800-426-6790 513-831-6650 www.facebook.com/beckstudios Custom Stage Curtains Theatrical Lighting Rigging Design/Installation/Inspection Since 1856 www.beckstudios.net
Thank you for your interest in Beck Studios, Inc. We are proud to say we have been in the stage equipment business for over 150 years. We provide quality curtains, rigging, and lighting. Whether the venue large or small, your system dead hung or motorized rigging, our staff has the knowledge and the expertise to complete your project from the design stage to the final installation. We are proud to be a part of USITT s Rigging Safety Initiative, created to fund inspection s of theatrical rigging in secondary schools across America. We are a member of both Plasa & USITT. We are an ETCP certified employer and have on staff both ETCP Riggers and Electricians. Our management has over 150 cumulative years of experience. We assist owners, architects, engineers and theatre consultants regardless of whether the venue is simple or complex. Contact our experienced sales staff and put our knowledge to work on your next project. Phone 513-831-6650 Fax 513-831-6681 www.beckstudios.net www.facebook.com/beckstudios The Beck Studios Team and I stand behind our work and are committed to quality and safety. You have my word on it! Dan Dan Ilhardt President, Beck Studios, Inc.
Beck Studios inc. Established 1856 Since the earliest days of Beck Studios, in 1856 to be exact, our focus has been on our customers, the Theatre, and the growth of technology in the Theatre. Over the last 150 plus years the Theatre has become more complex and has seen tremendous growth in technology, throughout its history Beck Studios has been a part of that process. At Beck Studios, every project, large or small is safely completed within budget and to the customer s expectations. We have the personnel, the tools and the experience needed to design your venue space to achieve optimal use within your budget. They operate with honesty and great integrity- I trust beck Studios. Darrel R. Ziegler ASTC, Westlake Reed Leskosky, Associate Principal We have on staff, personnel with expertise in design, installation, lighting and sewing. Our installation crews include ETCP Certified Riggers. They have become a firm at the top of our list when we need quality theatre systems planning, project coordination and an installers system program to execute complex performance venue projects Van Phillips, Jones & Phillips Associates, Inc., Theatre Consultant Our project management team is adept at coordinating our projects with various trades. The Theatre is an ever changing industry. We make every effort to provide state of the art equipment and to keep our staff trained accordingly. We have been involved with three quite different projects in recent years and my experience has been positive in every case. David W. Weiss, Design For The Theatre, Theatre Consultant The bottom line is this: when your project is complete, you will have a safe stage facility, exceeding your expectations. Our goal is always safety and customer satisfaction. Our closeout inspections of the systems that they installed reveal that operational safety is foremost in Beck Studios planning and installation procedures. Charles I Swift, MIES, ASTC, Graham, Swift & Company, llc., Principal Consultant
Custom Sewing We maintain and operate a sewing room on our premises with staff experienced in sewing and design. We continually evaluate labor and materials to ensure our curtains are top quality and all projects are completed to the owner s satisfaction. Beck Studios offers a broad spectrum of draperies including basic stage masking curtains and backdrops, to elegant act curtains. However, we aren t limited to stage curtains. We can also supply curtains for worship facilities, curtains to divide or create spaces, acoustical pullup banners and architectural curtains. We have also been involved in many unique one of a kind projects. We have been fabricating curtains for over 150 years and we continue to take pride in each project no matter how large or small. All curtains are supplied with a warranty.
Curtain Finish Options Beck Studios Inc. has been manufacturing all types of quality stage draperies, acoustical curtains, acoustical pull-up banners, masking curtains, scrims and drops for over 150 years and we continue to take pride in each project no matter how large or small. All our curtains are supplied with a warranty and the highest quality craftsmanship in the industry. Blind grommets Zero fullness with grommets 50% full w/ hidden snap hooks 100% full with grommets 75% full with grommets Curtain with lining The Murphy Theatre Wilmington OH Since 1918 www.themurphytheatre.org
Lighting Traditionally theatrical lighting has been used to set the mood or tone of a scene and to draw attention to a particular element or cast member. While these same uses are true today in theatres around the world they are also true off the stage in many other applications. The use of lighting in museums, educational facilities, corporate buildings, churches, hotels, and even building exteriors has become quite common. With the advances in LED technology the use of adaptable lighting is endless. Restaurants can use lighting elements to highlight logos, menu boards, or use color to highlight design elements and even increase bar sales Convention centers and hotels can use lighting to create dramatic impression as guests enter their venue Churches and house of worship can use lighting to enhance their teaching by setting the mood and drawing attention to certain elements during their teaching Corporations can project logos onto walls, floors, and ceilings as well as highlight the unique architecture of their building Exteriors of buildings can come alive with color, logos, and even dance to holiday music through the use of today s LED technology Beck Studios is your choice for theatrical lighting, sales, installation, and rigging inspections. We employ factory trained technicians for many of the industry s top brands and ETCP Certified Electricians as well as ETCP Certified Riggers. Whether you need to replace a single instrument or you want to design a control point that will allow you to run your facility s lighting from your desk Beck Studios can meet your need. Lighting is a very flexible and manageable resource that you can use to bring your facilities, events, and presentations to life. There are as many possible lighting configurations as there are ideas, so contact us today to explore how Theatrical Lighting can work for you. Photo courtesy of ETC Photo courtesy of ETC
Photo courtesy of ETC
Theatrical Rigging Rigging systems are used in many theatres all over the world. The use of rigging allows curtain closures, moves scenery and allows lighting to be maneuvered into different positions. It can also be used to create set changes and special effects. When done correctly it is a safe method for moving battens and provides a safe environment for stage hands and students. There are two main types of rigging: automated and manual. The system that works best for you would depend on your facility and budget. Some theatres utilize both on their stage. Manual Rigging: The term manual rigging includes several different methods but the most common is the simple counterweight set. It is both affordable and practical for any size system. Automated Rigging: When automated rigging was first introduced into the industry, it was customized and mainly affordable only to major performing arts centers. In the last few years automated rigging systems are built as standard equipment. It is available with a range of speeds, capacities, mounting options and control systems. Motorized rigging is now practical for any theatre, no matter how large or small. We have a well equipped machine shop on our premises. We have on staff qualified carpenters and welders for fabricating brackets or any custom items required for installation. Contact our sales staff for any questions you may have. We can provide the expertise to design a system for your performance space that meets your needs, your budget and creates a safe environment for students and stage hands. Beck Studios takes great pride in the success of our employees who have been recognized with our industry s certification as Entertainment Technician Certification Program Certified Riggers. The high standards of safety and professionalism required to obtain and maintain this certification should be the minimum standards you look for in rigging designer and provider.
Annual Rigging Inspections It is not always easy to tell when components of your rigging system are not working properly. An inspection should be done before you find your equipment is no longer working, or even worse, after an accident has occurred. All stage rigging systems should be inspected on a regular basis to insure equipment is safe and in proper working condition. Inspections can identify potential hazards as well as the need for maintenance. OSHA also requires that all hoisting machinery be inspected annually. 1926.1501(a)(6) All inspections provided will be by a Beck Studios employee who is both trained by JR Clancy and an ETCP certified theatre rigger. Rigging inspections include an operation check on all line sets, Visual and hands-on inspection of all battens, terminations to the battens and arbor lift lines, loft blocks, mule blocks, head blocks, arbors, floor blocks, rope locks, operating lines and lock rail. You will receive a written evaluation, and hazardous conditions and equipment problems will be identified. The inspection shall include corrections and repairs listed according to safety priority. You will also be given a rigging log book that should be updated as repairs and inspections occur. Some of the benefits from routine inspections: Reduces theater owner s liability risk Identify problems early and minimize repair cost. Recognize and correct poor practices such as counterweight sets left unbalanced, spreader plates improperly located, lock down collars not secured, etc Common issues with older rigging systems: Non rated hardware used for load bearing terminations to structure or in assembled equipment Malleable non rated cable clips used instead of pressed sleeves or forged clips Cast iron counterweight arbor tops and bottoms Sheaves improperly grooved for the diameter of cable they hold Not enough spacers for counterweight arbors Fire safety curtains are not operational or up to current codes Routine inspections have not been performed and no log book has been kept How to schedule your inspection: Contact Beck Studios for a quotation for your rigging inspection. Our quotes are a flat fee that includes all travel and miscellaneous expenses. In order for us to provide a rigging inspection we will need the following: Name and address of facility General description of equipment to be inspected We will need access to all overhead rigging. Let us know if there are catwalks, a grid iron, or if a man lift will be required. If a man lift will be required we will need to know the maximum height that we will need to reach. Dates and hours that the space will be accessible We are also proud to be part of USITT s Rigging Safety Initiative. The program was created to fund safety inspections and training for secondary schools across America. www.usitt.org
DIY Stage Curtain Measuring If you are thinking of replacing curtains in an existing facility, renovating or even building a new auditorium we have included a guide line to help you get started: 1. Height of existing curtains. Look for a label to see if the curtain has been identified by description, height and width. Usually the label is sewn to the band at the top of the curtain. If not, get a dimension from the top of the band to the floor, if it is a full length curtain. If not full length, from the band to the bottom of the curtain. 2. Width of Curtains. Again, check the tag but if one is not visible measure the band across the top of the curtain. 3. Determine the fullness used in Pleating. Most stage curtains have 50% fullness but it can vary, particularly with the main curtain to 75% and 100%. Sometimes masking curtains are sewn flat. If you measure the sizes of the pleat we can determine fullness. 4. Determine the finish required. We will need to know if the curtain gets grommets, S-hooks or tie lines. If another method has been used photos can be very helpful. Ceiling of Stage Side Wall of Stage Side Wall of Stage Line of Proscenium DIY Stage Curtain Measurement Worksheet Stage Floor Elevation of Proscenium Looking From back Stage Auditorium Floor Stage Floor Apron Height 1. Enter your measurements in the circles to the left to determine your curtain requirements. 2. You can fax a copy of this page to us at 513-831-6681 Stage Floor Plan 3. If you d like us to come out and measure your stage and provide you other project input, just pick up the phone and call us at 1-800-426-6790 Closest Seat If you do not have curtains in your facility please use this guideline: 1. Height and width of Proscenium opening. 2. The dimension of Wing space on either side of the opening. 3. The dimension from the back of the Proscenium wall to the rear wall. 4. The dimension of the apron from the Proscenium out and also the height of the apron from the auditorium floor. 5. Note construction of the ceiling and dimension the spacing of beams or potential rigging supports. 6. Please make note of any obstructions on the floors, walls and ceiling. Again, photos can be very helpful. Additional forms are available for downloading on our website. www.beckstudios.net There are many options for Theatrical Curtains, particularly with fabrics and materials. We would be pleased to assist you with your selection and insure your curtains are fabricated to your needs and budget.
Beck Studios, Inc. 1001 Tech Drive Milford, OH 45150 Scan this and go directly to www.beckstudios.net 1-800-426-6790 513-831-6650 Fax 513-831-6681 Info@beckstudios.net