So below is my sketch (sorry I was having trouble importing my 3ds max version) of Dream Theater’s lighting rig for their summer tour. If you’ve seen it in person you’d know it looks bad ass.
When entering the theater I noticed there was haze in the main hallway. Just then you could tell a cool show was about to take place. To start the fixtures within the rig consisted of Varilite spots and washes placed on the ground in front of stage left and right and overhead, atomic strobes, and par cans are overhead as well. What particularly stood out were these new kinds of 8 lights AKA blinders AKA moles (whatever you want to call them). They come in two pieces of 8 rather than the usual massive pieces we see on set. I’d like to call them “pocket 8’s.” I’m sure I’ll find out the correct terminology for them soon enough. The production has a cool traffic light with an ant set piece hung overhead which represents their new album “Systematic Chaos.” There’s also another ant placed on top of the downstage truss. Two High End Hog- IPC consoles were used for the show. One was used for the main show and the other sat readily as a backup in case their main console crashed. There is also a video show which has been reputable over the years for their independent and original video work. I didn’t get to observe their media and gear too closely but I can say that they have a media director/mixer backstage and at the front of house. This was my first time seeing Dream Theater live and I have to say that I have a new found respect for the band and their music. The light show cues were well thought out and on time with the bands dynamic and unique arrangements. Sam (their new LD) had big shoes to fill considering Benoit Richard is usually on tour with Dream Theater. Sam knew the band well for it only being his second show on the tour. After he was hired he told me he wrote all of the cues at their tech rehearsal in San Diego, CA on a 48 hour long session. San Diego happened to be the very first show on the tour. Another fun experience was meeting Godsmack’s production crew who had a show at the Dodge Theater the following night. Best of luck to you all out there and keep up the great work!
Song of the week: The White Stripes- Icky Thump
Movie of the week: Natural Born Killer
Product of the week: Light Factory (PC Lighting control)
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