1. Micro controllers are a cost effective way to create and operate scenic automation. For just $13 you can purchase 1 micro controller capable of controlling a scenic element based on time, a measured distance, and even temperature if applicable.
  2. They operate can be programmed on the same principles that you would use to program a chase effect for holiday lights or stage lighting.
  3. The capabilities of S.A.M (Scenic Automated Mover)/ specs are:
    1. The ability to transport scenery on and off stage repeatedly during a production
    2. A maximum speed of 2.1 ft/sec when not bearing a load.
    3. It can move a maximum load of 700lbs effectively
    4. It weighs 400lbs
    5. Operates by following a wire beneath Marley/the stage floor
    6. It is not being marketed.
  4. Anyone can operate S.A.M. Programming and operating it is similar to recording cues on a lighting counsel and hitting the GO button.
  5. The cost if S.A.M was marketed would be more than $3000.
  6. Scenic automation always has a human operator even though the point of automation is to get rid of human intervention.
  7. Automation is dangerous and must be taken seriously especially since automation allows massive structures to move on and offstage rapidly, sometimes during blackouts.
  8. Cirque du Soleil deals with risks that arise from scenic automation  (such as open traps onstage and moving parts) by first eliminating all physical risk and then uses technology to make the automation safer.
    1. i.e. If an open trap is onstage Cirque would first put a railing around it to eliminate physical risk and then they would outfit acrobats who interact around and with the trap with harnesses and safety cables to make interactions safer.
  9. The 4 main points one should address when using scenic automation are
    1. Maintence
    2. Operator Training
    3. Documentation
    4. Risk Assessment

10. Cirque employees always make sure that before they fix or adjust automated equipment that everyone in the vicinity knows               that they are doing so. This is so no one attempts to operate the machine while they are adjusting it, which could cause a                 catastrophe.

(These 10 facts came from 2 sessions I went to, “Using Micro-controllers in Production” and “Automation 101”)

Mar 20, 2011
By (td)squared Goes Global