Brian Posted July 23, 2003 Share Posted July 23, 2003 My SO is a teacher at a local school. I was asked by the Head of Creative Faculty to have a look at their stage lighting set-up. They want to develop their drama output. The stage is a typical school stage: low, wide and acres of black drapes. Proc opening is 10m wide and 3.5m high. Usual uses: assembly,prize givings, panto etc plus hopefully more straight drama. Budget is £600 (to come from panto production budget)!!!!!!!!!! FOH is one bar, currently with 1x650w profile, 1xPAR64, 3x500w CYC floods !!! and 1x 500w profile (PATT 23 mk1). Stage #1 has three 9-way, 3-circuit battens, 2x650w fresnels, 1x650w profile Stage #2 has two 9-way, 3-circuit battens, 1xPAR64. Store has 2xPAR64 plus a pile of the oldest lights you've ever seen (Major 1kW profiles anyone?). The (obvious) problem they have is that they cannot get any definition in stage areas or light onto peoples faces. My thoughts were to pull all existing stock off the FOH bar and replace with 6 1.2kw profiles. Nominally focussed in pairs to 3 acting areas. I see a lot of Cantata 26/44 around at the mo' for about £100 each ex-hire. I reckon they'll give me good overlap across the 10m when fully in, and each pair could cover half the stage when fully out meaning they could use one pair for a different look. Stage #1, pull out one of the battens (to make space), leave the 2x650w fresnels, add the 650w fresnel from FOH, and put up another PAR64. Stage #2, put up the 3 CYC floods ex-FOH in the centre where there is no batten. Also add in the other two PAR64's. Anything else worth using keep for specials. Clean up the old stuff, stick 13A plugs on it and sell in antique shops! Control/dimming is 24-ways @ 10A. Have I missed a trick anywhere? Any advice gratefully received. Brian (who's had some challenges in his time but this one takes the biscuit). PS I'm doing this for them free/gratis etc etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robloxley Posted July 23, 2003 Share Posted July 23, 2003 My thoughts were to pull all existing stock off the FOH bar and replace with 6 1.2kw profiles. Nominally focussed in pairs to 3 acting areas. I see a lot of Cantata 26/44 around at the mo' for about £100 each ex-hire. I reckon they'll give me good overlap across the 10m when fully in, and each pair could cover half the stage when fully out meaning they could use one pair for a different look.Obviously I'm sure you've had the protractor out, but my concern would be whether 3x26/44s will cover 10m width evenly? Otherwise, 6x Cantata 26/44 sound like a good long term investment. I'd see how much of the old kit can be easily brought up to usable standard without spending too much. A stock of gel would also be a useful addition to start building up and keeping sensibly stored and labelled - I'm sure a school can find an old filing cabinet or similar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted July 23, 2003 Author Share Posted July 23, 2003 Hi Rob Thanks for the input. I reckon the distance to the nearest point on the stage is about 8m and the farthest point about 12m. At 26degs that should be spot sizes of 3.7m and 5.5m and at 44 degs it'll be 6.5m and 9.7m. I would have liked to put in 8 units but the budget just isn't there. 6 Cantatas will be better than what's there at present. I'd see how much of the old kit can be easily brought up to usable standard without spending too much. There are a few bits that will 'polish' up: a PATT123 and a newish Furse 6" fresnel. The real gems though are a pair of profile spots made by 'Major'. Finished in a wonderful gold hammer-effect paint and made from sheet metal. I've no idea how old they are. Anyone know when Major went out of business? I've got pictures of some of their kit in a 1947 book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themadhippy Posted July 23, 2003 Share Posted July 23, 2003 nothing wrong with majors, our 9-500w fresnels,6-pc's and 6 -p23 copies are all working fine.I belive they were part of the origanal install in 1962. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delicolor Posted July 25, 2003 Share Posted July 25, 2003 If you track down Greg wossisname (Moger?) in Cinderford, he was made redundant from Major in 196?. Not much help, I know, but I've not seen him for donkeys years. He used to have some relationship with Harkness Hall doing Controls & such. I can't emember his Company, but the logo involved wee willie winkie candles. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delicolor Posted July 25, 2003 Share Posted July 25, 2003 I remembered Greg's Company, Novalight. ISTR he may have been Major's Production Manager before it closed. There are quite a few Companies around called Novalight, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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