(206) 622-7850
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FAQs & Tips
FAQs
Audio Questions- What’s included in a “wireless” microphone system?
- How many microphones can I add to my existing wireless system?
- My crew is spread out all over the theatre. How can I communicate with everyone?
- Can I mix old and new beltpacks with new and old headsets?
- I don’t know whether to get a wireless microphone system or a wired one. How do I choose?
- I’d like to use rechargeable batteries in my wireless mics. What kind do you recommend?
- We’re having problems with the belt packs on our singers failing. Do you have a solution?
- We’re using a portable sound system and getting feedback. What should we do?
Drapery Questions
- Our theatre drapes are about 20 years old. They still look okay, but are they still safe?
- Do you repair drapes?
- Our grand drape doesn’t move properly when we pull the cord (or run the motor). What can we do?
- What kind of fabric should we get for making drops and covering flats?
- Will muslin drops shrink when they're painted?
- How are large drops constructed?
- Which scrim fabric is best for the effect I want?
- What other fabrics do you carry?
- Are bolts and materials consistent?
- Do you ever have any remnants?
Effects Questions
- How is a hazer different from a fogger?
- I’m not sure whether to get a dry ice fogger or a chemical fogger. What’s the difference?
- How do I get that sparkly light effect all over a room?
- How far in advance do I need to reserve equipment?
- It’s great that we can rent a cobweb machine for the one time a year we need it, but what do we use to actually make the cobwebs—rubber cement?
- I want to use a bubble machine at my wedding. What’s the best way to use it?
- Are your breakaway bottles and glasses made of candy-glass?
Filters & Patterns Questions
- Are filters used just for adding color, or are there other applications?
- Do you have samples of color filters?
- What size is a sheet of color?
- I just want some color. What are the basics?
- How can we create a fire effect on stage? What about rain and snow?
- We want to project our company logo on the lobby wall. How can we do that?
Lamps, Cables & Connectors Questions
- I have a 65Q fresnel with a 750 watt lamp. Can I use a 500 watt lamp?
- Why can’t I just use extension cords for my lighting instruments?
- What’s the difference between stage pin, Edison and twist-lock connectors?
- What’s the right way to install a 20A stage pin connector?
- What’s the right way to install an Edison connector?
- What’s the right way to install a twist-lock connector?
- Is there some way to upgrade my 360Q ellipsoidal without buying a whole new instrument?
Lighting Questions
- I’m a high school teacher assigned to advise the Drama Club. What kind of lighting instruments do we need for a production of Our Town?
- How do I calculate the coverage of an ellipsoidal?
- Can I run my followspot on a dimmer?
- I want to upgrade my system but can afford only a new console right now. Can I integrate a new control console with my old dimmers?
- Will new instruments integrate well with my old ones?
- Our PTA has donated money for a new lighting control system for the school auditorium. What should we get?
Makeup Questions
- What are the basic elements of stage makeup?
- How do I get the best value for my makeup dollar?
- How do I know which foundation is right for me?
- How can I check makeup colors before buying?
- How can we create scars?
- We’re doing “that Scottish play.” How do we make blood sacs that work?
- Do you have any tips for avoiding “makeup room” cold epidemics?
- We’re going to need a large amount of body makeup for some of the characters in our school production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. We have a “recipe” for body makeup. Do you have the ingredients we need to make our own?
Paint Questions
- Why use scenic paints instead of the stuff I can get at my neighborhood hardware store?
- How do I know which kind of paint to use?
- How can I test colors before buying gallons and gallons of paint?
- How can I get more information about using stage paints?
- We want to do faux wood paneling. What brushes do we use?
- Why can’t we use cheap brushes from the hardware store for painting sets?
Tips
- Priming Drops & Flats
- Priming Other Materials
- Why Should I Use Scenic Paint?
- Scenic Paint & How to Choose It
- Flameproofing & Testing for Retardancy
- Choosing Sealer
- Tips to Keep Your Paint Fresh
- How to Create a Faux Brick Finish
- How to Use Thermoplastics
- How to Apply Age & Character Makeup
- How to Apply 3-D Makeup Effects
- Lighting Control Equipment Purchasing Considerations
- Choosing the Right Light
- How to Clean & Maintain Your Lighting System
- How to Order the Correct Drapes
Call us at (206) 622-7850 or (800) 622-7850.
