The automated lighting rig consists of 23 VL3000 Spot luminaires, 12 VL1000TS ellipsoidal reflector spotlight units and 14 VL5 fixtures. All of the Vari*Lites were provided by Q1 Production Technologies in Vancouver. The main truss is a 40ft diameter semi-circle with a set piece linked to a 10ft semi-circle. On each downstage corner is a horseshoe-shaped truss.
Eight of the VL3000 Spot luminaires are positioned around the 40ft main truss. Three VL3000 Spot fixtures are positioned on each of the horseshoe-shaped pieces and the 10-foot semi-circle. Nicol placed the remaining six VL3000 Spot fixtures on the floor across the back of the stage for low-level, shoot-through looks. The VL1000 ERS units are used for front lighting. Although the units are static for the majority of the show, Nicol designed a few specific looks to take advantage of the units' 70° "super zoom" feature.
"The VL1000 fixtures are really nice because I can use them as a front wash, but there are also times when I turn just a few of them around and fill the whole arena with light," Nicol explained. During some songs, Nicol uses the automated, four-blade shutter mechanism of the VL1000 units for framing control to light some of the trees and other set pieces. The set itself is organic, comprised mostly of grass, rock and other 'earthy' features. Nicol's design complements that look and feel.
(Lee Baldock)
