Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1999 00:32:23 -0400
From: "Michael T. Lamason" <puppet-AT-erols.com>
Subject: PUPT: Questions About Theater Lighting and Sound


Greetings Friends,

Black Cherry is beginning renovations on two derelict row houses we bought dirt
cheap here in Baltimore a couple of years ago. They will house not only our
studio and offices, but also a puppetry resource center and a small theater.
Believe it or not we have raised most of the funds needed for the first phase of
construction through individual, foundation, local and state donations. A major
factor in the planning and development of the space has been pro bono work by
structural engineers, architects and theater pros from the local scene. The
architects and engineers have no experience with theater design and the theater
folks have no experience with puppetry. Some of them have never even seen us
perform! I guess they all think that a puppet theater here in Baltimore is a
pretty good idea. We also have gotten a lot of good press on our educational
programming for disadvantaged children which makes ours a good cause. We can’t
wait to present our marionette and shadow performances in an intimate space
designed just for puppets. We’re also looking forward to hosting performances by
our friends and colleagues from near and far.

The theater will be a black box about 24’ X 26’ and seat about 50 people, real
small. Everyone seems to have hit a snag in the design process when the subject
came to lighting and sound. The Master Electrician from Center Stage specified a
dimmer panel with 24 circuits pulling a total of 180 AMPS. The architect and
mechanical engineer flipped out when they saw the amount of power called for.
They apparently thought we would use clip or track lights. It has been a real
education for everyone involved. We have designed a grid with 1 1/2” schedule 40
pipe on 4’ centers. It is 15’ from the floor. Maybe, just maybe there is someone
out there in puppet land who can give us some advice on the following questions.

1. Are 24 lighting circuits to many for such a small space? Would 12 be enough
for most puppet performances? 12 are probably more than we will use for most of
our performances.

2. What kind of circuit should we specify for the sound system?

3. Is there any theater in the US that could serve as a model?

4. Any other suggestions and advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your suggestions and comments.

Michael T. Lamason, Co-Director
Black Cherry Puppet Theater
http://www.charm.net/~bhaas



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