List of Technical Equipment

NB again: Found this in the old theatre manager's manual, it needs updating but I am typing it here to get rid of the paper copy. Originally written by Graeme Timms I believe.

Types of Lanterns

Fresnels: Fresnels produce a very soft edged beam. The beam angle is adjustable and its shape is roughly contained by a (usually!) rotatable barn door.

There are three types of models of fresnel in Bedlam stock:

• Patt 123: The old Strand fresnel with a 500W T17 lamp
• Minuette F: The standard fresnel in the theatre with a 650W T27 lamp
• Patt 743: A 1KW fresnel with a wider beam angle than the other lower wattage fresnels

A variant on the fresnel is the pebble convex (or PC) lantern (sometime salso called Prism Convex) which gives a slightly harder edged beam with less spill than the fresnel. PCs are different from fresnels by having a smooth flat front lens rather than the concentrically ridged front lens of fresnels.

Profiles: Profile spots give precise control of the beam. Shapes in all sizes can be produced by integral shutters giving hard edges to the beam or by an iris diaphragm giving round edges. Edge quality can be adjusted from very soft to sharp by adjusting the lens. The quality of the whole beam can be textured by a metal plate called a gobo. More advanced profiles have a zoom facility where both the beam angle and focus can be altered.

New generation profies now have a third lens fitted. This arrangement is termed condenser optics. It allows for a greater output from the lamp and improves projection for gobos. Although the Bedlam does not have any condenser profiles in stock, ensure that any show rentals are consistent with condenser and non-condenser profiles as far as required.

• Patt 23 mk1: Non-zoom profiles with a 500W lamp. Beware of dropping the lens tube while focussing
• Patt 23 mk2: Exactly the same as mk1's with a set of shutters fixed
• Prelude 16/30s: 650W Strand lanterns with a variable beam angle between 16 and 30 degrees
• T-84's: 1KW Strand zoom profiles. Often used as follow spots in the Bedlam.
• Source 4 Jnr: Our newest lantern, bought pre-Fringe 2000. High quality beam from a 575W lamp. Variable zoom between 28 and 50 degrees.

Parcans: Parcans are a fixed beam lantern whose beam angle is determined by the lamp in the lantern. These are the classic rock concert lantern and are very effective at producing strong beams of light in smoke or haze conditions. There are two types of can available.

• Long Nosed Parcans are found in the Bedlam in black finish. They are also available in chrome finish.
• Short Nosed Parcans are not found in the Bedlam. These are most commonly used as floor mounted parcans providing face light for music gigs or TV such as Later with Jools Holland or TOTP

There are four different types of lamp available for use within parcans.

• CP60 lamp gives a narrow beam. These are identifiable from the clear finish to the lens of the lamp
• CP61 lamp gives a medium width of beam, identifiable by the frosted finish to the lens
• CP62 lamp gives a wide beam of light. These are distinguished from its counterpart lamps by having a linear ridged finish to the lens, rather like that found on a car headlight
• CP63 lamp gives an extra wide beam that can really only be used in the short nosed parcans. The Bedlam does not stock these lamps

The Bedlam theatre stocks the first three of these lamps although current stock mainly uses CP62s. Parcan beams are oval in shape with a bright centre line and a slightly less intense edge. The lamp can be rotated to orientate the beam the way required.

Rigging in the Bedlam

Without rigging, lights are almost useless in the sense of theatrical lighting design. It is the most physical part of theatrical lighting and potentially the most dangerous as it involves work with weight at height. It is made even more dangerous in the Bedlam as most rigging is done at well after normal peoples' bedtimes and sometimes well into the early hours

NB not finished brb