Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

February 28, 1925 EXHIBITORS HERALD 25 When an exterior is demanded with a small presentation number the sky drop blends nicely with set pieces used in front of it. Set pieces, such as rocks, trees, fences, etc., can be made out of compo board. ^ ^ ^ Any hanging piece placed on a tracked batten or with rings on a cable can be opened and closed automatically from the booth eliminating a man on stage. A new curtain operating device is on the market which is made for either alternating or direct current. It is operated by a onequarter electric motor and is entirely automatic in action, it being necessary only to throw a switch to open the curtain when closed and close it when opened. The mechanism is simple, sturdy and compact, besides noiseless in its operation. The lighting equipment can also be controlled from the booth. It is suggested that the footlights and the border lights be divided into three circuits each. Lamps of 40 watt intensity will suffice. Sprayed lamps in red, green and blue should be used, but if a lighter tone is Lsired, canary or straw tones can be added in place of the greens. The greens are valuable in attaining beautiful effects and are very effective. Two spot lamps, two flood lamps, of at least 500 watt intensity each will complete the primary units on the stage. These can be placed to highlight various scenes or performers. * * 4, In the booth a spot should be placed, which can be equipped with a color box or boomerang. This will be valuable in getting flood or spot lighting in direct lines. All electrical equipment can be cut in to a small dimmer box, of either the slider type or plate dimmers. This will not entail much expense owing to the limited equipment. A plugging box can be used back stage which will eliminate floor pockets. The various lighting effects previously arranged can be controlled by the projectionist. If an orchestra is employed, some flood lighting units can be placed in secluded spots overhead and at the sides in the vicinity of the pit and vari-colored gelatines used to give color schemes and effects to any special musical numbers. The general lighting of the theatre, whether large or small, is one of particular importance, and in a previous issue of Better Theatres a general plan was presented which has been developed to give practical assistance and data in working out the scheme of things electrically. ^ With the scenic and electrical equipment above suggested, you will find, Mr. Randall, that you have an adequate basis to obtain and build better effects. The cost is minor in comparison to the attractiveness you will be able to give your programs. To complete our service, we are communicating with reliable dealers who will forward to you complete information and data regarding the suggested equipment, which will aid you in outlining your developments. When you have completed this work and have added the primary equipment we will be pleased to send you descriptions of settings and presentations you can easily produce. We thank you for your letter, and we hope we have helped you. John Collins to Build Paragould Theatre A new theatre is to be erected in Paragould. Ark., soon by John Collins. The new house is to be even larger than the Majestic and will be operated by Mr. Collins and his son, Orris Collins. Mr. Collins is a brother of Eli W. Collins, Jonesboro, Ark., president of the state exhibitors’ organization. The Mirror Arc Performs Wonders Until the advent of the mirror arc, the owner of the theatre of average size could get either — Good light, but at considerable expense to energy and carbons, or A light at less expense but of inferior quality and limited in quantity. The mirror arc permits of the highest quality of light and in the quantity desired. The best mirror arc results are obtained with the new special model Iraih^rteK TRADE designed for use with it. Write for further information Hertner Electric Co. 1900 West 114th St., Cleveland, Ohio In Canada: Perkins Electric Ltd. WORLD’S LARGEST AND MOST EXACTING PIANO MANUFACTURERS Paris 1900 Awarded Worlds s Highest St. Louis 1904 London 1914 Rome 1923 BALDWIN PIANO COMPANY 323 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago