Plaquemine High School
    LA
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  • 2.  RE: Ordering New Lighting Instruments

    Posted 07-12-2022 06:25
    It really depends on your system and budget, you will want to get a series of Ellipsoidal Spotlights and Wash/Fresnel fixtures at minimum, Cyc lights are another fixture to look into. LED and Quartz might be viable options for you, a Hybrid system of both may be a good solution, but there are many details to determine the actual necessities for your space.
    I recommend reaching out to ...A local Theatrical Supply...A Local college Theatre Department... A Local Professional/Community Theatre... to have a lighting person come in to make recommendations


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    Jerry Onik
    V.P. Theatrical Supplies and Equipment
    Heartland Scenic Studio
    Omaha NE
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  • 3.  RE: Ordering New Lighting Instruments

    Posted 07-13-2022 21:04
    We recently started to integrate LED Par's into our lighting mix and I just want to add that I really like the combination of Quartz Halogen Ellipsoidals and LED PAR's.  The ellipsoidal provides really nice light from front warm and cool; then, with LED's PAR's added for back, side or fill, key, etc-- we were able to create some really nice looks.  I also really like the sort of soft nature of FEL or EHD lamps contrasted with the sort of hard edged nature or the LED's we chose.  The near infinite potential of LED's to provide any color and to be DMX dimmable is also really great.

    Whatever you decide to do as far as your instrument upgrade, I would suggest seeing if you can see a demonstration of various instruments in a college or university lighting lab and or see if your chosen vendor or local sales rep would arrange a demonstration of the lighting instruments.  I think that could be very helpful.

     I l

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    Michael Johnson
    Trinity High School
    NC
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Ordering New Lighting Instruments

    Posted 07-14-2022 18:47
    Just a quick note from a guy who was an "out of town consultant" in the architecture and theatrical fields for many years.

    If whoever you get as a consultant or advisor starts off by telling you what you need, or doesn't ask questions, or just talks, run away. A good consultant will ask you questions about stuff you never considered and listen to you. He or she will be an investment in an expensive, long-range project.

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    George F. Ledo
    Set designer
    www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
    www.georgefledo.net
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Ordering New Lighting Instruments

    Posted 07-15-2022 06:27
    George is correct, whomever you choose to come in should be asking where and what you are doing now and what are your expectations to be doing in the future, You are the only true person to define your needs and wants. I wish you good thoughts in your endeavor

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    Jerry Onik
    V.P. Theatrical Supplies and Equipment
    Heartland Scenic Studio
    Omaha NE
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    Original Message


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