Fall Dance 23’
Master Electrician
LED Ramps
160+ Feet of Pixel LED Tape
4 Ramps
Individually Pixel Mapped
The beginning of the piece titled "Schmalicate", choreographed by Tommi Galaska features the two larger ramps in their upright position, creating a looping effect during this section of the piece. I chose this image specifically to highlight how the ramps, though positioned in the background, have a significant visual impact, contributing to the overall movement and atmosphere of the performance.
While working on one of the four ramps, I attached a section of pixel tape into a groove routed out by our scenic team. Once secured, I wired the tape to a DMX decoder powered by a portable battery pack, ensuring seamless integration into the lighting design.
Once the pixel tape was installed, frosted plastic strips were placed in a smaller groove, creating the effect of a continuous line of light rather than visible individual LEDs.
Durning one of the shows I had to repair one of the ramps after a wire came loose from the DMX receiver. Using a drill to access the issue, I carefully repositioned the wire with a small flathead screwdriver. I then tested the ramp using our iPad, which was connected to the light board, ensuring everything was working properly before it was needed for the next piece. The fix was successful, and the ramp functioned perfectly.
In a later moment in the piece "Schmalicate" by Tommi Galaska, the ramps were moved by dancers into various configurations. In this setup, dancers took turns performing tricks and sliding across the ramps. This image perfectly captures the dynamic choreography, the incredible talent of the dancers, the dramatic and effective lighting, and visually striking element of the ramps.
Tap Stair Boxes
30+ Feet of LED Strip Tape
Strategic Placement
In order to make the tappers feet visible we attached two strips of LED strip tape. We adhered the two strips using hot glue. We then connected them to a smaller DMX receiver and battery, like the ones used in the ramps, allowing them to be controlled by the light board wirelessly.
The DMX controller and battery where strategically hidden beneath the lip of the box, maintaining a clean and seamless look on stage while ensuring full functionality.
The piece "Joplin on the Steps: A Tribute to Bill Robinson", choreographed by Dirk Lumbard, was designed around the stair boxes. This moment captures the beginning of the piece as two dancers enter stage left, and the boxes begin to glow, revealing what appear to be floating legs. We achieved this striking effect by flying out the curtain just to the dancers' knees, creating an unforgettable visual moment. It was an exciting effect to help bring to life.
Artistic Director: Jayme Klinger Host
Concert Coordinator: John Dixon
Choreographers: Tommi Galaska, Kyleigh Burton, John Dixon, Jessica Teague, Jayme Klinger Host, and Dirk Lumbard
Costume Design: Delta Childers-Smith
Lighting & Projection Design: Michael Shoaf
Technical Director & Production Manager: Reid Parker
Production Stage Manager: Courtney Rasor
Stage Manager: Kayla Blaze Sharber
Scenic Design: Nolan O’Dell
Videography & Editing: John Dixon
Video Stream Engineer: Drew Johnson
Photography: John Dixon