A to Z
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A
Abus
Brand of padlocks Bedlam uses for both standard and alcohol locks on the cafe and the fire exit and main door security. Typically, the corresponding keys should only come in two sizes, however a load exist on the TM keys to which there don't appear to be any locks. Each padlock should have a number on it, so if you take the padlock to a locksmith, you should be able to get more padlocks/keys that are the same lock.
Actors
Persons who ponce around on stage trying to remember their lines. Usually late. Always perky.
Adam House
A building on Chamber’s Street where Edinburgh University students matriculate and sit exams. There is also a 106ish seater auditorium in the basement. EUTC has done shows there in the past and through the year several departmental drama groups will do shows there and need crew. Go and ask for a look around cos it’s quite interesting. Tech equipment is very limited. Through the fringe it is run as C's main venue and they turn the large exam halls into auditoriums and have a large bar on the ground floor. Obviously you will be drinking in Bedlam so it shouldn’t matter.
AGM - Annual General Meeting
Outgoing committee reports explaining what they have done during their year are given. The committee for the coming year is elected. Fringe shows are proposed and selected. Any other large motions affecting the running of the company are proposed and debated. Loads of talk happens about the constitution. Bring a pen, a book and a crate of booze.
AJ
Standing for "adjustable," an AJ is a type of spanner which has a spiral cog which allows you to change the size of the spanner. Less hassle to carry around than a selection of spanners but not quite as easy to use, the reduction in weight normally decides the matter.
Archivist
Argument
see AGM, Company meetings, Pubs etc
Art
What the EUTC is technically all about to promote. “Art holds up a mirror to the universe” but since the universe is infinite, there is no mirror large enough therefore art is crap. (nb this is not to be confused with painting. painting is pretty.)
Avalon Stage Armoury
8 Scone Gardens, Edinburgh. 0131 661 1123. Run by Alan Jeffreys. Make sure to phone before you go there because chances are he’ll not be in. Make sure anything borrowed gets returned on time, in a decent state and people pay promptly. He’s reasonably cheap and the only place around that hires stage armoury out. I think this may have closed or moved -88.108.72.215 23:12, 19 March 2006 (GMT)
Auditorium
The Bedlam one holds 90 red seats. The seats are depreciated over 5 years so should be up for replacement in 2006. They were bought second hand for cash from a building site when the ABC on lothian road became an Odean. The rostra is depreciated over 10 years so was up for replacement in 1999, a fringe project waiting to happen.
B
Banners
We have two wood and four canvas.The wood ones are:- one is a large rectangle which is used for mainterms and one is a large Fat Cat which can be used during the fringe. The mainterm one gets repainted for each show and should get painted in gloss for water proofing reasons. The banners are tied to the eyelets on the front of the building and when the fat cat gets put up the head needs to be tied to the stonework which requires climbing skills. The Canvas ones are for fringe use and comprise two that say "Bedlam" and "Theatre" and two that have giant Becks bottles and Venue 49 on them. These are normally hung from the towers above the red notice boards. Eyelets exist for this purpose. The Becks banners were part of a sponsership deal in years past and do not have to be hung. There are/were also some Cobra banners for a similar reason.
Barrett, Mr David
He is incharge of the Electrical department of Estates and Buildings. His phone number is 0131 650 2484. We should get him to organise any electrical installations we get.
Bedlam Red (gloss)
This is the colour that FoH woodwork is painted. It can be bought from Ian Russell and is called "rioja red."
Bins
There are bins through out the building with black liners in. They are never emptied unless the Theatre Manager, the FoH Manager or the Duty Manager tells someone to do it, although any member of the company can if they like. The large bin outside the side entrance ("Claymore") gets emptied on a Monday Morning and the lid was replaced after the old one snapped off in 2001. Watch out about overloading it, the bin men can become angry. It was once filled with scrap metal and almost broke the bin lorry. The key to Claymore is the green plastic thing on the Duty Manager's keys, TM keys, and others.
The FoH bins are located round the front of the building on either side of the door, they were re-located there to prevent tramp mis-use. These bins occassionally have needles left in or near them, be careful when emptying. The key to the FoH bins is the metal tab thing on the FoH manager's keys.
Bin Bags
Readily available to company members in the cleaning cupboard, it’s amazing that some long standing members have to ask you where they are.
Black Light
see Lighting Hire
Black Techie
see Black Techie
Blackwood, Alan
EUSA Buildings Manager. Not Owen Quinn.
Bleach
Buy it in big 5l bottles, great for cleaning the toilets and for pouring over the backstage exit when someone has forgotten to lock it and it’s been pissed on, less of a problem now it's not a bog. Also works as a weed killer.
Blue Meanie
The Edinburgh term for Parking Attendant, they’re the nasty people who fine you if you park in the wrong place. See parking for how to get away with parking at Bedlam. They live on Chambers Street so never park here illegally because it’s the first and last place they check. They also have offices on Garden Terrace so watch out if you park here.
Bobbys
See Pubs: Bobbys
Bolts
Really useful for holding things together but you can never find a matching set. People are to be encouraged to attach nuts and washers to them when they add them to the collection.
Braces, Stage
These are long pieces of wood which are used to hold flats up. They consist of a piece of 2x1 about three feet long with a metal foot at one end, which you can put stage weights (See stage weights) on top of, and a metal prong called a bull’s horn (Cos it looks like one) at the other. The bull’s horn goes through an eyelet (See Eyelets) attached to the flat in a complicated twisting manoeuvre and then the flat can be held vertical without needing a member of stage crew to perform a human cleat. Some braces have half hinges, instead of bull's horns, which allows them to be attached to the back of flats with screws rather than eyelets. Just make sure the half hinges are well-attached to the brace itself.
Brika Float
A yummy thing consisting of ice cream stuck in the bottom of a pint glass and Smirnoff Ice poured in on top of it. There may be stirring involved depending on how sloshed you are already and how much you really care. Invented by a strange Canadian and occasionally served in the Bedlam Cafe on pain of loud squealy sounds.
Broom, Alastair
Part Techie, Part Author (of the 1991 revision of this manual). Complete saint and has been known to be witty on occasion.
Buildings Agreement
There is an agreement between EUSA and the university which gives us this fine theatre. It basically reads that the University will keep us weather tight and legal and cannot shift us unless they can provide an alternative venue equivalent in location, amenities, space and access. They want to shift us but haven’t got anywhere to put us. There is also a buildings agreement between EUSA and the EUTC which has since been lost by both parties, if anyone ever finds out what it said there are lots of people who would be interested to know.
Business Manager
The person who is responsible for all financial matters within EUTC. All major (Over £100) Must be approved by:
- The Business Manager
- EUSA Permanent Secretary Graham Boyak
C
Cable
Mains cable is best bought from Blacklight. Fancy cable can be bought from Farnell (See Farnell) or from Maplin (See Maplin)
Café
See Café
Cappadocia
See Take Aways
Carpet
Ok, there are lots of carpets around and they were replaced in: Accountant's Office 1999, Side Entrance fringe 2001, Auditorium 1998 with tiles added 2005, Dressing room 2000. Carpet is stored on the balcony under the floor of the workshop area which can be accessed by moving the steps which lead down to the scaff store. The carpet in the dressing room is guaranteed for five years against most of the stuff that happens to it but you have try to clean it with the stuff they provided first which has since been lost. The paperwork can be found in the Theatre Manager’s drawer in the guarantees section. The carpet in the side entrance and auditorium walkways are tiles so that when too much paint is spilled on them you can just replace the affected tiles.
Ceilidhs
Fun and joy! Go, go dance like a crazy person! See Teannaich
Central Fish and Chip Shop
See Take Aways
Cigarettes
Look in the show section for "Smoking on stage" guidelines. It's amazing how many times you have to tell people not to smoke in the auditorium, especially now that smoking is illegal in the building. Make sure there is a copious amount of No Smoking signs throughout the building, even in the box office.
Cigars
For when pissed and dressed up (Or end of fringe). See Cigarettes
Cloth/Material
Can be purchased from Edinburgh Fabrics on South Clerk Street, which has the advantage of being very close and has reasonable prices (ask for student discount). If you are buying a lot it is generally worth it to go to the Cloth Shop in Leith (at the end of Broughton Road, you can walk there from Bedlam in about forty minutes) which has a better selection and can be cheaper for buying in bulk. If you need specialty fabrics there is also Mandors on East Claremont Street, but they can be pricey. Ask the wardrobe manager before buying because we have rather a lot of spare material in the costume cupboard.
Construction
This tends to be a bit of a nightmare and any major undertakings should be vetoed in the Theatre Manager’s Questionnaire stage. You need to keep an eye on people doing it because it’s amazing the number of actors who will try and use power tools without knowing anything about what they’re doing. Construction should not happen in FoH areas without the permission of the Theatre Manager and the FoH Manager. Café furniture should not be used in construction because it gets damaged. Allowing construction in the Office is not sensible because it makes a mess and the president rarely tidies.
Cooker, kitchen
New cooker bought in Fringe '06. Has 4 ring hob, full size oven with grill section that doubles as an oven. As of now, the old cooker is still installed but should be removed shortly.
Costume Cupboard
see Costuming
Counter, Box Office
Thing the Box Office computer sits on. The drawer should be filled with money bags and pens by the FoH Manager. It is now attached securely to the floor. A strip of wood on the front can be pulled off to reveal fluoros.
D
Degree
- Unit of temperature, normally low in the auditorium and too high in the office, just right in the cafe.
- Level of education, normally gained at University. Technically this is what you’re here for, try not to forget although don’t neglect the building.
Desk, Office
We have 2 working desks! Woot!
Detergent
Buy it in big 5L containers.
Directors
Most problem sets are not due to SMs but directors demanding them and not knowing how to build them. Useful for cleaning the toilets at work ins.
Disabled Access
The only disabled access to the theatre is through the side entrance. This classes as only limited access as people can’t use it when a show is on. Make sure box office staff know to tell them to turn up 20 mins before the performance so they’re not left sitting in the rain.
Disabled Legislation
By 2003 all public buildings must have full disabled access. We should build a ramp into the main doors.
Disabled Seats
The two seats on the front row stage left are easily removes, you just have to remove the four coach bolts and they lift out in a block. It’s a lot easier than the old practice of having to take two seats apart. You just have to make sure that the box office staff reduce the number of seats available for the performance. Always make sure you know about any disabled people who book themselves in, most will because they do recognise that we have to make special provision.
Disabled Toilets
We really need to have these so we can go in the fringe programme as having disabled facilities. The legislation sets a minimum door width, the doors must open outwards and you need to be able to open them from the outside.
Doorbell
E
EDC
Edinburgh District Council. 200 2000. For Trade Waste, Licensing, Listed Building stuff.
EIF
Edinburgh International Festival. Runs at a similar time to the Fringe but tends to be big events like opera and concerts. Finishes with the Firework concert which is held in Prince’s Street Gardens and rivals the Hogmanay display.
Electrical work
You can normally get away with minor stuff like changing light bulbs. We’re definitely not allowed to do mains wiring which is why there are a few interesting cable runs in which look like real sockets but the cable runs to a plug which gets put into a wall socket (much confusion when someone unplugs it).
Electrical Mishaps
Try not to have any. Hope the fuses blow and the PCBs work. It is possible to survive a 415V 100A shock but the odds are against you so try and be safe.
Electrical Rating
Explanation. Bedlam is supplied with a full supply of three phases (Red, Blue and Yellow - EEC rules state thse are now called Live 1,2,3 and coloured Black, Grey and Brown adding to everybody's pain.) each at 100A, 240V. General building power is drawn from the Red phase.
Electricity Bills
A man comes around every so often and checks the meter and we get billed monthly. The annual bill is around £2500. Try and remember to turn the lights off.
Endless Loop
See Loop, Endless.
Entertainments Manager
Their big job through the year is to organise the ball, but sometimes fail to understand that what your average techie wants is food followed by a celeidh with lots of booze in the middle.
Committee: Entertainments Manager
Estates and Buildings
The department of the University that is responsible for keeping Bedlam upright and weather tight. You will probably be on the phone to them every other week getting stuff fixed. They try to be helpful but you need to get put through to the right department…. We had a problem with the boiler in the kitchen and they sent us a plumber when what it needed was an electrician and the plumber said all the pipes were fine and went away again and I had to call again to get an electrician out. (See Works Department)
EUSA
Edinburgh University Students Association is the union for Edinburgh University students. They monitor our finances and make sure we’re not being stupid with our use of the building. At the end of the year they take care of any under/over spend so often there is a spending spree just before they empty our coffers. They are also responsible to the University for maintenance to the building, they quite often get left out when you deal directly with the University so try and let them know what’s happening.
Exterior Floods
We have one Sunflood (500W) lamp above the door and two 1K floods on the roof. The 1k floods were replaced for fringe 2001 because one of the old ones had had the glass break and then a pigeon decided to make it into a nest and was electrocuted. They can be turned on using the exterior floods breaker and the exterior floods switch in the fuse cupboard. You need to turn them both on. Gelling them looks nice but they burn through very quickly.
Eyelets
Normally in short supply these are a metal loop attached to a screw. They get lost and people always come to you for them so it is worth keeping a few spares. The best place to find them is in the back of flats (See Flats).
F
Farnell
Electrical and Electronic component supply company. We have a small (£10000) account with them. The catalogue gets delivered periodically so make sure you get it before it gets binned. Our account number is on the catalouge and you will need it when ordering. If you order before 3pm it should arrive the next day.
Filling Cabinets
We have four, one in the Accountant's office and two in the main office in which anyone important has a drawer. The Theatre Manager’s drawer is useful for keeping stuff in that you think you’ll need, I normally kept a 4D Maglite, Gaffa, eyelets and proplus there. The accountant, the Business Manager and the President are the only people with keys to the cabinet in the accountant’s office. Currently the fourth cabinet is in the side entrance lobby till someone tells me where they want it. The Accountant’s cabinet was new after the old one was trashed when we were broken into fringe 2001.
Fire
See Fire
First Aid
There should be a registered first aider on duty when the building is open to the public. It is worth looking into for the Fringe as you’ll have the same staff all month. Legally there should be a first aider around whenever construction is being carried out. First aid training can be arranged from the St Andrew’s Ambulance for about £10 so it might be worth organising a session, especially for the committee because that way you would have one on duty when the building is open.
First Aid Boxes
First aid boxes can be found in the office, the box office and the café. Blue plasters can normally be found in the kitchen. The first aid boxes need to be monitored to keep their contents up to date, each box has a list of what it should contain on the box. You’ll find that people use up all the plasters without telling you and then complain when they can’t find any.
Flats
The most useful size is 8'x4'and Bedlam normally owns several of these. They are held upright using braces (See Braces, Stage), eyelets (See Eyelets) and stage weights (See Stage Weights). These can normally be found in the cupboard, back stage right.
Flat Store
The Flat Store was built in 2000 and holds all our flats sensibly. It is as yet unfinished but still works. Make sure an shows that use flats replace them sensibly because all it takes is for a couple to be shoved in at a funny angle and you’ll have people dumping them on the balcony because the store is “Full”. The flat store was moved to the right side of the balcony in spring 2006.
Flooding
Do not- I repeat - NOT replace the cover on the drainpipe outside the back fire exit. It causes flooding, and water runs straight down into the foundations, causing the building to collapse even faster than it will already.
Floor Boards
Most of ours are pretty manky especially the ones under the stage. They are faff to replace and quite expensive.
Foyer Lights
The Lights in the foyer run off a 12V supply which also feeds the doorbell. The supply is located in the tech box. They are turned on at the switch in the box office and have a tendency to blow.
Fresher’s Week
This is when we try and sell EUTC to lots of sweet innocent things straight from high school. Try and keep the building reasonably tidy and concentrate on going out drinking, don’t let them rope you into organising anything. It is a good idea to try and make a decent first impression. There are normally shows happening and they tend to have no budget and ask for lots of favours, try and make them good because good shows attract members.
Fringe
So much work and yet so much fun. Don’t get talked into doing fringe shows because it eats your life for not a lot of benefit. There is a high possibility you will drown under all the flyers you are handed. See lots of shows, socialise and drink lots. The pubs tend to be open later (Bobbys till 3 and Igloo till 5) so make the most of it.
Fringe Venue Manager
This is the person responsible for running the building during the fringe. It is normally a job taken by people who have experience of producing and little experience of production. They advertise the building in the run up to the Fringe, chose the shows, appoint the staff and are technically in charge for the fringe. Remember that if your name is on the License when the shit hits the fan you make the decisions and can kick Fringe butt.
Fringe Safe
An excellent book containing all the information you need to stay safe and legal, definitely worth a read even if you’re not doing the Fringe. Can be obtained from the Fringe Society Office on the High Street, although the Venue Manager (See Fringe Administrator) should be sent a copy. Every Fringe company used to be sent a copy but now only the venue managers get one.
Front of House Manager
This person looks after the FoH areas including kitchen, they make sure the café and cleaning cupboard are kept stocked and that things get cleaned. They also arrange staffing but since producers are notoriously unable to make staff turn up (And their excuse is that they got them to sign up so them not turning up is not their problem). They tend to do their own maintenance if you prod them so that you don’t have to.
Furniture
This breaks down into two sections.
- Bedlam furniture which is stuff which is used in the everyday life of the theatre so café stools, tables and the contents of the office. None of this should appear on stage.
- Set furniture which is mainly kept on the balcony. None of this should appear in the café or office.
G
Gaffa Tape
It is much like The Force, in that it has a Dark Side, a Light Side and holds the whole known universe together. Mainterms need to buy their own. You should keep a supply but don't put it all out cos it will walk. It can be bought from many suppliers, with Screwfix being about the cheapest followed by SKL and Blacklight.
Gas
We have gas powered heating and the meter gets read monthly. We normally spend £1000 yearly on heating the building, although this has risen to about £2000 by trying to keep the actors happy but it didn’t work so this practice has been abandoned…..as long as the cans in the café don’t freeze, fob them off with an it’s an old cold building and even if I put the heating on 24 hours it would make no difference story.
Glass
Glass is dangerous stuff in set construction, try and persuade them to use Perspex instead which easier to work with. You shouldn’t need to work about glass because replacing windows comes under keeping the building weather tight which the University is responsible for (See Buildings Agreement).
Gordon, Mr Jim
Supplies us with all our toilet supplies.
Grandad Tech
Position of oldest Tech Manager still enrolled at Edinburgh University.
Greyfriar’s Bobby's Bar
See Pubs: Bobbys
Guidelines
H
Hammers
You use them for hitting and removing nails. Bedlam currently owns four. They can also be used for percussive maintenance.
Hardboard
The cheapest wood, it is little more than cardboard. It is useful for covering things although not if you want them to last. It expands when wet so can be used in a shrink to fit fashion like reskinning the stage (See Stage). It can’t really be reused because it just crumbles.
Heating System
We have a gas powered system, the schematics and instructions for use can be found in the relevant appendix. Be nasty because we can’t afford to heat the building 24/7 and even then the actors would still complain. The tank in the auditorium makes funny noises when the heating turns on or off which scares actors. It also detracts from plays so try and make sure it does not cycle when there is a play on, I spent three weeks with it turning off at 20:00 until I watched a performance and it gurgled for a minute during a quiet bit. OOPS
Homebase
Convenient DIY store. THEY DO NOT SELL BLACK MATT PAINT!!! (see Ian Russell Paints). However, for all other things, not the cheapest option, but quick (especially for first year's who live in Hermit's Croft!).
House Lights
There are eight house lights which are controlled from the dimmers, usally on channel 48. They used to dim from a small box connected to a power supply halfway down the balcony on House Left next to the trip switches. The small box is still knocking about somewhere, but generally it's much easier to keep them operated from the board. The four of the house lights are wired in the others can be unplugged and moved for conversion projects.
I
Ian Russell Paints
An independent paint retailer on Marchmont Road. We have an account so you don’t need cash. They keep a stock of matt black especially for us and can get anything if given enough time.
Igloo
Now known as Dropkick Murphy's, a club on Merchant Street (Go down Candle Maker Row and turn right) which is open till 3am (5 during the Fringe) and is kept open as an alternative to gouging your eyes out when the pub closes. You should never ever go there unless you have alot of life insurance or a frontal lobotomy. It was called Bertie’s Bar but underwent rebranding in 2001, and then was rebranded back to being Berties, it didn't make a difference, it still sucks ass. It sells reasonably cheap alcohol but can be a bit busy on Friday and Saturday nights.
Intercom
Irn Bru
The drink of the techie - it makes a refreshing hangover cure. Often endowed with the fabled negative number membership it’s presence can be seen in the number of 20p deposit bottles. Because of the deposit bottles it can also feed a hungry techie with the equation 5xbottle=chips.
J
Jack, Mr David
The University Buildings Manager who can help with big maintenance and knowing what permits to get when you want to do things. His number is 0131 650 2475.
Jeffreys, Mr Alan
He runs Avalon Stage Armoury (See Avalon Stage Armoury). He's now located in Glasgow, so plan ahead when thinking about getting ammunition.
K
Kennedy, Mr Malcolm
Edinburgh District Council’s Building Inspector has been dealing with us for years. He understands how we run but make sure to get the building tidy before he visits. Chances are you will only see him once, during the annual licence inspection but if you change the layout of the theatre like with an auditorium conversion he needs to get a set of plans before you do it and to come and inspect it after you’re finished.
Keys, Side door
The lock on the side door is a security yale and we should not be able to make copies. The locksmith in Leith on Easter Road will make copies for around £10 each. These copies can then be duplicated for about £5 each.
Keys, Interior
You should know exactly who has keys to what and where. It is sensible to keep spares of everything in the key safe so that as long as you have a key to the key safe you can get anywhere even if you forget your big set. The normal price for copying keys is £2.50 for yale types and £3.00 for mortice keys.
Key Holders
The police need a list of people that they can contact in the event of them needing access to the building. It must consist of at least three people living at different addresses who can give access to anywhere on the property. We normally give four names, normally the Theatre Manager, President, Tech Manager and Business Manager so for this reason these people should have keys to all the doors in the place.
L
Leaks
see Heidegger's Theory
Leatherman
The techies multitool (See Multitool) of choice, there are several main types with the “Supertool” being favourite with the older techs and “Wave” more popular with newer techs. The “Wave” is prettier and more ergo dynamic than the larger “Supertool”. In function they differ little, having a good set of pliers, two blades, one straight, one serrated, a file, a saw several screwdrivers and an can/bottle opener. The “Wave” also has a very good set of scissors. Techies favour the leatherman brand due to their strength and reliability. Though watch out for Gerber multi-tools as well. Favoured more by Americans, the most popular model has spring-release quick access pliers. They're cool because they have replaceable parts, but you can only get them fixed in America.
License
The main one you need to worry about is the annual theatre license. Ours runs from May 31st for a year. Prior to this date you will be contacted by the four branches of the council who need to look at the theatre. More information can be found in the section on People & Inspections. You might also have to know about Alcohol Licenses for festivals and the fringe. The license we apply for is an Occasional Permissions which we use to turn us into a members/patrons bar. Do not let people apply for an Occasional License because you need a licensed publican which we don’t have. You need to be careful about who can drink when covered by occasional permissions, we normally try to have a policy of members and patrons only. Bedlam does not need an Entertainments License for doing film showing and stuff, we are covered by our theatre license. If you are interested in more info on licenses look in Fringe Safe which goes through all the legal stuff.
Licensee
Bedlam Theatre’s Licensee is EUTC’s President, you are then their responsible manager. You are responsible to them for keeping the building legal. If things go tits up and people die both of you are liable and could be jailed.
Lighting Rig
Bedlam's lighting rig is 12'6" above the stage, there are 3 long bars along the auditorium and 6 bars which run across the auditorium. Along the 6 shorter bars there are additional conduit bars. From each conduit bar there hang 14 sockets. The other end of the circuits is at the patch panel (See Patch Panel, LX) It should be rehung every few years. It was last rehung Fringe '05.
Loop, Endless
See Endless Loop
M
Maglite
Some people consider them to be torches but they are so much more than that. There are several sizes, the mini which takes 2 AA batteries and most techies carry at all times, mainly to stir their black techies (See Black Techie) and the D-Cell which comes in several sizes, from 2 to 6 which not only provide large amounts of light but also double as hammers (See Hammer) and can allegedly be useful if staff are assaulted.
Make Up
We have recently been given a set of basic stage makeup. Talk to the wardrobe manager if you need it. Some shows use it for effect and few things make more mess than actors either applying or removing makeup. Just make sure the Stage Manager cleans up afterwards and warn them if they don’t realise what a mess it will make. If professional-level makeup/advice is needed the best person to contact is Sarah Cairncross (about_time_scotland@yahoo.co.uk) who is quite good.
Maplin
A techies toy store. A shop that sells electrical gubbins. They sell cable and connectors as well as all the other stuff that the Tech Manager (See Tech Manager) might want. They are now in Gorgie. Schemie cameoflage required.
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)
A cheap wood substitute that can be used for covering areas, it normally comes in 8’x4’ pieces of varying thickness. It is popular because it is cheap (Being sawdust mixed with glue) but is tends to be brittle and if it gets wet tends to disintergrate. Because it is so brittle it really doesn’t make sensible flooring
Microphone Sockets
There are several microphone runs from the tech box to the stage cupboard. The end in the tech box can be found behind the sound equipment and the end in the stage cupboard is under the stage beside the steps.
Money
You’ll have a budget, the Business Manager can tell you how much you’ve spent. Give the Business Manager receipts and the appropriate forms and you’ll get cash if it’s less than about £30 or a cheque if it’s more than that. If you need the money quickly cheques can be made to cash but you can only cash them at the Bank of Scotland on George IV Bridge. You can get a cheque for delivery people- ask the business manager.
Multitool
An all purpose tool which comprises several functions, the most standard one being pliers, blades and screwdrivers. They are also available as AJ (See AJ), blades and screwdrivers. The techie’s multitool of choice is the leatherman (See Leatherman)
Murray's Tool Stores
There are several branches of Murray’s around, they sell decent quality tools at a reasonable price as well as general hardware. They tend to give a discount to EUTC members, although it’s normally just knocking the pennies off a purchase.
N
No
The most useful word in your vocabulary (See Yes), just think how much easier your life would be if you had know this word when they asked you to be Theatre Manager. Now go find a Stage Manager to practice it on……no not the cute ones.
No No Nanette
A musical of dubious quality.
Nuts
They get lost and you can never get them to match up with bolts (See Bolts). Get people to attach them to their bolts when they’re removed from set.
O
Opinions
What’s one of these then?
Outside Companies
We try and hire ourselves out because it gets money in and the members get paid for staffing. You need to watch outside companies because often they don’t have a clue as to what’s illegal. I’ve written a set of guidelines and a questionnaire for outside companies. Make sure that whoever is supervising the in knows what they’re doing (Unless you can get the job….try and get paid a technician wage for it not just the general wage). You’ll need to check the set but remember that they’re paying a lot of money so be professional and polite,
P
Paint
We use lots, the main ones you’ll have to buy in are black and white matt. They can be got from Ian Russell (See Ian Russell) or the Paint Shed (See Paint Shed) quite cheaply. Don’t let people paint the stage in gloss because it needs to be sanded down before it can be painted over.
Paint Brushes
We get through a lot of these because people are unable to was them properly. Make sure that you always have white spirit (See White Spirit) in stock so that people can wash gloss off their brushes. Be nasty and keep a couple of nice ones locked away for when you have to paint something.
Paint Rollers
These are worse than brushes for getting fucked because they are that much more effort to wash. As with brushes yell at people to do it right and make sure you’ve got a nice one locked away for when you need it.
Paint Shed, The
A large paint shop on Howe Street (Just walk down Fredrick Street and keep going). They can normally get stuff when Ian Russell can’t and are slightly cheaper but a lot further away.
Parking
Bedlam is on yellow lines,(and upon bricks because of some geordie...see Timms) currently you can load between 0930 and 1700 and park between 1830 and 0800, this means that from 0800 till 0930 and 1700 till 1830 you can’t park at all. To prevent yourself getting parking tickets you need to leave the boot of your car open so that you class as loading, you still have to return to the car every five minutes but at least you don’t get a ticket. If you need to park for longer you can call the Parking Attendants (See Parking Attendant) head office and tell them you’re there officially. I’ve never actually managed to get through to them when I’ve needed to but they’ve assured me that all I need to do is call.
Parking Attendant
See Blue Meanie
Panic Button
see Communication: Panic Alarm
Perspex
Used as a glass substitute it is easier to work and a lot safer onstage. It still fractures to give sharp edges so care must be taken and any residue cleaned up. The best way to cut it is with a Stanley knife which takes work and time but persevere.
Photocopier
We have a photocopy account in the David Hume Tower copy centre (in the basement of the building, across from the creepy canteen).
Pigeon Holes
Each Committee member has a pigeon hole where you can stick stuff for them, people never check them so it’s better to put notes on the board. They’re useful to use for pending (I can’t be bothered doing it right now) stuff.
Plasterwork
Most of it’s falling down so watch out what gaffa you remove. Repairing plasterwork takes a degree of skill cos you need to get it good and smooth so only let people who know what they’re doing at it. The trick to it is to build it up in thin layers and then water down the top layer so it goes on smoothly.
Police
Of limited use in moving tramps (See Tramps) and should be called in the event of theft or assault. The number for St Leonard’s Street police station is 0131 662 1000 - ask for the "Operations Room" if you'd like a constable to come.
Posters
Shows make posters and they put them up, the FoH Manager normally monitors the ones FoH and the staff keep them up to date. Legally what you need is for them to be secured at all four corners. To put up posters in Uni Buildings they need to be stamped with the EUSA logo. If you’re doing them make sure that you stamp the master and photocopy it, rather than having to stamp every individual poster. If you enlarge to A3 do this before stamping because it’s obvious when you enlarge the stamp. All posters should show the EUTC logo, have the name and address of the theatre, dates and times of the show, ticket prices and the box office phone number.
President
When it gets down to it the President is in charge, they are the Licensee (See Licensee) and in charge of the Company. The way the duties normally break down is that the Theatre Manager takes responsibility for keeping the theatre safe and legal, the President organises the company. Bear in mind that the President out ranks you but will normally respect your opinion and let you run the theatre as you see best because they’re normally actor/director/producer types and don’t know how to run a theatre...
Press and Publicity Officer
This person is responsible for the public face of the EUTC and Bedlam theatre so keep on their good side. They should check all posters before they go out and should be able to make your forms pretty before giving them out. This may take some times so be ready to make alternative arrangements. Just do what you can and try not to hurt their feelings if you could do it better.
Printer, Box Office
See Box Office
Productions Manager
They talk regularly with all the shows and should know exactly what’s happening in all shows. They communicate between shows and committee so that all shows should know what’s the committee is saying about them and take measures to stop us kicking their butts. They distribute Production Guidelines so that people have no excuse when they do stupid things.
Q
Quinn, Mr Owen
Owen Quinn used to be the EUSA Buildings Manager, so you may hear some stories about him. He is no longer with us (in the context of EUSA, rather than this temporal world). Take this as you will.
R
Red, Rioja/Bedlam (gloss)
The colour of red that FoH is painted.
Refuse Collection
The large 1100L bin (Claymore) outside the Accountant's Office is emptied every Monday, I’ve found that is the best day cos most of the rubbish is created during work-ins on Sundays. During the fringe you need to get it emptied more often, just call Trade Waste. It was replaced in 2001 because the lid snapped off. It now locks which is something of an inconvenience because people just dump bin bags rather than going and getting the key. The key is just a green plastic thing. Lots of annoying people around tend to stick stuff in the bin if it’s not locked so you’ve got to work out which problem annoys you more.
Rostra
Bedlam has lots, mainly in standard sizes which is useful. Every time they are used they need to be tested for structural integrity. They are stored on the SR balcony and you’ll probably have trouble finding all the right bits if you’re new to the job.
Rubber Gloves
We get through an extraordinary number of pairs, it’s normally worth keeping a couple of pairs of extra thick ones for outside. A supply of disposable gloves is useful too but be aware that some people are allergic to latex ones.
S
Scaffolding
Building scaff correctly is an art form, the trick to it is to build it as strong as possible with as little scaff as possible, using the appropriate clamps (See Scaff Clamps), use common sense and get someone who knows what they’re doing. When in doubt build it then jump on it, if it breaks you can probably work out what’s wrong then rebuild it.
Scaff Clamps
There are several main types of scaff clamps.
- Right angle: Simple and strong for joining scaff at right angles.
- Swivel: Simple, not as strong as a right angle but can hold scaff at any angle.
- Pucklok: Also called a hook clamp, this one should not be used for structural stuff but is a nice simple one for hanging things with.
- Clamshell: Simple and gives a neat join, you tighten both sides of the clamp with one bolt
- Band & Plate: Another nice simple one for joining scaff at right angles Bedlam owns lots of these but you need to put the bits together right to give it strength.
- Sleeve Joint: For joining scaff end on, they tend to get deformed easily and are the most likely clamp to have the nuts stick.
- You can make your life a lot easier by using the right type.
Scaff Spanner
Bedlam owns one scaff spanner which is kept on the balconies. Scaff spanners are simple sockets on the end of rods which fit the nuts on scaff clamps.
Scottish Power
The people we buy our gas and electricity from, they send people around every month to read the meter, it’s amazing how often I’ve seen the meter men considering how little I’m in office hours.
Screwfix
They sell all sorts of hardware cheaply. They sell by catalogue and you can get them to bill us. The stuff isn’t fancy but it works.
Screwdriver
Boring thing for putting screws into bits of wood, there are two main types to worry about, slot and crosshead. With crosshead coming in PoziDrive and Phillips. Techies tend to prefer pozi because you get a better grip. If using a powered driver (See SPT) try not to use slotted screws because you will find that unless you get the exact centre of the screw you will lose grip.
Screws
The device of choice for holding bits of wood together. Bedlam only seems to stock big or really big screws, finding 1" or smaller screws is difficult. If you don’t know how to use screws yet there’s something wrong.
Secretary
This is the person responsible for organising the company, they make schedules, know who does what and when, know who are members and keep the office stocked with stationary.
Security Grills
The Security Grills which obstruct the servery are mainly there to stop Company members from helping themselves. It is possible to unscrew the fixings if you ever really need to but is probably not worth the effort. When we have alcohol stored there are larger “Alcohol” padlocks which can be used. This further restricts the number of people who can access the servery.
Set
Stuff that goes onstage. If you're theatre manager and don't know what a set is, I worry...
Sewing Machine
There are two broken sewing machines in Bedlam (one black Singer, one light green...something). They are good for set but not for actual sewing although if anyone would like to try and fix them I am well up for that. There is one working sewing bought by Colleen Patterson during her stint as wardrobe manager 06/07, which is a JL100, very easy to use but shouldn't be used by anyone who isn't the wardrobe manager or someone trusted by the wardrobe manager.
Sex
It happens, just clean up afterwards.
Show Switch
This really useful device can be found in the tech box, it is used for when a show is on. Turning it on causes a red LED above the side auditorium door to turn on which says show in progress and it silences the intercom in the tech box. Instead the intercom causes green LEDs to light up along the front of the tech box.
Skips
Back in the old days before they put up bollards on the fire exit we used to hire skips for when we did a big clear out. It is still possible but more hassle now. It’s best to shop around to find the best deal and remember that you have to bear in mind not just hiring a skip but the times and volumes involved.
SKL (Simon Kennedy Lighting)
see Lighting Hire
Small hire charge
Applies to anywhere and anyone (especially our Fringe rivals!) who want to “borrow” tables, people, things, a brush, flyer space, toilet rolls, costumes, etc.
Smoking
It's illegal to do so in the building, even the box office or onstage. Blame the Scottish Executive.
Soap
There are soap dispensers in the toilets and cafe, there could do with being soap dispensers in the kitchen and paint cupboard. They are refilled by opening them with the L-shaped key, then remove the clear bottle. The bottle can then be refilled with liquid soap from a larger container. To reinsert the bottle you can either try and show off, just plunging it in or you can remove the holder by holding down the white tab and pulling it out. The bottle can then be reinserted and turned upside down without making a mess. To finish slam the soap dispenser closed.
Sound System
The sound system last received an update for the fringe 2003, when the CD players, the MC2 Amp, new speakers and the EQ were bought. The system is fine, it just requires TLC! We have==== · 2xAmps · 1xEQ · 1xCompressor · 2xMinidisk · 2xCD Player · 1xPatch Panel · 1x16 Channel sound desk You need to play with it to learn how to use it really. The correct order for switching on and off the system is a matter of dispute, however the currently agreed method is posted on the side of the rack. (Basically, feeds to the amps (CD, desk etc) should never be connected/disconnected/ or turned on/off while the amps are on to protect from surges). The Yamaha amp is ever so slightly fucked, if it doesn’t work press the point labeled ‘press here is amp refuses to work’. There may also be difficulty with altering the amp levels during a show as this makes the speakers crackle. The desk has spare channels for adding other inputs, labelled ‘computer’. As well as this the Front of House sound system can be run from this desk – ie. The auditorium and FoH can listen to the same music – spanky! (N.B. For this to work the FoH sound system must be independently switched on)
SPT
Sexy Power Tool eg powered screwdriver/drill
Stage
It's 29' wide and 17' deep, the floorboards are falling apart and the skin tends to get killed. There’s lots of air, and sawdust, and dead forgotten techies under it.
Stage Monitor
This is a microphone which picks up what’s happening on stage and then feeds it to the tech box and dressing room. It is powered by an AA battery in a little black box at the stage left end of the tech box. The On/Off control is also built into this box. The feed in the tech box can be turned off at the white box at the stage right end of the tech box, which switches between Monitor and PFL. The microphone is situated at the back of the auditorium so you can hear what the directors say to their friends straight after the show comes down.
Stage Weight
These are big lumps of metal that you use to hold flats (See Flats) in place. They are placed on the end of stage braces (See Braces, Stage) so they don’t move and you can also secure the bases of flats with them to stop people kicking them.
Stamps
Two types, the first is for sending letters and if you can’t use these you’ve got a problem, especially as now you don’t even have to lick them. The other is the EUSA stamp which all posters in EUSA buildings must have on or they’ll just get ripped down. We have a computer version of the EUSA stamp to put on posters- ask publicity manager.
T
T-Shirts
Most mainterms do T-Shirts of some kind, make sure if you want one that you get one for any shows, you can justify it if they ask what you’ve done for the show by telling them you’re letting it happen.
Technicians
Without them the stage would be very dark indeed, and the Actors would probably end up walking into a wall. Or each other. Have a tendency to get pissed off with everyone and everything. They dress in black. And live in the Tech Box.
Tech, Granddaddy
The appellation given to the most experienced tech in the room. Normally the oldest ex Tech Manager although in the absence of a Tech Manager ex Theatre Managers may be considered. If there are none of either the title may not be used, but since that chance of there not being one in the pub this is a situation which has never arisen.
Tech Manager
This person is the one you’ll have to work very closely with, basically if it breaks and it’s got a plug on it it’s their problem if it hasn’t got a plug it’s yours. They should know how to use all the equipment in the building and seem to spend all their time changing bulbs…but at least that means you don’t. Their two main jobs through the year are tech directing the fresher’s play and getting everything PAT tested (See Test, PAT).
Telewest
The company that we get out phone from.
Tequila Club
see: Tequila Club
Invented by N. Hobbs during fringe 2001 this is a drinking game which requires 6 people to sit and down shots , the procedure goes:
- Granddaddy tech (See Tech, Granddaddy) recites the phrase "Six there must be not five nay nor seven but six is the holy number"
- The six involved number off.
- The granddaddy says "Now Fight"
- Everyone downs their drinks
- Repeat till nobody has any money left
- It is traditional for the first drink in Tequila Club to be tequila but after that anything may be drunk. Tequila club has been tried with multiples of six but it didn’t really work. It is possible to have fractions as long as the whole adds up to six (So four and four halves would be ok).
Test, PAT (Portable Appliance Test)
This is the test that the University administers to anything with a plug. Technically everything should be tested but we have some things that cease to exist (quantum effect) when the PAT test man comes around. It needs done yearly although cable should be done every six months.
Teviot Key
We keep a key in Teviot to stop committee members getting phone calls at random times by people needing into the building. The key is attached to a bit of wood because the first person to sign it out returned their house keys and didn’t think to go in and swap before I got phone calls from people who thought the key was broken. Even worse is that this was a committee member (Generally referred to as the weakest link) who had their own side door key anyway.
Theatre Manager
Knows everything. No no, EVERYTHING.
Toilet Paper
Normally used for wiping your arse there are people who try and use this stuff for sets even going so far as to tell you that they’ve sprayed it with flamcheck so what’s the problem? When it’s actually being used for it’s main purpose it needs to be put in the dispensers because otherwise more goes on the floor than in the toilet. Make sure that every time there is a show they get completely refilled and you should be fine. You’ll find that when it runs out people use green towels to wipe their bums rather than going and refilling the dispensers.
Tools
Bedlam owns some, most of them are functional rather than fancy. I don’t see the point in buying nice stuff since it just gets fucked or lost. Most of the nice stuff you see lying around belongs to members so try and learn their colour codes so you know who to ask when you need something. When you’re doing something big you need to get people to bring things, especially power drivers.
Trade Waste
The people responsible for Claymore (See Bins) they empty it once a week. You can call them on 0131 469 5655 if you need extra uplifts or to find out what’s happening if you find it’s not been emptied or emptied on the wrong day. You’ll normally get an answer phone not a real person but they normally call back in about an hour.
Trap Doors
There are two in the stage they go down into the crypt, other than that there are several on the balcony, one in each toilet, two in the main office and one in the costume cupboard. The ones on the balcony open to let you at hidey holes The ones in the office let you under the floor. The one in the gents lets you under the floor and you can technically climb through to the crypt, although slimmer Theatre Managers than I have got stuck half way. The trap door in the ladies goes into a little room under the floor. The trap door in the costume cupboard leads down to the stage left exit, there are normally things ontop of this trap door so it is of limited use.
U
University
Technically the reason you’re here.
University Furniture
The University owns lots of nice antique furniture but you have to ask before you can borrow it. The person to ask is….
V
Videoing Shows
Technically this is kind of illegal because it infringes on copyright but often there is a "Copy for our archives" get out clause in the rights. There are two main ways of doing this, either sitting in the audience or doing it from the balcony. Be aware that you still have to obey the fire regulations so is they’re using a tripod it really needs to be at the end of the back row and since it will interfere with more than one seat there will need to be more tickets taken out of the computer. The projection hole is also useful for placing cameras into especially as from here they’re often close enough to plug the Stage Monitor (See Stage Monitor) into.
Venue Hire Manager
see Committee : Venue Hire Manager
W
Wardrobe Manager
see Committee: Wardrobe Manager. Once an assistant to the Theatre Manager now independant. Will need help with the costume cupboard but will in turn help you with most tidying and clothing related issues backstage. More recent Wardrobe Managers have been willing to take responsiblity for the dressing rooms as well as a natural extension of their remit.
Water Supply
We have two tanks, one large one for the toilets and café which is situated on the balcony under the wood store, the other is located high on the stage left balcony which feeds the heating system. The heating system one gurgles when it turns on or off. We are metered so make sure people turn off taps and stuff.
Washers
These are metal disks which you can use to stop bits rubbing or give a larger surface area when fixing. These are vital on lantern hookclamps along with a Spring Washer. See Spring washer.
Webmaster
see Non-Committee Positions: Webmaster
Web Site
Our best advertising because it is available on a sensible address (www.bedlamtheatre.co.uk) and anyone can check it.
White lines
All steps should have while lines on them, this is especially true of ones which are painted black. The important ones are the FoH ones on which the white lines should be at least on inch wide. Painting white lines is harder than you thing because you need to mask them well but the steps that you’re putting them onto will probably not be dry yet and the paint will come off when you remove the tape. The way to get around this is to wait a couple of days with the tape on and then dissolve it with water, leaving immaculate white lines. You will also find that no matter how many wet paint signs you put up someone will walk up the steps and spoil your lines. This is generally done at Fringe time but could well need done at other points.
White Paint
You should keep a supply of this just cos it’s useful and lunchtimes will want it. It’s slightly cheaper that black but not by much. It can be bought from Ian Russell (See Ian Russell) or the Paint Shed (See Paint Shed) in 5L tubs. Buy Matt paint for general use and a smaller tin of Gloss for the painting of some woodwork around the building and the white lines (see above). Do not use Gloss on stage it's nasty to light and almost impossible to paint over.
Windows
Get them cleaned when you can, I try and get it done at work ins. If they get broken report it to Estates and buildings who have to repair them as part of the buildings agreement (See Buildings Agreement). You’ll find that quite often the little panes of glass get broken on Friday/Saturday nights. Try and get this reported as soon as possible. The windows on both sides were replaced in late 2006 by the works department.
Wing Nuts/Bolts
See Nuts, See Bolts just these ones are designed to be done up by hand.
Wood
Wood comes in lots of types and sizes (See Chipboard, See MDF, See Wood, Laminated). We shouldn’t store any on the balconies because it’s a fire hazard but we do. There is a wood store at the back behind the tech box which was built and altered at the request of the Fire Officer. For wood to be used onstage it should be painted on all sides. You need to do it right in the Fringe because the fire officer might well check. This includes visiting companies sets.
Works Department
The arm of the University that does all the maintenance work, they’re pretty slow but they do come out and do stuff. If something needs done quickly tell them and they can put it through as a priority job (Like doors needing replaced). Be nice and polite even if their workmen turn up twenty minutes before a lunchtime to fix the toilets. There is a long term belief within the works department that we either don't exist or will stop existing soon. This makes it hard to persuade them to spend time and money on the building. Things have improved in 2006 due to a new manager being appointed.
X
X-ray machine
nope, Bedlam doesn't have one of those
Y
Yes
Possibly the most dangerous word there is (See No) especially if you’re saying it…then only problem is that you probably started this job with yes. Now think about all the trouble it’s caused you and don’t do it again.
Z
Zippo Lighters
Dangerous nasty things these, they’re not allowed onstage because they don’t go out if you drop them which is bad (Although not as bad as when a pissed committee member drops a lit one into your lap at Teviot).
