- 1). Plan for all types of performance events. Performance venues must host a wide variety of events for success. A new lighting system must accommodate the varying needs of concerts, stage shows, lectures, and media events like movie projections. Each show requires different types of lighting instruments and a variety of places for installing these lighting instruments within the space. Failure to create a lighting system that can "wear many hats" will cripple a facility.
- 2). Provide an adequate electrical infrastructure. A new lighting system usually entails an upgrade in the power handling capacity of the facility. Install many dimmer outlet boxes throughout the performance space. Connect these outlet boxes to a new dimmer control network. Only master electricians should install new power distribution equipment; stage lighting professionals should install dimmer control equipment.
- 3). Design a safe access to all of the instrument installation positions. Use ladders or hydraulic lifts to change instruments or replace lamps .Create catwalks or other permanent structures so technicians can safely and quickly access any equipment located over the audience area, especially during a performance. Lower and elevate lighting pipes over the stage for maximum convenience.
- 4). Think holistically! If the audience seating area has a very tall ceiling and has 'house lights' installed there, think about how a maintenance person will reach these lights to change out lamps. Are house lights accessible from the catwalks? If not, solve this problem at the planning stage. Where will lighting equipment be warehoused between productions? Strategically locate storage spaces so that they minimize inconvenience.
- 5). Create a budget for routine maintenance expenses. Lighting instruments often break and expensive halogen lamps burn out frequently. The control boards often dysfunction. Make a maintenance budget for repairs on the equipment and for replacements of expendables like lamps, gel media, and gaffers tape. There is no point in stocking a theater with expensive lighting equipment and then allowing it to fall into disrepair because no money was set aside for maintenance.
- 6). Decide who will manage the new performance venue. This is the element most often overlooked by venue designers. All theater spaces, regardless of size or mission, need a professionally trained Technical Director (TD) on hand to manage the safe use of the facility. Theaters are often the scenes of fatal accidents every year, according to the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT). A trained TD will help prevent such tragedies.
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