The following is a list of clues and hints to help avoid the common problems found in designing for the Bolton. They are compiled from what designers and electricians have found over the years. If they are at all confusing, please call the Production Electrician for clarification.

  1. The AutoYoke(new for the 2000-2001 season) is permanently mounted just SR of center in the second beam. Getting it there was a bit awkward but it works very nice. The upstage shot is somewhat limited cue to the nature of the theatre. The AutoYoke is equipped with AutoIris but not AutoFocus.
  2. The gallery positions can be a bit tricky. We typically create a dual goalpost each side for the second and third galleries. This seems to work quite well, except the bottom row does have difficulty making the near shot.
  3. In addition to the "permanent" gallery positions, a lamp can be hung virtually anywhere in the galleries. Please do be aware that the stage manager is located center of the first gallery rear and the sound operator is located SL rear on the first gallery. This still leaves a bit of space for a "Balcony Rail" type of position.
  4. The beam positions are constructed in a way that doesn't allow a lamp to be hung straight down or up, as it should. Because all lamps in these positions are yoked out, focus (and "normal" shutter cuts) can be more annoying than it should be.
  5. There is an ample supply of pipe and hardware for booms, ladders, and tail-downs.
  6. Followspots, when used, are typically in the rear of the house third gallery. There is not an enclosed booth so noise can be a problem in quiet moments in the show. For a slight reduction in punch this can be overcome by using a 10x23 or other suitable standard fixture.
  7. We have a cad sketch of the midrails(VectorWorks format) and associated ductwork.
  8. The 6K dimmers are located at floor level DSR, DSL, USR and USL. Therefore two of them are very handy for groundrows and two of them make little difference.

Baxter Stage Notes

  1. The dimmer layout of the Bolton creates some limits for the Baxter.
    • The 16 floor pocket dimmers are NOT available.
    • The 10 US wall dimmers are only available as scenery permits.
  2. Typically a maximum electrics trim of 21'0" to the batten is used. This greatly facilitates focus.
  3. House lighting for the Baxter Stage is the responsiblity of the lighting designer. There is a set of 30 "snub" nose Par64 500w WFL fixtures available specifically for house lighting.
  4. Studio One is used as the entry way to the Baxter Stage. The lighting of Studio One is NOT the responsiblity of the lighting designer, however the Studio One lighting is controlled via the Baxter Stage console.
  5. There is a batten located off stage right inline with the rear of the SR seating unit EXCLUSIVELY for houselight fixtures.
  6. The Elipscans unfortunately produce a high pitched whine that makes them unsuitable for use in the Baxter. The I-Cues are quiet enough.