[SML] Theatrical educations questions, was: Subject: advice on some old pigment

[Brent Logsdon]

I would like to agree with 
Scott Henkels. The stuff is dangerous and probably inappropriate for use.  My post was aimed mainly at general information.  There 
are issues where the old stuff may be the best answer but those are very rare. (Maybe for touch-ups on antique Masonic drops and the like.)  
While I love touring old theatres and seeing antique equipment I believe safer is better in all aspects of theatre - educational, community and 
professional. Here is my question.  Most theatrical shop training seems to be aimed at the vocational rather than the historical. Is it preferable to lose the knowledge to protect the less safety-minded? Many materials fall to the wayside because the primary industry they served is no longer using the material and/or the material is rare or expensive.  For this I mean materials like number grade 1x12, casein and animal-hide glues. We no longer use cleats and lashlines because we no longer build scenery in a manner that uses them.  Other materials seem to go away mainly because they are dangerous.  We no longer see lead, celastic or analine dyes in the scenery, costume or prop shops.  We no longer weld decorative handrails out of galvanized conduit. Wooden A-frames on casters are gone. There are people that may be offended by my even typing the words "Circus Knot." I am not mourning their loss but I'm wonder if instruction in their use is now considered
 irresponsible.  Is what was once Stagecraft 101 or Painting 201 now even appropriate for a grad level survey course?  Should knowledge be allowed to die?  I understand the argument that there is little need for a top-notch buggy whip maker.  I understand there need be very few courses nationally in the making of buggy whips. I also wonder how many things we lose out of fear.  This may also be the wrong venue for the question but I don't play in the USITT realm.  Please speak up if you feel this is inappropriate for this venue.  Also, as I am a digester with a gig that often has no cell or internet service my responses to replies will be delayed.

 
Brent Logsdon 
Chisholm Trail Controls LLC 
1812 Schooner 
Norman, OK 73072 
(405) 924-0349
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