Two weeks before the show, lighting designer Barry Cleveland decided they needed extra colour to shape the scenes. "I knew I wanted a colour mixing system as opposed to a scrolling unit." Chess is a presentational production, so it required a number of rich rock and roll colours in quick, but subtle, lighting changes. After using Wybron's new Nexera wash lights, Cleveland commented: "It was great! We opened the units up and 15 minutes later, they were working. I really like the quality of the fixtures."
Nexeras added the intense colour needed for back and side lighting, yet were versatile enough to use as toning light for less intense scenes. "The softer pastels were just as good as the strong R&R colours," stated Cleveland, "you usually don't get both in one set up. And one of the best things about Nexera is that you can do a colour change live or hot because it's a blend as opposed to scrolling to hunt for a colour."
"Actually, I added the Nexeras pretty late to the show, but things still went smoothly. We love having the Nexeras. They're perfect for what we need and the students enjoy working with them, as well." CSU has used the Nexera units in a variety of ways, including up-lighting from under a floor and to contour a dance program.
(Lee Baldock)
