MagicQ PC: Cham Sys

Today Mr Hancock showed us how to use the basic functions of Cham Sys, a stage lighting designer on the computer.

·        Patch > choose dim/media > generic dimmer > patch it >

·        36@1-001 (how many @ universe-DMX address)

·        Visualiser > view visualiser > new window pop up of stage

·        Playbacks as submasters

·        ‘int’ controls intensity of light

·        ‘rec’ records > ‘S’ over fader saves it

·        ‘clr’ clears lights

·        Playbacks as cuestacks

·        Record over same ‘S’ to form cue stack > ‘>’ plays

·        Chase automatically cycles

·        ‘Cue stack’ brings up cue stack

·        Under ‘timing’ double click ‘chase’ and change to ‘cue’

·        Selects a group of lights

·        ‘grp’ – group --- ‘all dimmer’ --- ‘X’ wheel

·        FX

·        ‘fx’ button – ‘add fx’ --- ‘intensity’ --- choose for different effects

Sound Roles

·         ‘Bad sound is impossible to hide’ – Mr. Hawkins

Mamma Mia – Behind the scenes

• Fabian Petersen – Head of sound
• Responsible for everything sound related in the show
• Sound check (90 mins) – all mics, loudspeakers
• 3 people – 1 at mixing desk, 2 on stage
• 40% technical, 60% artistic
• Mix vocals and band
• Live band (hidden)
• Keep music live – artistic integrity, flexibility
• How to get there – degrees, work experience

Behind the Emerald Curtain

• ‘Sound does more than just amplify the performers’ voices’
• Tony Meola – Sound designer
• ‘Bring the show out to the audience’
• Helps tell the story
• Wireless mics – under costume in elastic belt pack – medical tape on back of ear or neck
• Controls how loud, how it sounds, on/off
• Tries to make it sound like the voices are coming from the stage, and orchestra from orchestra
• Lots of speakers so not always on full vol
• Dynamic – loud/quiet
• Knows what’s too much/too little
• Present all night – no breaks
• Mix sound when no music – dialogue
• Needs to know all cues
• Lifts last consonant (long running shows)

Tower: Health & Safety

Aluminium Access Tower

- 2.7m Platform
- 4.7m Working Height

• Wear gloves
• Never work alone - pairs (no more)
• Max 2 people in tower at one time
• Wear a hard hat for access
• Always work with appropriate stabilisers
• Never move the tower with people or materials on top
• Push the tower from the base to move
• Brakes always on except for moving tower
• Lift stabilisers 25mm from ground for moving tower
• Never climb the outside for any reason

Speakers

What is the difference between Active and Passive speakers?

·         Active speakers have an inbuilt amplifier.

·         Passive speakers do not have built-in amplifiers and need to be connected to one via a speakon cable.

-          Explain how speakers may differ when used for the main PA for the audience as opposed to monitor speakers.

·         Main speakers send out the majority of the sound that the audience hears. They are often larger than monitor speakers, and there are often more of them as well. They can come as floor-standing or put on stands.

·         Monitor speakers direct the sound back towards the performer(s). They often lie on the floor, but can also be placed on a stand. They give an unbiased sound so that the performer(s) can hear a true response.

-          Explain what a full range speaker system is.

·         A full-range speaker is a type of loudspeaker whose range is enlarged with the use of a whizzer cone. They can cover almost all frequencies audible by the human ear. Smaller systems often have a smaller range.

-          What unit do we measure the power of a speaker in? What unit do we use to measure its loudness?

·         The power of a speaker is measured in watts (W).

·         The loudness of a speaker is measured in decibels (dB).

Lighting Designer

  Reads script and comes up with own ideas for basic lighting

·         Works with director and set, costume, and sound designers to enhance and share ideas and views

·         Works with set and costume designers to attain the ‘look’ for the performance

·         Highlights any potential problems with set design and lighting placement

·         Goes to rehearsals to get a sense of cues and placements of actors

·         After performances begin, work is basically over

Stage Lighting

Ø  Makes actors visible

Ø  Sets mood/time/place

Ø  Captures attention/indicates focus

Ø  Lights also create shadows

Ø  Various effects

o   Intensity

o   Colour

o   Distribution

o   Movement

http://www.aact.org/lighting-designer

Mamma Mia Lighting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhQKSblSBhQ

·         Trevor Nichol (school, university – degree)

·         Looks after entire lighting rig

·         Maintenance – no worn out parts that may fail mid-performance

·         Special effects: smoke (in sub-stage), neon floor (custom made), confetti, strobes

·         Follow spots draw attention to individual characters (super trouper is a follow spot!)

·         Cue list goes through cues as SM calls them (go button)

·         Big finale

·         High production values

Behind the Emerald Curtain Lighting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCjUaljNsBg

·         Kenneth Posner

·         Collaborates with creative team

·         Shows the audience where to look

·         Multiple lighting plots with specific information: positioning, lighting fixtures, gel colours

·         Approx. 650 lighting fixtures with focus note attached

·         Always open to new ideas