Setting the StageThe first musical theatre production at MKS was arranged on a shoe-string budget and performed in an auditorium designed for assemblies rather than theatre. The auditorium itself featured a carpeted stage (over cement), two handheld microphones with flush-mount ceiling speakers, and a small projector. It lacked wing space, curtains of any kind, theatrical lighting, and sound reinforcement suitable for music. Despite significant investment in the architectural stylings of the hall, little attention was paid to technical infrastructure, largely because the school hosted relatively few performances on a yearly basis. Hosting any kind of musical, lip sync challenge, talent show, or music concert required staff to rent and install costly equipment on a short term basis, which decimated budgets and limited rehearsal time. A full lighting and sound rig rental can cost as much as 10,000 USD for a weekend. We took these challenges in stride and developed a stunning series of performances using what materials and equipment we could reasonably require. It certainly helped that our staff and students were willing to invest incredibly long hours toward building stages, sewing curtains, and devising solutions to technical problems. In light of successively larger musical theatre productions and an increased number of other performances, it became clear that renting equipment for every production was a wasteful and frustrating practice. New investment was needed.
After two years of planning, quoting through multiple contractors, and negotiating based on current needs and anticipated future growth, a final plan was established for the system. Installation took place in summer 2019 and the systems were inaugurated with a talent show performance at the MKS Carnival in November, 2019. The system features a combination of 54 lighting instruments, including RGB/A/UV Pars, white fresnel fill lights, and varying degrees of ellipsoidal stage lights. Lighting instruments are mounted on custom-built torm trusses at strategic locations as well as on a motorized truss over the auditorium for easy maintenance and adjustment. All lighting instruments feature energy efficient LEDs so no high power dimmers were required. The lighting system is programmed through an advanced but easy to use digital control surface. The audio system consists of amps, 8 high powered speakers and subs, and control surfaces fit for any style of performance, including prerecorded tracks, live music, spoken word, and video playback. The system was incredibly affordable because we worked with local suppliers and decided to use LED technology to eliminate the need for costly dimmer packs. Ultimately, the system allows staff and students at MKS to embark on new creative and performative journeys and sets the stage for a strong future in the arts at MKS. |
Theatre System Fast Facts
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