[SML] Building a stage

[Dan Sheehan]

I wasn't even aware of theatres (other than movie houses)
when our space was converted from a warehouse into a theatre,
back in the 1950's.  But as resident TD/Facilities Manager
of a community theatre now,  I sometimes wish I had been.

When folks say "it must be wonderful to have your own space"
I usually respond "Be careful what you wish for".

Remember that when you own the building, you own *everything*.
Every door lock and hinge, every light, every faucet, every toilet,
every component in the HVAC systems, every shingle on the roof,
every trash container, every blade of grass, tree, and shrub.
You don't refer problems to the landlord;
you solve them yourself with your time and your money.

Get input from people *actually involved and experienced*
with the mechanics of mounting and running a production,
managing and serving an audience, etc.

Become acquainted with and friendly with your local AHJ's...
in our town, the pertinent folks are Building Inspection
Department Head and Fire Department Fire Safety & Prevention specialist.

Do this now, at the dreaming stage, so they can become supportive
 and help you avoid missteps.

Remember Code requirements are minimum standards for safety.
Meeting Code does not assure best performance and utility.

Will you be building sets in the space ?
That means allocating space for workshop, material and tool storage,
and set stock storage.  And budgeting for tools.

Acquiring costume stock ?  Allocate adequate space.

Props in stock ?  Allocate adequate space.

Painting sets / scenery ?
Paint and paint tools storage area, paint washup area with
appropriate drainage facility.

Installing a lighting system ?
Technology is evolving rapidly.
LED theatrical fixtures are quite pricey as replacements
for individual LEKO's etc, but the price of the fixtures
on a new installation will be largely offset by savings in
installation of dimmers and power capacity, with ongoing
savings during years of use by reduced energy consumption,
reduced heat load on the air conditioning system, and reduced lamp
replacement cost and labor.

Rigging system ?
If you don't have the roof height (we don't),
at least make sure what space there is over the stage is free of
obstructions
(we have a huge HVAC duct in the middle of what would otherwise be usable
space)
.  And, rigging system or no, ie all dead hung stuff,
ensure the structure can support the loads; roof structure by itself
might not have much useable load capacity beyond what is required
for the *roof*.
 If not installing a rigging system, install  a support structure
to make it easy to dead-hang various stuff as needed
on a per-show basis.  DAMHIK, IJK, OK?

(I have one lighting designer who, when he says "I need a light *there*,
often either there's a piece of immutable structural steel in the way,
or there's no visible means of support anywhere close)

Soft goods ?   Get in a package (IFR, of course)

of legs, borders, etc in modular sizes; get more than you think you need,
you *will* appreciate having it.

Box office and misc administrative management ?
Allocate space for function,  space for storage,
budget for equipment & upkeep.

I'm getting as tired of writing this as you probably are of reading it,

Best advice.. echoing others...
is to enlist the services of a professional Theatre Consultant
who does this for a living, not once in a lifetime.
Not an architect, not an equipment vendor, not someone like me.

Returning now to my Flag! Stout from  Marsh Island Brewing, Orono, ME.
Celebrating the end of a week in Bar Harbor with family.

-- 
...Dan Sheehan aka GrampyDan (x2)
Fixer of things that break
TD Walpole Footlighters (MA)
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