Poll

Which is the better tool?

Blue gel/color
18 (39.1%)
Scale rule
28 (60.9%)

Total Members Voted: 46

Voting closed: Dec 12, 2012, 01:47 am

Author Topic: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule  (Read 6225 times)

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PSMKay

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University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« on: Dec 08, 2012, 01:47 am »
The study of loanwords and how they make it into the English language is one of my favorite hobbies. This quirky little dark horse match in the University league involves what could be called loantools, borrowed from other professions.

Our home team is the rarely celebrated but much appreciated blue gel. Originally for lighting instruments, it has become the color that tinges our entire backstage world. Covering clip lights, flashlights and booth lights, it prevents us from working in pitch darkness while minimizing spill onto the stage. The entire convention of a vista scene shifts in blue light would be totally upended if blue gel were to suddenly boycott its duties.

Visiting is the architect's scale rule, used by stage managers for one purpose only - reading the ground plan. There is no doubt that the taping of the scenery in the rehearsal hall is a critical part of the job, even if we've neglected it somewhat here on SMNetwork due to the amorphous nature of the task. Even if you're lucky enough to be rehearsing in your performance space, chances are that a tape-out will be needed for the first several weeks of rehearsal. Knowing how to use a scale rule properly, especially in the era of CAD rendering, may be one of the lesser-acknowledged hallmarks of a true professional stage manager.

I really have no guess as to which side will win this one, but I know that the winning team will be up against the three ring binder in the sweet sixteen. Blue Gel, Scale rule, you have until Tuesday at noon CST to prove yourselves. May the odds be ever in your favor!

dallas10086

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Re: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« Reply #1 on: Dec 08, 2012, 05:49 pm »
Okay, I get the blue gel. I really do. But over a scale rule? Maybe it's because I've been using the darned thing for a week straight (groundplan changed....again) but when I need something covered in gel, I go to my ME and like a genie *poof!* it's done.

nick_tochelli

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Re: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« Reply #2 on: Dec 08, 2012, 08:07 pm »
You realize a violet gel can do exactly what blue gel does?

Can anything effectively replace a scale stick? No. CHANGE THY VOTES SINNERS!

On_Headset

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Re: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« Reply #3 on: Dec 08, 2012, 09:47 pm »
Ah, but I've solved the scale rule problem by using metric as much as possible. (Most of my work is either to a house setup or in an experimental space where we never use sets more complicated than risers and pre-built flats. Easy peasy, don't even need a tape measure.)

If I need a conversion to imperial, I can whip out a cellphone and do it in five seconds flat, and metric units never need to be converted--eliminating 99% of the purpose of a scale rule.

Edit: I do happen to live in a metric country, mind you.
« Last Edit: Dec 08, 2012, 09:51 pm by On_Headset »

nick_tochelli

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Re: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« Reply #4 on: Dec 08, 2012, 10:44 pm »
You may use one system all the time, but not every designer designs in the same scale.

So, in the time it's taken you to take out your cell phone to do a math conversion, I'm already on my feet with tape in hand laying out a ground plan.

Sometimes oldies are goodies. I'm not sure you're talking about using a scale stick in the way it's meant to be used though.

On_Headset

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Re: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« Reply #5 on: Dec 09, 2012, 12:35 am »
Quote
I'm not sure you're talking about using a scale stick in the way it's meant to be used though.
But that's the point: you don't scale metric. So long as I'm working with plans which provide measures in metric, I'm golden.

BLee

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Re: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« Reply #6 on: Dec 10, 2012, 02:07 am »
I have always been able to find alternate solutions to dimming lights backstage, but I always desperately miss my scale rule when I don't have it on me. It is both my straight edge and my set taping friend. And I've even used my tri-side scale rule as an nook to keep my prompt book from sliding off a podium table.
XX. The only valid excuse for missing one's cue is death.
-Proverb from the Techie Bible.

ChaCha

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Re: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« Reply #7 on: Dec 10, 2012, 09:58 am »
As they enter the home stretch its neck and neck! This one may be won on the nod!
ChaCha

nick_tochelli

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Re: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« Reply #8 on: Dec 10, 2012, 11:14 am »
was it written into the tournament by laws how a tie was to be broken? Does Kay hold the power?

Should we put them both through a flame test or something silly like that?


Man....I suddenly want to put a gel and a plastic scale stick in a holder and nail it with a blow torch....

SMAshlee

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Re: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« Reply #9 on: Dec 10, 2012, 11:50 am »
Yikes!  This one is close...  Not reading comments before voting, I quickly realized after voting that I just broke the tie.  I'm all in favor of the flame test. 



Should we put them both through a flame test or something silly like that?



KMC

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Re: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« Reply #10 on: Dec 10, 2012, 11:54 am »
I am going for the scale rule based on the fact that gel is a consumable.  You have to replace them every couple of months, there is no staying power.  I've had the same scale rule for almost 10 years! 
Get action. Do things; be sane; don’t fritter away your time; create, act, take a place wherever you are and be somebody; get action. -T. Roosevelt

DeeCap

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Re: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« Reply #11 on: Dec 10, 2012, 01:11 pm »
One time I tried to tape down with an Engineering ruler instead of an Architect ruler. I wouldn't recommend that.

Architect ruler for the win!

nick_tochelli

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Re: University, Round 3: Blue Gel vs Scale rule
« Reply #12 on: Dec 10, 2012, 01:17 pm »
Hurray for a late rally! GO SCALE STICK GO!

 

riotous