Is it worth it?

[TerraSin]

I have a situation. I am currently working on lighting for a band in the US. For the next tour we have a semi larger setup than the last tour.

 

The issue I have is I've been looking to impliment pyro to the show, getting my licenses and taking courses. The thing is, I've looked at the list of things needed to do for pyro at each show and it seems like it takes up a ton of time to do AND be setting up lighting at the same time.

 

Does anyone here do both and is it possible to do everything by the book without feeling overwhelmed? The last thing I want to do is a pyro show if I can't dedicate the time to make it completely 110% safe. But at the same time, I don't want to feel complete burnout after every show.

 

thx

CJ

[paulears]

Probably Pyro in the UK isn't the best country to use for advice on a US issue. Our pyro system is somewhat 'quaint'. Every venue has a local licencing system, In most cases, pyro for us isn't too much of a snag. Two or three manufacturers, well proven voluntary systems to ensure safety, based on a code of practice. No pyro operator qualifications of any sort, just the requirement for competence.

 

That isn't what you really wanted to hear, I guess. On a big tour the pyro 'hassle factor' obviously increases - but if you are adding extra trucks, then can't you get extra management people too? With a big tour, I'd not want to wear too many hats - sounds far too dangerous.

[Darkfold]

You need to have a clear veiw of the pyro to detonate safely (ie, be very close to the stage) and often the LX is done from a box quite a lot further from the stage, giving you a problem, as you cant see exactly who is in range and whether it is safe to fire.

Do you have an (assistant) stage manager available who might be able to fire the system. Again, not ideal, but they will probably have a better stage veiw than you do.

[Brian]

You need to have a clear veiw of the pyro to detonate safely...

Please, it's a minor point but we do not 'detonate' stage pyrotechnics; we 'fire' them or 'ignite' them or other such words but never 'detonate'.

 

Detonation means that the burning takes place at a rate which exceeds the speed of sound - at a supersonic rate. High explosives detonate. Stage pyro on the other hand burns at subsonic rates; it 'deflagrates' to give it the correct term.

[jfitzpat]

I have a situation. I am currently working on lighting for a band in the US. For the next tour we have a semi larger setup than the last tour.

 

The issue I have is I've been looking to impliment pyro to the show, getting my licenses and taking courses. The thing is, I've looked at the list of things needed to do for pyro at each show and it seems like it takes up a ton of time to do AND be setting up lighting at the same time.

 

Does anyone here do both and is it possible to do everything by the book without feeling overwhelmed? The last thing I want to do is a pyro show if I can't dedicate the time to make it completely 110% safe. But at the same time, I don't want to feel complete burnout after every show.

 

thx

CJ

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Be forewarned that some US states have their own licensing standards for pyro and laser. Also, ever fire inspector in the US has his/her own idea of how to interpret local laws. My advice, if the tour can afford pyro, hire an established company to provide it.

 

-jjf