Robe Rocks Rocky Horror

Robe ColorSpot 1200E ATs and ColorWash 1200E AT fixtures are currently lighting the University of Arizona Theatre Department’s and Arizona Repertory Theatre’s production of the classic cult musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, at The Laboratory Theatre on the campus.

Joel Young of Peanut Design LLC designed the lighting, assisted by Eric Michaels. Young, a former UA graduate and professional LD for 15 years, is working directly for the University where he also teaches graduate classes.

Since the show is run with students with little or no maintenance training, Young specified Robe lights for reliability. "I also needed fixtures with a rich vibrant color range and exceptional optics…and Robe has both features," he explains. "The wide zoom gives me great coverage in a relatively low trim situation. In theatre, the movement of fixtures and the cross-fading of color has to be smooth at slow speeds, which is also excellent in the Robe Spot and Wash 1200 units."

Ten ColorSpot 1200E ATs and 10 ColorWash 1200E ATs are used in the show, together with approximately 140 conventional fixtures, all run from a Flying Pig Systems Hog 1000 console.

The Laboratory Theatre is a fully reconfigurable, flexible space. For The Rocky Horror Picture Show, it is used as a thrust stage with the audience on three sides at floor and balcony level to maximize audience participation. The band is located on a balcony above the main proscenium.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is directed and choreographed by Richard T. Hanson with musical director/vocal coach Monte Ralstin, scenic designer Tom Benson, costume designer Patrick Holt, sound designer Melissa Marquis, production stage manager Adam Norrish, technical director Sarah Moses, and dramaturg James Kittredge.

Photos by Chris Richards.