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ESTES PARK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER EXPLORES "GREEN"
4/25/08
By Greig Steiner
The Supporters of the Performing Arts Inc. (SOPA INC.) along with Thorp Associates, Architects of Estes Park are exploring the newest developments in the technical aspects of the new Performing Arts Center that may help it be as 'Green' as possible. Various parts of the general construction are being addressed, such as recycled steel among others, that will enhance this vision. The technical equipment required to equip a working stage, as well as the other lighting and mechanical systems in the building are complicated, expensive and being integral to the purpose of a theater must be carefully chosen. There are always budget constraints that affect a project of this magnitude and the long range concerns of operation and maintenance must be a part of the strategy of how the funds will be spent.
Going 'Green' is not an inexpensive prospect on any level. As part of the Greening, the designers are specifically considering the advances that have taken place in the realm of stage lighting in the last few years that affect preliminary costs, regular maintenance and the long term operation of a complicated lighting system for both the stage, theater house and lobby areas. Some of the most spectacular changes have taken place in the field of LED lighting. Specifically; designs for stage lighting equipment are developing very rapidly at this time. Many of these products are currently in use for large venue music performances, theater, variety shows such as the Oscars etc. and more are being developed every day. The technology will be further advanced, less expensive and more efficient by the time the Performing Arts Center is ready to use these products, and they will have gone through several more generations of development by then making the system more readily available.
LED lighting will allow the fixtures to be hung on the stage and from then on they will be almost free of the kind of intensive labor required for conventional equipment. The current fixtures have to be hung, focused and directed and have color gels applied on each unit for each show then removed or re-hung for subsequent performances, all done by hand. In contrast, the LED fixtures, once hung, have the capacity to change colors, change their focus, intensity and direction from one area of the stage to another all completely done from the switch board by a single person at the touch of a button. All these elements would cut down on the number of lighting units and man-hours required to set up for a performance. Once a light plan is completed, a single operator can arrange all the lighting fixtures, set up the changes needed from scene to scene, set colors and focus that would otherwise require a whole team of 5 people or more several hours to accomplish. The system would eliminate the need for a completely separate set of lights for a large orchestra, which normally would require a different kind of down lighting to accommodate the musicians.
Where an average set of 350 light units for a stage the size of the Performing Arts Center would generate as much as 250,000 watts of heat when in full use, the LED system could do it all with 150 units or less cutting down the heat generated by as much as 80% requiring less ventilation and air conditioning and saving money over time. Though the LED units are more expensive at the outset, there is a trade off in the reduced number of units required and a great savings, over even a short time, in man-hours, operating and maintenance costs. This is just one of the technological advances that will make the theater viable, efficient and 'Green'. Information on other 'Green' elements will be discussed as the project develops.
Involve yourself in this exciting venture for Estes Park by purchasing NAMING RIGHTS for a seat or one of the other NAMING RIGHTS opportunities available by calling 970-481-6142 or send your contribution to SOPA INC. - P. O. Box 3077 - Estes Park - Colorado - 80517 or visit our web-site at www.estesparktheater.com |