for hosting a performance
Stages
Sound
Lighting
Electrical Power
SettingUp and Striking the Set
Site Access and Assistance
Stages
Our puppet stages vary in size and
technical requirements depending on the show being performed. Our
standard stage used for most performances is 10 by 8 feet, plus additional 3 foot wide
wings on both sides of the stage for a total of 16 feet in width. Our largest stage
is 15 feet wide with 5 foot wings on both sides for a total of 25 feet
in width, by 20 feet deep. The depth of the large stage includes an 8
foot performance space with scenery and props in front of the
puppet stage itself. A minimum 8 foot ceiling is necessary for all
stages.
The puppets perform at a level about 5 feet 7
inches off the floor, so the optimal viewing distance for the audience,
especially if children are seated on the floor, is at least 8 feet,
i.e., the first row should be at least 8 feet in front of the
stage/performance space.
Sound
We provide our own sound system which includes two speakers mounted on tripods in front of, and to the sides of the stage. This system can be fed into a house PA system if the room/auditorium is large.
Lighting
If lighting conditions in the performance room are not sufficiently bright for the stage area, or if a particular show requires special lighting, we would also require space for 8 foot tall lighting towers located five feet in front of the stage on each side of the stage.
Electrical Power
Two, 15 amp electric circuits, or one 20 amp circuit is required if both our sound and lighting systems are used. If only the sound system is used, one 15 amp circuit is sufficient. We supply all of our own power cables.
Setup and Strking the Set
We normally require 1 1/2 hour load-in and setup time before shows. Larger or more complex shows may require a 2 hour load-in and setup time. Striking the set and load-out normally takes 45 minutes.
Site Access and Assistance
If access to the performance area is on one level (no stairs) we can move our equipment in and out ourselves, however if there are stairs of more than a few steps, it would be helpful to have a couple able-bodied helpers to help move the equipment.