Theatre Design & Technology - Fall 1990 - 58

file of what songs were performed at
each gig, along with other pertinent
information; and "OIRECTIO:-:S"-travel
directions to each gig.
A basic use scenario follows: If we
were playing a venue that we had played
before, the "GIG DATA" tecord listing the
physical details of that venue was
accessed several days prior to the gig
date. This record was used to determine
whether or not we needed to get there
early for set-up. An average set-up lasted
tWO to three hours, but if the venue had
obstacles like stairs or an elevator, a 1-0n-g hallway to the performance area or
other unusual attributes, crew call was
adjusted accordingly. If it was a new gig,
the venue information was entered after
the equipment was set-up.
Later, as the band was tuning up
and running its sound check, I would

print out a copy of the "GIG BOOK"
record (if any) for that gig. This listed
the songs we had performed on our most
recent date there. The band members
would then use this to develop the set
lists for that night's performances. Those
set lists were then entered into the
database for future reference.
The "DIRECTIO:-: " database was
used in a similar manner. Several days
before each gig, directions to that gig
were printed and distributed. As band
members lived in the \'V'ashington, DC,
Dover, DE and Hagerstown, MD areas,
this file contained directions to each gig
from all three places. Printed copies of
the "GIG DATA" and "OIRECTI00JS"
records were also kept at the offices of
T.S.M.B. Productions, the Hubcaps'
booking agent.
With today's laptops, CAD and

graphics programs; communications
hardware and software; and lighting and
MIDI control hardware and software, a
road technician can very easily communicate with the office computer; create
"to-scale" diagrams of venues; create,
edit and run lighting or sound
effectsH--IIDI programs; and, with the
addition of a cellular telephone, do it all
ffi
from just about anywhere!
John Macpherson, Jr. toured with The
Hubcaps ji-om 1985 to 1988 as their LD
and records keeper. During that time the
band pla)led gigs from New York to
Florida, Puerto Rico to Arizona, and lots
ofplaces in between. john is IIOW a ji-eelance lighting designer and board op based
in Hagerstown, MD, and is also the sysop
of the Broadcast Professionals Fortl/n5
Technical Theatre Section on CompuServe.

Technical Theatre Computer Forum
John F. Macpherson

The Broadcast Professionals Forum (BPForum) on the CompuServe Information Service has opened asernon for performing arts technicians.
The section is called "Technical Theatren and is open to all interested persons, whether they are professionals, amateurs or just plain curious about technicoltheatre.
(You must hove asubscription to CompuServe to access the service).
This section is devoted to the production aspects of the performing arts including: theatre, Tv, film, radio ond videa production.
The topics covered include (but ore not limned to): lighting, costumes and moke-up, sets, props, special effects, audio/sound/MIDI, stage and
production monagement, equipment, computer hardware and software, etc.
The Technical Theatre Section consists of three areas:
1. The Message Section, on electronic bulletin board and moil system, where users can ask questions, make suggestions, post messages
and general~ converse on topics of interest
2. The Data Ubrary, where users can access files on various topics, download demonstration versions of software, and upload files on themselves or their productions,
fadlnies, etc. The Library current~ has demonstration versions of JCN's Apprentice series theatre software, Rosco's Ughtwright software and WestStae's Microslar (Apple)
and ProStar (IBM) lighting control software, as well as numerous files of general interest. More software will be available in the near future.
We also hope to build alibrory of data about performing arts facilities throughout the US and abroad.
3. The Conference Roam, where users can hove online, real-time conversations with other users. We currently hove a week~ informal conference
every Monday night at 10pm Eastern Time. Future plans include special formal conferences with guest speakers on assorted topics.
We hove also set up on area for usm. This has the entire 25-year index for Theatre Design & Technology searchable by topic, and will be updated yea~.
We will also be including information about usm, ns activities, commissions and committees in this area in the near future.
To access the Broadcast Professionok Forum and the Tech Theatre section, type MGO BPFORUMn at ony CompuServe System M!n prompt. Then, once in, select the JOIN
option from the menu (no addnional charge). After you have JOINed, you may then access all areas of the Forum.
To lJ(cess the Message bud, select MESSAGES from the menu, then choose section 13, "Technical Theatre (or any other section of interest). To access theUbrory, select
UBRARIES from the menu, then select the UB you'd like to browse through. To access the Conference Roam, select CONFERENCES from the menu and then select Room
13, "Technical Theatre. In all forum areas, you are presented with amenu giving you alist of choices or actions for that particular portion of the system.
To access the usm area, type RGO BPF-l Rat any R!n prompt, then select the Rusmn menu choice.
R
A1temative~, you may type MGO BPF·400 to dire~ access the usm Index.
To access CompuServe, you need acomputer, amodem and communications software, aphone line and a CompuServe membership.
As a special offer to usm members, you con get aFREE CompuServe Intro Pock with acredit for SIS worth of online time. To get your Intro Pock, ca11800-B48·8199
(or 614-457-oa02 in Ohio and Canada) and ask for Operator No.1 B5. Sign up hours ore Monday-Friday, 8am·10 pm Eastern Time.
You must mention that you are a usm member to get your free Intro Pack.
In addition to the Broadcast Professionak Forum,
the CornpuServe Information Service provides electronic mad, personal computer support, financial and stock market information,
n~servic9S and education and reference products to more than 540,000 mem1Jers.
~more inforllKriion on the BPForum or the Tednrleotre SectiOil, coniott
John Hoffman, Area Administrator
John F. Macpherson, Jr., Associate System Operator
Broodcost Professionals Forum
Broodcost Professionals Forum, Technical Theatre Section
P.O. Box 224
248 llrvin Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21740-3402
New York, NY. 10023·0224
301·797-2793
CompuServe ID: 76703,1036
CompuServe 10: 71220,3051
R

1990 FAll

TD&T

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Fall 1990