This type of project is probably best executed with a Theatre Consultant in cooperation with a Structural Engineer, Electrical Engineer, and an Architect. Why so many people?
A Theatre Consultant will work to make sure that the catwalk is in the correct location and the general structure is arranged so it works well for stage lighting.
They will also work with the Structural Engineer to help them understand the equipment loading expected and the personnel clearances required.
They will work with the Electrical Engineer to see that the power distribution for the lighting is appropriate (voltage, amperage, types of receptacles, type of power switching / dimming, etc.) and to see that the correct type of task lighting and task lighting controls are installed.
They will work with the Architect to see that it doesn't end-up an eyesore, meets access / egress standards, and personnel safety standards.
The Theatre Consultant will layout the control system and receptacles (lighting network and DMX), specify theatrical lighting instruments, and specify any additional accessories needed. If the existing stage lighting system does not have a good DMX lighting control distribution system, then this is an ideal time to update the rest of the system, too, because you will be changing over to LED's in the near future, if you have not already done so.
A project like this will involve a structural steel contractor, painting contractor, electrical contractor, and theatrical lighting contractor. The magnitude of this type of project will typically require that it be issued for competitive bidding, so a complete set of specifications and drawings for all the work will be developed by the design team so the bidders can all be making proposals on a clearly defined scope of work.
Once the project is bid and funded, the successful contractor team will do the installation while the design team reviews the shop drawings and product submittals to ensure that the work is being done correctly.
Due to the nature of installing something over the seating area in an auditorium, there will usually be a need to remove some seats during construction, so you end-up needing a seating contractor involved, too. This is a great time to have all the seats repaired and refurbished if there is already a need to do so. Also, since the ceiling is going to be disrupted, this is also a great time to upgrade the houselights to a LED type system.
A catwalk by itself is an ugly beast, so the Architect will want to cover it up. The material choices can significantly affect the room acoustics, so part of a good Theatre Consultant's job will be to review the acoustical nature of the changes. If the room already has some acoustical issues, this this would be an ideal time to address them as well.
No good deed goes unpunished, so putting together a knowledgeable design team is key to a good outcome. PM me if you would like us to discuss this with your administration. I'd be happy to have a Zoom meeting with them. This typically take a few rounds of discussion before they really 'get it'. From experience, I've found that schools that try to do this type of project 'in house' or expect a steel contractor to do figure-out al this is a recipe for a disaster -- you really need someone knowledgeable in how a theatre actually works to guide this type of project.
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Erich Friend
Theatre Consultant
Teqniqal Systems LLC
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 05:38
From: Sonja Brown
Subject: catwalk installer?
Hello everyone! I teach in the greater Sacramento area and we needi to have a catwalk installed in our auditorium. Can anyone suggest a company to contact to get this work done?
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Sonja Brown, Theatre Teacher
Thespian Troupe 839
Galt High School
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