Laser Shows & Optics/Projectors

[Ryan Gallagher]

Question: How dangerous are laser shows to stage facing optics/sensors/coatings etc?

Our current practice is to just cover every window in the booth, and cover our stage camera. But its quite a bit of work faffing about with fabric.

Realistically what is the primary points of concern? If a lens cap is on a DCI projector, and cameras are covered... do you really need to worry about the optics/coatings on 35/70mm projectors? Are the AR coatings on port glass in any jeopardy? Etc.

I guess one reason to cover them is not so much to protect them, but to avert unintended reflections into non-safe areas of the audience. Port glass will reflect up to the ceiling, so not as much a concern, but I could see 35/70mm lenses causing unwanted scatter.

[Frank Cox]

Any reason you couldn't install a long drape across the wall in front of your projection room and just draw it across as needed? Then there's just one thing to open and close and if it's a nice looking drape it could even look pretty classy.

[Ryan Gallagher]

Any reason you couldn't install a long drape across the wall in front of your projection room and just draw it across as needed? Then there's just one thing to open and close and if it's a nice looking drape it could even look pretty classy.

Historic building and historic plaster... they are not quick to add things to the walls. But yes valid idea. The classiest version would be if it was long enough with fullness to fall behind the last row of seats. Alas that last row nearly touches the back wall... so it would have to "float" above their heads, a little less ideal... but something could probably be done. It would also hide the somewhat unsightly hodge-podge of booth ports for live shows. One could even make it open from the ends too to reveal just the spotlight portals.

Unfortunately, it is also unlikely to be the kind of budget expense anyone considers valuable, when some duvetyne and gaff tape is all that is required for 2-3 shows a year historically.