OUR MOMENT IN TIME
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Razzamataz Theatre School
PRODUCTION DESCRIPTION
'Our Moment in Time' was the production for the Razzamataz showcase for 2022.This was a great production to work on from the very beginning. Working with a large cast with an extremely broad age range, lighting played an extremely key role in this production as there were no set elements of any kind and the heavy use of intelligent stage luminaires generously provided for this production to me by industry giants Varilite, allowed maximum flexibility without the need to sacrifice the more complex design ideas.
VARI*LITE
As I said prior, this production held a heavy reliance on automated and intelligent luminaires. The reason for this is the rig needed to be extremely flexible, as there were a total of four completely different versions of the show that all needed to be achievable with the same rig. It is on this production I partnered with lighting giants Vari*Lite who provided a fantastic array of intelligent luminaires for this production. This included six of the highly versatile 'VL5 LED Wash'. These insanely powerful creative tools were capable of providing not only beautiful colour washes over the performance areas but also fantastic beam effects along with using an array of pixel LEDs that circle the perimeter of the diffusion array. Furthermore, the design incorporated a large number of the now discontinued'ShowLine' family of luminaires responsible for a wide array of effects from side light to dynamic effects to bring the show to life. For more information concerning the VL5 LED Wash visit www.vari-lite.com/global/products/v5led-wash
THE DESIGN
Designing for this production surprisingly had a good few challenges to overcome. There were a total of 4 performances, however not of the same show as every version of the show was different to the others. This meant time was extremely valuable in making sure my and the client's high standards were maintained while also being flexible and adaptable as things would regularly change.This was easy enough to overcome after planning as my skills as an ETC eos console programmer really benefited via means of creating 5 separate show cue stacks and a variety of macros to ensure no problems were caused when translating ideas from show to show. As said above this production was heavily reliant on intelligent stage luminaires to allow maximum creative flexibility in my designs for the run.In addition, I utilised heavy use of side lighting (again 100% intelligent) to offer a deep and rich 3-dimensional aspect to all the performers, as this show was deeply heavy on dance. Furthermore, the depth added by the intelligent side light allowed for a rich spectrum of design choices throughout as we would regularly switch from an abstract dance on the streets to a musical piece in the African Savana. Along with key scenes re-designed from other productions, such as scenes from 'Matilda The Musical' and 'Les Miserables'.-See below for some photographs...
Below are some photos from the official FaceBook page. 👇
Testimonial
23/02/2024
RE: Charlie Powell – Lighting Designer
We have known Charlie professionally for close to three years. During this time Charlie
has designed, programmed and operated for a number of shows for us. These shows
have been large scale, featuring over 400 children aged 4-18 in a week a showcases
each time, with around 100 children performing in each performance.
Charlie shows creativity and versatility in lighting our shows that bring the challenge of
a very large and bare (set-less) stage with at times one or two children on and then at
other times, filled with up to 100 children on.
Charlie also works outstandingly well with the challenge of our very tight and busy
schedule each year, seeing us have 4 separate performances to design and programme
in just one week, with no more than 6 hours to complete each one; and each usually
consisting of over 200 Lx cues.
Another challenge Charlie excels in is that of the safety, logistical and artistic
considerations of our 4 year olds working on stage, entering and exiting, in contrast to
that of our experienced and highly skilled teenagers. Charlie adapts and tweaks
blackouts/blueouts to ensure the safety and ease of our youngest children
entering/exiting the stage and getting into their formations.
Charlie produces lighting designs for our shows that bring them to life, tackling the
rapid pace in our running orders that swiftly changes from commercial pieces to
musical theatre or varying styles. His lighting is exciting, vibrant and impressive; as well
as emotional and helping to tell a story where required. This leaves audiences in awe
and adds to the professional and impressive nature of our shows beyond that of our
competition.
Charlie has also pulled out all the stops to source us some top of the range fixtures for
use in our shows that would not have been possible without Charlie’s knowledge and
industry contacts and experience.
We confidently keep working with Charlie again and again.
Kindest Regards,
On behalf of,
Nick Furlong & Gemma Hextall
Joint Principals & Owners,
Razzamataz Sutton Coldfield
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Winners of national awards...
Most outstanding young franchise owner 2019 - Approved Franchise Association Awards - Runner Up
Most loved dance, drama or performing arts activity 2019 - What's on 4 Kids Awards - Finalist
Best Community Business 2020 - ClubHub UK Awards - Finalist
Best Community Spirit 2017,2018&2019, Outstanding Contribution to Razzamataz 2018,
Best Customer Service 2017, Best Marketing Campaign 2016 & Best New Franchisee 2015