"I have had a long relationship with Michael working on projects in the past, and I have also worked previously with The Public Theater, so it was through those relationships that I first became involved in the project," began Posner.
Set on a widespread Texas ranch, GIANT is a musical about a wealthy family going through a generational transition and it needed a daunting landscape and beautiful horizons which would convey all times of day. The lighting had to be about natural light and natural environments, so in the production meetings it was decided that the backdrop for the set would be a realistic sky. The orchestra platform would then sit in front of the backdrop and a turntable underneath the platform would deliver the production to the various locations throughout the show. A water tower, served as the iconic landmark for the ranch named Reatta.
As Posner began the process of creating the plot, he initially wanted to include a number of automated luminaires into his design. But while the lighting budget for GIANT did not allow for moving lights, all was not lost as Philips Vari-Lite agreed to contribute to the production through a donation that included a package of Vari*Lite automated luminaires.
"Philips Vari-Lite has always had great respect for the Dallas Theater Center and Ken has used our equipment on many of his beautiful designs over the years, so this project seemed like a perfect fit for us," said George Masek, Philips Vari-Lite product marketing manager. "GIANT is a great story about Texas and I really liked the idea of a company like Vari-Lite, which began in Texas, being able to share a part in supporting this tremendous production."
Posner added, "The Dallas Theater Center presented to me early on about the possibility of using Vari*Lite luminaires in the show and we certainly appreciated it as the show was in development and there wasn't a large amount of funding to enhance or augment the lighting plot with moving lights. To have those resources presented to us as a regional theatre was greatly appreciated."
With the lighting plot in place, Posner began working with production electrician Justin Treece and his technical team to bring the show to life. With VLX Wash, VL3500 Wash, VL2500 Wash, and VL1000 ERS luminaires now at his side, Posner wasted no time putting them to work.
"This is my first experience with the VLX Wash and I love the colour-mixing and ease-of-operation," continued Posner. "I use these fixtures to light the backdrop mixing them with LED strips and traditional strip lights to create the constantly changing sky."
(Jim Evans)
