the kits - tech tips aeil

8/3/2019 The Kits - Tech Tips Aeil

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AIEL Instructional

Tech Tips THE

KITS

As a lighting crew member or designer/director, oneshould have certain things at live

performances or forrehearsals. Presented next are discussions and checklists of kits onemight wish to assemble and take along.

THE FOLLOWING MAY NOT BE REPRODUCEDWITHOUT PERMISSIONFROM THE AUTHOR

Preliminary

Over my career I have slowly built up kits me to and their contents to take with meto rehearsals and/or gigs. Trial and errorhas seen me change the kits and their

contents over & over as I becamemore experienced. Since I love to shareinformation, here is thebenefit of my longevity in this business regarding what to

take togigs. I hope this will eliminate frustration and disappointment fornewbies

that don't yet have experience. Consider this a shortcut toprofessionalism. Even forlong-timers, I believe that this article maybe of help. Feel free to implement any orall of what you read here.It really does work. Organisation is key!

Number of Kits Many techs will want to have an all-in-one kit, but I preferseparates so that I may pick and choose what to take with me depending on the gig

type and the duties I expect to perform. I also find that an all-in-one kit is too


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cluttered, and if comprehensive, will be excessively large and likely heavy as well.

Consolidation Regardless, you may wish to consolidate at least some of the

separate kits discussed on this webpage into fewer ones, so feel free to combine andmix & match as desired. Your criterion should be how big and heavy you will permit

one kit to become. At the minimum though, one should have distinct front-of-houseand on-stage kits to save running back & forth between the two locations.

To preserve organisation when using fewer kits, make separate compartments or

employ individual internal containers for each item category. As will be seen, theseparate compartments/containers idea is a good strategy anyway, even when having

separate kits for everything.

A categorised and organised kit is a pleasure with which towork, and its

implementation may reap precious seconds duringthe crunch of time just

before a show or during an intermission.

Duplication You will find that some of the individual items in the list of kits

presented later on will show up repeatedly. These typically are notepads, pens,markers, paper, adhesive tapes, batteries, and flashlights, but do encompass other

things. In particular, a small pad and a pen placed into each of your main kits servesto make available a convenient way of noting items needing to be added or

replenished. These pads are then at the ready right at an event when requiredadditions or low stock are the most evident. Because notes are inside their related kits,

after a series of shows when those kits are eventually straightened and inventoried,the notes are more likely to be acted upon.

These and other items discussed below might seem redundant until one needs to bringonly a few kits to a smaller show. A duplication of internal items means that you willnot have to temporarily pull things from one case into another, or be forced to bring

along a kit that will have fewer of its contents used at one of these smaller shows. Ifyou find either of these scenarios happening, consider duplicating the required items

in each appropriate kit.

For larger shows and tours where most or all of the kits are taken, duplicationbecomes a bonus whenever additional spares become necessary. Plus, one may not

need to open another kit to find a desired item. Just be sure you replace things backfrom exactly where they came so as to keep the integrity of contents of each case.

In relation to this repetition of items, those of you following this webpage's updates intheir entirety or even only on a continual basis, may notice that the lists here will get

amended from time to time as new or duplicated things are discovered and added to aparticular kit. Be aware though, that I don't necessarily carry every item shown onthis webpage in my kits, but that I have included them on the lists as suggestions in

case one or more might be suitable for your purposes.


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Thinking of the preceding, it seems logical to simply incorporate an additional item orthree as opposed to bringing an entire extra kit along just to have available a few

things. Such duplicated items, along with others, have been included on the listsbelow for those that have limited the number of kits because they have decided to put

things listed under one kit into another.

Be aware that consolidation means that some kits will be mostly inappropriate for

some jobs, some of the time. The advantage though, is that one need bring fewer kitsalong, plus one need not rethink the list of kits to bring each time. Thus, the few times

when unnecessary items are brought is more than made up for by those times whenone or mort of those items become needed. Be Prepared! is a good motto with which

to live.

Inappropriateness Some things may seem unsuitable for a given kit. However,they are included because from time to time I or others have had a need for one or

more of them when I had a particular kit at an event. As a service to my clients, I like

to have small items available should the need arise. They are simple, inexpensivethings that may mean a lot to a person at a particular moment. These mightencompass safety pins, batteries, a pen, paper clips, felt-tip markers, looseleaf paper,

band-aids and so on. The cost is little to me but goes a long way to pleasing myclients. This can be returned as repeat business, but at the minimum, it is a good-will

gesture that clients or their staff seldom forget. If you always seem to have what theyneed, they will more often come to you. What better business model can one have

than being ready to please a client? (-:

Overkill Reading through the lists and accompanying narratives, one may come toconclude that the shear volume of items is overkill. I actually tend to agree. However,

it has been my experience that having some of the infrequently used items available athand is a luxury that pays for itself the one or two times a season that they are needed.

Some have actually contributed to my calmness at an event when I realise that I or agopher won't have to go out to locate an item or take a possibly long trip back to our

shop. On those occasions, I have been pleased that we bothered to bring along thatextra case, and as mentioned, it's also a plus for client relations when I have just what

they need when they need it.

Preparation Always be prepared to please a client! All-encompassing kits go a

long way at an event toward doing just that. I can't tell you how many times thesmiles and relief of clients have cemented my reputation when I can provide even

seemingly inconsequential items in even the smallest of ways. A pen, a battery, sometape, a paper clip -- it really does pay.

Case Types One could buy new cases for all of this, but I like to peruse second-

hand, surplus, thrift, pawn and antique stores, or to frequent yard sales and fleamarkets to search for unique boxes and cases for my purposes. These could be

suitcases, tool kits, briefcases, map cylinders and mailing tubes, shipping/storagecontainers for some long-ago product, or boxes designed to hold some piece of


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industrial or military equipment. When the price is right, I often buy cases justto have them on hand even if I have no immediate purpose for them. Eventually, I

actually have ended up using many. It's great to have a case, box or tube "in stock"when I decide to incorporate a new kit or add an item to one of my existing ones.

Possessing this variety means it is more likely that one of these cases will suit my

intended purpose. Plus, it has spawned interesting conversations with clients whenthey see a unique or rare case. Personalising with him or her is a positive businessstep and a good relation builder. Clients like to see organised, confident persons

and/or companies doing work for them. Client confidence is personified when one is prepared for any situation. Complete and organised kits are one way to do

that. Additional Case Styles Other suggested case types are makeup or utilityones, fishing tackle boxes, and professional still or video camera bags. The former

typically have fold-out or pull-out trays, while the latter usually have multiplepockets. The number, size and types of things you intend to include will determine

how appropriate a given case style might be. Regardless, collect all types for future purposes. Multiple cases, and boxes within boxes, keep things individualised

and at the ready for any task. They avert the need to rummage through a plethora ofdisorganised contents to locate a necessary item. Yes, they take up more space and it

requires extra time to get to an item buried several containers deep, but theorganisation they provide more than makes up for that. Plus, the ease of inventorying

separate cases is a breeze. A Caution In recent decades, a number ofinexpensive, metal-clad cases have come on the market for poker chips, barbeque

sets, lawn games and so on. They look good but are usually poorly constructed andemploy poor quality materials. Because they often damage easily, you may see these

at yard sales or flea markets. If you are willing to do some work, and then to becautious with them afterward, you can acquire some inexpensive cases. Be aware

though, that these case types should not be used where they might encounter roughhandling or have much weight placed on top of them. As such, they are better suited

for being transported inside other cases than as carry-alones. Realise though, thateven these cheap, flimsy cases can provide protection if they are employed for uses

that don't stress them. At the minimum, they can be used inside larger cases toseparate one type of item from others.

Having these kits at the ready and they being internallyclassified is a plus for anylighting tech. They make iteasier for your pick-up crew to quickly locate things.As

well, a qualified appearance is presented to yourclients when you show uporganised and ready to work.Remember: Professional techs are prepared for anysituation;striving for organisation brings one closer to thatgoal, and reaching it

impresses your clients and workers.

General

Case Selection and Internal Divisions When the need for a kit or internalcontainer arises, decide upon a case from your inventory. Logically, the style to select


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should be based upon its suitability for the usage required. Be sure it is large enoughto allow for expansion as you come to think of more things to include. For every main

case, allow space not for the items themselves, but for the internal containers that willhold those selected items.

Throwing things anywhere into a case is fine when there are only three of them, butas a given kit grows, it becomes disarranged and a time waster when one has to

search through items not required at that moment. Being able to place one's handsdirectly on to a desired item is worth it's weight in gold when time is short.

Beginning right away with partitions and internal classification makes for an

attractive, categorised case. It also means that missing or out-of-place items are morelikely to be noticed when each division within a larger case holds fewer things.

In the future, you will be happy that you had started to compartmentalise at the

beginning because as your kits expand, they will have already been prepared in

advance to accept new items. With expansion room, one rarely has to change to alarger main case when new items come to be added. Being forced to make such achange means having to endure the time squandered converting to a new case what

till then had already been organised inside a smaller case. One's comfort level alsodiminishes when a new case layout has to be gotten used to. Advance planning should

eliminate most case switching. This all means a more competent presentation toclients and, as already discussed, the fast location of an item when time is of the

essence.

If you must ponder changing to a larger case, consider placing the old one inside of a

newer case. That preserves the original layout and case feel, but it still allows room

for new items -- and it keeps like items together.

Internal Containers To further facilitate the design and classification of any kit,

decide what is to be incorporated and into which compartment each item, or groups ofitems, will go. Then choose containers to house individual or like things within a

given compartment -- or even allow the containers to be the compartments. These willnot only help with organisation, but will provide protection during transit. Internal

containers might be:

Cardboard Boxes

Sealable BagsFile/Recipe/Index-Card Boxes

Jewellery and Cosmetic CasesSmall Caddies for Tools and Parts

Craft BoxesPencil Boxes

Resealable Boxes used for Bulk HardwareCookie and Candy Tins (Preferably Rectangular)


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Floppy-Disc and CD/DVD BoxesZippered CD-Wallets

Resealable Bottles and Cans used for Foods, Medicines or Toothpicks35-mm Film Cans

Tobacco/Chocolate Tins

Product Containers (Especially Hard Plastic Ones)Snap-Lid Storage ContainersI buy the latter or collect the same as used to hold food products. I like to use these to

store batteries because they protect against contamination in the event of leakage. Bewary of cheap variations; the lids can be ill fitting and/or have weak snap closures

that pop open with even a slight flexing of the container's sides. Test before you buy.Some of the better food ones hold berries.

Other types applicable for use as internal organisers are boxes for hand wipes, diapersor for mop-wipe replacements. These are usually made from durable plastic with

removable, but reusable, covers -- some with wide, snap-closing tops. Try for robust,

transparent covers so that contents are visible. Robustness is important because if thecontents are heavy, weak covers will cave in under pressure when boxes are stacked.

As listed previously, consider Product Cases, especially transparent ones. Thesemight be ones made for Watches, Personal Music Systems, or Audio/Video Cassettes.

Hardshell Eyeglass Cases are great for little items such as flashdrives or small tools.Save the boxes in which bulk hardware comes. The best ones use see-through plastic

with snap lids. Remove the labels by soaking in hot water, or if you can be careful notto over do it, use a heat gun. For holding the smallest items that you might want to

take with you, consider multi-compartment boxes meant for spools of thread orassortments of needles and pins.

Search the travel accessories section in drugstores for toiletry containers that might be

appropriate. Some stationery stores have transparent boxes holding paperclips and push pins. Use them as is with the supplied contents, or empty them and use the

containers for other purposes. Realise though, that too often the cheap versions ofthese types of boxes can have weak closures, so bind these with an elastic band to

secure for transit. When unwrapping, place the band into the larger case so it won't belost or forgotten. Never lay it down outside the case. Carry extra elastics inside the

cases that use them -- organised in their own little box, of course! (-: In addition,consider dental floss boxes. Remove the inserts and use these snap-lidded boxes to

hold small stationery items.

Finally, tins for chocolates, nuts, cookies, or tobacco might be used. Select square orrectangular box types over the round style. They pack with less wasted space than

round ones. Use bulk tobacco canisters to hold items that are affected by atmosphericmoisture. These cans are airtight. Regardless of types chosen, tops should always be

resealable and secure. Air them well before usage if the original contents' odours arean issue.


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Your Collection Begin now to gather all these case and container types; you willsoon find that a purpose will arise where they can be employed. Whenever you have

time to kill, peruse the aisles of fabric, drug, grocery, stationery and craft stores. Turna blind eye toward the labels and products within; instead, look at the containers.

Remember those that might be useful to you. Even if you don't buy the merchandise

on the spot, you might consider doing so in the future.

Become aware of the products used by friends and coworkers; ask for their emptycontainers. This saves buying products that are possibly of no use to you or not worth

the price, given your intended usage. After reception, remove their labels, and cleanand place them into storage. Possessing a ready inventory means you can

immediately grab an appropriate container to fulfil a need and quickly complete acase's internal arrangement. Review your container inventory from time to time to

keep styles and sizes fresh in your mind.

Labels and Inventory Lists Always identify each case and its internal containers

with labels so that those unfamiliar with your kits won't have to look into unnecessaryones while trying to locate something -- or to find the location to replace that samesomething. If contents never or rarely vary, attach an inventory list to the inner lid or

at least keep one inside a plastic report cover within. This is most helpful at the end ofa gig in keeping track of items that are prone to getting lost or left behind. Plus it may

deter a dishonest pick-up crew member from considering theft of something that willbe tallied at the end of an event.

Below are Eighteen Suggested Kits

Not everything may be acceptable to youor your required tasks. Choose from

theselists, removing or adding items to suit.

Blacks KitCable/Adaptor Kit

Chain Kit

Colour KitDesigner Kit

Hardware Kit

Hand Cleaning Kit

Lamp KitMarker Kit

Pattern Kit

Power Distro KitRope Kit

Solder Kit

Supplies KitTable Cloth Kit

Tape Kit

ToolkitWood Shim Kit

Worklight KitThink about e-mailing your suggestionsto be considered for inclusion here.


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Blacks Kit

This is simply a case with assorted sizes of cloth. They can be used to hide otherwisevisible equipment or to dress up a case or box upon which some piece of gear has

been placed. The typical fabric colour used will be black (hence the name of the kit),

but other colours can and are used. Most will want to combine this kit with the TableCloth Kit. Black Cloths and Small Drops

Clothespins or Bulldog/Binder ClipsStage Tape

Staple Gun and Spare StaplesStaple Remover

Thumb Tacks

Cable/Adaptor Kit

This is not for main cables, but for short jumpers, two-fers, twist-to-whateveradaptors, and so on. (Two-fers are cables with one male and two female

connectors.)1, 2, 3, and 5-Metre Jumpers

Two and Three-FersBreakout Adaptors

Twist/Stage-Pin/U-Ground AdaptorsCube and Other Electrical Taps

Ground LiftersSwitched and Non-Switched Power Bars

Circuit Tester

Chain Kit

Chains are handy for hanging or wrapping items, and when combined with pipes

fitted with eyebolts, one can use the combination to span spaces so as to obtain hangpoints for lights in smaller venues. Chains can be used as heavier-duty safety cables

as necessary. Use one snap (spring) hook at each end that is rated for more than theload, and be sure the chain is welded link. As for size, 1-metre lengths are preferred,

as are welded links. Twisted links are just not safe enough.


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Welded-Link Chain Lengths with Snap HooksExtra Snap Hooks and Quick Links

Extra Chain LengthsEye Screws

Bolt (Chain) Cutters

Colour Kit

My Colour Kit has been set up to allow me to go into a venue with little to noadvance planning and be able to choose gel to fit the occasion. This means having a

wide selection of colours. In addition, for smaller shows where gel does not travel inthe cases containing the lights, I keep the latter's frames and gel in here. The

main box is an aluminum-edged suit-cased sized case with a carrying handle and snapcatches. Inside, accordion files hold cut sheets of gel for the sizes of the typical

fixtures I encounter. These are typically 19-centimetre square sizes for 150mmfresnels, ellipsoidals and PAR 56s, and 25-centimetre square sizes for PAR 64s and

200mm fresnels. They are categorised by colour & number. Envelopes could be usedif your stock is smaller, or they could be used outside of the accordion files to hold

smaller numbers of odd sizes. Extra gel frames are kept in here in case an additionalfixture is encountered or I want to change colours during a show. It's easier to

exchange frames pre-loaded with colour than to re-frame the gel for eachchange. A gel cutter, scissors or knife is used to cut new gel, or to reduce large,

cut sizes down to smaller ones while on the road. A white gel pen marks the catalognumber on newly-cut gel but is also used to re-mark old gel when the designations get

rubbed off. A black felt-tip pen is used to designate lighter colours where a white gelpen's marks might be hard to discern. The clips can hold loose gel to fixtures or

to barndoors when a frame holder is unsuitable or unavailable. I find that large,wooden clothespins work well. Swatch books are needed as references for my colours

and number designations. One may also use one as a design aid during free time, andto show a sample to interested parties. The soft cloth and polish are needed to clean

up dirty or scratched gel. (See "Rejuvenation" under Colour MediaMaintenance.)

Uncut sheets of gel that have been rolled up are secured in the lid via elastic straps. Istore few gel rolls here due to the space they consume. However, I do carry about half

a dozen of the most frequent colours that I use. I could pre-cut those rolls, but I preferto leave them as is in case I need odd sizes of common colours. In addition, the kit

includes a few spring clamps, a can of flat black spray paint, plus some additionalmarkers and catalogue items. I also prefer to transport my case for lighting

patterns and their accessories within the Colour Kit enclosure as opposed totransporting separately. (See Pattern Kit for a description.)

Sheets/Rolls and Cut-to-Size GelAccordion Files for Cut Gel

Gel Frames appropriate for the Lights in your ShowExtra Gel Frames

Gel Swatch Books (Ordered by Number, Colour and Percent)Gel Cutters


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Retractable Razor Knife (Box Cutter)Scissors

Straight Edge or RulerCutting Board

Gel Marker or Pencil

Fine-Point, Felt-Tip MarkersPolish and Soft ClothClips (Wooden Clothespins)

Spring ClampsFlat Black Spray Paint

Clipboard or Clip Binder with a Low-Profile ClipSpare Paper for the Clipboard

PensRuler

Pattern Kit

Designer Kit

The Need: I like to start my lighting design process by going to early to middle

rehearsals after the main elements of a show or an act have been decided upon. I dothis so as to get into the spirit of a show/act and to think about the lighting while a

production gets moulded toward a completed presentation. Of course I need someway to remember my initial and subsequent ideas. Plus, I must be able to compile

requests and suggestions from the producer, director, choreographer, and even fromindividual actors, musicians, singers and dancers. (I am always open to comments

from anyone -- it all helps to finalise my design. In particular, actors are oftensurprised when I solicit their opinions. (-: ) In addition, note taking is required

for technical information regarding the venue, its stage, electrical distribution, supportfacilities, and also for the contact information of the personnel involved. Even if I

already have this in my computer, one or more of the particulars may have changed,and so must be recorded.

Kit Genesis: I didn't always have an organised and comprehensive DesignerKit. Here is that story: Beginning initially with only a clipboard & pen, I

quickly decided that I should take along a gel swatch (sample) book. At first, I placedthese into a plastic bag, but then after adding extra pens and a ruler, I switched to a


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more durable canvas-style shopping bag. As it came to encompass more items, Ifound a bag to not be easily organisable; I was always pushing things aside to try to

locate what I wanted; it was dark in there, too. Plus, because of the open top and non-rigid design, it was prone to having an item fall out or even a complete spilling of its

contents. Its death knell sounded was when I discovered that these shopping bags had

become so common that they were easily mistaken for similar bags I or others mighthave. A moment of inattention could result in taking the wrong bag. I needed a bettermethod.

An Improvement: Since that early day, I have graduated to a pebble-grained,aluminum-edged briefcase with separate pockets and compartments. Not only has it

more capacity than a canvas shopping bag, it separates each of the items I carry so asto facilitate easier location and selection. Because I gained space, I placed additional

useful items in there. I have even included things that I don't use very often just because it's nice to have them, and as discussed farther back, I now carry typical,

small items a client or his/her staff might request. As a result, this kit hasevolved into a secondary purpose; it's become a compact, on-the-road office along

with being a support case for rehearsals. In addition, besides taking it to preliminarymeetings and rehearsals, it now accompanies me to the show itself because it has

come to house my lighting plots and dimmer patches on a convenient, enclosedclipboard/binder. It also has basic light focusing tools and other items I find useful at

gigs.Productivity: My work has become easier; I am more efficient and productive

because not only do I have things at the ready to assist me in the designing processwhen I attend rehearsals, I am also ready to record details of the initial meetings.

Then later it is useful at the show itself due to the items chosen to be brought along inthis larger case. I could never return to a shopping bag! In addition, the aluminum

cladding suits the entertainment industry, and because it is a brief-style case, it says"business!". Before it accompanied me for those initial design stages, I had to wait till

I returned to my office or home to further develop ideas and to devise a working light plot. After I began to use it at rehearsals and take it to the shows themselves, the

Designer Kit evolved; every time I discovered an item to be lacking, I added it so asto eventually arrive at the inventory seen after these comments. In addition, I have

placed some extras on the list that may be useful in this kit for some, but which Iactually carry elsewhere.

Case Style: My chosen case had previously been used as an electronic technician'srepair kit. It has a removable back-board stowed in the top of the case to which are

attached separate pockets originally meant for tools. In this case's new role, thesepockets are ideal for holding many of the small items I use, while at the same time

keeping them separated and immediately accessible. Behind this board is housed asix-compartment, letter-size accordion file used to hold notepads, pattern and gel

catalogues, and looseleaf and grid paper. Along with those is a selection of varioussized envelopes. I carry spare "Lighting Designer" and "Crew" stage passes on

lanyards in there as well. The bottom section of the case is sponge cushioned and hasbuilt-in, re-configurable dividers to further arrange what I carry. Because of this

case design's versatility, all main items are on display for effortless choosing. It reallyspeeds things up compared to my past routine of digging into a dark bag and pushing


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aside unwanted articles to get to what I actually want. I love the relaxed, easyselection of items!

Alternate Case Styles: If an aluminum briefcase of this type is unavailable, tooexpensive, or not to your taste, go to a second-hand store to buy an attache case,

business portfolio, or a small, hard-shell suitcase. Look for one at the minimum that

has a compartment or stretch-fabric hammock in the top. Some attache cases have anaccordion file built into that location, plus have partitions in the bottom section.Perfect!

Dividers: If not, modify the bottom of the case to include additional cubicles byinstalling one or more dividers. These can be made from thin wood or wallboard.

Sheet metal may be used, but make sure to pad the edges to protect your hands fromsharp edges. Dividers should be tall enough to reach the case top or internal topboard

when the case is closed so as to contain each compartment's contents duringtransit. Paint the dividers for a more professional, finished look. Fortunately, my

technician's tool kit already had various-length, adjustable, front/back and sidedivider panels with it. Each divider is removable and has multiple slots spaced 1.5

centimetres apart in which to insert the edge of another divider. As such, almost anyinternally-sized cubicle can be had. An alternative to dividers is to use

rectangular, plastic bins such as those meant for kitchen drawer organisers or for shopstorage -- if you can find any with acceptable dimensions. Try to get ones that will

touch the top of the case when it is closed so that contents will not be spilled when thecase is turned to any position other than flat on its bottom. If necessary, buy bins that

are too tall and then shave them to size. Always smooth cut edges with emery cloth orsand paper to protect your hands during usage. For some reason, rental companies

don't like blood on their lighting desks.Contents: Below are items to consider for inclusion into a Designer Kit. Some may

appear to be excessive or unnecessary, or to belong in another kit, but seeing themlisted here might inspire you to fit them into your particular requirements and/or style

of on-the-road designing or work. I have added a laptop/netbook to this sectionalthough I actually have a dedicated case for mine. This is because I rarely take my

laptop to preliminary meetings and rehearsals. Clipboard or Clip Binder with a Low-Profile Clip

Blank and Ruled Paper, 3-Hole PunchedGraph (Grid) Paper, 3-Hole Punched

Cue Sheet Blanks (See Cue Tips)Accordion File Folder with 4 to 6 Pockets

Felt-Tip Markers with Fine and Chisel PointsPens

PencilsEraser

Pencil SharpenerRuler

Transparent Tape with Small DispenserGel Swatch Books. (In Numerical, Colour and Percentage Order)

Pocket-Sized Gel CatalogueRazor-Blade Type Gel Cutters


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Retractable KnifeLighting Patterns Catalogue or Pocket-Sized Version

Flashlight and/or Clip-On Booklight (For Use in a Dark House)Belt Clip for Flashlight

Spare Batteries (In a Sealable Bag, in Case of Leakage)

Extra, Sealable Bags for Spent BatteriesSpare Flashlight and/or Replacement LampMeasuring Tape (5 - 8 Metre)

NotepadSticky Notes

Small, Zippered, 3-Ring Organiser with Pockets and Tabbed SectionsSpare Organiser Paper

Envelope SelectionRuled-One-Side Index Cards

Elastic BandsSafety Pins

Paper ClipsThumbtacks or Push Pins

Bulldog and/or Binder ClipsMini Stapler and Spare Staples

Magnifying GlassLaptop or Netbook (Handy if Skipping the Paper-Design Stage)

Lighting-Instrument Template. (Useful if a Laptop/Netbook is not Taken)Floppy Discs or Flashdrives to Back Up Laptop or Lighting Board

Cases to Protect/Store Floppy Discs or FlashdrivesLighting Instrument Multitool

Marking Tape for the Lighting BoardBusiness Cards (Always be Ready to Promote Yourself!)

Business Card Holder (Keeps Cards from becoming Dog-Eared)Ear Plugs (For Loud Bands in Small Rehearsal Spaces)

Hand Lotion (For Dry Venues)Hand Sanitizer

Eyeglass Case to Hold Sun or Eyeglasses (or even Flashdrives)Calendar

Band-AidsClip-On Tie (For when I Need to Look Dressier (-:)


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Hardware Kit: At the very least, one should have a compartmentalised box withnuts, bolts, washers, screws and other spare hardware for items in your show, and to

fit the accessories and tools accompanying it. One of those plastic toolkits withvarious sections works well, but I prefer a fishing tackle box because it has even more

compartments, and on several levels. In addition, one can purchase smaller, snap-lid,

compartmentalised boxes to bolster what the tackle box provides. Select boxes thatwill fit in the bottom of the tackle box, if possible. An alternative is a makeup caddy;it also has compartments on several levels that fold up when the case is

closed. Smaller boxes can be bought with hardware assortments already stockedin them. This is a good way to start a hardware kit. As certain popular sizes get used,

they can be replaced as necessary by buying in bulk. The remaining sizes not usedwill still always be ready for the few times they get called upon. As they grow in

number, one can buy a larger hardware case in which to place these boxes. Thus onecan build up a kit slowly and only to the size actually needed. Always purchase

plated hardware to prevent rust and the seizure of threaded sections. (See HardwareOrganisation in the Tips Grabbag.)

Selection of Plated HardwareTwo Adjustable Wrenches

Nails and a Small Claw HammerCan of Spray Lubricant

Rags

Hand Cleaning Kit: In how many venues have you been where washroom

supplies are at a minimum or non existent? The solution is a small hand cleaning kitto personally tidy one's self and become refreshed after a setup or long rehearsal.

Bar Soap in a Water-Tight Travel BoxNail Scrub Brush

Paper TowelsNail Clipper

Nail FileToilet Paper

Moist TowelettesHand Lotion

Hand SanitizerSunblock

Comb and/or BrushTooth Brush and Paste/Powder

Dental FlossBand-Aids


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Electric Razor

Lamp Kit

Of course, one should have spare lamps. Have at least one for each type & wattage inyour show, plus ones for work and flashlights. If no other case has flashlights or their

accessories, spare batteries and a charger should be considered for this kit. Thealcohol and tissues are for cleaning quartz halogen (HAY-loh-jenn) lamps; their bulb

surfaces cannot be touched without the result of shortening lamp life due to

contamination from skin oils. Alcohol removes the oil and any dirt transferred to thebulb surface should it get touched.Spare Lamps for Fixtures and Worklights in your Typical Show

Alcohol (Methanol is Preferred)Soft Tissues

White Electrical Tape (For Date Tagging)Fine Point, Felt Tip Marker (For Date Tagging)

NotepadPens

Marker Kit

I like to mark my lighting board in a colourful, detailed way. This kit contains theitems necessary to do so.


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White Masking or Wide Electrical TapeColour-Coding Tape

White Pinstripe Tape (Used to Group Board Channels)Glow Tape

Fine Point, Felt-Tip Markers in Various Colours

RulerPensPencils

EraserGel Marker

NotepadSticky Notes

Clipboard or Clip BinderScissors

Pattern Kit: If pattern (gobo) projection is part of your design or show, this kit will

fit your requirements. One should stock in here an inventory of typical stainless-steelpatterns in the event of requests. Have them organised by category with each type in

its own box or envelope.Storage: For internal storage boxes, I recommend floppy disc or CD/DVD

containers. The better ones are those that snap securely shut and are transparent, or atleast, lightly-translucent. A number of the smaller type meant to hold two 1.44 MB

floppy discs will each organise and house half a dozen or more `B' size patterns,depending on whether they are new or used. (Used patterns will warp and bulge

somewhat from heat, taking up a thicker space.) Being able to see through the case

means easier selection even though each will be labelled. In addition, or as analternative, one might have numbers of lockable, plastic bags of a size suitable to holdthe patterns being stored. Use a heavy gauge plastic so that sharp pattern edges won't

cut into the bag. Label these bags as to the pattern type within. Typical categoriesmight be:

BreakupsDoors

Foliage


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SnowflakesStars

WaterWindows

Write each designator at the top of the bag so that one can quickly leaf through to

find the category required. Your selection of individual containers or bags canbe kept in one or more of those large storage boxes once used in offices for floppy orcompact disc archiving. They have flip tops and internal dividers with tabs on which

one can place label categories. It is suggested that your categories be arranged inalphabetical order for further ease of choice. Select a box with a secure lid so it won't

unexpectedly flip open and spill its contents. Since these boxes are usually made frombrittle plastic, they should be kept within a larger case for protection during transit.

For my Pattern Kit, I actually chose a small, plastic jewellery box with aluminumedging and a transparent top. It is described in more detail farther on.

Storage Alternatives: If the numbers of patterns taken with you is few, an alternativeto any of the above is to employ a small recipe or card-file box instead. Either will

comfortably hold a dozen or so of used, thicker patterns. They often come withtabbed dividers which can be used to separate patterns into categories. Some type of

dividers are recommended because used patterns tend to snag onto one another andcan be damaged during selection if one is careless.

An Alternative: You may decide instead to use a three-ring binder with plasticpage inserts meant for photos or floppy discs. Binders come in a wide range of sizes

so they can hold a small or large number of patterns in one convenient book. Stiff,tabbed inserts can be used to categorise the collection. A disadvantage to this latter

alternative is that patterns can slip out of their pockets during flipping of the pagesand even when just carrying the book. To reduce that chance, choose a binder with a

locking flap that holds tightly closed. Store and transport the binder in an uprightposition.

Combining with Another Kit: Since a Pattern Kit is usually small, you may thinkabout combining it with another kit, as I have done. Mine fits in a bottom corner of

my Colour Kit case where it is protected during transit. Protection is required becauseI use a plastic jewellery box with a transparent, hinged top as a Pattern Kit. It does

have however, a secure snap catch. Inside are two sliding trays closing over afull-sized compartment underneath. Each tray comfortably fits four of the small,

translucent floppy-disc boxes I use for `B' size patterns, as described previously. Anindividual box contains one type of pattern, generally with at least two examples. The

duplication means spares, but two or more can be used at the same time to fill a larger backdrop or stage, or used in tandem to present a layered pattern effect, either

opposing or pleasingly combined. In the bottom compartment are a marker,notepad and small pair of surgical scissors that can cut stainless steel. In addition are

more of the floppy boxes for a total of sixteen or so in the kit, representing aninventory of likely 50 or more patterns. This is because I want to have a large

selection on the road. Since I have such a large number, there is no room for patternholders, so I keep the latter in the Colour Kit itself. I could go for a larger box, but I

like this one's transparent top and sliding trays; so I keep it despite the fact that itwon't fit the holders unless I were to reduce the number of patterns I carry.


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Inventory of Typical PatternsPattern Holders to fit Your Show's Fixtures

Floppy Disc or CD/DVD Boxes and FilesLockable, Plastic Bags for Extra Patterns

Fine Point, Felt-Tip Marker

Surgical Scissors (Capable of Cutting Stainless Steel)Patterns CatalogueRuler

NotepadPen

Power Distro Kit

This is not to provide power distribution for a whole show; it is one that contains 15

or 20 amp common cables and electrical boxes with outlets for worklights, front-of-house or stage backline power provision. The main original idea for this kit was

to supply power for worklights at front-of-house (FOH) judges' tables for competitive programs. As discussed in the Worklight Kit section, I didn't used to provide

worklights for this purpose. However, I eventually had to exercise control over lightspilling from that position when others showed up with unsuitable fixtures. Supplying

acceptable worklights meant running appropriate cabling to them. Because ofrequests, this evolved into also making power available for laptops, phone chargers,

and so on at that FOH position. I now provide all of this which not only is a desiredservice by my clients, but also gives me the control I need over unwanted spill light.

Dual-Outlet Boxes with 2-Metre Cords and Daisy Chain ConnectorsThree-Way Power Taps (Cubes)

Short Extension CordsNon-Switched Power Bars

Outlet Tester

Ground Lifters

Rope Kit

I always seem to need to tie or clamp things: Curtains, cables, doors when loading or

unloading vehicles, and so on. I also use rope to cordon areas from time to time. Inaddition, all cables (except short jumpers) have leather ties attached to the female


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ends so as to allow binding when they are coiled for storage, but also to tie the cableoff when in use. I keep a selection of cordage and ties in a kit for these purposes, plus

as replacements for ones that break or get lost at a gig. If planning to cut cordage, besure to buy a closed-weave type such as gangion or sash cord. A selection of spring

clamps might kept in this kit, as well.

RopeSash CordGangion Cord

Nylon CordLeather Ties

TwineString

Retractable KnifeSpring Clamps

Propane Torch and Wood Block. (Will Cauterise Cut Nylon Rope)Assorted Length Cords with Hooks or Loops

Bungee Cords or Rubber Straps with Hooks

Solder Kit: If you do any soldering on the road, obtain some or all of the itemsbelow. In particular, I recommend haemostats. Because they lock, they can hold itemshands free, and they can be used as a heatsink. Good quality ones are well chromed

and so solder does not stick. For a good buy, seek out hobby stores that sell usedmedical versions. These are the utmost quality and strength, but are a fraction of their

new price.Soldering Gun (In a Protective Case)

Soldering Iron (In a Protective Case)Soldering Iron Holder

Roll or Coil of Electronics SolderHaemostats (Or Small, Locking Pliers)

Heat SinksSmall Vice with a Clamp BaseHeat Shrink

Heat GunExtension Cord for the Gun or Iron

Extension Cord for the Heat Gun or Tap for the AboveElectrical Tape


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Supplies Kit

This is a case that I take to larger shows. At 60 centimetres square, it is the largest ofthe kits listed here. The front removes completely to reveal four drawers of varying

heights. These are subdivided by internal boxes I have added, but the top drawer alsohas its own built-in, longitudinal dividers. Much of this case's contents may be

found in other ones listed here, but it serves the purpose of a somewhat all-in-one kit,and it has items that are too large for other kits.

Soldering Kit and Stand

Automotive Trouble LightStaple Gun and StaplesRivet Gun and Rivets

Crimp Tool and Connector SelectionLarger Diameter, Longer Rope

Padlocks and Keys, with ChainLarger Flashlights (D-Cell)

Spare BatteriesSpare Flashlight Lamps

Sealable Bags for Spent BatteriesSpare Electrical Connectors

Ground LiftersSelection of Main Electrical Panel Fuses

Small, Vacuum-Base ViceWork Gloves

Stage TapeElectrical Tape

Colour-Coding TapeFlat Black Spray Paint

Cardboard Pieces to use as Painting MasksCan of Spray Lubricant

Electric Drill

Inductive Current MeterOther Electrical Testers

Larger Hardware: Eyebolts/Screws, Clevises, Spring Links, S-Hooks, etc.Clock

Cable TiesSelection of Stiff Wire

Selection of Perforated Strapping


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Table Cloth KitIf you light a lot of displays or trade-show booths, this kit is a must. Many will want

to combine this with the Blacks Kit, but I have found that a separate kit suits mypurposes better. The "Table Edge Dressing" listed here typically consists of a pleated

skirt that is attached to a table via velcro, staples or clips. The "Plexiglass Display

Stands" are those curved or folded, transparent, plastic pedestals or brochure holders.To add contrast to a table display, one can use the "Squares of Cloth" on which toplace items. These are usually made of velveteen or felt and are about 25 centimetres

square. Choosing a colour that contrasts with the table cloth allows an item to standout more readily. One can use them to visually organise a crowded table or display by

using the same colours for like items. Orienting some with one point out will presenta diamond pattern to the viewer as opposed to laying all cloths out as squares.

Selection of Table Cloths in Various ColoursSelection of Felt Squares of Cloth in Various Colours

Table Edge DressingPlexiglass Display Stands

Clothespins or Bulldog/Binder ClipsStage Tape

Staple Gun and Spare StaplesStaple Remover

Thumb Tacks

Tape Kit

Although various tape types will likely be contained within other kits, you may wish

to carry one dedicated solely to tape and accessories. See also the -Stage Tape articlein our Purchase Guide. Although Colour-Coding tape is listed separately, with theavailability of coloured duct, masking and electrical tapes, one can choose any of

those for the purpose of coding items by colour. Note that the Carpet Tape listedis not the type with glue on both sides. It is a wide tape meant to be placed over top of

cables running across carpeted areas. Stage Tape -- for heavy-duty tape tasks

Duct Tape -- for light-duty uses or for colour coding


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Masking Tape in various coloursGlow Tape

Clear Packing TapeCarpet Tape (Use 75mm width for cable taping)

Electrical Tape in various colours

Colour-Coding TapeScissorsRetractable Razor Knife (Box Cutter)

Varsol or Other Light-Duty Solvent for Glue RemovalIndustrial Paper Towels for the above

Felt-Tip Markers

Toolkit Of course, one needs tools for any job. Always buy plated tools becausemoisture will be an issue on the road. Plated tools won't rust. Even so, a light coating

of oil on each is still recommended. Place them into a toolbox large enough toaccommodate new tools as you buy them. I like the "hip roof" type that opens into

several levels, each with a number of compartments. In the large bottom section, Ihave smaller boxes for a socket set, crimp set, and hardware selections, plus trays for

scissors, pliers and so on. The lamp tester listed below consists of a U-ground,duplex outlet in an 11-10 electrical box. The latter is a smooth, surface-mount box

with electrical knockouts, mounting holes, and tabs for attaching a cover plate. Insideis a 9-volt battery connector which is in series with the outlet and an LED (Light-

Emitting Diode). This LED is mounted through one of the small holes in the box sothat it is visible from the outside. In addition is a momentary, push-button switch that

shorts the outlet to test the LED/battery combination. There is purposely no resistor inseries so that I may use spent batteries that are down to around 3 or 4 volts -- perfect

for an LED. I can plug in any light to the outlet and the LED will light if there iscontinuity through the fixture, the lamp, the battery and LED. Substitute an

outlet suitable for use with your country's electrical connectors. You may also wish tosubstitute a four-pack, AA cell holder if you wish to use spent double-A cells. Either

the AA-pack or 9-volt battery may be attached to the 1110 box with cable tiesthrough the box's small, mounting holes. This makes for a quick and simplelamp/fixture tester.

Tools to fit every Nut, Bolt and Screw Head in your ShowMultitool in Holster

Socket SetRivet Gun and Rivets

Crimp Tool and Connector SelectionHardware Assortments

Parts Containers with Small Hardware and Odds & EndsElectrical Tester or Meter


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Outlet TesterLamp Tester

Cable Ties3-Way Power Tap

Flashlights

Spare BatteriesSpare Flashlight LampsExtra Sealable Bag for Spent Batteries

Battery ChargerSmall-Gauge Extension cord for the Battery Charger

Ground LiftersWork Gloves

Measuring TapeStaple Gun with Spare Staples

Stage TapeElectrical Tape

Colour-Coding TapeFlat Black Spray Paint

Cardboard Pieces to use as Painting MasksSpray Oil

Contact CleanerSilicone Spray

Wood Shim Kit

It seems that I often need wood blocks to allow pipe clamps to attach to thin girders,pipes or beams. Wood should be hardwood to prevent splitting from the force of a

tightened clamp. Blocks of wood can be handy for other purposes from holding doorsopen to using as a work surface on which to solder, pound, or cauterise rope.

Wood BlocksWood Lengths


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Tapered Wood ShimsSmall Wood Saw

Worklight Kit

The Problem: At almost every middle to major show I do, one or more persons seemto need general light backstage or at front-of-house positions. Others might require

direct light on a script or music score, as well. Now, it should not be my job toprovide non stage lights, but I have made it mine because invariably if I leave it up to

the needy person(s), some high-wattage fluorescent fixture or living-room light getsused. Of course, these spew light everywhere and dilute my on-stage

looks. Light can also spill into the audience or on to something off stage that Idon't want, or it becomes visible to audience members whenever a door is opened or a

curtain parted. Front-of-house locations, such as judges' tables, are even worse because the light shines back directly into the eyes of the audience. An

alternative to household lights, they think, is to use a flashlight. Invariably though, itgets shone into people's eyes, the roving beam is a distraction to an audience, and

when it gets laid down it is often left on to beam somewhere else it is unwanted. Thenif the batteries weaken and die, who gets called?... )-: The worst is when an LED

flashlight with no shielding is used. These units are a bright point source, and with noshielding they vomit light everywhere.

The Answer: A worklight kit will solve this problem. My chosen fixtures are photographic-style clamp-ons with aluminum reflectors that are narrow and deep.

These provide good shading of the light source so as to emit a more focused circle oflight. Line cords are two metres in length to reduce the need for extension cords.

Models with wider reflectors may be used if you want a larger area covered, but beaware that shading will not be as good. In addition, I have four clamp-lights

with long goosenecks that are more suitable for table lighting because they can be

angled right down on to the surface even when clamped horizontally to the lip of thetable. Any vent holes have been taped over to prevent light escaping. This doesnot cause a problem because the lamps employed have low wattage filaments that

generate little heat; thus, blocked air dissipation is not a factor. Reflectors are paintedflat black inside and out. These alterations mean spill and reflected light is completely

controlled.Light Sources: Lamps used are typically 11S14/CL. These are 11-watt sign lamps

with clear bulbs. (A non-frosted bulb type generates less spill.) Eleven watts is high


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enough for dark-adapted eyes, but low enough to not be seen from the more distanthouse as long as audience members cannot view filaments directly. Although

low in colour temperature, these lamps maintain good colour rendition because theyare a white, albeit warm, light source. (I abhor blue worklights!). Good colour

rendition helps in seeing written or typed pages when ink colours are other than

black, and for when colour-coding tape needs to be accurately discerned. These lampshave life in the thousands of hours and can be left on for days at a time if need be, yetstill last years.

More Light?: Some locations such as a prop table or tech areas may require higherlight levels. If fixtures are well shielded from the audience's view or are farther from

the stage, 40A15/CL (40-watt appliance lamps) can be substituted for the 11S14s asnecessary. These too, have a clear bulb. I carry an inventory of both in this kit with

spare lamps stored within the worklight kit's case in corrugated, cardboard sleeves.They are placed into labelled, transparent, snap-lid containers, one each for the 11-

and 40-watt lamps. This protects the spares in transit.Outlet Tester: You will notice in the list below that there is an outlet tester. It

saves questioning if your worklight lamp or switch is burnt out or not, versus a non- powered outlet. I use a simple, hand-held checker consisting of hot & neutral

blades and a grounding pin, plus three neon lamps. The neons indicate both powerand proper polarity by lighting in a predetermined configuration depending on the

outlet's wiring. (Outlet wiring is not generally a factor with worklights, but could beunder other circumstances.) For protection during transit, my checker is stored inside

a small snap-lid container within the Worklight Kit. Now, any light source that plugs into a standard outlet could suffice, but the smallness of this tester is an

advantage. It fits into the palm of the hand and has no line cord to encumber. It can becarried in a pocket more readily than one with a cord, and thus is effortlessly ready

whenever needed.Clamp-On Fixtures with Flat-Blacked Reflectors

11-Watt and 40-Watt Spare Lamps with Clear BulbsSelection of Short-Jumper Extension Cords

Selection of Two-Fers or Electrical TapsHand-Held, Neon Outlet Tester

When one is far away from home and shop,Well thought-out and well-stockedkitsMake event requirements go very smoothly.Be Prepared!

Some of you may be interested in Roadie Cornerinthe Purchase Guide section ofour website.Return to theTech TipsTable of ContentsReturn to

theAIEL InstructionalsTable of Contents


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Additional Case Styles:Other suggested case types are makeup or utility ones, fishing tackle boxes, and

professional still or video camera bags. The former typically have fold-out or pull-outtrays, while the latter usually have multiple pockets. The number, size and types of

things you intend to include will determine how appropriate a given case style might

be. Regardless, collect all types for future purposes.

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